Stephen Apeaning Abu Sr.

Stephen Apeaning Abu Sr. has been a key to the success of the SEED program in Ghana. He has opened his home to give the interns a place to stay, provided access for volunteer opportunities, translated classes, interviewed loan applicants, assisted in collections, and is the respected local figurehead of the SEED program. Stephen mentors Douglas and Wasatch Social Ventures interns on what direction to take the program and has unsurpassed knowledge of businesses in the community, particularly cocoa farming.

Stephen was born on July 27, 1943, ½ mile away from his current home in Abomosu, the seventh of twelve children. He married Margaret Ofosuah Abu in 1972 and together they have 6 children (5 girls and 1 boy) and 16 grandchildren. Each intern that has the privilege of staying with the Abu’s is adopted into the family and becomes one of Stephen and Margaret’s children.

Stephen, who the locals call Master Apeaning, spent most of his life as an educator in Abomosu. He worked his way up from being a teacher to the Headmaster of Abomosu Presbyterian Middle School and Junior Secondary School. His promotions continued from that position as Stephen became the equivalent of a school district superintendent for Abomosu and numerous surrounding villages.

Although Stephen has now retired from working with schools and children, his work continues in other areas. He has become an extremely successful farmer of cocoa, plantains, yams, oranges, coconut, pineapples, and other fruits that are spread across his 9 farms. Villagers are constantly coming to him for advice on how to operate their farms or to get help in their personal lives. Stephen is the country director for World Joy, a NGO that builds schools throughout Ghana and is also the Chairman of the Water and Sanitation Development Board for Abomosu. He was recently called as a Branch President for the local LDS church and has held numerous other callings in his 30 years of church membership. As a result of all his involvement in the community, Stephen has become a local celebrity who garners great respect from everyone. As Stephen says, “Only the child in the womb doesn’t know my name.” He rejoices whenever he can help to improve the lives of the people in Ghana, particularly for those who live in Abomosu.

Stephen Sr. initially became involved with the SEED program when he and his son, Stephen Jr., visited Utah State University and spoke with faculty members about bringing students to Abomosu to introduce the SEED program to Ghana. He believes that the program has been very useful in helping the poor and the needy in Abomosu and the surrounding villages. Stephen prays, “That the program will continue so life becomes meaningful to the people around this area.”