The renowned satirical writer and public intellectual, Kwesi Yankah, popularly known by his pseudonym Abonsam Fireman, paid a courtesy visit to the offices of Standard Newspapers and Magazines Limited atSowutuom, Accra, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
The visit was to enable the celebrated columnist to collect back copies of The Catholic Standard, to which he contributed for many years through his iconic Abonsam Fireman column and other writings that helped shape the newspaper’s profile during some of Ghana’s most turbulent political periods.
During the visit, Prof. Yankah interacted warmly with the Managing Editor of The Catholic Standard, Mr. Peter Martey Agbeko, and the Company Accountant, Mr. Kokuvi Adjivon.
The discussions reflected on the enduring legacy of the column, its influence on public discourse, and its contribution to the rise of The Catholic Standard as one of Ghana’s most widely read newspapers.
Kwesi Yankah, a former Minister of State for Tertiary Education and past Vice Chancellor of Central University, began writing the Abonsam Fireman column anonymously in the late 1970s, at the age of 27, during a period of political repression.
The column’s sharp satire and linguistic brilliance earned it widespread acclaim and, at the time, was often mistakenly attributed to renowned figures such as PAV Ansah and Prof. Adu Boahen.
The Abonsam Fireman series provided comic relief for readers while offering penetrating social and political commentary, making The Catholic Standard “the paper one hated to love.” Its popularity contributed significantly to the newspaper’s national prominence.
Prof. Yankah has since received numerous honours for his literary and journalistic contributions, including recognition by the Ghana Journalists Association for the longest-running column in Ghanaian journalism.
His visit was described as both nostalgic and symbolic, underscoring the enduring bond between the author and the newspaper that gave his celebrated voice its earliest national platform.
With Kwesi Yankah Prof. Kwesi Yankah Kwasi Ampene Nii Adu Dieu-Donne Kofi Victoria Lugey Kobby Asmah Paddy Nimo Kodzo Chapman Kabral Blay Amihere, Oh Nii Sowah, Benedict Assorow Ambrose Yennah.
Source: Peter Agbeko
