TRIBUTE TO SIR KT. BRO. ALBERT EKOW ESSIEN
BY THE KNIGHTS OF MARSHALL COUNCIL 89, SAKUMONO
“Naked I came from my Mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there, the LORD gave, and LORD has taken away, blessed be the name of the LORD” – Job 1:21
The news of the death of our dear ‘Gentle Giant and strong’ man reached us with shock and disbelief. We vividly recall that at our last Council Meeting held on July 18, 2015, his usual seat was reserved for him throughout the meeting in anticipation of his arrival; which never materialized, only to be informed the following day that he was on admission at the C and J Hospital, Sakumono. After mass on that Sunday, Brothers and Sisters trooped to the hospital to interact and pray with him. Brothers and Sisters were happy to hear that he had been discharged the following day, Monday, and so they were greatly surprised to hear on Tuesday morning that our beloved Sir Knight had transitioned to the Noble Order above.
Sir Kt. Bro. Essien was initiated into the Noble Order of the Knights of Marshall, Council No. 10, Accra, in August, 1971. He later transferred in 1973 to Ghana’s Premier Council, Council No. 1 Sekondi, where he became fully integrated in the activities of the Noble Order. By dint of hard work, he was appointed the Financial Secretary and served from 1975 to 1979. He was also a member of the Golden Jubilee Planning Committee of the Noble Order. In 1984, he transferred to Council No. 37, Tema where he became the Deputy Grand Knight from 1986-1988 and subsequently installed as the Grand Knight and served for the period 1988-89. He also played various key roles for the advancement of the Council including Reader and Lecturer.
As a foundation member of both Council No. 64, Teshie-Nungua, and Council No. 89, Sakumono, respectively, the late Sir Kt Bro. Essien brought his influence and experience to bear on the activities of both Councils, providing mentorship to all brothers especially the Grand Knights and other office bearers.
Sir Kt. Essien was instrumental in the formation of the Marshallan Association at the Corpus Christi Church. Through his guidance, direction and leadership, the Marshallan Association was recognised as one of the key groups within the Parish. He played a vital role between the Association and the Supreme Council and provided the platform for effective lay apostolate which created the appropriate grounds for the establishment of Council and Court at Sakumono. These efforts yielded positive results leading to the consecration of Council No. 89 and Court No. 85. After the consecration, Sir Kt Bro Essien never relented on his efforts and thus ensured that Council No. 89 became a household name within the Noble Order. He led a team of officers to ensure an effective formation and instruction on various courses of study within the Noble Order.
Installed as Past Regional Grand Knight in 1997 and Past Supreme Knight in 2002, Sir Kt. Essien with his vast experience became the obvious choice as Adviser, Teacher, and Lecturer at Council Meetings and at numerous courses organized for various categories of officers of Council 89 and the erstwhile Greater Accra Regional Council and subsequently Tema Regional Council; a role he performed with distinction.
Sir Kt. Essien was a man of many parts, a man of substance whose relationship cut across various segments of the society no matter their social or economic status. He was a fatherly figure with a large heart, cool and accommodating whose pieces of advice carried weight at all times.
We have missed a great personality and an open-minded character. For us, his leadership and sense of commitment to the development of our cherished Noble Order would continue to inspire us into greater heights.
REST IN PEACE IN THE BOSOM OF YOUR MAKER.
Damirifa Due
Da Yie