Honorable Evangelist Dr. Enoch Teye Mensah, commonly known as E.T. Mensah, was born on May 17, 1946, in Koforidua, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
His parents, Mr. Emmanuel Teye Mensah (also known as E.T. Mensah Snr or Niitse Goldsmith), a highly esteemed goldsmith, and Madam Elizabeth Nartehkuor Nartey, a draper, both hailed from Afutu Wem and Adjoka Wem of the Kley Abordo Clan in Prampram, part of the Greater Accra Region.
EARLY YEARS OF LIFE & EDUCATION
Honorable E.T. Mensah commenced his early education at Koforidua Methodist Primary School and later transferred to Akorabo Methodist Primary and Middle School near Suhum in the Eastern Region, following his parents’ relocation.
In 1958, his family moved to Ashaiman, near Tema, where he continued his middle school education at the Akodzo Middle School in Tema Community One. He completed his middle school education in 1962, achieving a distinction in the Middle School Leaving Certificate Exams.
Subsequently, he relocated to Mamprobi-Dansoman, Accra, to live with his elder brother, the late S.N. Mensah, who worked at Accra City Council (now Accra Metropolitan Assembly, AMA).
In 1964, E.T. Mensah attended the SNAPS College of Accountancy and Secretaryship at Asylum Down, Accra. Excelling in his studies, he was recognised as the best student when he took the Royal Society of Arts Examination. Consequently, he was employed as a tutor at the college.
Later, he established the Institute of Business Education (IBE) in Mamprobi, focusing on Business and Management Studies, where he served as the head.
E.T. Mensah’s educational journey continued with notable achievements, earning a Master of Arts (MA) certificate in Theological Studies and a Doctor of Ministry (PhD) certificate from Vision International University, Ramona, California. He graduated as the valedictorian at the ceremony.
Additionally, he held the title of Fellow of Good Standing in the Institute of Financial Accountants (IAA) and was a member of the National Association of Public Accountants (USA) and the Institute of Public Accountants (FIBA), Australia.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES
While at Akodzo Middle School, E.T. Mensah played a pivotal role in the school’s football team, showcasing excellence that earned him a recruitment to the now-defunct Tema Hurricanes Football Club. Playing alongside notable teammates like goalkeeper Peter Shallowa, Ofori Mambo, and the late King Pele, he contributed to making the Tema Hurricanes a formidable force in the Ghana Football League. The team posed a significant challenge to renowned clubs such as Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak during their tenure in the league.
Subsequently, E.T. Mensah was enlisted to play for Auroras and Hearts of Oak between 1967 and 1976. He shared the field with football icons like Sam Amarteifio, Addo Odametey, Tommy Vanderpuije, Mohammed Polo, and Anas Seidu, among others.
During the early days of Tommy Thompson’s chairmanship at Accra Hearts of Oak, E.T. Mensah became a member of the Welfare Committee, contributing to the team’s successes in Africa Club competitions.
E.T. Mensah’s football prowess during his school years caught the attention of Lever Brothers (Gh) Ltd. (now Unilever Gh. Ltd.), leading to his employment to play for the company’s team in the Tema Inter Departmental Football League during the early 1960s. He also traveled with the team to participate in matches in Nigeria and other neighbouring countries.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Hon. Dr. Evangelist E.T. Mensah’s illustrious career as a public servant and esteemed politician has earned him admiration from individuals within and beyond the borders of Ghana. His journey encompassed diverse roles, showcasing his dedication and competence.
Beginning his professional journey as a college tutor, E.T. Mensah went on to serve as a headmaster, auditor, senior accounts clerk, and accountant. His multifaceted experience reflects his commitment to public service and administrative excellence.
E.T. Mensah garnered international recognition as a Fellow of the American Biographical Institute and participated as a Member of the World Conference of Mayors. Additionally, he held membership in the Ghana Institute of Management, further highlighting his involvement in professional and global networks.
POLITICAL LIFE AND ACTIVISM
Whilest working at the University of Ghana, Legon continued with his activism, where he joined a Left-wing political study group comprising notable political stalwarts such as the Late Prof. Kwesi Botchway, Comrades Tsatsu Tsikata, Fui Tsikata, Prof. Kwame Karikari, Prof. Takyiwaa Manu, Akoto Ampaw and others. This group later culminated in the now-defunct New Democratic Movement (NDM). The group set up study cells across the country to educate working people on the tenets and principles of the class struggle for emancipation.
E.T. and two other colleagues, namely Professor Botchway and the late Abraham Dodoo, a senior civil servant, signed the first policy document of the group, the New Democratic Movement (NDM). This group worked assiduously to raise the political consciousness of mainly workers across the country.
It was no wonder, many of the members joined the revolutionary waggon of December 31; he was instrumental in the 1981 coup detat led by the late President Rawlings.
Hon. Evangelist Dr. E. T. Mensah, as a politician, was the PNDC Metropolitan Secretary for Accra (Mayor of Accra), the capital city of Ghana, for ten (10) years (1982–1992). During his tenure of office as Mayor, Accra witnessed many developmental projects that were unprecedented in history of Ghana. He was the architect of how the city of Accra looks like today.
In 1992, when the country was ushered into democratic governance, Hon. ET Mensah became the Deputy PNDC Secretary for Youth and Sports. By dint of hard work, dedication and valour, he was promoted to substantive minister of Youth and Sports from April 1993 to January 2001.
He was the sports minister who turned sports around in Ghana. He introduced Professional Football and Premiere League. Clubs were directed to register as corporate entities. He also introduced Sports Policy, Player Transfer and Sponsorship Programmes. The National Youth Policy was also rolled out in 1999.
He was a Founding Member, National Youth Organizer and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for many years. He was a Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram Constituency for an unprecedented five (5) consecutive terms as Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing (He also acted as Minister of Education and Agriculture).
He served as a Member of Government Taskforce to oversee the implementation of the President’s Priority Projects at the Office of the President.
E.T. MENSAH AND PRAMPRAM
As a native and royal of the Kley Abordo Clan of Prampram, Hon. Dr. Evangelist E.T. Mensah dedicated himself to elevating the status of Prampram, a region that historically served as a trading route to the coast before independence.
During his tenure as Mayor of Accra (AMA), he exerted considerable effort to secure advancements for Prampram and Ningo communities. In 1987, his diligent work led to the extension of electricity to these areas.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the reconstruction and paving of the road from Dawhuenya (Prampram junction) to the main town, addressing its deplorable condition. E.T. Mensah also spearheaded the construction of a bridge over the Djange Lagoon, significantly reducing travel time from Old Ningo to ten miles from the previous twenty miles.
Furthermore, the late E.T. Mensah played a crucial role in the establishment of the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly, showcasing his commitment to local governance and community development.
E.T. MENSAH, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE.
ET was unanimously elected as a member of the Council of State with a one hundred percent majority vote to represent the Greater Accra Region in 2021, where he remained an active seating member until his untimely death.
As a native and royal of the Kley Abordo Clan of Prampram, Hon. Dr. Evangelist E.T. Mensah dedicated himself to elevating the status of Prampram, a region that historically served as a trading route to the coast before independence.
During his tenure as Mayor of Accra (AMA), he exerted considerable effort to secure advancements for Prampram and Ningo communities. In 1987, his diligent work led to the extension of electricity to these areas. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the reconstruction and paving of the road from Dawhuenya (Prampram junction) to the main town, addressing its deplorable condition. E.T. Mensah also spearheaded the construction of a bridge over the Djange Lagoon, significantly reducing travel time from Old Ningo to ten miles from the previous twenty miles.
Furthermore, the late E.T. Mensah played a crucial role in the establishment of the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly, showcasing his commitment to local governance and community development.
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