On December 21, 2022, we ended the first half of Semester One on a positive note as Professor John Bright Kobla Aheto joined us to address our students and teaching staff.

Prof. Aheto has been in academia since 1971. He is a distinguished Professor, Trainer, and Consultant who taught in the USA for 26 years at institutions including York College, Hunter College, Florida A&M University, Pace University, and Brooklyn College.

Upon his return to Ghana in 1996, he lectured at UGSB, WUCG, GIMPA, PUC, KNUST, CUC, MUCG, and KUC. He is recognized as an expert in SME and HR Development, Corporate Governance, Strategic Planning, Leadership, and Management, and has served as a Consultant for ECOWAS.

In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of lecturers being approachable—serving as friends, family, and role models for students, many of whom may see them as the only icons in their lives. He concluded by affirming that he clearly sees the vision of our school, pledging to be part of the history we are creating, and encouraging students to give their best to their studies as they lay the foundation for excellence.

We are deeply grateful for the wisdom and experience he shared with us and for his commitment to being a contributing stakeholder.

Thank you, Prof.!

Some people bring light, love, and strength to everyone around them. My father, Professor John Bright Kobla Aheto, was one of those rare people. He was not only my father but also a father to many. His life was a beautiful example of love, kindness, humility, and selflessness. If there were ever a father everyone would wish to have, it was him. He never showed favoritism. He loved each of us equally, making everyone feel valued, appreciated, and important. Whether you were his child, a relative, a friend, a student, or someone he had just met, he welcomed you with the same warmth and genuine care. One thing that always stood out about him was his consistency. Hardly a week went by without him reaching out to check on us. A simple phone call or message from him was enough to brighten our day. He genuinely wanted to know how we were doing, whether we were okay, and if there was anything he could do to help. He expressed his love not only in words but in his actions, his presence, and his unwavering support. He gave of himself wholeheartedly. He listened without judgment, encouraged without hesitation, and loved without conditions. His wisdom guided many, his generosity touched countless lives, and his compassion made people feel safe and understood. He taught us the importance of integrity, respect, hard work, faith, and treating everyone with dignity. Today, our hearts are heavy because saying goodbye to such an extraordinary man is one of the hardest things we have ever done. It is difficult to imagine life without your reassuring voice, wise counsel, laughter, and comforting presence. The pain of losing you is beyond words, and the emptiness you have left behind can never truly be filled. Yet, even in our sorrow, we are grateful. We are grateful for every lesson you taught us, every sacrifice you made, every prayer you prayed for us, every hug, every word of encouragement, and every moment we were blessed to share with you. We thank God for the privilege of calling you, our father. Though you are no longer physically with us, your legacy lives on in the countless lives you touched and in the values you instilled in us. We will carry your love, your kindness, and your example with us always. Daddy, thank you for being the father everyone dreams of having. Thank you for loving us equally, believing in us, and never failing to remind us that we mattered. Your memory will remain in our hearts forever, and your love will continue to guide us for the rest of our lives. Rest peacefully, Daddy. You fought the good fight, you finished your race, and you left this world better than you found it. You will always be deeply loved, dearly missed, and forever remembered.

Rest in perfect peace, Professor John Bright Kobla Aheto.

With everlasting love,

Your daughter,

Blessing Aheto

Hello Daddy, his usual response is the phrase “HELLOO EHEEƐ NUKEEƐ”. I am calling you again to confirm everything is okay and to understand why you are not responding to my calls and messages. Daddy, have you had your breakfast? Are your fruits ready? What are you planning for lunch and dinner, too? Still no response??? Well, well, well. Even though the past 10 years have been challenging, with health issues, you have endured and remained dedicated to service.

As a father, you have been my teacher, my greatest encourager, and one of my strongest pillars. You taught me the values of discipline, humility, hard work, perseverance, and faith. Your words and actions showed that true success is not measured by personal achievements alone but by the positive impact we make in others’ lives. You encouraged me to adopt the school at TSIAME and ensured I supported some renovation work there.

Your unwavering belief in me has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and aspirations. I remember 16th November 2018, when you called me at 2 am and asked me to finalize and translate my Ph.D. thesis into Ghanaian local languages (AKAN & EWE) before I submitted it to my supervisor in Australia. It was a difficult task. My supervisor does not speak AKAN or EWE. However, I had no choice but to obey my DADDY THE PROFESSOR. Indeed, he was right, and that paper was rated with a top score, with the comment “THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THIS KIND OF DETAILED DISTINCTIVE WORK HAS BEEN DONE. CONGRATULATIONS.”

Daddy, you gave me the opportunity to act on your behalf by writing proposals and initiating consulting work for you. We achieved great outcomes. Little did I know that was the beginning of my community-based project adventure. The principles you instilled in me continue to shape my leadership, my service to humanity, and my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world.

Your attentiveness and love for your grandchildren, Delali, Selasi, and Fafali, were always evident. You longed to see Fafali fulfill the promise she made to you six years ago: “Grandpa, I pray you get well soon, because when I grow up my husband and I will come and take you to America.” You would laugh heartily and beam with a broad smile whenever you remembered that innocent, childlike promise. Today, I say farewell to a remarkable father whom I am privileged to know as a true servant leader. On behalf of the FOLI-AHETO family and all friends in the corporate fraternity who call you DADDY, I say thank you, Daddy. Thank you for your guidance, love, and enduring example. I am immensely grateful for the profound impact you have had on our lives and the lives of many others.

FOFOO!!!, PAPA!!, DADDY!!!

HEDENYUIE! HEDENYUIE!

On behalf of all of us, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, we want to honor you today, Grandpa.

You began in Tsiame, in the Volta Region, and from those roots you grew into a man whose care reached far beyond our family. As a professor, you opened doors for countless people, and as a son of your community, you gave freely, including the children's party you held year after year, a small tradition that told everyone they mattered and were seen. You were a pillar to this family and to all who were lucky enough to know you.

You always reminded us to carry ourselves with discipline and professionalism in everything we set out to do, yet your heart softened most around the little ones. You simply loved being with them. We saw who you truly were in the quiet sacrifices. Even when you were far away and unwell, you made sure to be there for my son's baptism. That is who you were. You always showed up.

The youngest among us, like that same little boy now only a year old, will grow up knowing you through the stories we tell and the example you set, a life measured not by what you kept but by how much you gave.

Though some of us cannot be here in person today, our love crosses every distance to be with you now.

We were so fortunate to be yours. We always will be.

With all our love.

Grandpa was a source of inspiration and stability. He taught us important values like honesty, hard work, respect, and perseverance.

Through his actions, he showed us what it means to live with integrity. We recall a time when we used Mommy’s 5-gig bundle and lied to Grandpa, claiming we had no internet at home to do our prep work, hoping he would send us money to reload before Mom returned from work. Unfortunately for us, Grandpa called Mom to ask why she hadn’t ensured internet access for his grandchildren. Hmmm! That moment brought a profound change for all of us; we were convicted, and from then on we embraced the spirit of truth and integrity.

Grandpa calls us every morning and evening when Beloved Daughter (Mommy) is out of the country for official duties. He is the kind of person who calls our classroom teachers to learn our monthly academic assessment grades. He taught us Ewe history from the Torgbe Agor-Korli era, a few traditions from TSIAME and AGBADZA CULTURAL TROUPE, and the ethnic relationship between the Ashanti and Ewe. At one point, we asked Grandpa whether the OTUMFUO was our WƆFA (Uncle) and YAA ASANTIWA our Auntie. Grandpa cherished every moment spent together. Whether sharing stories, offering advice, or simply being present, he made each of us feel valued and loved. We always remember these words of advice, phrased in Ewe: “DEVIWO MIGANA AMEADEKE NABAMIWO ALO ABLEMIWO HEE33. MIDONSENU NE MIAZU AME NUTEFE WORLAWO”. This is a profound statement that he always explains with evidence from his life experience. Grandpa, we can now speak and understand a few phrases in Ewe because of your support.

Grandpa, you may no longer be with us in person, but your memory will live forever in our hearts. We will continue to honor your life by living by the principles you taught us. We appreciate your strength in difficult times and your gentle counsel in moments of uncertainty.

HEDENUIE MIALORWO DAA!!!

Grandpa, rest well with honor.

The Anlo Traditional Council, with heavy hearts but with profound gratitude to the Almighty, celebrates the remarkable life, illustrious academic career, and enduring legacy of our noble son, Prof. John Bright Kobla Aheto.

Prof. Aheto was a beacon of intellectual brilliance and an exemplar of the values we hold dear in the Anlo State—integrity, dedication, and service to humanity.

His lifelong journey in academia, which spanned over five decades since 1971, brought immense pride not only to his family but to the entire Anlo Kingdom and the nation of Ghana.

As a tenured full professor, his intellectual footprint extended far beyond our borders. For 26 years, he distinguished himself in the United States, teaching at prestigious institutions such as York College, Hunter College, Florida A&M University, and Pace University.

Yet, true to his patriotic spirit and deep love for his roots, he returned to Ghana in 1996 to pour his wealth of knowledge back into the soil that raised him.

Prof. Aheto’s contribution to higher education in Ghana is monumental. He served with distinction across numerous premier institutions, holding high-profile roles including Vice Rector of GIMPA, the First Chairman of Banking at KNUST, Dean of the Central University Business School, and Vice-President of Kings University College. He was the Board Chairman of Zion College, Anloga until his demise.

His expertise in corporate governance, accounting, law, and strategic management shaped generations of leaders, corporate executives, and policymakers.

Beyond the classroom, his commitment to national and regional development was unwavering. From his long-standing service with the National Accreditation Board to his regional impact with ECOWAS and his leadership as a Council Member and Fellow of the Institute of Directors-Ghana, he lived a life dedicated to elevating standards of governance and professionalism.

We have lost a colossus, a towering intellectual, and a dedicated elder whose wisdom guided many. Though he has crossed the great river to join our ancestors, his legacy remains permanently etched in the institutions he built, the minds he enlightened, and the proud heritage he left behind.

Prof. John Bright Kobla Aheto, fare thee well.

Hede nyuie, nɔvi lɔlɔ̃tɔ. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

When I first came to New York in the 1970s, God blessed me by bringing Professor John Aheto into my life. From the day we met, he became my big brother. Though we were not related by blood, he welcomed me as family.

He encouraged me throughout my writing journey and stood beside me as I published and launched my five books.

Whenever I was in need, he was there. When I struggled to pay my rent, he helped me. When my wife-Sophie and I needed money for Junior and Richard's school fees, he never said no. He always gave willingly, quietly, and with a loving heart.

In fact, even after we both returned to Ghana, his kindness never changed. When my mother passed away in 2011, he was there again, helping me pay for a dignified funeral in Somanya and noble burial for her in Anyako....same thing for when Sophie passed in 2018. He supported her NYC funeral and her Accra funeral and burial too.

After so many years apart, one of my biggest blessings was seeing him again last year. I thank God that we had one more opportunity to embrace each other before he went home to be with the Lord. His friendship was one of God's greatest gifts to me and my family.

Professor Aheto, you were a true big brother, faithful friend, and generous man. My family and I will never forget your love and kindness.

Mia nɔvi lɔlɔ̃, Prof. Aheto. Míelɔ̃ wò. Akpe kakaka na nusianu si nèwɔ na nye kple nye ƒome. Nàtsɔ ŋutifafa dɔ. Míagakpe le Mawu ƒe fiaɖuƒe me.

(Translation: My beloved big brother, Professor Aheto, we love you. Thank you for everything you did for me and my family. Rest in perfect peace. We shall meet again in God's Kingdom.)

Rest in peace, my dear big brother. We will miss you always

As the first chairman and elder of the formative executive body of the ARS in North America church, you worked deligently with the Regional Superintendent Minister in Boston, while laying the foundation for the ARS, New York/New Jersey branch. You chaired the ARS Church in New York with wisdom and direction.

Through your efforts, the church found a place of worship at Columbia University in New York. You opened that door for us when we needed it most, giving ARS a home in the city. You didn’t stop there. You accompanied church members to visit other cities, strengthening the church in the USA — New Jersey, Chicago Boston. Maryland, wherever the flock was scattered, you went.

You taught us that leadership was stewardship. You opened every meeting with prayer and your favorite song: "Azor mezu Mawuvi, Yesu fe vu klor nutinye" You listened and when you spoke, it was to motivate us members to offer selflessly to build the church in North America.

Outside the church, the world knew you as the Professor who taught for 26 years in America and returned to Ghana to work in various capacities.

But to us at ARS, you were simply “Prof.” — the Chairman who knew every chorister’s name, who visited the sick, who reminded us that “excellence is a foundation we set.”

You told us to “be friends, families, and go-to persons” for others, because many have no one else. Prof. you were generous to a fault, giving without counting the cost.

The seat at the head of the table is empty now. But the doors you opened in various cities and in our hearts remain. The ARS Church in North America, particularly, in New York/New Jersey, and the entire ARS family, is stronger because you led us.

Rest well, Dor Gbe, Dor Gbe Prof.

We bow in total submission to the will of Almighty God as we pay tribute to a colossus, a patriarch, and a true son of the soil.

Professor John Bright Kobla Aheto was not just a lecturer; he was an institution. For over five decades, from 1971 until his glorious home call, he dedicated his life to shaping minds and building nations. After 26 distinguished years of teaching in the United States at York College, Hunter College, Florida A&M University, Pace University, and Brooklyn College, he made the noble choice in 1996 to return home and give back to his motherland.

Ghana became the grateful beneficiary of that decision. He taught at the University of Ghana Business School, the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Pentecost University, Wisconsin, Central University, Methodist University, and many other institutions. He was more than a Professor of Management; he was Ghana's foremost authority on SME Development, Corporate Governance, and Strategic Planning, and a trusted consultant to ECOWAS. He was a fearless voice for integrity, accountability, and quality education.

To Tsiame, he was more than a son. He was a builder.

While many left, Prof. stayed and built. His footprints are indelible in the story of Tsiame. When the Tsiame Youth Association established Tsiame Senior High School (TSIAMESCO) as a community school in February 1997, Prof. J.B.K. Aheto stood as one of its earliest and most consistent pillars. Long before its absorption into the public system in 2006, when teachers went unpaid and resources were scarce, he provided the moral, financial and material backbone that kept the school alive. The official School Digest rightly lists him among the few benevolent citizens whose commitment sustained TSIAMESCO.

But he did not just give money; he gave vision:

1. He Educated Beyond the Classroom: He challenged the purely academic model and personally advocated for and helped inculcate practical skills training modules into the community’s educational thought, emphasizing Technical, Vocational, Entrepreneurial, and SME skills, so that Tsiame youth could use their hands, heads, and hearts to solve problems. He lived his belief that not everyone must become an academician, but everyone must become productive.

2. He Empowered the Citizenry: As a Management and SME Development expert, he led free mentorship, entrepreneurship, and youth development clinics for the people of Tsiame, the Keta Municipality, and beyond. He mentored the TYA, TADA, and generations of young people, connecting Tsiame youth to global opportunities through his AIESEC network as Ghana’s oldest living alumnus.

3. He Built Institutions: He taught us to build institutions, not individuals. He was always a phone call away, offering counsel on community governance, school administration, and community development planning.

To us, Tsiame Council of Chiefs, he was a father, a disciplinarian with a soft heart, a library, and a friend whose wisdom was always within reach. He supported us in many ways. Thank you, Prof! You fought a good fight, you finished your course, you kept the faith. Your legacy lives on not only in lecture halls around the world but also in the very blocks of TSIAMESCO, in the skilled hands of Tsiame youth, and in the values of integrity and service you instilled in us.

Rest in perfect peace, Prof.

The Chiefs, Elders, and People of Tsiame, and the Tsiame Youth Associations say fare thee well!!!