Tributes
“KOF is a giant who has left behind a great legacy for many generations to come.” - Dr. Siana Nkya
Sickle Africa Data Coordinating Centre
Organizational Tributes
SADCC (Sickle Africa Data Coordinating Center)
KOF has been a global leader in the field of Sickle Cell Disease, long before many of us can remember, he has trained generations of physicians all over the World and published landmark research that still informs, today, the care of people living with Sickle Cell Disease Worldwide. Read more
One SCD Voice
He held many roles on the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America board of directors over the years, including a chief medical officer, board chair, and board member emeritus. He also sat on the SCDAA Medical and Research Advisory Committee. His presence will be sorely missed in our organization and in the community at large. Read more
Prempeh College-Amanfoo North America
Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong was admitted to Prempeh College in 1959. He was affectionately nicknamed Ralph Boston, after the famed American Olympian. He was an exceptionally brilliant student who excelled in academics, music and athletics. Read more
Prempeh College- Old Students Association (AMANFOƆ)
In January 1960, a group of innocent-looking teenagers, averaging 13 years, from all corners of Ghana descended on Prempeh College campus, located at Sofoline on the outskirts of Kumasi. Among the innocent fresh boys dubbed “Homo-Dwan” was a handsome looking boy Kwaku Ohene-Frempong (KOF), from Kukuratumi a town in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Read more
Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)
The Newborn Screening Programme (NSP) for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in Ghana was started by Prof Kwaku Ohene-Frempong at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital through his initiative which secured a National Institute of Health-sponsored grant in 1995. Read more
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
He held many roles on the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America board of directors over the years, including chief medical officer, board chair and board member emeritus. Read more
WAGMC (West African Genetic Medicine Centre)
Prof. Ohene-Frempong was the president of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana, director Emeritus of the comprehensive sickle cell center, and a global leader who devoted an increasing amount of time to sickle cell disease work in Africa. He was an important and inspirational member of the WAGMC team since its inception. Read more
Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana
One thing I will always remember Prof. Ohene-Frempong with is his willingness to share his knowledge with you. He would take his time to answer every question you ask him. Read more
Ghana Physician and Surgeons Foundation (GPSF) of North America
Submitted by: Dr. Bertha Serwa Ayi, President
Members of the Ghana Physicians and Surgeons Foundation of North America (GPSF) were saddened to learn of Professor Ohene-Frempong’s illness from his beautiful and strong wife Janet. We could not bear the thought that this giant of a person would have to endure so much pain. Read more
Submitted by: Dr. Kwame Aniapam Boafo
It was in the formative years of the GPSF that at a Conference at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong was voted as the second President of the Organization and that was not by fluke. The Organization needed to gain roots and needed a Visionary Leader. Dr. Frempong had served as the Vice President under Nana Prof Boakye Adjei. Read more
National Haemoglobinopathy Panel
While the loss of his presence and humanity is greatly mourned, his far-reaching contributions to Sickle Cell Disease will be deeply cherished. Read more
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
KOF was Director Emeritus of the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at CHOP and Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine. For decades, he served as a clinician, researcher and advocate, becoming a world-renowned expert in sickle cell disease. Read more
US Ghana Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong was a founding member of the US Ghana Chamber of Commerce and remained on the Board till his passing on May 7th, 2022. Read more
Yale Athletics
At Yale Dr. Ohene-Frempong lettered in track for four years and in soccer for three. He captained the indoor track team in 1969-1970 and the outdoor track team in the spring of 1970, earning his second straight Ivy League 110m hurdles championship that season. Read more
Ghanaian Association of the Delaware Valley (GADV)
GADV Independence Day Dance
The members of the Ghanaian Association of Delaware Valley, Inc. would like to express our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to our sister Janet, his beloved daughter Afia, and his grandchildren Aya, and Yaw. May they be consoled in the knowledge that KOF lived well. He did not live just for himself or his family but for all of humanity. Read more
TRIBUTES
FAMILY
Submitted by: Yaw Ohene-Frempong (Grandson)
My Grandpa wasn’t only my Grandpa, but a hero to people all over the world. Ever since my dad was born he was determined to eliminate sickle cell disease. He never gave up when it came to work. He would fall asleep working. I always admired his grit and determination. I will forever see him as one of the most important people that contributed to my childhood.
He loved tradition so we started our own by going to Reading terminal and having pancakes at one of our favorite spots. He always made it a point to attend our weekly zoom meetings to see how my sister and I were doing. My Grandpa has done a lot to help patients with sickle cell disease but he always made sure he stayed involved in our lives.
From being one of Yale’s finest sprinters, to the Founder and President of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana, and finally one of the most important people in our history, he will still always be known to me as grandpa.
I will miss him and hope that one day I can make him proud.
COLLEAGUE
Submitted by: Senior B.R. Ayisi, Past President, Amanfoo Greater Accra Association.
TRIBUTE TO A SPECIAL AMANFOO
The name, Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, was very familiar because it was engraved on the School Prefects Notice Board at Prempeh College. My Seniors, who were contemporaries to Senior KOF, told me that this fine gentleman was a national athlete and a sportsman par excellence. Read more
FRIEND
Submitted by: The Rev. Canon Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Andoh
A TRIBUTE TO KOF
My wife, Mrs. Margaret Andoh, and I express our deepest condolences to Auntie Janet and Afia, on the passing of our brother and friend, KOF. We reflect with profound gratitude the many years we spent together as families. We have been friends for as long as we have lived in Philadelphia! Read more
ORGANIZATION
Submitted by: Rubye Jenkins-Husband, MS UNFHCC Sickle Cell Program Erie, Pa.
Our thanks to Dr. Frempong for his leadership and pioneer work with Sickle Cell Anemia. We appreciated his presentations with our Sickle Cell Symposiums here in Erie, Pa.
COLLEAGUE
Submitted by: Anna Gallagher
KOF’s CHOP retirement
Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong was a remarkable, wonderful, caring person. He was so respectful and kind to all he met. It was a honor to work for him.
FAMILY
Submitted by: Aya Ohene-Frempong (Granddaughter)
He was a doctor and a friend, but most importantly, he was my grandfather. Some of my favorite memories is when he used to take us to Reading Terminal, or when he went to my school charity event and we raised $200. But my favorite memory is when he used to sit on the couch and stretch his legs, and me and my brother Yaw would climb up the couch and slide down his legs.
One time, he came home in his work clothes. When I saw him, I said, “I want to be a doctor too!” Ever since then, I’ve always wanted to become a doctor. Something I wish I could have said when he was still here is ‘Thank You’.
He was a father figure in my life, when my dad wasn’t around. I also want to say that I’m proud of him. He helped so many people and saved so many lives. He was a hard worker and never stopped working.
But most importantly, I want to tell him that I love him, and he will always be in my heart, no matter how far apart we are.
CLASSMATE
Submitted by: Ambassador Kwesi Ahwoi and Ing Kwadwo Asare Awuku (Freeman House mates at Prempeh College)
KOF and the core members of the “Rattlers Pop Band” at Prempeh College 1965. KOF seated, Kwesi Ahwoi behind him. (L-R) Kwadwo Asare Awuku, Mike Percy Danquah (non member, deceased), Johnny Cal Ansah ( non member), Adolphus Quist, ( deceased) and Dwamena ( non member) Members not in the picture are John Osei of Freeman House and Asante aka Bob Sasa (the drummer) of Pearson House (deceased). Read more
PATIENT/PATIENT’S FAMILY
Submitted by: Tariq Kelly
Early in life, I was handicapped by my family. Their ignorance in regards to sickle cell anemia, kept me inactive. Through Doctor Frempong, and his vast knowledge, I was allowed to play organized sports in my youth. I am forever grateful for Dr. K.O.F!!!
COLLEAGUE
Submitted by: Courtney Fitzhugh
I first met KOF when I was a medical student, and from the beginning, he treated me like a colleague. His love and passion for sickle cell disease were infectious. I will miss his gentle spirit and smile that lit up the room. His legacy lives on through us.
FRIEND
Submitted by: Bridget Spencer
Words are inadequate. The pain is deep, yet, the marathon continues. My memories of Uncle KOF go way back. What I’ll remember most is his willingness to always listen. Read more
PATIENT/PATIENT’S FAMILY
Submitted by: Belinda Arthur
You will be missed thanks for taking care of me ❤️💕
COLLEAGUE
Submitted by: Elizabeth Utsch George, Senior Meeting Planning Manager at CHOP
SCFG/CHOP 2016 conference Accra, Ghana
It has been an honor and a privlege to work along side KOF and the entire CHOP Sickle Cell team on education programs throughout the years. I'm grateful to have known this legend and friend!
COLLEAGUE
Submitted by: Nick Evageliou
As someone who trained under KOF, it is impossible to overstate his influence on all of us. I will always remember his knowledge and compassion....but also the joyful and energetic approach he brought to all he undertook, whether it was a prolonged patient interaction or a simple chat in the hallway. He will be greatly missed.