His Excellency Paul Yaw Essel, whose Foreign Ministry service allowed him to proudly represent his homeland on three continents, died November 1, 2022 at his home near Accra, Ghana after a lengthy illness. He was 73.

Born in Assin Nkran in October 1949,  he was one of 13 children of Isaac Kwame and Elizabeth (Aberewa) Essel. He was educated at AME Zion Primary School, Kumasi, Kalpohin MIddle School, Tamale and Mfantsipim Secondary school, Cape Coast, where he obtained the GCE ‘O level in 1967, and the GCE ‘A’ Level in 1969. After graduating from Mfantsipim Secondary School he enrolled at University of Ghana, Legon, to study English, French and Political Science, graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in 1972. 

After graduation, he was hired to teach English, French and government at Ghanata Secondary School in Dodowa, and in 1974, he was awarded a government scholarship to study in Montpellier, France. Upon completing that program of study, he returned to his alma mater to teach French before accepting a position with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1976.

His career took Mr. Essel, his wife Eva Vida Quaynor Essel, and their family around the world. His fluency in French proved useful in his nearly 40-year diplomatic career which took him to postings at Belgium, Guinea and the United Nations in New York City. He was serving as the Charge d’Affairs in Benin when he was appointed as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea in 2009. He held that post until his retirement in 2013.

Mr. Essel was known to colleagues, family and friends as a thoughtful man with an infectious laugh. He loved to tell stories, and engage others in lively conversation. A regular at the Accra Lawn Tennis Club, Mr. Essel was an accomplished and competitive tennis player. He liked being active and enjoyed hiking and other forms of exercise, as well as listening to all types of music, particularly jazz, soul and highlife.

Above all, he was fiercely proud of his Ghanaian heritage and all that his country has accomplished, particularly being a model for other African nations with its spirit of tolerance and respect for the rule of law. In a 2011 speech in Sydney, marking the 54th anniversary of Ghana’s independence, Mr. Essel referred to Ghana as “the star of Africa” and urged his fellow Ghanaians to share his pride and vision and strive to move the nation forward economically and politically.

He was predeceased by his wife, Eva Vida Quaynor, in 2009. Survivors include his five children; daughters Adwoa (Mustapha) Essel Rahman and Yaa Essel; sons Kojo (Abena), Kwaku (Nina) and Kofi (Kristin) Essel, and eight grandchildren.

Funeral and burial will be in Ghana in January 2023.