News

A Huge Loss for Dagbamete

By Conrad Richter
August 15, 2022

Nerro Kodjo Davor in traditional robes.

One of Dagbamete's most influential and respected citizens died unexpectedly on July 31 at the age 62. Nerro Kodjo Davor was a pillar of the village – as an elder, as a businessman, and as a farmer.

He was advisor to the chief of Dagbamete, Torgbui Klu Agudzeamegah II, on chieftaincy and other matters. Taking after his late father as the historian of the Atsiame clan, he compiled the first ever historical record tracing the lineage of the clan back 14 generations. Along with Torgbui Samlafo IV, head of the Atsiame clan, he tirelessly promoted the development of the clan, reaching across Ghana, Togo and Benin to connect with far-flung members to restore clan unity. These efforts eventually led to the establishment of the annual Atsiame clan festival celebrated in October.

Born in Dagbamete in 1960, Nerro attended primary school in the village and then in Avenorpedo and Akatsi, and then went on to St. Paul's Secondary School in Denu where he graduated with distinction. He attended the University of Ghana Legon, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Administration followed by a Master in Business Administration. He became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1992. He began his professional career at Coopers and Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) and then switched to banking, joining the Bank of Ghana in 1992 as a bank examiner. He later moved to Cal Bank to become director of finance, and then on to the Agricultural Development Bank as general manager in charge of finance and treasury. In 2010, he became deputy commissioner of the National Insurance Commission where he was credited with implementing important industry reforms. During his professional career he was called upon to serve on government committees to develop policies on money laundering, long term government borrowing, and the establishment of a national fund for firefighting institutions. He also served on the boards of various other companies and institutions.

Throughout his professional career he lived in Accra with his family, but he also maintained strong ties to the village. He had a home in the village and regularly returned on weekends. Most Sundays he could be found at the shrine assisting the hunuas during Sunday services. He also operated a water sachet business and a hotel in the village, and a mango farm nearby.

When he retired from the National Insurance Commission in 2017 he began to spend more time in the village. But he hardly slowed down as he worked as an independent auditor and continued his board appointments – and continued to work on behalf of the village. Even in the days before his death he had a busy schedule of meetings. On July 21 he suffered what looked like a stroke but he initially improved somewhat. But three days later he fell into a coma and was taken to the Bank Hospital in Accra where he died on July 31. His younger brother Wilson Doe and his close friend, the Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho, former speaker of parliament, were with him at the hospital.

His passing is a big blow for the village. He will be missed by many.

The funeral poster may be downloaded here.