Nobody should learn computer on blackboards - Proff Double Double
On social media, particularly Facebook, Agbeko Odione Kumordzie, is known for his sense of humour and willingness to provide financial support to people, especially strangers.
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In the past two years, however, his main focus has been on raising funds to build what he describes as an “ultra-modern, US standard” Information and Communications Technology (ICT) laboratory at Agbozume in the Volta Region.
He told The Mirror in an interview that having spent over two decades in America, he had come to the conclusion that people living in Ghana could enjoy facilities such as good roads, hospitals and access to quality education just as he had experienced abroad.
He was surprised that to date, many children in Ghana, especially those in some deprived communities, had not seen or touched a computer. For some, their only option was to learn how to use computers on blackboards.
It was for this reason that he was investing his time and resources in and leading others to donate to the cause.
“It is not just about going to dig a land and put some ‘2x4’ building and call it an ICT centre. This is one of the reasons I am putting all my energy {on it}. And people would think that it is just a matter of self-aggrandisement when I keep saying that it's going to be ultra-modern. We can replicate many of the things that are enjoyed in America. When you hear me say those things on Facebook, I really mean {them}.” he explained.
The motorised computer desks
The 30-seater capacity ICT lab, which is upgradable, will have 30 motorised computer desks with chairs, a reception, a mini entertainment area, washrooms and a server room.
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Long before he started the construction of the ICT Lab, which is named after his late mother, Charity Ghalley, Mr Kumordzi was well known for his philanthropic gestures, particularly on the Facebook group “Tell It All”.
He said his mother, who single-handedly raised him and his three other siblings, was able to do that due to the benevolence of some traders in Accra who gave her wares to sell on a credit basis.
“Anytime I am in Ghana, it is a tradition that I go to Tudu, near Makola, and give to the women who sell silverware. These women are not Ewes, they didn’t know my mother but they gave her items on credit which she sold to take care of us.
“The concept of giving is not about people that you know, but people that are complete strangers. Don't get me wrong, I do things for my own people but that is my responsibility,” he added.
He said even the opportunity to travel abroad was sponsored by a stranger and he had also benefitted from the benevolence of many strangers since he relocated.
In the USA, he spent his early years cleaning restaurants, delivering packages and working other menial jobs to survive.
“I always say that your present path is a preparation towards other things tomorrow. I was born in the village. I helped my mother push her wares. Back in the village, I was very hyper so I hung out with some of the boys at the station and we pushed the goods of people for coins. When I got to America, doing those menial jobs, which people looked down on, was easy.”
Currently a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) working for the Federal government and also in private practice, he recounted that he finally got his official documents while working in a warehouse.
It was one of his supervisors, Bob Burns, who has been one of the highest donors to his current ICT Lab, who prompted him that he was too smart to work in the warehouse.
“I told him I had a degree, a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) and that I was working to earn a living. This is the advice I give to the many young people who want to seek greener pastures abroad; learn a skill or complete your education. Today, I am still working with the certificate I got from UCC before I came to America.
“I later got a job as a correctional officer in a prison and during that period, although there were many setbacks, my focus was on learning to become a certified public accountant, I worked overtime so I could save more,” he narrated.
He said another colleague, also a stranger, advised him that with his qualifications, he could move to the non-uniform division.
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“I applied to that unit and became a case manager and that was where I got my breakthrough. With an office to myself, I started preparing towards my certification. I hadn’t done anything related to accounting in a long while so I enrolled myself to study for a Master’s degree in Accounting, which also prepared me towards the CPA. By the time I completed my master’s from the University of Maryland, I wrote the exams for the certification and I passed,” he explained.
Mr Kumordzi said he knew the value of education and how it could transform people, a reason he was passionate about building the ICT lab.
Proff Double Double expressed gratitude to the many people who had supported his vision and contributed towards the project.
He admitted that raising funds to achieve the standard he had set had not been easy but he was happy that people had bought into the idea and were contributing to it.
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“We have come this far with this project from the widow's mite from people all over the world. I want to encourage more people to donate so we make this project a success. I keep sharing ways to donate on my Facebook page ‘Agbeko Odione Kumordzie,” he added.
As of last Wednesday, he told The Mirror that the project was about 70 per cent completed.
“Tentatively, we are looking at November 16 as the official inauguration day if I’m able to raise about $70,000. Things that need to be done before launch are internal architecture and landscaping. Painting, reshaping of the four-mile road and acquisition of at least two buses to pick students from their homes to the ICT Lab,” he added.
His vision is to use the ICT Lab in Agbozume as a model and build at least one in each region across the country.
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Asked if he had political ambitions, he said, “No! a person need not be a Member of Parliament or be in politics to help or bring development. I can contribute to change without being connected to any political party. I don’t have any intention to join any political party but if I’m contacted to advise on a subject I’m knowledgeable in, I will do that.”
Mr Kumordzie had his secondary school education at the St Paul's Secondary School (SPACO) for his GCSE O Levels and proceeded to the Adisadel College for his A Levels.
He is married to Edwina Bailey-Kumordzie. The couple are blessed with two sets of twins; Samuel and Sydney who are 21, and Jacel and Jocelyn, aged 11.