John Adjiri
QUARCOOPOME
Also known as Uncle J A, J A, Uncle Adjiri, or Teacher
Uncle Adjiri, known affectionately as Dad, was my father. As the second son of Martha Adaku Aryah and JSQ, he shared a close bond with his mother and siblings: two brothers, Ataa and TB, four sisters named ManKpa (Yarboley Nye), AyorkorNye (Auntie Ama), ManTeng, and ManFio, as well as his brother, Ataa Oko, the photographer. Dad held a special affection for his favourite niece, Auntie Comfort Innis.
Dad built a humble abode in Lagos Town where my mother, Auntie Doris and my grandmother, Aarku lived with us. There are cherished memories, from our pet dog Consider to Dad’s visits on his motor scooter. The unforgettable taste of Aarku’s banku and tilapia still lingers, reminding us of the privilege we had to know her.
Dad’s generosity knew no bounds. His sisters and their children moved into the Lagos Town house, where their descendants still reside today. Additionally, he readily embraced his nieces and nephews, including Ogbamey, Solo, Rosaline (may she rest in peace), Naa Ahema, Odoley, Auntie Adaku, Aryorkor, Sackey, and Bibioo, who found a loving home with us at different times.
As a father, Dad possessed a balanced approach of discipline and humor. His infamous phrases “Get in the room” and “Gye gyeme go way” sent shivers down our spines, serving as reminders that we were in big trouble.
His gentle nature, musical talent, and unwavering commitment to family values continue to inspire us
Biography
BIRTH HISTORY: Our late beloved son, brother, uncle and father, John Adjiri Quarcoopome (affectionately called “J.A”.) was born on Tuesday, August 14, 1928 to the late John Sackey Quarcoopome of Atukpai (Accra), and the late Madam Martha Adaku Ayaao of Gbese (Sakumo Tsoshishi), a subdivision of Accra.
EDUCATION: J.A. was rst educated at the Methodist Primary School and went on to Kinbu Government School, where he completed his Middle School Leaving Certicate in 1944. In 1945, he was admitted to Odorgonno Secondary School to prepare for the Cambridge School Certicate Examination, which he passed in 1948.
OCCUPATION: Although he enlisted as a Cambridge School Certicate Teacher early in his career, he soon abandoned teaching to join the Civil Service. It was his initial appointment in 1949 as an accounts clerk at the then Department of Agriculture that set forth his professional career. As a loyal civil servant, he readily accepted appointments around the country; indeed his steady and systematic rise through the ranks of the nation’s public accountants seemed to have coincided with his numerous job postings: as a sub-accountant in Kpeve (Volta Region) and in Asankragwa (Western Region) in 1954 and 1959 respectively; in Tamale (Northern Region), after his promotion to Assistant Accountant in 1960; and successive tours in Zuarungu, Lawra, and Bolga between 1962 and 1966. By the time he returned to Accra in 1967 he had attained full Accountant status. This was when the accounts section of the Department of Agriculture was incorporated into the Accounting Service, headed by the Controller and Accountant General.
During J.A.’s three-decades-long tenure at the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, he went on two transfers to Cape Coast and Kumasi, where he served as regional account and Chief Accountant respectively. In 1977, he was sponsored by the British Council to participate in the Ministry of Overseas Development Administration’s program in Public Accounts and Audit, offered at the South Thames College. At the conclusion of the course he was nominated by his peers to give the graduation speech, for which he received a standing ovation. At the time, it was considered the best speech ever to be delivered at the college.
Following his return from the U.K., J.A was appointed City Treasurer of the Accra-Tema City Council (now Accra Metropolitan Assembly – AMA). After serving in that position for two years, he was reassigned to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department to head its Training School. He then went on to become the Deputy Controller and Accountant General, a top position he held until his retirement in 1988. He was retained on contract for ve years.
SOCIAL: J.A.’s contribution to the Body of Christ (the Church) has been immense. He was baptized into this Methodist Church (Adabraka) by the late Reverend Ernest Bruce in 1934 and subsequently joined the church choir. An active and staunch member, he was best known for his many decades of service as Choirmaster and Chief Organist. His reputation must have preceded him, for wherever he was posted in the civil service, he ultimately assumed those roles.
J.A. had a quiet and unassuming personality. He was humble, friendly and liked by all those who interacted with him. A great motivator of people, J.A. encouraged his nephews, nieces and children to aim for professional careers. The number of qualied professionals in the extended family attests to his broad and lasting inuence.
J.A. left behind 13 children and 23 grandchildren.
J.A., Rest in Perfect Peace
Tribute
This tribute is a heartfelt reection on the life of John Adjiri Quarcoopome, written by his son, Dr. Nii Otokunor Quarcoopome. It highlights Dad’s qualities of silence, faith, and peace, emphasizing his role as a gentle and observant listener. The tribute describes Dad’s strict yet loving parenting style, his dedication to cleanliness, and his passion for music and church. It also acknowledges Dad’s respect for individuality and his impact on the lives of his children and adopted family members. The tribute concludes with gratitude for Dad’s inuence and the void his passing has left.
Tribute
“Man of Silence, Faith, and Peace: A Tribute to Dad
By Nii Otokunor Quarcoopome
John Adjiri Quarcoopome was a remarkable man known for his gentle nature, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to peace. Although he preferred to stay out of the spotlight, his quiet demeanor allowed him to be an attentive listener and keen observer. He possessed a wisdom that commanded respect, and when he spoke, his words had a profound impact.
Even in death, his silence speaks volumes.
As a father, Dad recognized the challenges of raising a large family in a multi-family household. He understood the importance of being strict to ensure his children’s success. He was vigilant about their education and parental responsibilities, forbidding cursing, lying, and jealousy. His disapproving glances and double reprimands had a lasting effect, and serious offenses were met with caning.
Dad’s dedication to cleanliness was evident in his ban on soccer to avoid bodily sores. However, his sons found ways to play, albeit with consequences. They would rush to hide and clean up when they spotted their father returning from work. Yet, he always seemed to know what was happening and would address their misbehavior when a fresh sore appeared.
Music held a special place in John’s heart, and he named his first three sons after classical musicians. His love for church and choral music was renowned, and all three eldest sons joined his church’s choir. His organ at home brought smiles and reverence. While he never had time to tutor his children in music, he supported their interests by providing instruments. One memorable incident involved his son being thrust into the spotlight as an organist in church, ultimately making his father proud.
Dad’s religious fervor went beyond music. He recited psalms with conviction and instilled in his children the value of submitting to God’s will. His favorite adage, “To each person, his or her path in life,” taught against jealousy and the appropriation of others’ humanity. He welcomed a diverse group into his home, enriching his family’s lives and exemplifying his generosity.
Dad respected the individuality of his children and refrained from interfering with their career choices. Instead, he cautioned them about hidden dangers. His third son, an archaeologist and art historian, surprised him, but John asked if it would feed his family. It became a challenge that drove his son to succeed and find fulfillment in an unconventional profession.
In his final years, Dad developed a close bond with his daughter Joyce, who became his caregiver and confidant. Her devotion and sacrifices were evident, and Dad affectionately called her “my precious daughter.” Her life now feels a void without him, as their special connection was cherished.
John Quarcoopome, your presence is deeply missed. We, your children, want to express our gratitude for allowing us to find our own paths in life, for not imposing your will upon us. You brought out the best in us, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your memory will forever inspire us to persevere and succeed.
Your legacy lives on.”
Children
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Family
Family Album
Enjoy with JAQ!
JA had a deep passion for music and the church, two things that brought him immense joy in life. He was a man of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and inner peace. Take a moment to relax and immerse yourself in the tranquil vibes of JA’s favorite tunes.
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