The Man of Many Parts
Some people pass through life wearing a single title. Jeremiah Bontariba Tengan carried many—quietly, faithfully, and with purpose. To me, and to many others whose lives he touched, he will always remain the man of many parts.
I encountered Jeremiah in the latter part of 2017 and early 2018, at a time when my professional journey had brought me back to the Upper West Region. Having previously worked with the Chamber of Commerce in Accra, I was naturally curious when I heard of the activities of the Wa Chamber. My enquiries led me to Jeremiah, who was then serving as the Regional Manager of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry. From our first interaction, it was evident that he was more than an administrator—he was an advocate, a bridge between enterprise and community, and a tireless champion of local business interests.
What began as a professional relationship soon deepened into something more enduring through faith. Jeremiah was firmly rooted in a strong Catholic tradition, and his love for the Word of God extended well beyond the walls of the Church. Together, we found common purpose in radio ministry. Every Sunday, I joined him on air for the programme “What Have You Learned from Church?” What started as a simple sharing of reflections grew, over more than five years, into a ministry of encouragement and teaching to many listeners. In those moments, I saw clearly the teacher in him—patient, thoughtful, and deeply grounded in Scripture.
Teaching was, indeed, one of Jeremiah’s most enduring callings. He taught many, especially in Dagaare and other subjects, shaping young minds while preserving language, identity, and heritage. He was also a historian and a custodian of culture, fully aware that a people without memory are a people without roots. For Jeremiah, culture was not ornamental; it was a sacred trust.
His background in agriculture naturally drew him into national service, including his contribution to the Ghana Cotton Development Board. In agribusiness and rural development—particularly in the Upper West Region—he brought together technical knowledge and lived experience. He understood farmers, markets, and the quiet dignity of rural livelihoods.
Beyond classrooms, offices, and policy spaces, Jeremiah belonged to the airwaves and the arts. He was a media personality who promoted local music, a composer and singer who understood the power of sound to preserve stories, express faith, and strengthen identity. As a master of ceremonies and cultural voice, he brought grace, depth, and meaning to gatherings.
Above all, he was a family man—a father who carried responsibility with humility—and a man whose life reflected service rather than spectacle.
As life unfolded, professional demands and frequent movement made it difficult for us to continue meeting regularly, particularly for the radio programme. Over time, we were no longer as close as we once had been. Yet distance does not erase shared purpose, nor does it diminish the value of seasons faithfully walked together.
At the beginning of this year, I placed a call to Jeremiah to wish him well for the New Year. There was no indication that his earthly journey was nearing its close. His parting words now resonate deeply—spoken with the calm assurance of a man who knew he had played his part and was handing over the rest.
Today, it hurts to lose a legend, and a friend and a Brother in Christ. Even when closeness fades with time, loss remains deeply personal.
May the Word we shared, preached, and reflected upon accompany you into eternity. May the faith you lived by now reward you with eternal rest.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7
Well done, faithful servant.
By Emmanuel Wullo
