Daniel Nii Ayikwei Annan
Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment." John 5:28,29
Biography
A life marked by love, a personality synonymous with kindness
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up” 1Corinthians 13:4
Daniel Nii Ayikwei Annan, affectionately known to older family and friends as “Fella” or “Dan”, and in more recent times as “Bra Dan”, was born on 7th November 1950 to Daniel Tetteh Annan and Victoria Okaichoe Annan, both of whom have sadly passed away.
Dan was the fourth of eleven children. Three of his male siblings are deceased. He is survived by his two sons, Cyrus Nii Ofori Annan, Nathaniel Nii Ayi Annan, and Hadassah Adjoabea Larbi, who was later welcomed into the family. He leaves behind his two grandchildren, Jeron Jared Nii Ofori Annan and Jesse Kwame Baffour Annan, as well as his seven siblings: Elizabeth, Paul, Andy, Rosemary, Joe Sampah, Benjamin and Emmanuel.
Early Life
As a young boy, Dan received his education at Kingston Mills Primary School, Accra Royal Middle School, and later Ebenezer Secondary School. His early life was influenced not only by his education and family values, but most profoundly by the example and guidance of his father. When his father established his merchant business, Roknodo and Nanna Company, in central Accra, Dan joined him and began learning the rudiments and principles of commerce. Working closely by his father’s side for many years and as his Personal Assistant, he gained valuable experience in commerce, responsibility, and leadership. These early years instilled in him a strong work ethic, perseverance, a sense of duty and a deep commitment to supporting his family.
As the years passed, Dan’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to grow. He entered into various joint ventures and also established businesses of his own as a sole proprietor. Among his business interests were wine and spirit distilleries, a printing house, and the wholesale and purveying of assorted drinks; ventures that reflected his initiative, determination and willingness to make use of every opportunity available to him. During the last two decades or so of his life, Dan was employed by Viktry Towers as a Records Officer while its landmark building was being constructed in the heart of Accra. After the project was completed, the company redirected its focus towards natural and herbal products. Dan subsequently took on the role of General Manager, a position he held loyally until his death. He was deeply appreciated by the staff, many of whom he addressed by nickname, a reflection of the warm and personal relationships he developed with those around him.
Spiritual Life
One of the most significant aspects of Dan’s life was his spirituality. He often recalled that, as children, he and his siblings referred to their father’s efforts to teach them Bible truths as “lectures”. Yet, with time, Dan came to appreciate the seriousness and value of what he was being taught. He did not merely listen; he reflected deeply on what he was learning, examined the Bible for himself, and became convinced of its truthfulness. That conviction led to one of the most important decisions of his life. On 7th December 1970, shortly after turning 20, Dan was baptised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His faith became an essential part of who he was. Despite the many challenges he faced, Dan remained steadfast and true to his course. He served faithfully in various positions of oversight within the Christian congregation and continued to serve as an elder until his death.
Marriage and Family
Another beautiful chapter in Dan’s life was his marriage to Phoebe Naa Adoley Addo, the love of his life. They were married on 11th December 1976 and their union was blessed with two children, Cyrus Nii Ofori Annan and Nathaniel Nii Ayi Annan, as well as two grandchildren, Jeron Jared Nii Ofori Annan and Jesse Kwame Baffour Annan. Dan and Phoebe remained very active as Jehovah’s Witnesses, giving loving support to both the local congregation and the wider brotherhood whenever needed. Their home reflected their faith, and they worked hard to raise their family in a spiritually nurturing environment. Later, when Hadassah Adjobea Larbi became part of their lives, they also ensured that she benefitted from the same theocratic discipline and “mental regulating of Jehovah”. Ephesians 6:4.
Sadly, Phoebe passed away on 21st September 2025, making Dan’s passing especially poignant. Their loss within such a short period has been deeply felt by the family, especially by their children. Their memory will not be forgotten.
Our heartfelt thanks
As our family comes to terms with the loss of our beloved Danel Nii Ayikwei Annan, we would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to everyone who has supported us during these particularly challenging and difficult times. At times such as these, it is easy to feel the weight of grief and the emptiness that comes with losing someone so dearly loved. Yet the kindness, compassion, and support of others can provide a much-needed source of strength and comfort.
Every gesture, whether great or small, has been deeply appreciated. Some may not realize just how much a simple message, a phone call, a visit, a warm embrace, or simply being present can mean to a grieving family. We have truly felt your love, concern, and support, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.
From the entire Annan family, please accept our deepest and most sincere thanks.
May Jehovah God richly bless each one of you for the love, kindness, comfort, and support you have shown to our family during this very difficult time.
Memory wall
As we reflect on Dan’s life, we are reminded that a person’s legacy is measured not simply by the number of years they live, but by the memories they leave behind, the lives they touch, the principles they uphold, and the love that remains in the hearts of those who knew them. Bra Dan certainly left his mark!
Within the family, Dan occupied a particularly significant position. As the senior male sibling, he carried the responsibility of family head with great seriousness. Yet that responsibility was matched by his deep love for his family. He fulfilled his role in a way that earned the respect and appreciation of those around him. Family was important to Dan, and one tradition that will now become especially precious is the siblings’ gathering every Tuesday afternoon at Korle Gonno, the family home. Those afternoons were opportunities to come together, talk, laugh, reminisce, share experiences, and simply enjoy one another’s company. At the time, such moments may have seemed ordinary; just another Tuesday, another gathering, another conversation.
But when someone we love is no longer there, those ordinary moments become priceless memories: the familiar voice, the familiar stories, the laughter, the conversations, and the simple joy of being together. The Tuesday afternoons at Korle Gonno will therefore be remembered with both happiness and sadness: happiness for the beautiful memories created, and sadness because someone so important will no longer be there to share them. When we think of Dan now, may the sadness of his passing not erase the joy of having known him. We remember the things we may once have taken for granted; ordinary conversations that are now precious, family gatherings, shared meals, laughter, stories told more than once, and all those familiar moments that made Dan simply Bra Dan. These memories are now part of the inheritance he leaves behind. Yet although we can no longer see Dan, the years we shared with him cannot be taken away from us. His life is part of our family history. His memories will be retold, his stories remembered, his example will continue to influence those who knew him, and the love that bound him to his family and friends will remain.
Bra Dan’s life included work, family, faith, challenges, achievements, joys, disappointments, and countless memories. His story is now woven into the history of the Annan family, and those who loved him will continue to carry that story forward.
As we mourn, let us also give thanks: for the life Bra Dan lived, the years we were privileged to have him with us, the love he gave, the memories he created, and the many ways he contributed to the lives of others and the hope we share in common, the resurrection. Acts 5:28,29.
I never imagined having to say goodbye to both parents so soon.
Daniel Annan was more than just a father to me. He was my confidante, my advisor, my protector, and one of the few people I could truly open my heart to. Whenever life became difficult, I knew I could turn to him. He listened, guided, protected, and made me feel that no matter what happened, I was not alone. He studied the Bible with me and faithfully took me to Christian meetings, helping me learn about Jehovah God and draw closer to him.
Now, his absence leaves a void that words can hardly describe. The pain of losing both parents within such a short period is unbearable! Although these are moments of tears, loneliness, and questions that I have no immediate answers, I am not without hope.
I hold firmly to Jehovah’s beautiful promise of the resurrection that those who have fallen asleep in death can live again. Job 14:14,15
Together with my mother, Daniel Annan provided me with a solid foundation throughout my childhood. He was demanding and persistent in ensuring that I was spiritually grounded and developed a meaningful relationship with my Creator, Jehovah God. He spared no expense when it came to my education and was deeply invested in my academic development.
He personally taught me how to read and write Ga, including its grammar and structure. He also taught me how to read the Bible with understanding, clarity, and meaning. The benefits of these lessons have extended beyond me and have positively influenced many others, including my own children. For this, I will be forever grateful.
Daniel Annan was humble, unassuming, and often quiet, yet when he was happy, he expressed his joy in a remarkable way! He frequently shared life lessons, expressions, and wisdom that he had inherited from his own father. Although our personalities and approaches to life were not always naturally aligned, he always respected my opinions, a quality that taught me an invaluable lesson about mutual respect.
His remarkable life showed me the true meaning of resilience. As the scripture in Proverbs 24:16 reads in part, "The righteous may fall seven times, but they rise again." Through life's challenges, he demonstrated perseverance, faith, and strength.
Many people have spoken to me about his kindness and generosity. To me, that is his enduring legacy: a man whose goodness touched the lives of many and whose influence continues to live on through those he loved and inspired.
Although he is no more, I have faith toward Jehovah, who is not a God of the dead, but the living, that to him, Daniel Annan will be remembered and live in his new world. Luke 20:38
Dad was truly a blessing to our family. Anyone who encountered him would readily attest to his love, kindness, warmth and calm spirit. He was never quick to anger, and his discipline was loving, neither harsh or demanding.
I will forever miss the generosity, love, and kindness he showed to me, his siblings, and all who knew him during this short journey called life. These are beautiful qualities I will strive to emulate.
Although I feel a deep sense of loss, I look forward to the resurrection with faith and hope, confident that our loving Father, Jehovah, will bring him back to life. John 5:28,29
Family tree
Memorial Service
Click on "Download" below to view the funeral program.
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