Celebrating an Icon

We would not wait until his departure before celebrating a man who has shown the deepest veneration and the most unswerving devotion in his services to the Ghanaian and the BEM community in the UK and Europe by extension. 

Archbishop Kwaku Frimpong Manson, affectionately known as ‘Semenhyia’, is a Social Activist and the Ghanaian Community Leader in the UK. He is the founder of ‘Reconciliation International’ and remains the director to date. He is a people’s person and possesses the qualities of leadership that communities and individuals need for a successful outcome. His energetic persona and quiet confidence enable him to offer help and support to people in times of personal difficulties. Archbishop Frimpong is a man of vision, empathy, wisdom, and sensitivity. 

Archbishop was ordained as a Pentecostal Church Minister in 1977: he set up the Born-Again Evangelistic Ministry (now called the Reconciliation International) in 1980 in Accra. Under the auspices of Reconciliation International, he and his team identified a need for the provision of more informed knowledge, regarding public health provision and palliative care. 

Not long as Archbishop became a resident of the Broadwater Farm estates, did he witness the Broadwater Farms uprising which occurred in 1985. He felt that something positive needed to evolve from that terrible time; thus, became fully involved in all local community activities and initiatives. He was eventually elected as chair of the Broadwater Farm Residents Association in 1990 and represented approximately 4000 people from 39 countries. This placed him at the forefront of economic and social degeneration and greater involvement of residents in the management of their own estate - and set about networking with healthcare professionals who offered guidance and support. This concerted effort led to the establishment of a holistic health clinic on the Broadwater Farm estate. 

In 1990, Archbishop Frimpong completed a four-year study in the New Testament - at Goldsmith College, University of London. He was honoured in 2016 with a British Empire Medal Award (BEM) by Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in recognition of his services to the Afro-Caribbean community in the UK. 

Today, being your birthday is a great opportunity to let you know that your sacrifices have impacted a lot of lives in an unbelievable way. You have been a great role model of selfless giving; you’ve projected God’s love in every work of yours! Your presence has been one of the greatest gifts to our generation. You are the very epitome of phenomenal - a true icon!       

On this special day, I want to let you know your services have had a perceptible influence on the Ghanaian and BME community in the UK; and that you are greatly appreciated for all you've done - can’t be reverberated enough. 

From the deepest core of my heart, I say thank you.

Happy birthday, Semenhyia!.  May God bless you beyond the comprehension of any human being. Onyame nhyira wo b3br33!!!