Esiama: The late Professor Kofi Blay, father of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Gas Company, Judith Adjobah Blay, was laid to rest on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Esiama, located in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region. Prof Kofi Blay passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, after a short illness at the age of 86.
According to Ghana Web, the burial service was held at the Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi, followed by final funeral rites at the Takoradi Sports Club. A Thanksgiving Service was conducted at the Star of the Sea Cathedral on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Professor Blay was a dedicated Christian associated with the Roman Catholic Church. Throughout his life, he was known for his commitment to education, community service, and faith. Family, friends, and well-wishers from across Ghana and beyond gathered to offer their final respects.
Judith Adjobah Blay, the CEO of the Ghana National Gas Company, paid tribute to her father, describing him as a person of great intellect and strong beliefs. She highlighted his engaging personality and the profound impact he had on those around him. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament for Ellembelle Constituency, also praised Professor Blay, recognizing him as a true Ghanaian who rendered significant service to the nation. He encouraged the youth of Ellembelle to draw inspiration from the late Professor's life and achievements.
The burial and funeral rites attracted numerous high-profile figures from government, industry, and traditional leadership, who assembled at the Star of the Sea Cathedral to honor Professor Kofi Blay. Notable attendees included Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, former Attorney General and current Legal Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama; John Jinapor, Minister for Energy and Green Transition; Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and MP for Ellembelle; and other distinguished personalities such as former Ghana Gas CEOs Dr. Sipa Yankey and Dr. Ben Asante, and GNPC Foundation CEO Helga Boadi. Chiefs and Queen Mothers from the Western Region also attended, alongside other dignitaries.
Professor Kofi Blay was born in Esiama, Ellembelle District, Western Region, on March 16, 1940. He was married to three women and is survived by his wife, Rosemond Blay, and two daughters: Judith Adjobah Blay and Dr. Yaba Blay, an African Studies lecturer. He received his primary education in Benin, Jomoro Municipality, and attended St. John's Secondary School in Sekondi for his secondary education. He earned his degree in Sociology from the University of Ghana and pursued a doctorate in Sociology at the University of Wisconsin. Professor Blay dedicated over four decades to education as a lecturer in the United States from 1970 to 2014. An active member of both St. Claver Catholic Church in Esiama and Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi, he served as a Youth Patron.