Welcome to the Memorial Tribute of Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo
To Chiefs, distinguished members of the Traditional Councils, Religious leaders, esteemed Government officials, Captains of industry, members of the International community, Pharmacists, Entrepreneurs, Students, Kama Foundation beneficiaries, men and women of repute, valued colleagues and friends, and all who cherished Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo...
We invite you to honor the memory of Nana.
Obituary
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, a distinguished entrepreneur, pharmacist, philanthropist, author, and traditional leader, who departed this life on Thursday 31st October, 2024, at the age of 74. His remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a pivotal figure in Ghana's pharmaceutical industry and a revered traditional chief exemplifies a life dedicated to service, innovation, and community development.
Early Life and Education
Born in Suhyen, near Koforidua in Ghana's Eastern Region, Nana Dr. Agyekum Addo faced early hardships that shaped his resilient character. After his mother became bedridden when he was six, he assumed the responsibility of supporting his two siblings by taking over her vegetable trading activities. Despite these challenges, he pursued education diligently, attending secondary school at Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua (GHANASS) with the support of a benefactor. He later enrolled at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy, followed by a Master’s degree in Industrial Management. His commitment to lifelong learning culminated in a Doctorate in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Ghana in 2022, at the age of 72.
Entrepreneurial Endeavors
After his Registration as a Pharmacist, he went into practice obtaining valuable professional experience in his work with the then GIHOC Pharmaceuticals Division Accra (1978-79) and Boots Chemist, London (1979-80). He cut his teeth in business when he worked as the Production Manager for Wrosubon Pharmaceuticals, Kumasi (1980-1986).
In 1986, Nana Dr. Agyekum Addo established his first pharmacy in Kumasi, laying the foundation for what would become the Kama Group of Companies. Through perseverance and strategic networking, he expanded the business into a conglomerate encompassing pharmaceutical manufacturing, microfinance and forex, real estate, water production, hospitality and conference services. His contributions significantly enhanced local access to quality healthcare products, empowering countless Ghanaians.
Traditional Leadership
Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Nana Dr. Agyekum Addo was deeply rooted in his cultural heritage. He held the esteemed title of Nkabomhene (Unity Chief) of the New Juaben Traditional Area in Koforidua, Eastern Region. In this role, he was instrumental in fostering unity and reconciliation within the traditional council, notably brokering peace among sub-chiefs and promoting harmony in the community.
Authorship and Thought Leadership
A prolific author, Nana Dr. Agyekum Addo shared his wealth of knowledge through several publications. His notable works include "The Seven Principles of Success and Wealth Creation" and "Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship II: How to Create, Start and Grow Your Own Business," both of which offer invaluable insights into entrepreneurship and personal development. In May 2024, he launched "Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship 1&2," further solidifying his commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. At the time of his passing, he was in the process of publishing a book based on his doctoral thesis, which explored the impact of envy and jealousy on business failures, reflecting his dedication to addressing critical issues in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Nana Dr. Agyekum Addo was a passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment. He founded the Kama Education Project (now Mikaddo Education Project), focusing on training teachers to instill entrepreneurial skills in students from a young age. His leadership extended to serving as the Member of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), member of the Ministerial Advisory Board of the Minister of Education, Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Council Chairman of Pentecost University College & Elder of the Church of Pentecost, member of the Election Committee of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) having served as the President for the Ghana Red Cross Society (two-terms), Council Member for the Center of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Honorary Life Member of the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) in 1978 in Edinburg UK, President of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association of Ghana (PMAG), a Council member of the Data Link Institute of Business and Technology in Tema and active participation in organizations and groups such as the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship, Resource person for the Plan Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), Community Practice Pharmacists' Association. His influence transcended national boundaries, forging ties within the international community and earning him widespread respect and admiration.
Legacy
Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo's life was a testament to resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to societal advancement. In 2003 and 2004, he won the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah Award for Excellence in Enterprise, and his holding company was a consistent honoree at the Ghana Club 100 Awards over the years in active business. He is survived by his beloved family and the countless individuals whose lives he touched through his work and mentorship. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Nana's Passing...
Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, affectionately known as Nana, passed peacefully in the early hours of Thursday morning at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, surrounded by the love of his family.
Just last week, on International assignment, Nana represented Ghana, Africa and his beloved Red Cross community at the International Red Cross Congress in Geneva, Switzerland, a testament to his enduring commitment to service even in his later years. He returned home on Saturday and, with his characteristic dedication and love for duty, resumed work on Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesday morning, however, Nana felt unwell on his way to work and decided to visit his doctor at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. After an initial evaluation, his doctor recommended that he be admitted for closer observation.
That evening, Nana called his children to his bedside for a family meeting, bringing everyone together in a time of closeness and love. They shared cherished moments, conversations, and laughter until the early hours of Thursday. After a heartfelt evening together, his family left around 1 a.m., planning to return the following day. At 4:10 a.m., Nana peacefully departed this life.
We pray for a peaceful rest in the Lord for our beloved Daddy, Nana Elder Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, Nkabomhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area.
Family, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders are currently in discussions and will provide further updates on arrangements and next steps.
Nana's Life
(ongoing updates...)
Boots Chemist, London (1979-80)
Production Manager for Wrosubon Pharmaceuticals, Kumasi (1980-1986)
Gallery
Videos
Memory Wall
(Condolences & Tributes)
We welcome you to share your cherished memories, photos, and videos of Nana and extend condolences to the family through this memory wall.
Your tributes will honor the remarkable legacy of Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, a man whose influence touched so many lives in immeasurable ways.
Almost every day that has gone by, I have wondered and wished there was something more I could do to change the news the next day held, that life never prepares anyone for. On the remaining days, I try not to think about anything at all.
Exactly 3 weeks ago today, the last thing you asked of me that evening was a hard copy of one of my poems. If I knew what tomorrow held, I would have stayed by your bedside and read that poem to you. And even though you may have been too tired to respond, I would have sat there in the silence until daybreak, so that I could've at least been there to hold your hand, a familiar face, so you wouldn't have had to feel alone before your breath finally became air.
Thank you for living. Thank you for the lessons you taught us while we had the gift of your presence and even now in your absence - that tomorrow is never certain, so today must be lived to its full. And thank you for blessing me with an amazing dad, aunties and uncles, through whom I'm privileged to keep experiencing your essence.
Rest peacefully Gramps, and keep your light illuminating our paths from up there whenever it gets too dark down here. We love you.
What sad news!
What a man!
What a man of charity!
What an entrepreneur!
Mike was my classmate at UST, Kumasi. We left the faculty following graduation in 1977/78, and I returned home to Sierra Leone to start my own career. We met several times at various parts of the world after our qualification - FIP, CPA, and of course PSGH events.
However, just about two years after our graduation, I happened to be reading the “Letters to the Editor” column of the then weekly edition of the Pharmaceutical Journal of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and I came across a short piece from someone asking if anyone could donate a second-hand machine for manufacture of Eye Drops. Signed underneath was a Mike Addo, Ghana! That Mike ended up the way he did was therefore not surprising. The man’s DNA was simply configurated for Enterprise. He was a typical proverbial man of many colours.
A few years ago, I was in transit in Accra, travelling to a Southern Africa destination and, as I had some time on my hand, and out of admiration for a formidable classmate, I went to some length to track Mike to his KAMA Enterprises HQ. It was the beginning of year, and he was having a talk with his staff.
Although it turned out later that he did not recognise me at first, he asked that I be given a seat in his office. His talk to staff took quite some time, and each time that I tried to give up, the admiration for my mate spurred me on to be patient.
When he eventually returned and recognized me, he called my name in such a loud voice that staff rushed to see if he was OK! His first remark was, "Sesay, I have made it!"
As I had to rush to catch my flight, I asked him to give me his business card for future contact, to which he jokingly asked; "Which of the cards?" He must have spread before me at least seven! The one I picked turned out to relate to a Ghana-Japan relationship.
In the brief time that I had with Mike, I learned that he had become a great motivational speaker. He also valued his creator’s gift to him and Tithe to his local church.
We parted company, with me concluding that I was leaving behind a mate, from a very modest background, satisfied with his career achievement, and grateful to his Creator for this.
May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may the bereaved family be consoled during their significant physical loss.
Alhaji Murtada Mohammed Sesay BPharm. MSc. MMI, MCIPS
May his gentle soul rest with the Lord. Amen.
Dr M. O. Obono
Chairman, WAPCP Nigeria Chapter
May the good lord grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss..
Special condolences to my dear friend Nana of Arisefoods.
His kindness, warmth, and generosity left an indelible mark on my life. I'll never forget the way he showered praises on me anytime he saw me and also tease me .His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, including mine.
May cherished memories of him bring the family comfort during this difficult time. May his love and lessons guide us forward.
With love and deepest sympathy,
Akosua Asiedua( multimedia)
a Man like no other
an Icon like no other
a Champion like no other
a Head like no other
an Advocate like no other
an Emperor like no other
a Leader like no other.
Thanks for the keys, the Head up and the life lessons you showed me. Gracias Dad. A life well lived, You were clean, spotless and Kama kama. #RipDad
May his soul rested in perfect peace ✌
He is going to prepare a place for you his children and siblings.
Thanks be to our heavenly father for given us his son and living his spirit until the work on planet earth is done.
"You will see his face when you stand in glory."
He will always be with you.
He will never forsake you."
Trusting in whatever before.....
Trust in Jesus that is all. 🙏
His memories will be lingering on for many decades to come and for ever.
Nobody in this world of the living has had it all roses throughout their lifetime. Absolutely not.
Therefore my beloved learn to love one another for that is what God requires you and me and us all to do, just as he loved us unconditionally.
That steadfast commitment and Agape love must be shared amongst us.
I will miss him dearly. A good brother and friend
"I need thee oh I need thee.
Every hour I need thee.
Forever and ever. Amen" 🙏
Your truly & beloved youngest and dearest sister
Beatrix Addo & Family
a void in our life.
I never thought it he would go so soon.
"Oh precious things that flows that makes me white as snow...
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Wash me, thoroughly and carefully. Cleanse me with hyssops and I will be whiter than snow."
Thank You oo our Father The honourable Mr JK Addo, (deceased) who was our Captain and Pillar who instilled hard work in us all his beloved 28 Children with his wife/ves with
no disrespect nor discrimination. He never left any "stones unturned."
In our Father's house there are many mansions...He is going to prepare a place for you and us all in heaven above.
We give it to The
Lord in prayers.
Thank you OO
my Father For
giving us your Son,'and living your Spirit until the work on earth is done'.
Gone so soon. Forever in our hearts ♥️
From maternal side we have all supported him through and through
right from his University holidays spent at my late
big sister called Mrs Gladys Djaba and her beloved husband the late Mr Henry K Djaba's London Mansions....Then to our sister Susan's house where we lived until I got my own rental house....He then shifted onto holidaying with me and my children and husband whom he remained his close ally. mentor and friend.
There was no job too big or too small for our beloved bro Mike.
He loved us and we loved him right back. My children talked about his kindness when they visited Ghana for the first time etc. How he relied on their
Manpower even whilst on holidays. Yes could you believe that I had to wash his Mr & Mrs pants and children
and baby's clothes etc.
We loved him more and more as he increased in Stature,
accomplishments,
achievements, his determination for success won our Trusts to invest heavily into his
micro projects of which I initiated. Kofi Agyekum is aware.
Where it all began and how far The Lord
has brought us.
Ebenezer.'
He......,
had favour from our father, which art in heaven above,
my/our family, and had favour from God and mankind.
It's like a bad dream but it is well with The Lord.
He will be missed dearly. Rest in perfect peace. RIP
From your dearest beloved youngest sister,
Shareholder,
Arbitration
Accountant & Mentor and Provider,
KAMA UK Agent
Host, Executive Pioneer Etc.
God bless you all richly.
Love
Mum Bea. 🙏
Mrs Beatrice Afua Addo and Family.
MBASW,
IPSM, LPC. BA Honours. U.K.
You gave many the opportunity to have their daily bread thereby fulfilling the daily prayer of “give us our daily bread”.Indeed you put a lot of smiles on the faces of many and also contributed immensely to the nation development by way of payment of taxes.
You are the kind that society needs to eulogize as the real heroes.You will remain my hero till the world comes to an end and knows very well you fought a good fight and surely your reward is with your make.
Journey well till we meet again.
My first meeting with Mikey was about him needing a shop space to rent, as his then landlord of his shop was not being very accommodating. On agreeing to rent him my shop, he invited me to meet his family, Mrs Ernestina Agyekum-Addo and children. From that time on they both treated my children and I as family.
Mikey was a generous, thoughtful, jovial, outgoing and most importantly a humble man. He'd always remark, "I come from a humble background".
In 2007, I visited Ghana with my children. Mikey insisted that we lodge with him and that he'd take the blame if my family told me off for not staying with them. A couple of days after landing in Ghana, Mikey's humbleness came to the fore, where he actually knelt down, to everyone's surprise in front of my brother-in-law, as soon as we entered the lounge. Mikey pleaded that we lodge with him and his family. What could my brother-in-law say with that kind of gesture than to say yes. Indeed, our visit and stay was top notch. Very enjoyable and memorable.
I will forever be grateful for your thoughtfulness, generosity, and care and especially the good laughing times. Who would have thought that we'd be in this place now?
One of my proudest moments for you was seeing a huge mounted photograph of us and the then South African Ambassador to Ghana at your workplace, when you invited me for an award that you were receiving.
May God keep you safely in his bosom as you rest peacefully with him till we meet again.
Rest peacefully my dear Mikey.
You will always be in my heart, and I will miss your exceptional guidance. I know you are now resting in peace.
Nana Da Yie!! 🙌🏽🙏🏾
We salute Nana Dr. Agyekum, a visionary leader and mentor, for his profound impact on the lives of young entrepreneurs. Your selfless dedication, guidance, and unwavering support have empowered a generation of innovators and change-makers.
Through your:
- Wisdom and expertise
- Unrelenting passion for youth empowerment
- Generous sharing of time and resources
- Inspirational leadership
You have:
- Ignited dreams and fueled aspirations
- Fostered resilience and perseverance
- Cultivated creativity and innovation
- Shaped the future of entrepreneurship
Countless young minds have benefited from your:
- Mentorship and coaching
- Networking opportunities
- Access to valuable resources
- Encouragement and belief
Your legacy extends far beyond the individuals you've touched, inspiring a ripple effect of positive change in communities and industries.
We celebrate your:
- Visionary spirit
- Compassionate heart
- Unwavering commitment
Thank you, Nana Dr Agyekum, for being a shining example of leadership, compassion, and dedication. Your impact will endure for generations to come.
May your story continue to inspire and motivate young entrepreneurs to strive for excellence.
May your Gentle Soul Rest in Perfect Peace
Oh Nana, may your soul rest in peace.
Your legacy will remain forever.
I personally want to appreciate you for all the advice you gain to me as a mother and wife, your uplifting words, you saw something in me and any time you spoke to me, you kept hitting on it that I can do so should push toward. Am grateful Nana, rest well and until we meet again. You will forever be remembered.
Whenever Nana calls me by my local name 'Adjebenti', then it means we have some good news to discuss.
Rest well Nana.
I’m forever grateful fór the valuable advice I picked from him.
NANA was always there to provide encouragement ,support and insights that helped me.
Though he may longer be with us , his legacy and the memories he left behind will live on, in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace NANA, your guidance and kindness will never be forgotten..
I was happy to call him grandpa he is really a hero in my life , I will keep every words he said to me in my life and will always remember him
Rest in peace grandpa
You would forever be remembered.
Your legacy lives on.
We love you
Sojourn on Sir
I recently went to see him on how to save and his five lessons will stay with me forever.
His death is such a blow to me, I don't think I ever got to let him know that we appreciated all he did for us. When I lost my father,even though the funeral was during COVID,he came all the way to my hometown to mourn with me. Rest peacefully Da,rest peacefully
As I move forward, I will carry Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo’s legacy with me. Nana’s impact will forever be part of my journey. Thank you, Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, for everything. I am grateful for the time I had with you and will always remember you with the highest respect and admiration.
You gave me your hall (mikkaddo conference centre) for my 50th birthday and book launch. You instructed your daughter, Ama to give me everything and all the support I needed. You personally took charge to have the venue painted and well set up for my launch.
A few weeks later, you gave me your platform to speak to young entrepreneurs about branding ahead of your book launch.
Nana, Doc, my friend and my oldest classmate....rest peacefully in the bossom of the Lord. This really hurts...badly.
I saw an opportunity to become a distributor in my hostel. Andy was very encouraging, supportive, and reliable. He took me like a brother and taught me many things about running a business, from starting with free bags of water to taking me to his manufacturing hub to show me how he produced water. I can vividly remember those Saturday morning pep talks after I had completed my sales rounds.
After some time, he started talking to me about his dad. I would look him up and, he wasn't any different from his father. Everything he said on TV, in his book, or his speech, was exemplified by his son with unreserved empathy.
Dr Agyekum was a great man, he impacted lives by living a life institutionalized in selflessness, discipline, and integrity.
He reminds us all who have come in contact with him or any of his children to live a life worth emulating by others.
Rest well sir, you shaped this world so well.
I’m still in shock and disbelief of your absence of not able to come back 🥹😫
Your legacy lives Dr.
Just in case you could read my words 🖤You Actually lived🖤
Nante BrɛBrɛ✝️🙏🏽🖤
Nana, excuted his activities with great passion and enthusiasm. The lessons, he impacted on me and everyone who engaged him will forver be a inscribed in our hearts of hearts. These lessons, will lead us on, as we strive to continue his legacy.
In our last conversation, he prayed with me and encouraged me to be steadst and give out my best against all odds.
He further admonished me to uphold the truth and do my best to leave a positive mark daming all challenges.
Nana, you may have taken the lead to God's abode; keep watch over us and protect us with your blessings.
We shall miss you physically but spiritually you now very closer. With cherished momeries, Dela.
we meet again.
He impacted so many lives including myself 😢
I remember right after SHS he advised I learn a trade while waiting for my results. He enrolled me and made sure I learn. This decision is one I don’t regret taking cos it has come in handy.
We’ve indeed lost a Hero.
We look forward to the resurrection hope 😢
To top it all was taking the whole class to have dinner Tang palace! We enjoyed your classes by all standards!
Thank you soo much sir for the Life lessons 101!
May your soul rest in perfect peace
“Papa, come and let’s eat fufu and talk about the next crazy thing you’re up to”
No one gassed me up and urged me on to try almost everything within reason and caution than You…
You’re missing my graduation, you’re missing my wedding, you’re missing the next phase of my life… but I know you’re cheering me on…
I will honor you, your name, your legacy…
From a very young age, taking me along with you to the corridors of power, seeing you serve in a non-partisan public capacity across successive governments while building your pharmaceutical dream.. you showed me what it means to blend business acumen with power and unwavering integrity—a perfect balance that defines my identity now.
We all read the book. Some even formed study groups.
First question was
1. On which page is the diagram of the bottle?
No one prepared for that type of question
Everyone got it wrong- close to 500 staff. No one got the award
We have indeed lost a GEM!
Favorites
Arrangements
The Omanhene of New Juaben Traditional Area, the Suhyenhemaa, and the Family wish to formally inform the general public of the passing of Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, the Nkabomhene of New Juaben Traditional area, which sad event occurred on Thursday, 31st October 2024, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra.
The Late Nana Dr. Michael Agyekum Addo, was a renowned pharmaceutical mogul, business colossus, serial entrepreneur, astute statesman, Chairman of Mikaddo Holdings, Founder of Kama Group of Companies, and Board Chair/Member of many Ghanaian and International organizations.
As we mourn the loss of this great pillar, we warmly invite friends, colleagues, and the general public to come and commiserate with the family.
Date: Monday, 11th November – Friday, 15th November, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daily
Venue: Forecourts of Mikaddo Plaza, Labone, Accra & Adum, Kumasi
The One-Week Observation and Funeral Arrangements will be announced in due course.
Signed.
Dr. Kofi Addo-Agyekum
(On behalf of the Family)
Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daily