Keep shining, Grandpa

I lived downstairs from Grandpa, and for years, our interactions followed the familiar rhythms of Ghanaian etiquette between elders and children: routine greetings, polite exchanges. But everything changed with one simple question: "Why are we called de Youngster?"

That question opened a door to so much more than just a family name. In retelling his story, I realised the name stood for an ethos my grandfather had: agency, striving for excellence, and always going the extra mile. Looking at my aunts and uncles—all enterprising individuals—I used to wonder where their drive came from. That conversation helped me understand: it really is in the blood!

It would be easy to remember Grandpa just through his quotable wisdom about ambition, discipline, and excellence. But these values were all rooted in something deeper: love and care for others. Yes, he believed in being the very best, but underlying that was a profound love that showed itself in many ways - supporting his siblings, raising his children, uplifting the communities in which he found himself, from Asamankese to Nima.

People speak of his grand achievements as a pacesetter and patriarch, but I was privileged to know him more intimately: as a man whose greatness came from how deeply he loved and his determination to express that love through action. Keep shining, Grandpa, however old, continually a young star.