Growing up on Bruce Road in Jamestown, British Accra, I came to know Bra Shanco first as a contemporary of my older brother from nearby Bannerman Road. Even in those early days, he stood out. He possessed a natural presence that drew people towards him—energetic, impeccably dressed, full of confidence, and always with a story to tell. To many of us younger boys, he was one of the leaders of the pack. As the years passed and I came to know him better, admiration gave way to friendship and deep respect.
It is therefore both a privilege and an honour to pay tribute to this remarkable patriot, community leader, and elder whose life was dedicated to service.
Bra Shanco came from one of the old and respected families of Jamestown, a family whose values of dignity, discipline, and public service were evident throughout his life. His education reflected that tradition. From Jamestown Government Primary School and Rowe Road Senior Boys School, he progressed to Mfantsipim School and later the University of Ghana, Legon. He distinguished himself academically and on the sports field, excelling in football and athletics. Those who knew him in his youth saw the qualities that would define his later life: confidence, determination, leadership, and an ability to inspire others.
His father recognised those qualities early and named him after the renowned Soviet military Marshall Timoshenko, believing that his son possessed the instincts of a leader. Yet while leadership would indeed become his calling, Bra Shanco’s path would be shaped as much by creativity as by strategy. Drawn to the arts and public communication, he entered broadcasting during the formative years of television in Ghana, working as a producer and developing talents as a dramatist, performer, and communicator. These gifts would later serve him well in politics and community leadership.
Politics was never simply an ambition for Bra Shanco; it was an expression of his patriotism. During the UNIGOV campaign, we often found ourselves on opposing sides. I was frequently to be found at his Assembly Spot, engaging our mutual friend Mr Apaloo in spirited political discussions. To say that I tested his patience would be an understatement. Yet even in disagreement, I learned to appreciate his conviction, his courage, and his unwavering commitment to the strategy of support that he believed was right for Ghana.
That commitment became even clearer when he entered active politics as a parliamentary candidate for the People’s National Party in Ashiedu Keteke, the historic constituency once represented by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He later invited me to join his campaign, and I witnessed firsthand his extraordinary work ethic and organisational abilities. The values he had absorbed growing up in Jamestown—the political heartland of Ghana’s nationalist movement—remained deeply embedded within him. He campaigned tirelessly, often neglecting his own constituency as he travelled extensively throughout the country, explaining the message of the ‘abɛ’ symbol and fashioning a winning message of versatility for the people. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to advancing the cause of the People’s National Party and the ideals of Nkrumahism.
Though he lost in his constituency, His dedication to the national campaign did not go unnoticed. During the Third Republic, he was appointed Presidential Adviser to President Hilla Limann with responsibility for protocol. We often joked that his well-known sense of style extended beyond his own wardrobe and that he had assumed personal responsibility for ensuring that the President was always appropriately dressed for every occasion. Behind the humour, however, lay an important truth: Bra Shanco understood the importance of dignity, presentation, and respect in public life.
The coup that overthrew the Limann government changed the course of many lives, including his own. Chased into exile in London by the murderous soldiers, he faced the challenge of rebuilding from the beginning. Yet adversity never diminished his spirit. Rather than retreat into bitterness, he chose service.
Together with Senior Comrade R. O. Frimpong Manso, he helped establish the Ghana Welfare Association, which provided vital assistance to countless Ghanaians seeking refuge and a new start in the United Kingdom. At a time of uncertainty and hardship for many, the Association became a source of practical support, guidance, and hope. What distinguished Bra Shanco’s approach was that he never allowed political differences to determine who deserved help. Anyone in need was welcomed.
His commitment to democracy also remained undiminished. He played an important role in the establishment of the Ghana Democratic Movement and in efforts that contributed to Ghana’s eventual return to constitutional rule. He intended that President Limann must be allowed to complete his term of office. While he carried disappointments about missed opportunities and divisions within the political tradition he cherished, he never lost faith in the values that had guided him throughout his life.
But he was not done with politics; that was still burning in him. In 2005, he stood in a by-election for the Accra Central seat, now renamed Odododiodio, the last hope for the revival of the CPP; again, he lost. Though unsuccessful, he remained committed to politics rooted in ideas, principle, and service rather than material advantage; Senior Comrade Shanco and the CPP did not have the deep pockets that the duopoly in Ghana had. The sad but true reflection is that when money enters into politics, it is only the people desperate for development who suffer.
Yet politics was only one dimension of Bra Shanco’s character. He was also a man of enterprise and innovation. Whether supplying maize flour for kenkey and banku across Europe and America through his Indian Warrior brand or later establishing his fashion business, Newaza, he approached every venture with enthusiasm, creativity, and determination. He possessed that rare ability to reinvent himself whenever circumstances demanded it.
What made Bra Shanco remarkable was not simply his political commitment or entrepreneurial spirit, but his generosity.
A pillar of his family and community, he gave freely of his time, his experience, and his wisdom. When people turned to him when they faced difficulties, he never hesitated to help. He was old-fashioned in the best sense of the word. He believed that friendship required presence, that sympathy required action, and that community required participation.
Where others might offer words, Bra Shanco offered himself.
His presence was impossible to ignore. He could fill a room with his personality alone. He was a gifted storyteller, a natural orator, and a thoughtful mentor who delighted in passing on lessons from history and experience to younger generations. He challenged people to think deeply, to act wisely, and to remain true to their principles.
He was equally committed to preserving our cultural traditions. Whether at weddings, funerals, outdoorings, political gatherings, or community celebrations, he was always ready to lend his voice, his knowledge, and his guidance. He understood that culture is not inherited automatically; it survives because each generation accepts the responsibility to preserve it for the next.
In later years, much of his energy was devoted to supporting bereaved families. Despite advancing age and declining health, he travelled regularly between Ghana and the United Kingdom, serving on family funeral committees and helping organise the final rites of countless relatives, friends, and community members. He regarded this work not as a burden but as a duty.
Many of us can still hear his familiar refrain: “Moko sane ɛ, moko sane.” For Bra Shanco, those words carried profound meaning. They reflected his belief that those experiencing loss needed every possible measure of support and compassion from their community.
His faith was equally important to him. A devoted Methodist and stalwart of Wesley Church in Accra, he was also a founding member of the London GaDangme-speaking Fellowship of the United Reformed Church. He loved singing, donated Ga hymn books to the Fellowship, and even composed the birthday song that continues to be sung there today. Through these contributions, his voice will continue to resonate long after his passing.
Looking back over the many years we spent together—travelling to meetings, attending functions, discussing politics, culture, and community affairs—I realise how much I learned from him. My understanding of both our cultural heritage and our political history has been enriched immeasurably by his friendship.
Bra Shanco belonged to a generation that believed deeply in service, loyalty, community, and principle. He gave generously to his family, his church, his community, his political tradition, and his beloved Ghana. His was a life lived with purpose and conviction.
To Maa, his devoted wife, to his children, Fiji, Katie and Philip, grandchildren, extended family, and all who loved him, I extend my deepest condolences. We mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and elder. But we also celebrate a life of uncommon dedication and service.
Bra Shanco’s voice may now be silent, but the values he embodied, the institutions he helped build, and the countless lives he touched will continue to speak on his behalf.
Bra Shanco, your friend Olumide and my dear wife Ahinae join me in wishing you safe passage to meet your ancestors. May you find solace in the bosom of your maker.
May you rest in perfect peace in the Lord
Yaa wo jogbang
Ade Sawyerr
.I intended to pay this tribute in pictures and song of our many outings to meetings and functions where Bra Shanco’s words of guidance were always very much appreciated, so please permit me to honour this valiant patriot with the words from that song of resilience and hope and triumph, one that he often sang:
1 Natsui mishiɛ tsɛ
tabilɔi lɛ natsui kɛ ://:
Kɛ talɛ naawa tuutu
Kaashe no gbeyei kraa po
Hani wɔ huu jogbaŋŋ
Ni wɔ gbe talɛ Naa ://:
2 Mijii kɛ tui miigbɛɛ
Ni eyɛ gbeyei pam ://:
Shi kɛ lɛ ooye Maŋtsɛ
Kɛ tatsɛ in fefɛɛ lɛ
Zebaot Yehowa
Tai fɛɛ anuntsɔ kwa ://:
3 Tsɛmɛi baaba onɔ
emli lɛ ooye nɔ ://:
Egbɛi ji Yesu Kristo
Ni eye nyɛlɔi fɛɛ nɔ
Kunim yelɔ ji lɛ
Ni ehe wa fe fɛɛ ://:
4 Bɛɛ feemɔ ekaa hu
Okɛ lɛ aaye nɔ ://:
Esafo niyɔɔ ŋwɛi lɛ
Kɛ nɔni hu yɔɔ biɛ
lɛ ji wɔ nyɛmimɛi
Kɛ shemɔ ji egbɛi ://:
