World-renowned sickle cell expert Prof. Felix Israel Domeno Konotey-Ahulu of Ghana passed away in London, in the United Kingdom on Tuesday according to family sources.
“My beloved father, Professor F.I.D. Konotey-Ahulu, passed away at 11:55 a.m. today. He was 94 years of age,” Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, a son of the late Prof. Konotey-Ahulu announced on his facebook page.
According to Dawid , “This morning, as he approached the end of what he called his “short, uncertain, earthly life and pilgrimage”, he was completely calm and at peace, knowing that he would soon be with his Father and his God. He was a truly remarkable man and, without doubt, the single greatest influence on me.”
He added that the family was holding up their mother Rosemary, also 94, as she deals with the loss of her husband of 63 years.
“We are all now in grief, but supported by a huge outpouring of love. Our deep gratitude to everyone who is thinking of us and praying for us,” Dawid stated.
Professor Konotey-Ahulu was born on 12 July 1930 in Odumase, Krobo. He was educated at Achimota School and Legon University in Accra and then qualified in 1959 as a doctor at Westminster Hospital, London, before working for many years at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
Professor Konotey-Ahulu was not only a pioneering doctor, scientist and researcher but also a passionate educator and advocate for better healthcare in Africa. He was deeply committed to understanding and addressing genetic disorders, and his extensive research and publications have been invaluable in advancing this field.
Throughout his illustrious career, he received numerous awards and recognitions, and he was widely respected for his dedication to patient care and education.
Professor Konotey-Ahulu’s legacy extends beyond his medical achievements; he was a much-loved Christian leader and teacher, one of the founders of Accra Chapel, a mentor and an inspiring role model to many in the global medical community. He leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Professor Konotey-Ahulu leaves behind Rosemary, his darling wife of 63 years, his children, Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, Carys Brown and Lydia Campbell, his 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren as well as his beloved surviving sisters, Mrs Edna Soyannwo, Mrs Gritty Gboloo, Mrs Ruby Djangmah, Mrs Catherine Archampong and Mrs Ann Andoh. We also remember his recently departed brother, Rev David Konotey-Ahulu, and his sister Mrs Helen Maa Sachs together with all other relatives in our wide family.
Additional information was from Sicklecell.MD on facebook.