The late Samuel Kpakpo was born in 1943. He was the first son of Nii Adotei Thompson, a carpenter, who worked with the Public Works Department as a supervisor, and Naa Ayteh Sab-Tagoe, a trader and a founding member of Kaneshie Market.
The late Samuel Kpakpo was born in 1943. He was the first son of Nii Adotei Thompson, a carpenter, who worked with the Public Works Department as a supervisor, and Naa Ayteh Sab-Tagoe, a trader and a founding member of Kaneshie Market.
Early life
Samuel Kpakpo Thompson, who was affectionately called Bro Kpakpo or Tommy, began his primary education at Kaneshie Methodist School in a modest but nurturing environment. At that early stage, he manifested a great deal of football talent, with his favorite position being the right half back. Among his teammates was Sir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio (…
The late Samuel Kpakpo was born in 1943. He was the first son of Nii Adotei Thompson, a carpenter, who worked with the Public Works Department as a supervisor, and Naa Ayteh Sab-Tagoe, a trader and a founding member of Kaneshie Market.
Early life
Samuel Kpakpo Thompson, who was affectionately called Bro Kpakpo or Tommy, began his primary education at Kaneshie Methodist School in a modest but nurturing environment. At that early stage, he manifested a great deal of football talent, with his favorite position being the right half back. Among his teammates was Sir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio (one of Ghana’s greatest footballers and celebrated coaches), with whom he played for a local colts team called Sagittarius.
It was at this stage that Bro Kpakpo earned the nickname “Stay Cool” because of his calm but unbeatable presence at the heart of defense.
Education
In 1956, Bro Kpakpo was sent to Sekondi to continue his education by his uncle, a Prison Officer, who had been transferred to Sekondi. In Sekondi, he attended Ketam Methodist School, where he obtained his Standard Seven School Leaving Certificate.
Although he had no opportunity to attend secondary school, he enrolled at the Rapid Results College, where he registered and passed with distinction both the Ordinary and Advanced Level Certificate Examinations by correspondence. In 1961, Bro Kpakpo enrolled at the Ghana School of Social Welfare, Osu–Accra, and was trained as a Social Worker.
Professional Life and Public Service
Upon completion at the Ghana School of Social Welfare, he was posted to the Regional Office of the Department of Social Welfare in Kumasi. After a few years, he was subsequently transferred to Ashanti Bekwai in the mid-60s, where he met and married the love of his life, Gladys Naana Boatema Thompson of blessed memory, and started life. The union was blessed with five children: Allotey of blessed memory, Anyetei, Adotei, Addoquaye, and Addo Nmai.
From Bekwai, Tommy was again transferred to the Department of Social Welfare, Agona Swedru. Whilst in Swedru, he undertook top-up programs at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to aid his career progression. He later moved from the Department of Social Welfare to join Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) in Takoradi as Principal Program Officer. Through hard work and integrity, he rose to become Program Manager, a role he held with distinction for decades until his retirement in 2009.
Bro Kpakpo, after retirement from active service, returned to Accra with his beloved wife Naana. In 2020, his beloved wife, Naana Boatema, passed on to be with the Lord.
Faith and Spiritual Leadership
Though born into the Methodist denomination, Bro Kpakpo experienced a profound spiritual transformation later in life. He became born again and was baptized in both water and the Holy Spirit at the Takoradi Kings’ Temple of the International Central Gospel Church where he served as Deacon and Church Administrator.
Bro Kpakpo was a man of integrity, discipline, and deep thought. He gave his children solid educational foundation. He loved football and boxing, and we cherish the memories of late-night matches we watched together, filled with excitement and laughter. He was an avid reader, especially of the Daily Graphic, and remained intellectually engaged through radio and television news reviews upon retirement from active public service. His life was a blend of wisdom and warmth, strength and sensitivity.
As Paul said in his letter to Timothy; I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith
Samuel Kpakpo Thompson has finished his journey. We are grateful to God for the life he spent with us and the impact he made.
