"ABD"
How it all began
The idea of compiling Akatakyie Business Directory (ABD) came up as a result of a sermon preached by one retired Army officer, Captain Joel Kwami Sowu at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Ablekuma-Accra in 2011. In his sermon, he disclosed the reason why the Jews are seemingly wealthy people. He mentioned that anywhere Jews find themselves, they were compelled to do business with one another. For this reason a dollar within a Jewish community could circulate several times before it could escape. This story challenged my thinking which also inspired me to establishment an advertising and publishing company; Wealth Cycle Consult to begin compiling Akatakyie Business Directory with same Jewish idea in mind. My motive for the compilation was to create a platform where Akatakyie could do business with one another. It was also created for all to know who is doing what within Akatakyie fraternity.
The data collection was quite challenging. It was really frightening in the beginning, so I decided to approach my own classmates first; katakyie John Kyeremateng (AL162). He was the first person I approached. And even on that day I didn't find it easy telling him what I was going to do with his contact details. But after meeting about three or more people confidently, I was good to go. I had to rehearse many times to gain some confidence to approach those I have never met in my life.
Searching and reaching out to Akatakyie who are widely dispersed was and still challenging and time consuming. It will interest you to know that a whole day of searching would lead me to only one person, especially when you do not have their contact numbers. Not forgetting the risk involved in travelling along the Tema Motor-way countless times to visit Akatakyie living in Tema and its environs. The stress in sitting behind the computer for hours to build the ABD was something else. The financial sacrifices I have to make for which l have still not been able to recover.
Kumasi was no exception in the search. However, once you meet Akatakyie, they appear excited and their sense of belonging is rekindled. The excitement from the recognition given them alone compels many to tell you more stories about their unforgettable experiences in Opoku Ware School.
During the search mission, many were extremely helpful and generous. Others had vital information to give you. Katakyie James Duah Brown (H133) is an incredible person. He has a clever way of describing locations so well that it could now appear like a picture on your mind. Through him several Akatakyie were located. Another incredible person l met was Katakyie Eric Mayne Panford (Q1) a very experienced businessman and a hotelier. He highlighted on some guidelines for a successful compilation. Besides, he supported the compilation exercise. He was able to mention the entire single Alphabet School numbers and their years of admission into Opoku Ware School. With this sharpness of mind at his age, he could also remember the names and school numbers of all his classmates.
A massive compilation was carried-out single handedly by katakyie Edmund Osei-karikari (AL26) with motivational support from individual Old Boys who found the compilation useful. The compilation successfully produced four publications, namely; Double Vision in 2012, Diamond Jubilee in 2013, Homecoming - 1 in 2014 & Homecoming - 2 in 2016, and also Owass@ 65 in 2017 which were all in hardcopy magazine.
The name Akatakyie Business Directory was inspired by the individual Old Boys who voluntarily and willingly provided their professional and business contact details for the compilation. So far, there has been four paperback publications since 2012. There couldn’t have been any better name for the directory for the fact that all the people you find in here are Old Boys’ of Opoku Ware School, also known as 'AKATAKYIE'. My company; WealthCycleConsult therefore has a duty to protect and manage contact details and personal information of Akatakyie.
Akatakyie Business Directory is now an International recognized publication, registered with George Padmore Reference Library in Accra, Ghana and also with Media Commission of the Republic of Ghana.
My profound gratitude goes to Akatakyie Alexander Twumasi (AL49), Anthony Kofi Badu (AL9), Yaw Marfo (AE79), Kenneth Asante (AK54), Derek Onomah (BD228), Yaw Kyie (O136), James Duah Brown (H133), Eric Mayne Panford (Q1) and many more others who were very instrumental in this compilation. Long Live ABD, Long Live Akatakyie. And wish everyone a Happy 70th Anniversary Celebration. (1952-2022)
kat. Min. Edmund Osei-karikari (AL26),
Editor & Musician (Okatakye Osei-Ed)
