OBITUARY

BIG JOE

BURIAL DETAILS

BROCHURE

ONE WEEK ODOBEN

ONE WEEK UK

BURIAL ACCRA

BURIAL ODOBEN

THANKSGIVING

Mr Samuel Kobina Essel, affectionately known as “Big Joe,” was born on the morning of January 14, 1968, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana. He was the beloved son of Madam Agnes Cantil and the late Dr Samuel Kofi Essel.

 

Early Life & Education

Kobina spent his early childhood with his mother at the Nima Police Barracks. At the age of six, he was sent to live with his father in Adabraka, where he began his formal education. He joined his siblings at DATUS Preparatory School in Kaneshie.

 

Later, the family relocated to Mankessim when his father established the Aginkwah Clinic. There, Kobina continued his studies at Edumadzi L/A School. He eventually moved to Breman Nwumaso, his father's hometown, where he completed his middle school (Form Four) education. Recognising his practical talents, he was enrolled in an apprenticeship in Auto Electricals.

 

Career & Life Journey

After middle school, Kobina returned to Tema to live with his mother at Community Seven Police Barracks. At 18 years, he continued his apprenticeship and reunited with his childhood friends, T'Zort and Flash. He briefly worked at Tema Textile Company (TTL) before traveling to Libya with Flash in 1991. They returned later that same year.

 

In 1992, following his mother's retirement to Kasoa, Kobina had no option than to live with brother Antwi, a young police officer then in the same barracks. In 1993, he traveled to Holland in search of greener pastures and later settled in London, UK. There, he established “Big Joe's,” a barbering salon in Forest Gate, East London. His shop became a community hub, known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent service.

Family Life

Kobina was a proud father of three wonderful children:

· Isisi – his beautiful daughter

· Akerl and Osiris – his two handsome sons

 

He loved his children deeply and often spoke of them with pride and joy.

 

Later Years & Legacy

In his later years, Kobina frequently travelled between Ghana and the UK, working on a project he believed would make a lasting impact. He spent his final four months in Ghana, fully immersed in this endeavour.

 

Tragically, he began experiencing severe abdominal pains and was rushed to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). Despite all efforts, he passed away suddenly to his Maker on the morning of Monday, 6th October, 2025.

 

 Our beloved brother was a gentle soul, respectful, loving, and always ready to lend a helping hand.Big Joe's presence brought warmth and joy to everyone he met. His absence leaves a void that words cannot fill.Though he is no longer with us in body, his memory lives on in our hearts and in the lives he touched.

We celebrate the life of a man who gave so much of himself to others.

 

May your soul find eternal rest, Big Joe.

You will never be forgotten.

 

Damerifa due, due ne amanehunu!