Richard Kwaku Duah

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…’ Eccl. 3: 1, 2 & 4 (KJV).

Richard K. Duah, commonly referred to as Richard, was born on 28th August 1970 to the late Chief Fire Officer of the Kumasi Airport Station, Mr Francis Kwaku Duah of the Buokrom Royal family in Ghana, and Madam Esther Anokye, of the Asona Abusua of Jema, Ghana. Richard’s mother was also a Fire Officer, now retired. The parents met on the job!

Richard was the first of three children from his mother’s line of children. However he grew up in a large family because his father had several other children.

Richard started his schooling quite early in life at the New Nation International School in Bantama, Kumasi, Ghana. He continued at the Prince of Peace International School, at Buokrom Estate also in Kumasi, Ghana. Because of his academic excellence, he was promoted several times ahead of his natural class mates, such that by 1989 he was enrolled for his O’ Level examination at the Kumasi Academy School (Kumaca) in Ghana.

He continued at the Opoku Ware School, also in Kumasi, Ghana for his A’ Level certificate.

Although it was Richard’s wish to continue his education to the University, this was not to be because of some difficulties. Therefore, he joined his uncles, now Bishop Adusi Poku, of the Methodist Church, Ghana; Adusi Kofi Poku (in Ghana) and Alex Opoku (now in the US), amongst others in trading hardware at Adum, Kumasi.

Richard also spent time working at the Social Welfare Department in Kumasi from where he migrated to Ohio, United States of America in the year 2000. Richard was a naturalized citizen of America at the time of his passing.

By dint of hard work, dedicated focus and the need to improve himself academically and socially, he pursued further studies at the Cleveland State University where he graduated with a BSc. in Nursing and later became a Registered Nurse. He moved to Columbus after graduation and later returned to Cleveland where he was employed at the University Hospital, as a Nurse until his sudden demise on 30th July 2019.

Richard met and married Ivy Anala and had two sons, Baiden G. Duah (named traditionally after his uncle Dr. Baiden) and Gabriel A. Duah.

Richard never forgot where he came from. He visited his original roots in Ghana several times. Richard made time fairly recently in December 2018, to visit his ailing mother, who had undergone surgery in Ghana.

Richard, was this a way to say farewell to your mother?

Richard K. Duah was a symbol of an easy-going person, smart, intelligent, always smiling but quite temperamental at times. No matter how he presented himself, he was affable and always saw the best in every human being. So he made a lot of friends.

He also made time for his extended family such that, Richard found time to visit his uncles Akenten Wiafe in Canada and Edward Addai in Chicago. About a month ago, he visited Virginia where he met with several of his Aunties.

Indeed, there is no doubt that Richard was a blessing to humankind...he touched so many lives. His untimely passing is very traumatic for the family, inside and outside. We have truly lost a beautiful soul, son, husband, father, son-in-law, friend and nephew.

Richard, you will be greatly missed by us all.

Rest in Perfect Peace and may your Maker receive you graciously for us. Fare thee well Richard!!!

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