Francis Owusu-Banahene

Biography of Francis Owusu-Banahene Read by Kofi Adutwem Francis Edward Kwabena Owusu - Ansah affectionately referred to as Nana Owusu-Banahene was born on 13th April 1962 at CPC Kumasi, Ghana to Mr Francis Edward Owusu-Ansah (younger brother of Kenyasehene) of the Kenyasi Oyoko Royal lineage and his wife Madam Theresa Dapaah (Bremang Oyoko Royal family) both of blessed memory. Francis was the eighth born of nine children. Francis was named after Kenyasehene Nana Owusu-Banahene [his father’s older brother]. He began his primary school education at St Joseph School in 1967 in Ashanti New Town, Kumasi. In 1975, Francis Owusu-Ansah was accepted at Opoku Ware Secondary School and assigned a unique identifier, “Z55”, consistent with the School’s long standing tradition for new intakes. He became the school dining hall prefect in 1980. Francis was also the star of the school drama group that performed during the school silver jubilee celebrations in 1977. An all rounder, he joined the schools table tennis club as one of the star teams that would go on to win the championship. Francis was a basketball fan, loved travelling and reading science fiction. As an exceptional student, he was among a select few students to be invited to sit the A-Level Exams early. However, an opportunity to further his education abroad came knocking and Francis left sixth form to further his education in Australia. Upon arrival in Australia in 1986, as with many migrants, Francis went through the hustling and bustling of being in a new country but with support of his eldest brother, Dr Anthony Owusu- Ansah he was able to find his own rhythm and make a life for himself. Being the industrious and academically-inclined person was, in 1988, Francis enrolled in a Diploma in computer programming technology at the Computer Power Training Institute, Crows Nest, Sydney. He continued with his academic pursuits and in 1994, gained admission to Monash University and graduated with a degree in computing. He secured an opportunity with IBM immediately after his studies and worked with the organisation for several years. He later transitioned to EDS which had its inception from IBM. Still working full-time, Francis began a Masters degree in information Technology at Macquarie University in Sydney. A very devoted father, he was fully involved with his children and supported them however possible with their chosen endeavors. Francis was a big believer in education, and considered it the one gift in life that no one can take away from you. In the late 2000’s, Francis started his own network company that took him around the globe working for companies in Saudi Arabia, South East Asia, China and his native country of Ghana. He followed in his parents footsteps and set up business ventures in Ghana. He later joined Bendigo Bank. Francis became ill three weeks before his passing. He was in good spirits and demonstrated courage until the very end. Francis peacefully went to be with the Lord on the 26th April 2020 and is survived by his two children, Pinaman Owusu-Banahene and Alick Owusu-Banahene, siblings and nephews and nieces and other extended relations. May His Soul Rest Eternity In The Arms Of His Maker. You will Forever be in our hearts and sorely missed. Onua Pa Da Yie.