Abraham Kofi Antobam Woode

Biography of  Mr. Abraham Bernard Kofi Antobam Woode was born on Friday 24th January, 1941 to Mr. Benjamin Johnson Woode and Mrs Hannah Woode, both of Enyan Abaasa in the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency of the Central Region. He was the 11th child of his mother. His father was a well respected catechist of the Methodist Church in his community. Unfortunately, his father died before his birth, hence his name “Antobam”, leaving his mother, a single parent to take care of him and his siblings- a duty she lovingly and diligently discharged.Uncle Kofi Antobam, as he was affectionately called by all was a bubbly child, he quickly learned the values of respect, humility, dedication and a sense of responsibility to one’s duty to the family and the community he lives in. Uncle Kofi, was an extrovert by all standards. One who lived by the mantra that “One does not need to know a person by name before making an acquaintance or friend”, hence he had an army of friends and was likeable to many both young and old.After completing his primary education at his hometown and passing his Common Entrance Examination, he gained admission to Ghana National College at Cape Coast in 1957. He obtained his Ordinary Level Certificate in 1961. He then continued with his post - secondary education at Kwadaso Agricultural College in the Ashanti Region, where he trained to become an Agricultural Extension Officer. After graduation, he was posted to various communities in the Central Region, where he provided technical support to both farmers and fishermen.He was passionate about improving the livelihoods of the communities he served and he was more that eager to offer advice and assistance when needed. He recounts the various journeys he undertook on his motorcycle from one community to another sharing his knowledge and expertise in his field and also the valuable lessons he learnt through community engagements.He later joined the Agricultural Development Bank as a project officer. He was instrumental in the setting up of the branch at Assin Fosu, where he later became the manager until his resignation after the Coup of 1981 when he had a tip-off that his life was in danger. He relocated to Accra to join his elder brother, the Late Mr. Kwesi Anaku Sam-Woode, who was an established publisher and had founded the Sam-Woode Ltd (SWL). He worked with his brother whom he admired and respected for several years. When he eventually decided to settle in Cape Coast to raise his family, he continued to be the key distributor of Sam-Woode (SWL) books to schools in Cape Coast and it’s environs.He established his own business with a bookshop at the Old Kotokuraba Market called Antomais Bookshop for several years until he was unable to do so due to old age. His bookshop was always full of people which was not surprising because of his affable nature. However, many of such visitors were there to either take a break from their shopping in the market or to indulge in other social discourse. He was very knowledgeable in customary matters and people went to him to discuss their problems and have them resolved. He had such a pleasant disposition that endeared him to others. In most cases, you will see him standing whiles his visitors occupy the little space in his modest shop.Mr. Antobam Woode started a family with Madam Rita Davis in the early 70s. They are blessed with Six Children; Constance Woode, Charity Woode, Hannah Woode, Emmanuel Woode, Bernice Aba Woode and Benjamin Woode. He had other families; Late Madam Sarah Adjapong of whom he had Emmanuel Bernard Woode; Madam Margaret Asaam of whom he had an adopted son, Ernest Mintah. He was blessed with 17 grandchildren. Mr. Antobam Woode loved his family dearly. He made a lot of sacrifices to ensure that they receive the best of education. He instilled the fear of God, discipline, hard work, patience, dedication and gratitude in them. He loved children and he was ecstatic anytime he is called Grandpa by his grandchildren or any child he encounters. He never lost his wits and humour even in difficult times and always had a story or a personal life experience to share when giving an advice.In his later years, Mr. Antobam Woode joined the Church of Christ, in Enyaan Abaasa after a visit to his hometown. Upon his return to Cape Coast, he joined the UCC church and later the Central Church of the Church of Christ in Cape Coast. He was committed to his attendance to Church and was always visited at home when he could not attend. These visits became regular when he was unable to make it to church regularly due to ill health. He was always expectant of their visits on Sundays and enjoyed the Bible studies and communion service. Mr. Antobam Woode considered gratitude as one of the greatest virtues of life and he was always thankful to His Maker for blessing him with the love of his family and the people around him.He never ceased to say “Thank you” for even the little courtesies extended to him by both young and old. We remember when he was taken ill on Friday,22nd November, 2024. He told us before he left for the hospital that he will come home soon. We had no doubts about that, and on subsequent visit by us to the hospital he was eager to be discharged. At a point he wanted to use his walking stick to walk around the hospital ward to demonstrate that he has fully recovered. He always extended his greetings to his grandchildren and always enquired about them when we visited.On Thursday, 28th November, 2024 he was called home to His Maker. Although we are sad that you did not come home to us, we know that you are at a better home that our Father in Heaven has prepared for you. We will miss you dearly, but we are consoled that you are at a better place.Rest in Peace, Mr Antobam Woode,Rest in Peace, Daddy,Rest in Peace, Grandpa. ↑ Show less