My friend Michael Boye-Anawomah was a Ghanaian civil servant who, after fleeing his country to live in London, became a passionate community activist – and the first black African councillor in Islington.
Michael, who has died aged 83, had served as executive secretary to the Ghanaian prime minister Kofi Busia, and was working with the Ghanaian trade mission to the UN in Geneva when, on 13 January 1972, his life changed dramatically. On that day, a coup deposed Busia – and Michael found himself on his way to London as a political refugee. Had it not been for the coup, he would no doubt have continued his career in Ghana, either in politics or in the civil service.
In the UK, Michael worked as an academic registrar at the Polytechnic of North London (now the University of North London) and as an administrator for the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, but threw much of his considerable energy into community activism and local politics. He was actively involved with the Africa Youth Trust, Camden Council for Community Relations, the London Fire and Civil Defence Authority’s equalities team and the Race Relations Forum. His commitment to justice was exemplified by more than 25 years’ service as a magistrate.
Michael joined the Labour party and, in 1991, became the first black African councillor in Islington. He served on the council for 12 years, including one year as mayor. After Michael’s death, his close friend Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: “I’ll miss hearing his wise words of advice.”
Michael was born in the gold- mining Adansi region of Ghana. His father, Kofi Anawomah, and mother, Martha Esi Prah, were members of the Ashanti and Fante royal families. While working as a court clerk in the colonial administration, his father was killed in a car crash as he responded to the escape of a prisoner.
After attending the Dunkwa Roman Catholic school, Michael worked in local government and education before travelling to Britain in 1959 to study philosophy, politics and economics at Oriel College, Oxford. In 1967, he returned to Ghana to become director of programmes for the Centre for Civic Education, which aimed to educate and encourage citizens to recognise their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society.
Michael maintained his interest in Ghanaian politics and his commitment to his native country’s diaspora. As chair of the New Patriotic Party Council of Elders in the UK, he expressed his steadfast opposition to military rule and all forms of corruption. As president of the Adansiman Association in Britain, he settled disputes and supported families.
Michael is survived by his wife, Marjorie (nee Smardon), whom he married in 1963, and their children Margo and Philip.
