In Remembrance of Michael Nyarko-Baasi
This summer, we mourn the loss of Michael Nyarko-Baasi, a dear father figure and the leader of ICC Ghana. He lived a life of service and love that, no doubt, will continue to inspire others for years to come.
Michael took an interest in service very early in his career, working for ADRA as he attended college. He also consistently served at church on both a district and conference level. His heart for service transferred to the care of children when Michael began to realize the deplorable plight of many young ones in his hometown of Agona-Abodom. Read more about how Michael helped to start ICC Ghana by clicking here.
Now, as we mourn Michael’s passing, the children he cared for will continue to carry on his legacy of love.
Michael’s Life Sketch – Written by His Wife Rose
Michael Nyarko-Baasi was born on the 13th of January, 1961 at Agona Abodom in the Central Region of Ghana, West Africa, to Mr. Stephen Nyarko, an education director of Blessed Memory, and Madam Adjoa Kyerewaa, a trader. He had his basic training at Agona Abodom Presby Elementary School. Then, he proceeded to the Swedru School of Business from 1978 to 1982, after which he continued to the Aggrey Memorial Senior High School for his Advanced level Certificate. He converted to the Seventh-day Adventist faith in 1984 during his time at Aggrey Memorial Senior High School.
He then worked with the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) for about five years. After that, he had the opportunity to attend the University of Science and Technology, now the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, for a Bachelors degree in Computer Science.
It was during this time that we got married. God blessed this union with three children namely Yaa Kyerewah Nyarko-Baasi, Kwadwo Amoah Nyarko-Baasi, and Yaw Asiem Nyarko-Baasi.
Michael’s Career and Founding ICC Ghana
After successfully graduating, He then undertook his National Service at the Records department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. After this, He joined the staff at Valley View University as one of the lecturers. Later, he returned to ADRA but still kept on lecturing at Valley View University. It was at this time that he joined International Children’s Care organization after realizing the deplorable plight of a lot of children in his hometown of Agona-Abodom.
He obtained a master’s degree in business finance from the University of Ghana Business School in 2001. Shortly after, he joined Methodist University College Ghana as a lecturer and eventually commenced his PhD studies. At Methodist University College Ghana, he served as the Head of Department of the Finance department before his departure.
A Life of Service
Mr. Michael Nyarko-Baasi remained a significant pillar of his local Seventh-day Adventist church all through his life. He was never absent from weekly worship meetings. He served as a church elder all through his life and worked in every department of the church such as the treasury, personal ministries, Sabbath School, stewardship, and the children’s departments. In addition, he also worked at the district and conference levels of the church as an executive member.
Thank you, Michael!
Please pray for Michael’s loved ones and the children in ICC Ghana. While the project will continue without the special care of its founder, his presence will be missed. Meanwhile, we celebrate Michael’s life and look forward to the day when all will be reunited in Heaven!
If you feel called to give a donation in Michael’s honor, please click the following link and select “Memorial – Specify in Note” as your gift designation, then type Michael’s name into the note section to dedicate your gift in his honor.
