Captain Kofi Ampah was born on Friday 2 August 1963 in Cape Coast i n the Central Region o f Ghana. He was the third o f four children born to Mr. Ebenezer Kow Essilifie Ampah of Apam and Maame Esi Yahans o f Cape Coast, both of blessed memory.
He began his early education at the Presbyterian Primary School in Amanful in Cape Coast, although he was raised in a Methodist family. Life presented a great challenge when he lost both parents at the age of seven.
Despite this difficult beginning, he showed remarkable courage, discipline and determination t o overcome hardship.
Through focus and academic diligence, he passed the Common Entrance Examination with distinction and gained a government scholarship to Ghana National College in Cape Coast.
During his secondary education, he moved to Tema where he lived with his elder brother Mr. Isaac Ekow De Graft Johnson of blessed memory. He completed Form Five and continued to Sixth Form, which he successfully completed in 1982.
After his education, he taught briefly at Deks Educational Institute. He later joined Liner Agency at the Tema Harbour, where he developed a strong interest in maritime work.
Through determination and with support from family friends, he gained admission to the Regional Maritime Academy in September 1984 to study Marine Navigation.
Kofi distinguished himself both academically and professionally.
He rose through the maritime ranks from Deck Officer Cadet to Chief Officer and later became a Captain at sea.
Through hard work and exceptional professional discipline, he built a successful international career and worked with reputable shipping companies in the global maritime industry across Europe, Asia and Africa.
He was widely respected for his knowledge, leadership and commitment to excellence.
In 1991 he married Mrs Grace Ampah, and their union was blessed with four children.
He was a devoted Catholic and a man who lived by the values of faith, honesty and humility. He led his family with quiet strength and dignity. He was a responsible and loving husband and father who believed in education, discipline and moral upbringing.
He worked hard to provide a solid foundation for his children and supported them to pursue excellence.
Captain Ampah was admired for his calm nature, wisdom and sense of responsibility.
He treated people with respect and extended kindness to many. He was generous but modest, firm but fair. He valued truth and hard work and always encouraged others to persevere in life no matter their circumstances.
He mentored many young people who looked up to him for guidance, especially those who aspired to careers in the maritime profession. He was also a man who believed in service.
Though quiet by nature, he built strong and lasting relationships with colleagues, friends and community members. He carried himself with dignity and earned the respect of all who knew him.
From humble beginnings, he rose to achieve distinction in life. He never forgot his roots and never abandoned the values that shaped him. He touched many lives and left a legacy that will continue to speak for generations.
Captain Kofi Ampah will always be remembered as a man of integrity, a professional of high standing, a loving family man and a true example of what determination, humility and faith can achieve.
