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01.08.2014 Feature Article

Reflections Of Our Soldier Dad: Col Peter Mama Agbeko

Col Peter Mama AgbekoCol Peter Mama Agbeko
01.08.2014 LISTEN

Sunday 8 June 2014 started like any normal day in my fifty something year life. It however ended like no other. The 4.40am phone call from my mum was the game changer!

Her message was short but incisive. Please come over immediately, something's happening to your dad. I quickly scrolled through my phone contact list and desperately tried to reach a doctor friend. No such luck!

My multitasking skills kicked into full gear as I sped off towards my dad's Ashongman residence. Many thoughts run through my fertile mind. What at all could be happening to my dad - Col. Peter Mama Agbeko - my all time blowman! The term blowman is from the protagonists in movies. Anytime my dad said, "Come and make me a blowman", he meant let the cash flow.

I can confess that on that faithful day I broke all the speed limits, and my good friend ACP Angwubutoge Awuni would have been displeased with me. I made it to Ashongman in record time and dashed into the residence, which my parents fondly refer to as - Casa Mamoyo.

The first person I met was Dr Samuel Adjei, the commanding officer of the 37 Military Hospital. He is my dad's neighbour and a family friend. As I greeted him and made my way towards the bedroom, he quickly hinted me on what to expect. My steps quickened. My blowman was gone!

My mum narrated everything to me and I went over to see the lifeless body of my dad. Spontaneously I said a prayer for him. Dr Adjei called in the police to record the essential details after which he arranged for an Ambulance. In all this I found a number of things surreal. Taking off my dad's necklace and ring, helping to convey him into the Ambulance, taking him to the morgue and seeing him after the post-mortem, has been a humbling experience.

Perhaps a little background on the departed old soldier will help put things in perspective.

Early life and education
He started school at a Muslim compound in Tudu at the age of four and later enrolled at the Roman Catholic Infant School at Korle Wokon in Accra.

Dad progressed through the Junior School and went on to Saint Joseph's Catholic Senior School at Adabraka. He passed out from the Senior School with flying colours at the end of 1944, and gained admission to the prestigious St. Augustine's College at Cape Coast (Augusco) in early 1945.


St. Augustine's College had been one of the many projects to which his father, Stephen Tonato Agbeko had made an appreciable contribution. In recognition of this, his name is proudly displayed on a plaque at the school's administration block.

After two years of frequent, disturbing ill-health in Cape-Coast, he was withdrawn by his parents and enrolled much closer to home at Accra Academy. Just like in Augusco, he maintained his academic excellence, passing out successfully at the end of 1950.

Professional career
Col. Agbeko was called to the Degree of the Utter Bar at the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in May 1960. He then enrolled as a Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Ghana in October of 1960. Peter also served as Honorary Counsel and Attorney-at-Law in the United States Court of Military Appeals.

He was honourably released from the Ghana Armed Forces in 1980, at the age of 51, having served for 19 years, 1 month and 2 days.

He was the first Ghanaian lawyer to be commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces. He was enlisted on March 17th 1961 with identification number GH 178. With time he became the first Director of Legal Services.

Dad was on duty tour in Namibia for close to 8 years (from January 1992 - September 1999). He served as the Special Legal Advisor on Civic Affairs to the Government of the Republic of Namibia. He worked closely with the current President of the Republic of Namibia - President Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba who at the time was the Minister of Home Affairs. He returned to Ghana on 20th September 1999.

How can I tell a story that relays the message of what his love and strength has meant to us ALL. While it is extremely difficult to sum him up in a few sentences, I think I can proudly describe him as an officer, a gentleman, a distinguished lawyer, a mentor, a husband, a friend, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Who was this man that commanded such attention when he walked into a room? Who was this man who strangers called their dad? The endless messages from around the world are heartwarming. He was called the 'people's soldier' for a reason. He truly lived an exemplary life of a humatarian because when you met him, that is the only thing he saw -- a human, without any labels, accolades, or rank. He treated everyone from the market ladies and taxi drivers to the President with the same level of respect. His greatest strength was his humility. If you knew him, you know that he loved people and he loved and celebrated life and living. He was a style icon and especially loved his collection of hats.

Dad was an avid reader, crossword puzzle master and oh yes, Sudoku king. At 85, his brain was sharper than most of ours. He was an intellectual who could dialogue on any topic with ease.

He completed the last chapter of his autobiography aptly titled 'Wig and Gun' - Memoirs of a Soldier's Lawyer shortly before his passing. My siblings and I will ensure that the world knows your remarkable story.

My dad made friends with people from all walks of life and that opened my eyes to the principle of humility in a world in which people often refused to interact with those from a different or less privileged social class. We will truly miss the conversations, the hearty laugh and the signature 'bye bye for now'after each phone call. When we think of my Dad, we will think of all of the good times we were fortunate to have shared.

The laughter, the dance moves, the interesting conversations, and oh so many stories. He had some funny ones from his days as a student in London, fly fishing adventures in Canada, skydiving, time spent in Namibia and his fond memories of one of his favourite places of all times Geneva, Switzerland.

If you were lucky enough to know Auntie Gloria, his wife of over fifty years, you no doubt are aware that dad enjoyed some wonderful meals with his liquid nourishment. Dad had a sweet tooth. The man loved chocolate and ice cream and his evenings were not complete without a cuppa and tea biscuits.

Not only were you a wonderful husband, but a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, best friend, colleague ...and so much more. Your ability to make everyone feel comfortable, secure and loved was one of your greatest strengths. Your good nature attracted people the moment you walked in a room, and no one could forget that booming voice and hearty laugh.

Your military travels took us to Canada, Switzerland and Namibia. His most favourite trips were always the ones to visit the children and grandchildren.

You were truly the people's soldier whose house was open to all. Dad was always such a gentleman - well mannered and polite, but always quick with a witty remark.

You loved the military and you died like a soldier. How amazing that you called and spoke to your children that fateful Saturday afternoon.

It was your last goodbye. Before you finally fell asleep, you asked your wife whether the next day was Pentecost Sunday and said you were going to skip church. You held on to your Rosary as you always did and little did we know that you were being called to a higher place in the early hours of Pentecost Sunday, 8th June 2014.

The funeral program begins with a Burial Service on Friday, 1st August, 2014 from 9am at the ST. CATHERINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, BURMA CAMP, ACCRA. This will be preceded by a Filing Past from 7am. Interment will follow at the Military Cemetery, Osu-Accra. Funeral rites and reception will take place at the Retired Commissioned Officers Club (VAG) immediately after the burial on Friday.

On Sunday 3rd August, there will be a Church Service at REV. KWESI DICKSON MEMORIAL METHODIST CHURCH, ATOMIC HILLS, and ASHONGMAN ESTATES at 9am. This will be followed by a reception at VAG club house at 1pm.

As we celebrate the life of Colonel Peter Agbeko, may I ask that we share our hopes for peace on earth. Life is too short to do otherwise.

Thank you for the lifetime of memories that we will treasure and hold on to forever.

We salute you Old Soldier! Rest in perfect peace Dad.

COL PETER MAMA AGBEKOCOL PETER MAMA AGBEKO

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