A Lamp, A Village, and A Vision – How Earl Ankrah Lit Up A Community in Northern Ghana

We believe Mr. Earl Emmanuel Ankrah was born with a vision to serve and uplift others. From his early years, he distinguished himself through diligence, humility, and a deep pursuit of knowledge. His educational journey was marked by excellence and discipline, qualities that prepared him for a life of meaningful impact.

With a passion for learning and a desire to impart knowledge, he chose the noble profession of teaching as his path to serve both the nation and humanity. He was posted to the quiet village of Nmanduanu-Kuroboi in the Sissala East District, where, within a year, he remarkably mastered the local dialect, Sissali.

Commitment to National Duty

Upon the successful completion of his 6th Form in 1989/1990, Mr. Ankrah was called to undertake his National Service. He was posted to the then Nmanduanu Basic School, which served the twin communities of Nmanduanu and Kuroboi, located about one and a half miles apart.

For many, national service is often seen as a temporary responsibility, but for Mr. Ankrah, it became a mission of sacrifice, mentorship, and lasting community impact. His commitment to national duty was epitomized by walking with his pupils every day, one and a half miles, Monday to Friday, from Kuroboi to Nmanduanu.

Service in Kuroboi

While residing in Kuroboi, Mr. Ankrah served as a teacher, mentor, and community leader, despite being very young at the time. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the educational development of both children and adults, providing not only knowledge but also discipline, encouragement, and guidance.

In a community that lacked almost every resource, he worked tirelessly to ensure his pupils received quality education through creative improvisation and sacrifice. Realizing that one year of service was not enough to accomplish his mission, Mr. Ankrah voluntarily extended his national service for an additional year, from 1990 to 1992.

During this period, he introduced what became known as the “night school”, a non-formal education program in Kuroboi. Using his personal lamp under a tree each evening, he taught adults how to read and write. This initiative went on to win the Non-Formal Education Division competition twice in the Welembelle Circuit, in 1991 and 1992, held in Challu and Kulfuo, respectively.

This remarkable achievement not only elevated the image of our community but also brought us certificates and awards.

Beyond academics, he extended his influence into the very fabric of community life. He supported families, encouraged parents, and became a trusted counselor. His dedication went far beyond the call of duty, as he sacrificed personal comfort for the growth and wellbeing of his pupils and the wider Kuroboi community.

For me personally, Mr. Ankrah was not only my first teacher but also my mentor, one who believed in me and laid the foundation for my academic and personal growth.

Mentorship and Legacy

Mr. Ankrah’s impact cannot be measured merely by the number of years he served, but by the generations he inspired. Many who passed through his hands went on to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and life goals that would not have been possible without his early guidance.

His story is a powerful reminder that true greatness is not defined by wealth, status, or titles, but by the lives we touch and the hope we inspire. His name is forever etched in the hearts of the people of Sissala East, Kuroboi in particular, and his sacrifices remain a beacon of inspiration for all who knew him.

Find below a list of some of the lives Emmanuel Earl Ankrah has directly touched

No.	Name	Started	Current Position/Level	Contact#
1	Bio Yahaya	JSS 1	A Head Teacher, BSc Ed.	0243836
2	Wuoda Balubie	Prm 6	Police Inspector, BSc Admir	0248170
3	Forkor B.Zakaria	Prm 6	Warehouse/Inventory, MSC & Logistics.	0541649
4	Forkor Hillia	Prm 5	A SHS Teacher, BSc Ed.	0249824
5	Bio Abubakar	Prm 5	A Nurse, BSc In Public Health	02413558
6	Bio Seidu G.	JSS 1	SSS, A Businessman	0247851791
7	Moro Batun	JSS 1	SSS CEO Diamond Alata Soap, Lapaz	02441548
8	Batun Nachina	JSS 1	SSS, NADMO	02006876
9	Samoah Musah	JSS 1	SSS, A Businessman	05447562
10	Forkor Brahim	Prm 6	SSS, A Businessman	05509141
11	Bachina Abdulai	Pm 4	SSS, A Businessman	02460589
12	Chakiwia Abu	N.F.E.C	A Businessman	05940192

Conclusion

The life journey of Mr. Earl Emmanuel Ankrah is one of commitment, sacrifice, and service to humanity. His contribution to Kuroboi during his national service years remains a shining example of what it means to live selflessly for the good of others.

As we honour his life and legacy today, we do so with deep gratitude, acknowledging him not only as a teacher of knowledge but as a builder of dreams, a mentor of destinies, and a servant of the community.

May his story continue to inspire future generations to live lives of service, humility, and sacrifice.

By: ZAKARIA B. FORKOR

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Upon the passing of Earl Ankrah’s mother in 2024, the Chief of Kuroboi sent a delegation from Kuroboi in the Tumu District (of the Upper West Region) to Accra to participate in the funeral rites. The delegation was led by the then Member of Parliament of Sissala East and Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Sanitation & Water Resources, Hon. Amidu Issahaku Chinnia.