Former DCE Kwabena Panin Nkansah Remembered for Faith, Leadership and Dedicated Service

The Abuakwa State College Class of 1978, the New Patriotic Party, the people of Atiwa East and members of Ghana’s public service fraternity have joined the family of Hon. Kwabena Panin Nkansah, Esq., in mourning the former District Chief Executive, lawyer, banker and distinguished Old Abuscodian.

Family members, friends, former schoolmates, political associates, public officials and community members gathered on Saturday, September 12, 2026, to bid him farewell at a solemn burial ceremony marked by grief, reflection and gratitude. The occasion also celebrated a life devoted to God, family, community and public service.

Members of the Abuakwa State College Class of 1978 described his passing as a profound loss. They entered the school together in 1973 and completed their studies in 1978, building a brotherhood that endured for more than five decades.

The class remembered Hon. Nkansah as a rare combination of intelligence, humility, professionalism and compassion. Throughout his career in law, banking and politics, he earned admiration for his integrity, dedication and commitment to serving others.

He occupies a distinguished place in the history of Abuakwa State College as one of its alumni who rose to the position of District Chief Executive. To members of the famous Nickel/Isomer fraternity, he was more than a classmate—he was a dependable brother and a pillar of their association.

His contribution to the unity and development of the Class of 1978 was particularly significant. He drafted the group’s constitution, which has helped to keep its members united, active and committed to one another. His life exemplified the enduring Susubiribi spirit of friendship, solidarity and mutual support.

“Kwabena, due! Oh onua pa, due! Akyemkwaa Nana, due! Da yie,” the class said in its tribute.

Hon. Nkansah served as District Chief Executive of the former Atiwa West District, with its administrative capital at Kwabeng. In 2018, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed him as the first District Chief Executive of the newly created Atiwa East District.

As the pioneer DCE, he played a crucial role in establishing the administrative structures of the new district. He provided the leadership, stability and direction required during its formative years and helped to give the Assembly a permanent place from which to operate.

Paying tribute to him, the Member of Parliament for the area said Hon. Nkansah assumed office at a time when the newly created district urgently needed committed and dependable leadership.

“Hon. Kwabena Panin Nkansah served at a time when our new district needed leadership, commitment and stability. He embraced that responsibility with dedication. His support was sincere, his counsel was valuable, and his commitment was dependable,” the MP stated.

The District Chief Executive for Atiwa East, Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim, and his delegation also acknowledged the lasting contribution of the late former DCE to the development of the Assembly.

According to the delegation, the Atiwa East District Assembly premises will always stand as evidence of Hon. Nkansah’s hard work, dedication and resilience. At a time when the newly created district was struggling to find its footing, he helped provide the institutional foundation that enabled Atiwa East to step out of the shadows and establish its own identity.

The Assembly described him as a visionary leader and a man of integrity whose commitment to community development remained evident throughout his years in public office. His legacy as a former DCE for Atiwa West and the pioneer DCE for Atiwa East will continue to inspire present and future public servants.

The burial ceremony also highlighted Hon. Nkansah’s deep Christian faith. One of the most touching moments occurred when his children used the occasion to evangelise and share the message of Christ, demonstrating that their father’s devotion to God continues to live through his family.

His life showed that leadership extends beyond holding public office or achieving professional success. It is also measured by the values instilled in one’s family, the lives touched and the principles passed on to future generations.

Hon. Kwabena Panin Nkansah will be remembered not only for his distinguished career in law, banking and politics, but also for his Christian faith, loyalty, delightful sense of humour and selfless service to his people.

His memory will continue to inspire his family, former schoolmates, colleagues and the communities he faithfully served.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Lawyer, nante yie. Atiwaman da wo ase.
Reported by the Information Services Department (ISD).