By Fuvi Kloku
There are those whose names are written in the grand headlines of history, and then there are those whose names are written indelibly upon the human heart. Efo Kofi, known formally as Kofi Defor, and affectionately dubbed Torgasco or Zico Kofi, was the latter. For generations of students at Zion College (ZICO), Anloga, he was not just a worker; he was the heartbeat of our daily survival, an unsung hero wrapped in humility, diligence, and quiet grace.
To look at his face is to remember an era of youth, hunger, and the comforting reliability of a man who made sure we never fell through the cracks.
The Rhythm of Sacrifice
At ZICO, beyond the formal studies and academic regimen, our lives were measured by the sounding of the dining hall bell. Three times a day, seven days a week, hundreds of young, perpetually empty stomachs descended upon the tables. And there stood Efo Kofi.
His routine was a masterclass in hard work and devotion. He would meticulously place the food on every single table, ensuring order amidst the chaotic hunger of youth. When the storm of mealtime passed, his real labor began. He would pack up the aluminum silver pans and plates , washing and prepping them with tireless dedication, ready to repeat the entire cycle for the next meal. He did this day in, day out, serving generations upon generations of Zion College boarders with a commitment that never wavered.
The Keeper of Secrets and “Remi”
Being a student in a boarding school comes with its hidden hardships. In those days, our young stomachs craved more than what our official portions could provide. It was a known reality that some of us stayed behind to eat “ remi”( remnant) , the leftover food thrown back into the silver pans by those who hadn’t finished their meals.
It was a delicate, fragile thing, wrapped in a student’s pride. If you were caught eating remi, you risked becoming the laughing stock of the campus for the day.
But Efo Kofi understood. With the heart of a father, he possessed a beautiful, unspoken kindness. He would gracefully look the other way, or playfully pretend to chase students out of the dining hall after the final bell just to give us the cover we needed to quickly enjoy the remnants in peace. He shielded our dignity while ensuring we left full. That complicity in our survival was a personal secret shared between a beautiful soul and a hungry student. It was kindness in its purest, most practical form.
A Final, Poignant Goodbye
Years pass, boys become men, and we scatter across the world, carrying the lessons of ZICO with us. On occasions when I return to ZICO, I make it a point to visit the kitchen staff, offering them my widow’s mite and reminding them how deeply grateful I remain for their service. Efo Kofi was always included in this small gesture of appreciation.
On a recent visit back home to our Alma Mater, I sought him out, yearning to see the face that had anchored so many of my childhood days. I was met instead with the cruel truth of time: Efo Kofi had grown old, frail, and immobile.
Rushing to catch a flight that very evening, caught in the relentless gears of modern life, I could only leave a token for his sustenance, promising myself I would make time to sit with him properly on the next journey.
Now, the news of his passing brings a poignant ache, a wish that the clock could turn back, that the flight could have waited, just so I could have looked into his eyes one last time, held his weathered hands, and told him face-to-face: “Thank you. Thank you for feeding us. Thank you for protecting us.Thank you for your dedicated and devoted service.”
Rest in Perfect Peace, Zico Kofi
Kofi Defor (Alias Torgasco) 81 Years of a Life Beautifully Lived.
You were a simple, peaceful, and extraordinarily diligent soul. Your service to Zion College was marked by an unwavering commitment and a rare, profound humility. You did not hold a high title, but you held the keys to our well-being.
As we draw this chapter to a close, we call upon every Nafrican to rise in unwavering solidarity with the family of Efo Kofi, our devoted pantry steward whose quiet labor nourished us for years. His funeral is not merely a ceremony; it is a moral summons. Let us show up,physically, spiritually, and communally,to honor a man who served with humility, warmth, and constancy.
A donation drive if possible , should be launched on the Nafrican platforms without delay to help offset his burial expenses. This is our collective duty. Let our contributions speak loudly of the gratitude we owe him. Let our presence testify that no one who served us diligently, with heart, will ever walk alone into eternity.
May our actions in this moment reflect the highest values: respect, solidarity, and remembrance. Let us give back generously in his memory.
As his wake-keeping approaches this August, we weep not as those without hope, but as a collective family of old students who recognize that a giant tree has fallen. His kindness and dedication left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Efo Kofi, Pantry Man extraordinaire, may your gentle soul continue to rest in perfect, eternal peace. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace