Tribute to Herman Chinery-Hesse: An African Technologist by His Uncle Ade Sawyerr
A Life Celebrated in Technology and Tradition
Gbɛfalɔ shi nɛɛgbɛ ooya
Atatu ewo, ojeŋŋ he kwraa
Ooya shia lo, Ooya shia lo
Ooya shia, Ooya Ataa we
Gbɛfalɔ shi nɛɛgbɛ ooya
Atatu ewo, ojeŋŋ he kwraa
The week before Owula Kojo (Herman Chinery-Hesse) passed, I invited him to be a guest on my weekly radio show, Bohu Obanyɛ Ofee, which airs every Tuesday on Radio Gadangme. This was meant to be a special opportunity to showcase and celebrate his remarkable achievements as an African technology pioneer.
A Sudden Loss and Unfinished Celebration
We had prepared extensively for the show, speaking at length on Sunday. But on Tuesday, just hours before broadcast, I received the devastating news that Herman had passed away. The shock was profound – he was truly irreplaceable. We scrambled to put together a tribute show, but it could never do justice to his extraordinary life and contributions.
Remembering a Visionary Technologist
Herman was a rare soul who blended traditional values with technological innovation. From our early days in 1980s London where I mentored him, to his groundbreaking work in Ghana’s tech sector, he consistently demonstrated visionary thinking.
I recall with pride discussing his first software program, Gbefalor, created for a UK travel agent. His later work developing “tropicalised” software solutions for African contexts showed his commitment to appropriate technology for our continent.
Pioneering Africa’s Digital Future
Our conversations often centered on how Africa could “leapfrog” into the digital age. Herman was at the forefront of this movement, working on pioneering projects like the online shopping platform BlackStar 53 and Afrikan Echoes. He insisted on using African names for his software, reflecting his deep cultural pride.
A Man of Culture and Connection
Beyond technology, Herman cherished Ghanaian traditions. In London, we bonded over Kenkey lunches in Brixton and Homowo festivities. His wedding to Sadia beautifully blended Krio and Ga traditions, celebrated with African drums.
What made Herman truly special was his ability to connect people. He transformed friends into family and mentored countless young technologists. This generosity of spirit, instilled by his parents Sister Akuokor and Bra Nii Tettey, defined his legacy.
A Lasting Legacy
My deepest condolences to his wife Sadia, children Nii Tettey and Naa Densua, and future grandchildren who will discover his monumental contributions to African technology.
Kpoo, Kpoo, Kpoo! Gbele eba tswa wɔ ojo!
Owula Kojo, Yaa Wo Ojogbaŋŋ
Uncle AD – Croydon London
This article is based on the original tribute by Ade Sawyerr. Read the full version at the source.