Kwabena Owusu-Agyeman, who has died at the age of 85, was born on 3 March 1940 to Dixon Kwajo Owusu-Agyeman, a trader and cocoa farmer, and Akosua Nantakyiaa, a farmer, both of Offinso Anou. He began his early education at Denten Local Primary School, where his natural curiosity quickly became evident.
From a young age, he developed a deep love of books and learning, a passion that would remain with him throughout his life.
In 1955, Owusu-Agyeman (Y54) gained admission to Opoku Ware School, where he was a proud member of St Mark’s House. He excelled academically, particularly in the sciences and literature, distinguishing himself as a gifted and disciplined student. Upon completing his secondary education, he was awarded a Government of Ghana scholarship to pursue a medical career in the then USSR.
In 1960 he enrolled at the newly founded Patrice Lumumba University in Moscow to study medicine. As one of the leading members of the African Students’ Union, he was invited on one occasion to a dinner hosted by the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev for the newly arrived African students.
Look east, turn west
It was at this historic gathering that Kwabena re-encountered Agnes, his future wife, whom he had first met years earlier at a debating competition between Opoku Ware School and St Monica’s Secondary School in Ghana. Agnes was studying languages at the same university. Their chance reunion rekindled a friendship that deepened into a lifelong partnership.
They were married on 1 May 1962 in Moscow by a Russian Orthodox priest, with the blessings of both families. A year later, they were blessed with their first child, Caroline. Life in the USSR at the height of the Cold War grew increasingly difficult. Following Agnes’s graduation, the couple made the difficult decision to move to Europe, eventually settling in Hamburg, West Germany.
Owusu-Agyeman enrolled at the University of Hamburg to continue his medical studies. Adjusting to a new country and language proved demanding. After much reflection, he made the courageous decision to change direction and pursue a degree in economics. This decision marked a defining point. He excelled academically; after completing his degree, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in economics from the University of Basel, Switzerland.
Diplomat, businessman, politician
Upon graduation, Owusu-Agyeman was appointed to the Ghana Permanent Mission in Geneva, serving in the economic division under His Excellency K B Asante. After many years of distinguished service, he was approached by the pharmaceutical company Ciba-Geigy in Basel to serve as a representative for its African division. In addition, he later represented Labatec, another Swiss pharmaceutical company, within the African market.
In this role, Owusu-Agyeman established pharmaceutical retail outlet in Adabraka, Accra, under the name African Chemist. He also initiated an internship programme for newly qualified pharmacists from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi at his pharmacy, demonstrating his enduring commitment to national development and mentoring young graduates.
Owusu-Agyeman’s commitment to public service extended to politics. In 1978 he became the chairman of the Popular Front Party (PFP) in the Osu Clottey constituency. Later that year, he contested the parliamentary seat for Offinso Afigya, losing narrowly. Between 1978 and 1979, he served as the chairman of Graphic Corporation, a role he held until the 1979 coup, after which he stepped down and returned to private business.
He later acquired land to initiate tomato canning projects in Offinso and Akomadan in the Ashanti Region, in partnership with the German firm Perrot Irrigation. These projects provided employment to many and reflected his vision for sustainable development. Sadly, the 1981 coup d’état brought these initiatives to an abrupt end, compelling Owusu-Agyeman to make the painful decision to leave Ghana with his family.
After relocating to the United Kingdom in 1982, Owusu-Agyeman became deeply involved in Ghanaian political advocacy in exile. Alongside J H Mensah and other prominent figures, he helped establish the Ghana Democratic Movement from his home in Golders Green, London. Together, they drafted petitions to both the Labour and Conservative Parties, as well as international pressure groups sympathetic to Ghana’s political struggle.
In 1987 his lifelong love for books found expression in the acquisition of Gabriel’s Bookshop on Walm Lane, Willesden Green. Over seven years, the bookshop became a hub for intellectual exchange, attracting people from all walks of life, including MPs, actors, auctioneers and academics. He also took pride in sourcing rare and specialist books for institutions and individuals alike.
Society and family
In 1991, alongside Dr O A Akoto, Dr Owusu-Afriyie and others, Owusu-Agyeman co-founded the Opoku Ware Old Students’ Association (UK & Ireland), serving as vice-chairman. He also played a pivotal role as the editor of the Owarean magazine, initiating numerous programmes to support the school.
His community involvement extended to organisations such as the Asanteman Society and Aduana Aboradze.
Above all, Owusu-Agyeman was a devoted family man. He instilled strong values of integrity, discipline, generosity and service in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fondly nicknamed “The Godfather” by his close friend Captain Joe Asiadu, he was known for his open heart and willingness to help all who came to him.
Captain Joe once recalled visiting his office in Adabraka on an urgent matter, only to find the office reception area choked with people waiting to see Owusu-Agyeman: testament to his kindness and accessibility. Friends such as Ben Dwimoh, Akenten Appiah-Menka and Mr Osei-Bonsu often described him as “a man for all seasons”.
Following his retirement from the bookshop due to ill-health, Owusu-Agyeman devoted his time to reading, collecting books, nurturing his love for plants and animals, and spending precious moments with his wife and family. He enjoyed watching programmes such as BBC TV’s Countryfile and remained deeply interested in current affairs, engaging in thoughtful discussions about events in Ghana and around the world.
The passing of his wife of over 62 years in 2024 was a sad turning point in his life. Never fully recovering from the loss, Owusu-Agyeman passed away peacefully a year later, on 15 November 2025.
He was buried in London on 30 January 2026.
Owusu-Agyeman is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as a legacy of intellect, service, humility and love.
May his soul rest in peace.
