Knutsford University, CASLeR mourns passing of Pro Chancellor’s father, Samuel Kobina Essel

The Knutsford University community has been plunged into mourning following the death of Abusuapayin Samuel Kobina Essel (1935–2026), father of the University’s Pro Chancellor, Mr. John Kwamena Essel.

The Centre for African Studies, Leadership and Research (CASLeR), where Mr. Essel’s leadership continues to have a significant impact, has expressed solidarity with him and the entire Essel family during this difficult period.

Abusuapayin Samuel Kobina Essel passed away at the age of 91, bringing to an end a life marked by resilience, faith, family devotion and service to his community.

Over more than nine decades, he built a legacy of custodianship, moral strength and service, values which, according to CASLeR, continue to live on through his children and the many people whose lives he touched.

The family has announced funeral arrangements to honour his memory and celebrate his life.

A family wake-keeping will be held at Tantra Hill on Friday, September 11, 2026, ahead of the final funeral rites.

The burial service will take place at the Graduation Grounds of Knutsford University on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The choice of venue reflects the close relationship between the Essel family and the University community.

The late Abusuapayin will subsequently be laid to rest in his hometown, Dominase Abedzie Etsi Sonkwaa.

A final thanksgiving service will be held at the Nsawam Road Church of Christ on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

For CASLeR, the death of Abusuapayin Essel is not only a family bereavement but also an opportunity to reflect on the values that have shaped the leadership of the Pro Chancellor and, by extension, the Centre.

The Centre, which focuses on African heritage, innovation and leadership, said the late Abusuapayin’s life embodied many of the principles that underpin its mission, including integrity, vision, custodianship and service.

"In mourning his father, we also celebrate the roots of Mr Essel's leadership, which continue to inspire us to unite heritage with innovation," CASLeR stated.

The Head of CASLeR, Nanayaw Kwakye Boadu, who has served at Knutsford University for more than a decade, described the loss as one that extends beyond the immediate family.

"This loss resonates profoundly with us. Mr Essel has been more than a leader; to me, he has been a father — guiding, mentoring, and nurturing with a spirit that embraces not only his family but all of us at CASLeR," he said.

He added: "To the Centre, he is a custodian of heritage and a visionary who bridges tradition with modern leadership. His father's passing reminds us of the roots from which such vision springs — roots grounded in resilience, faith, and community."

CASLeR said the values instilled in Mr. John Kwamena Essel by his late father have contributed to the leadership qualities for which he is known within the University community.

The Centre therefore described the Pro Chancellor as not only a leader but also a father figure to many of those who work under his leadership.

"To our Pro Chancellor, we say: you are not alone. Your CASLeR family stands with you, honouring your father's memory and affirming the legacy he has passed on through you," the Centre affirmed.

"We call him father because that is what he is to us — a father whose influence reaches far beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of all who serve under your leadership," the statement added.

The University community has extended its condolences to Mr. Essel, his family, relatives and friends, while praying for strength for them throughout the mourning period.

The community also celebrated the enduring legacy of Abusuapayin Samuel Kobina Essel and the values he passed on to future generations.

"May the soul of Abusuapayin Samuel Kobina Essel rest in perfect peace. May his memory strengthen us, and may his legacy continue to shine through the work of Knutsford University and CASLeR."

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