Professor John Bright Kobla Aheto was born on 31 December 1946 in Tsiame, Agornu, in Ghana’s Volta Region. After his parents separated when he was three, he was raised in Anyako by his aunt, Madam Soemede Aheto.

He began his education at Anyako Roman Catholic School and later attended Anlo Secondary School, Zion College, and Winneba Secondary School, where he served as Senior Prefect. In 1967, he entered the University of Ghana and graduated in 1970 with a BSc in Administration (Accounting).

Professor Aheto moved to the United States for graduate studies at New York University, where he earned an MBA, MPhil, and PhD in Accounting and Finance. During this period, he also began his academic career at York College of the City University of New York.

1979–1996 — Building a Distinguished Career in the United States

His academic journey took him through Florida A&M University, Brooklyn College, and Pace University, alongside his work at York College. He received several teaching honours, including multiple Teacher of the Year awards, and became known for his work in accounting education and professional certification.

In 1991, Professor Aheto was anointed in New York by Prophet Mawu Ƒe Ame C.K.N. Wovenu of the Apostles Revelation Society. In 1996, following what he described as a spiritual directive, he permanently returned to Ghana to contribute to national development and the work of the Church.

Back in Ghana, he joined the University of Ghana Business School, serving as Associate Professor and chairing the Executive MBA Programme and Centre for Management Research. He later became a Full Professor and Deputy Director-General at GIMPA. Pursuing his longstanding interest in law, he earned an LLB from the University of Ghana and was called to the Ghana Bar in June 2006.

Professor Aheto continued his contribution to higher education through senior roles at KNUST, Central University College, Kings University College and Pentecost University College, while also lecturing at Methodist and Wisconsin University Colleges. His scholarly work included more than 18 journal articles, 10 conference papers, 48 training manuals, and contributions to textbooks.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Aheto contributed to national policy, institutional reform, finance and corporate governance. His service also extended deeply into the A.R.S. Church and his home communities of Tsiame and Anlo, where he supported education, young people, cultural groups, children and the elderly.

Professor John Bright Kobla Aheto passed away on 27 April 2026. His life connected education, accounting, law, faith, public service and community development, leaving a legacy across Ghana and beyond.

REST IN PEACE, PROFESSOR AHETO