The president of the Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Mr. Steve Dei in a message to the Ghanaian Community in Chicago and Members of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America, (CEANA) and others reported of the passing of Togbui Wenya I , also known as Mr. Kwame Ampofo . Togbui died yesterday at the Advent Hospital, Bolingbrook Illinois, after a short illness. He was 69. Togbui Wenya I was the chief of the Ewe community of Chicago and President of the Chicago Ghanaian Chieftaincy Council.

Togbui Wenya I, was a founding member of both CEANA and The Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago. He was an active participant of events in the Ghanaian community in Chicago and CEANA in general. His face was synonymous to the Ewe Associations’ participation in community events in the Chicago area. The late Mr. Ampofo graced Ghanafest and CEANA’s annual conventions with his presence. Indeed, the Ewe Association of Chicago, the Ghanaian Community in Chicago and CEANA has lost a great leader.

In a message to the CEANA COR members today, the President, Mr. PN Abotchie summarized Togbui’s importance to CEANA and the Ewe Community in North America in general when he stated that “In 2013, he (Togbui Wenya I) served as the elder statesman behind Chicago’s convention, and was instrumental in the organization of the said convention. Throughout his residence, Togbui remained a source of strength and pride for the Ewe Association of Chicago and the Ewe community in general in the Chicago Metro Area”.

Our heartfelt condolences go to the family, friends, the Ewe Community in North America and Ghanaians in general.

Details of his funeral arrangements will be announced later.