Once again, grief has engulfed the Ghanaian community in Chicago when the death of Nana Akwasi Appiah was announced on social media platforms in the Ghanaian community. Many in the community did not know that Nana Akwasi had been ill for a while and were shocked to hear the announcement of his sudden demise. He was 65.
Nana Akwasi, as he was popularly known, was a darling to all during his time as the Asantefuohene of Chicago and the Midwest. His reign witnessed sustained growth in membership and solidarity among the rank and file of the Association. He was affable and respected by all. Indeed, all adored him for his patience and the wisdom he carried. He and others in his royal court were inaugurated on August 30, 1997. He successfully reigned for three three-year terms.
He was one of the founding members of the now-defunct Sahara Soccer Club, a strong Ghanaian soccer Team in Chicago that saw the likes of the late Gordon Prempeh and Thomas Adade(Father), both of Asante Kotoko fame and others in the team.
Messages of his death and condolences have been pouring in from members of the Ghanaian community in Chicago and across the USA.
In a message to the Ghanaian community members regarding the passing of his predecessor, the current chief, Nana Addai Baffour, wrote:
On behalf of the Asanteman Association of the Midwest, and my behalf, I regret to announce the death of Nana Akwasi Appiah. The sad event occurred yesterday, February 25, 2024, while he was receiving hospice care at Rush Presbyterian Hospital Chicago, Illinois. I extend my deepest heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, members of Asanteman, and the Ghanaian Community in general in this hour of sorrow and deep sadness. Nana Akwasi Appiah was a strong advocate and voice for the custodianship of our culture. He often represented the Asanteman Association at events when he was in and out of office. May his soul rest in Peace. We will notify the community of any further arrangements in due time.
Nana Attakora Amaniampong New York Asantefuohene:
With Heavy Heart, I would like to send my condolences to the bereaved family From all the people of New York and ACONA. We say Rest well, Nana Akwesi Appiah. God knows Best.
Evelyn Tetteh, Church of the Ghanaian Community:
On behalf of the Church of the Ghanaian Community, we extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family in these difficult times. May the Good Lord console your hearts.
Mama Sedudzi (Empress Mawusi) Rt. Hand Queenmother, Ewe Association, and CEANA TV cohost:
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved Husband and father. My family and I share your grief. Remember that those that we dearly love do not go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always nearby. Still loved and still dearly missed. May his soul rest in eternal Peace, and may the loved ones left find condolence in the arms of the Almighty.
Benjamin Ayensu BA Association President, Chicago:
So sad! Another blow to the community. Nana Akwasi Appiah, the former Asantefuohene of Chicago, passed this afternoon at 5 pm. Stay tuned for details!
Reverend Kwasi Yeboah, community elder and pastor, now relocated to Ghana :
My brother from another mother Rest In Peace.
Nana Kobiwa-Akwa III, a former community elder and resident of Chicago, now Queenmother, relocated to Ghana :
Nana, you will be missed. SLEEP WELL, MY friend.
Maxwell Akenten, community elder :
I’ve just been informed Nana Akwasi has just passed away.
Comfort Afriyie, community elder:
Nana, may your soul rest in perfect Peace. Sleep well.
Betty Agyeman, community elder:
Nana, rest in perfect Peace.
Kofi Boache-Ansah, elder in the community:
Was he sick? Why are our people falling like that? It’s becoming too painful to bear to lose people you have been privileged to have had close contact with at a point in time.
Obr3fo ba Rest In Peace.
Unknown sender:
Nana Akwasi, my friend, brother, and former Chicago Sahara Soccer Teammate, rest in perfect and eternal Peace. May your memories bless all who knew you and crossed paths with you. May you rise with glory on Resurrection Day.Nana , Damirifa Due; Due ne Amane Hunu
Ofori Community elder:
Be strong. My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
Theo Darko, community elder :
Rest in Peace, Akwasi. The family and the community are in our prayers.
Pat Eghan, former community elder now relocated to Ghana :
Nana this world is not ours. Rest in perfect Peace.
Wofa Yaw Nyarko, community elder :
Nana Akwasi, may your soul rest in Peace
Keith , community member :
The life cycle is understandable, but some news leaves you speechless.
RIP.
Nana Kwasi Freda Delali Gbedema ,Ghana :
Akwasi Appiah, dear friend, Rest in Perfect Peace.
Peter Osei , community member and elder:
Oh..omg!! This is so sad
Nii Okine , community elder and philanthropist:
OMG, oooooo no, very sad.
Doris B, community member :
Owuo atrimuodenfuo Onyame ne wontena. Ohene medofo dayiee.
Beatrice Ampofo , community elder:
Oh my God , May his soul rest in perfect Peace.
Nat Awuni , Pastor and community elder :
What a big blow! Nana , rest well.
Oooooh No! Unbelievably untimely but God knows best. Rest In Peace, my dear friend .
hmmmm nana Akwasi Appiah you will be missed my big bro rest well
Nana, rest in perfect peace, may the Almighty God keep you under his bossom!
On behalf of the former Sahara champion Ghana Soccer team of Chicago ,under the leadership of Akwasi D.Jumfuoh, Chicago and Old Tafo-
Nhyiaeso Ashanti Ghana, we send our condolences to the family.
May you find comfort knowing the world weeps !
Akwasi D.Jumfuoh former captain and manager of Ghana Soccer Team