David-Rellas Abayaa

(Rellas)

Born on

February 13, 1959

1960

Birth and Childhood

David Rellas Abayaa was born on February 13, 1960, at Asante Akyem Agogo in the Ashanti Region. He was the first of eight children of Baba Abanga Abayaa of Gowrie Kasingo and Mma Atoama Asugubila of Zuarungu Zono, both of blessed memory. At birth he was named Akolgo, but because he was born on a Friday, he was affectionately called Kofi. He later grew up as David Rellas Abayaa, a name he proudly carried until his passing.

1975

Education

Rellas began his basic education at Gowrie Primary School and later continued at Gowrie Continuation Middle School in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region. He pursued secondary education at Ejisuman Secondary School between 1975 and 1976, later transferring to Bawku Secondary School in 1977 and 1978, where he successfully obtained his GCE O Level Certificate in 1980. After completing school, he briefly taught at Zorko Tarongo Primary School in the Bongo District while preparing to support his younger siblings’ education as the eldest son.

1981

Career Beginnings

His professional career started with Poku Transport Veneer and Plywood Limited in Kumasi, where he worked as an operator from 1981 to 1987. His commitment and hard work earned him promotion to Assistant Production Manager in 1987, a role he continued until 1990.

1990

Career Advancement

In 1990, he joined Ahwiaa Sawmill as Assistant Production Manager and later became Production Manager, serving for three years. By 1993, his dedication led him to Sunstex Company Limited at Atonsu Dompoase, where he worked as Production Manager. At a time when the company was struggling with production challenges, Rellas applied his leadership and charisma to turn its fortunes around, introducing employee welfare packages that motivated staff and significantly improved productivity.

1998

Professional Development

Dedicated to personal growth, he pursued further training and higher learning. In 1998, he obtained a Diploma in Production and Quality Control Management from the Forest Products Research Institute in Kumasi. He furthered his studies abroad, earning a Diploma in Sales and Marketing from AOTS Kansai Kenchu Centre in Osaka, Japan, in 2000, and later a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing in Wood and Wood Products from CBI in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in 2002.

2003

International Work and Return

In 2003, Rellas took a leave of absence from Sunstex and moved to the United Kingdom, where he worked as a Safety and Environmental Waste Management Officer. After ten years abroad, he returned to Ghana in 2013 and briefly worked with 3A Block Company in Accra. In 2015, he rejoined Sunstex Company Limited as General Manager and Coordinator in charge of Production, Exports, and Certification, a role he held until his passing in 2019.

1990

Personal Life and Family

In 1990, Rellas married Theresa Talata Abayaa, with whom he was blessed with four children: Rellina, Doreen, David Jnr, and Jonathan. He was a devoted family man who placed his wife and children at the center of his life. Known as a mentor, role model, and a peaceful, loving, and God-fearing man, he remained committed to his family while extending his care and kindness to friends, relatives, and colleagues.

2019

Later Years and Legacy

Alongside his professional career, he served as IMC President of St. Mary and Joseph Credit Union at Atonsu Dompoase in Kumasi. He remained with Sunstex until his passing on May 20, 2019. He is fondly remembered for his humility, loyalty, and ability to inspire others. His life created a legacy of faith, hard work, and love that continues to guide his family and community.

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