Nii Darku was born on Tuesday, 4 May 1971, at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, and was christened Clement Nii Darku Hammond-Aryee. He was the son of Dr Clement Nii Darku Hammond-Aryee, of blessed memory, and Mrs Evelyn Naa Odey Hammond-Aryee.
His early childhood was marked by frequent moves as his family settled at different times in Yendi, Agogo and later Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region. He began nursery school near the District Hospital area at about three years old and continued his basic education in Mampong.
In 1979, the family relocated to Accra. He spent a year at GreenHill International School before transferring to Achimota Preparatory School in 1981, where he completed his upper primary education. In 1984, he gained admission to Accra Academy, where he pursued Science and completed his O-Level studies in 1989. He was confirmed at the Adabraka Presbyterian Church of Ascension in 1987.
At Accra Academy, Nii Darku, affectionately known as Dee, distinguished himself as an all-round sportsman. He was a member of the school choir and an integral part of the athletics team, representing the school in high jump, triple jump and track events. He emerged as a schools champion in the triple jump and was a key member of the Great Bleoo Athletics Team between 1987 and 1989, competing in triangular games with St Augustine’s College and T. I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School, as well as in zonal and super-zonal competitions.
He continued his education at Apam Secondary School, where he completed his A-Level studies in 1991. He then undertook his national service in the Upper West Region, working at the Wa Regional Hospital. Friends recall him most evenings riding his motorbike through town, a habit that reflected his love for freedom and quiet reflection.
After national service, he pursued studies in information technology and computing and went on to co-found an IT and computer repair business. Beyond technology, he was creatively inclined. He designed buildings for himself and friends, was widely regarded as an excellent cook, and had a deep and abiding love for reggae music. His affection for animals and his nurturing nature were well known to those close to him.
His interest in entertainment led him into nightlife entrepreneurship. While working with computers during the day, he built a reputation in Accra’s social scene at night, founding a lounge bar called Tikas. The venue became popular, and over time he earned the affectionate nickname “Papa Tikas”.
Distinctive in his dreadlocks and Rastafarian identity, Nii Darku combined a deep knowledge of the Bible with a belief that spiritual grounding was central to human life. He was remembered as someone who lit up every room, a favourite uncle, a trusted adviser to both young and old, and a generous host whose home was always open.
He is survived by his four children, Nii Doodo, Nii Djan, Nii Darku and Naa Odey, his mother, and four siblings.
In the words of Bob Marley, whose music he cherished, friends say he has “flown away home to Zion,” his work on earth now complete.
