RANSFORD ACKAH'S BIOGRAPHY

Ransford was born on July 15, 1945, at Esiama in the Western Region of Ghana to Gordon Ackah & Dinah Armoo both of blessed memory. He was the sixth of seven children they had.

Ransford completed his basic education at the Esiama Government Mixed School, and from there continued to the Cape Coast Government Boys School (Philip Quaicoe) where he completed his Middle School education in 1960. Ransford took his studies seriously because getting into school had been a challenge financially. He was able, with the kind assistance of a teacher called Miss Riberio, to pay his fees for the Common Entrance exam. However, even while he passed with Distinction on two occasions and gained admission to Mfantsipim School and Ghana National College, respectively, he had no means of support for his secondary education. From childhood through his early years, Ransford faced many other financial and health challenges. When his schooling seemed to appear to reach a halt, Ransford took on odd jobs to provide a living for himself. Things got so bad financially at a point that he eventually returned to Esiama to help his mother bake bread for sale. Ransford did this for a while before returning to the big city in search of other opportunities to make a living.

Ransford’s calling came in Kumasi in 1962. One evening in the company of a friend, Mr. Kofi Korang Akuffo, as they walked around the city during the festivities if the Christmas season the happened upon a group of young people singing and preaching the gospel.

Ransford was transfixed as he recalled in his early childhood when his father would teach him to memorize bible verses, and later reciting these verses of scripture in church. The effect on him at that moment was so profound that he stepped forward when the preached invited the gathering to an alter call. Despite being ridiculed by a few others standing by, there was no turning back for Ransford. One of Ransford’s favorite memories of this period in his life was when he was invited to attend the Assemblies of God (AG) Mission, to which the evangelistic team belonged. Early one morning while visiting the mission house, he ran into the janitor, Mr. John Kwofie, who was cleaning and singing happily through his day. Through conversation they struck a friendship, and over the course of time they would meet and pray together. Ransford became very involved in the AG Mission, initially as a Sunday School Teacher, and later as a Christ Ambassador Leader to a youth group within the Church’s Mission.

Ultimately Ransford, who was also known as Ackah-Sanzah at the time, responded to the Lord’s calling to give his life to full time ministry. He was accepted to the Southern Ghana Bible Institute of the AG Mission to be trained as a minister of the gospel from 1964 to 1967, with the support of Mr. Thomas Edward Ampofo Snr., of blessed memory, and Mr. James Acquaye, both close family friends. Ransford was an outstanding student and performed with excellence in every endeavor of his education.

In his second year, Ransford was appointed as Student Pastor for seven localities in the Eastern Region. Although he was young, his commitment to his calling led him to bring many to Christ. He went on to be elected as class Speaker and eventually as the Student Body President in his final year at Bible College.

In 1968 Ransford became the National Director of the Christ Ambassador for Southern Ghana. Then in 1969, he became National Coordinator for Ghana, the first African ever at that time, to be assigned such responsibility. When the renowned Evangelist, Morris Cerullo visited Ghana in 1967 and again in 1969, he invited Ransford to be his interpreter, and which resulted in many lives being saved. After graduating from bible college Ransford was posted to the Nkawkaw District in the Eastern Region, having the responsibility for all AG branches as Evangelism Coordinator. He was 22 yrs old at the time. He was later transferred to Kumasi where he continued his service as Evangelism Coordinator for the southern sector.

Ransford always had a big heart and a burden for children, and this led to the publication of a weekly article; Pastor Ransford Chats with Children. This was published several years. Additionally, because he desired to minister to other Ghanaian denomination, Ransford, made a tough decision to part ways with the AG Mission where he had served as a full-time minister with them for almost a decade.

In a bid to acquire deeper spiritual development, Ransford travelled to Europe in 1970 where he undertook a one-year program in Kent, UK. From there he proceeded to the USE. His plan was to eventually establish a Bible College in Ghana in partnership with a friend, Thomas Quaye. However, on arrival to the US, he met a group of people, Christians, who touched his life profoundly. His whole focus changed and thus begun his quest to have the Local Churches established in Ghana. Ransford remained with this group for over a year and then decided to return home to take a stand for the same purpose. Three persons (Ransford, his wife Johanna, and Thomas Quaye) returned to Ghana with the goal of starting the Local Churches in Ghana. He was only 26 years old going on to 27. This was the man Ransford Ackah-Sanzah was.

During the early establishment of the Local Churches in Ghana, life was a struggle, but Ransford’s vision and desire to implement God’s plan equipped him with the courage and fortitude to face all odds. On countless occasions, Ransford found himself virtually penniless, but he would not let anyone know. At one point Johanna, with their new first-born son, had to return to living with her parents to receive added support.

Beyond the unspoken challenges, Ransford was regarded as a pioneer in his occupation. Someone who paves the way for others, demonstrating true leadership. The Local Churches currently in existence today both in Ghana and along the West Coast of Africa were the core of his life’s work.

On August 14, 2016, after visiting the Churches in the Western Region of Ghana, Ransford left for Axim to visit his brother, whom he had been told was unwell upon his return from a trip overseas. While returning to Accra on August 15, 2016, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident that instantly claimed the life of his driver, Kofi Takyi. Ransford passed away shortly after he was taken to the hospital in Apam. He was a victim of the indiscipline and reckless driving on the roads in Ghana. Ewuradjoa, one of Ransford’s many ‘daughters’ who was travelling with them, fortunately survived the accident.

Ransford is survived by his ‘darling companion’, Johanna, his four wonderful sons and four beautiful grandchildren, in addition to the countless others who were very much a part of the family.

One of the tributes to Ransford reads: “..if I were the Pope, I would canonize you; If I were the Queen, I would Knight you. But the Lord has done both…”  What more can one say. Ransford certainly fought the good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith. Finally there is indeed laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the Righteous Judge will give to him. Amen!

RANSFORD'S EARLY LIFE 

Ransford moved from Esiama with one of his older brothers, who brought him to Cape Coast to live with other family members through his middle school age. In school his teacher Mrs. Ribiero was the teacher who supported him financially. He then went to live with his cousin on his mother’s side in Kumasi. It was during this time in Kumasi Ransford met Johanna Ama Derx. At that she only knew him as ‘Ransford Ackah.’

In Kumasi he ran into a childhood friend called “Akuffo.” It was Akuffo who first shared how much Ransford like to dance and how good he was at it. Johanna on the other hand was very introverted. There was a place call “Jamboree”, a club in Kumasi (in Amakrom). There was a dance competition at the club and Ransford entered and won the competition. Then it was like almost the next day he was invited to a Gospel Meeting at the AG Church. The preacher was Osofo (Pastor) Adjei. Ransford attended. After the gospel was preached there was an alter call and Ransford responded and got saved. This was around 1965 and he would have been 20yrs old. This was a gospel week for the AG mission. The next day he invited Akuffo to attend. This time, just before the altar call Ransford pulled his friend up to the front. Osofo Adjei allowed them to stay up front. He prayed for them and led them to salvation. He has regularly attended church since then.

The Southern Ghana Bible institute (SGBI) students came to Kumasi. The students usually go on tour to various churches and would encourage others to enroll in the Bible College. Through this contact Ransford was convinced this was his calling into the ministry. He was so committed that he became popular in the ministry. In the Assemblies of God (AG), they had a group called ‘Christ Ambassadors’ He was very active in this group that he became the head of the local group. The local leader who would work closely with the ‘white’ missionaries. Travelling across the country preaching the gospel and helping the youth ministry. He was very fond of children and was very involved in the Sunday School ministry. The AG issued a regular magazine and there was a section created for the youth called “Pastor Ransford chats with children.” He used this column to tell stories and apply it to bible stories also.

It was there in the AG where Ransford met his friend Thomas Quaye. Thomas was an evangelist; He was a roaming preacher representing not only the AG but for other organizations also. They became very close friends. Ransford was so strong in his faith that whatever foreign evangelist would visit Ghana he would be the one assigned to translate the message into the “Twi” language. One such preacher was Morris Cerullo, who used to visit Ghana where he conducted four major crusades, training sessions, and meetings. A key visit was a notable 1978 crusade at the Accra Independence Square.

Rev. Ransford Ackah, a prominent minister with the Assemblies of God Ghana, served as Morris Cerullo’s primary Twi interpreter during his historic crusades in Ghana during the late 1970s. 

Key Details of the Connection:

The 1978 Crusade: Rev. Ackah was the voice that translated Cerullo’s messages into the local Twi language during the massive crusade held at Black Star Square (then Accra Independent Square).

Spiritual Impact:

Ackah is often remembered for his high-energy and precise interpretation, which helped bridge the cultural gap and was instrumental in the spiritual "explosion" that occurred during that period.

Mentorship:

Like many other leaders of that era, his involvement with Cerullo’s Morris Cerullo World Evangelism (MCWE) helped introduce the "School of Ministry" concept to Ghana, which focused on training local pastors rather than just holding crusades.

While leaders like Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Charles Agyinasare are often cited as Cerullo's "spiritual sons," Rev. Ransford Ackah is specifically recognized for his technical and spiritual role as the lead translator who made Cerullo's ministry accessible to the non-English speaking Twi population.

RANSFORD & JOHANNA

Later when Johanna met Ransford, she only knew him as Ransford Ackah. They had a traditional marriage in 1970 in Ghana.

Soon afterwards Ransford was invited to Germany by a Christian group. He was invited by Peter Asmos. Ransford ran into Thomas Quaye again in Germany. Shortly afterwards, Thomas left Germany and continued on to the US. His friend Akuffo now lived in the UK at the time. Thomas Quay wrote to Ransford and told him that he had met a group of people and what they believed in was different. He invited Ransford to ‘come and see.’

During this time Ransford wrote a letter to Mr. Derx, his father-in-law, to advise that he had extended his trip and was seeking his permission to have Johanna come meet him in Germany. Johanna received an invite to visit Germany.

After completing his evangelical rounds in Germany he left for the US to see the group Thomas was talking about. He arrived in Los Angeles and was introduced to the Living Stream Ministry. So, by the time Johanna was ready to travel to Germany, Ransford had left for the US, but returned soon after to be there when she arrived. Johnanna left Ghana on December 23, 1971, and Ransford was there to welcome her. But then he told her that he had to leave again back to Los Angeles, and that she would be in the care and company of the Christian group he worked with in German. Johanna stayed with the (Mennonite) group for a time. There was a home for young girls whom mom lived with, and the caretaker of the facility was called Dora Lichty.

Before Ransford for the US he took Johanna to the city if Freiburg in Germany and introduced Johanna to the Living Stream Ministry branch in Freiburg. One of Ransford’s main contacts there was a newlywed couple called John and Mary So. Ransford became friends with them also, as they were all a group of young adults, with no children at the time, having a common burning desire to know God and share the gospel of salvation to others. On occasion, Johanna would leave the Mennonite mission house she was staying at and go visit John So’s group in Freiburg.

Johanna ended up staying in Germany for about seven months before Ransford asked her to leave and join him in the US. However, she needed a visa for entry to the US which se did not have at the time. She realized that it was easier to travel to Canada, where she did not need a visa as a Commonwealth Country, so she traveled to Toronto and lived there for about two months so she could apply for the US visa. There she was introduced to Albert & Janet Zehr, and other Christian families. Johanna reflects that during this time was the first time she saw a family outside Ghana with seven children. Prior to that she thought it was only in Ghana were families so large, like hers.

Johanna was issued the US visa and travelled on to the US, arriving in Los Angeles. At the airport she was met by not only Ransford, but a few other brothers from the ministry namely, Ken Unger, Dave Matheson, and Howard Agashi.

The home she was taken to was Ken Unger’s house, which was a ‘sisters house.’ That weekend in the meetings she was further introduced to the elder’s such as John Ingalls, and others. Through conversation Ransford mentioned that they had undergone the traditional marriage in Ghana before their travels, so the saints made arrangements for them to have a church wedding there in Los Angeles; nothing too extravagant, Johanna recalls, and that was just what she pictured the occasion to be.

After 1972, Ransford received conviction from the Lord to return to Ghana. He understood the message and had a burden to return to Ghana to start the Local Churches in Ghana. By this time Johanna was pregnant with their first child. They both travelled to Germany before Ghana.’

Because Ransford lived in Germany for some time he had established some close friendships and acquaintances. There was a widow in Germany who insisted to take Ransford on as her adopted son. Her name was Frau Hasson. On this occasion, before Ransford moved back to Ghana she inquired from him his reason for wanted to go back to Ghana, realizing that he wasn’t quite established back home. Ransford expressed the spiritual burden to raise the local churches in Ghana. She then decided to help out. She took them to the VW dealership and asked him which car he wanted.

Ransford selected a white (Westfalia) van with a sunroof. Frau Hasson then asked Johanna if she was prepared with all the needs to have the newborn. At which point she proceeded to buy baby supplies and materials in preparation for the newborn. In early 1973 Johanna came to Ghana first, then Ransford followed a month later, along with Thomas Quaye.

When they eventually arrived in Ghana Ransford decided they would live in Accra. The couple initially live with Ransford’s brother Ben Egjah (Pobee) in Kokomemle, before they got their own place in Madina.

When Ransford’s father (Mr. Gordon Ackah, a.k.a. grandpa Gordon) hear that they were back in Ghana he came to visit, and it was during this visit was the first time Johanna hear Ransford being called ‘Ackah-Sanzah’ by his father. Johanna asked him where that name came from, at which point Ransford stated that it was his given name. However, when he went to middle school in Cape Coast, he dropped the ‘Sanzah’ from his name. Initially Johanna had suggested they add the Sanzah to their marriage name, but Ransford refused. However, they agreed to give the Ackah-Sanzah name to the children so the name was not lost. Hence the name has been kept in the family to date. We are told that “Sanzah” in the Nzema language means ‘Raven.’

EARLY CHURCH

When Ransford and Johanna came back to Ghana they began getting in touch with those friends they previously knew and worked with through the Churches. This included Jerry Okine, who was AG Mission. Winfred Agbasi, Eliezar Yankee, just to name a few. They got in touch with a few many others; The Nkawkaw station contacts. Johanna remembers Comfort Adusu as one of the early contacts of the church.

With Ransford new VW van he had with an open roof they recalled times when the members of the local church (a.k.a ‘saints’) would pile into the van with the top open as they drove shouting “Jesus is Lord.” So the group became known as the Jesus is Lord folks.

There was a lady known as Regina Adai, a widow, who knew Thomas Quaye. She was also contacted to join the group. She later remarried a university professor. They also contacted Mr. William Ofori Attah, a judge and a politician.’

The group continued contacting several folks to join this new Christian movement, and their contact list included top leadership personnel within the country. However, one minor setback that was noticed is that the dignitaries contacted and invited to join could not cope with the fact that there was no special seating assigned to them when they attended the meeting. This was particularly unusual for the new local church to understand. The group did not regularly meet because they did not have a meeting location of their own. They would sometimes meet at places like the ocean front, Ridge park, Accra Museum, and at any school vacancies they could get. One such school was in Adabraka, located behind the Holy Spirit Cathedral called Amaamumo 3&4.

When Ransford was at Nkawkaw he met and made some contacts who were with the Presbyterian Church and Scripture Union, at the time .

It seemed many young folks attended the local church mostly because they were informed that a new group had arrived and all they do is say “Oh Lord Jesus,” so most of the mature ones were careful not to get ‘influenced.’ So, it was mostly young folks who would stop by to check it out, and they would get ‘caught’ by the Holy Spirit.

Ransford’s friend Akuffo was asked if he would join the ministry. However, at that time he was in school taking Accounting and decided to continue focus on his education.

When Ransford came to Ghana he resigned from the AG Mission, which was heartbreaking to them, since Ransford was very influential, especially for influencing and drawing the youth to the ministry. Even to date when Johanna runs into members of AG who knew Ransford they would state that Ransford has always been on their heart.

Johanna testifies that “Ransford is the type that when he sees something and knows it is good he will give his all to it.”