TEL International was deeply honored to know and partner with Ohmanhene Okatakyie Kudom IV, a distinguished and visionary leader of the Brong Ahafo Region in Ghana, Africa. His partnership with TEL International was not only strategic but deeply personal, rooted in a shared passion for community transformation, spiritual growth, and sustainable development. His wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of his people left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Ohmanhene Kudom IV championed initiatives that uplifted the vulnerable, empowered the next generation, and honored the rich cultural heritage of his region. His legacy continues to inspire TEL International’s mission and serves as a guiding light for future partnerships grounded in mutual respect, purpose, and a heart for lasting impact.
In the year 2000, Rev. Elgin Taylor, Founder and CEO of TEL International, met King Kudom IV during a visit to Nkoranza. That meeting would prove to be more than just a formal introduction—it was the beginning of a divinely orchestrated friendship. The King later shared that during their first encounter, he felt the Spirit of God impress upon his heart that Rev. Taylor would be instrumental in the advancement of his people. Trusting this divine prompting, he appointed Rev. Taylor to the honorary position of Apagyehene, or Chief of Development—a rare and significant honor that symbolized a strong alliance between spiritual calling and traditional leadership. The following year, the King held a grand parade and declared a local holiday in recognition of Rev. and Mrs. Taylor’s service. This public affirmation not only marked their formal appointment as development officers but also cemented their role as trusted partners in the vision to bring lasting improvement to the region.
Ohmanhene Okatakyie Kudom IV was no ordinary ruler. Before returning to Ghana to serve as king, he dedicated 27 years of his life to the medical field, working as a medic in the British Army and later in several hospitals across the United Kingdom. His experience in Western healthcare systems deeply influenced his approach to leadership when he returned home to rule. As king for nearly three decades, he infused traditional leadership with modern insights, particularly in health and community development.
His impact was far-reaching. Understanding the critical need for clean water, he secured funding to build a city-wide water treatment plant—an initiative that greatly improved public health in Nkoranza. He championed improvements to St. Theresa’s Hospital, bringing in medical professionals from abroad and expanding the capacity of the hospital to serve more people. Recognizing the need for accessible healthcare, he also helped implement a local health insurance initiative that allowed residents to receive medical care for just $6 a year—a revolutionary step in a region with limited medical infrastructure.
King Kudom IV’s deep concern for his people extended beyond health. He understood that education and spiritual enrichment were equally essential for holistic development. Under his oversight and blessing, TEL International was granted approval to drill 16 water wells, build 10 churches, and construct 6 schools across the Nkoranza region. These projects, initiated through the collaborative spirit fostered by the King, have continued to uplift communities long after their completion—bearing witness to a legacy of compassion-driven leadership. His reign exemplified the highest ideals of servant leadership: humility, wisdom, and a heart for the people. His openness to partnering with Christian organizations such as TEL Missions was not only a sign of his inclusive spirit but also of his belief in the power of faith to transform communities from the inside out.
May his legacy live on, not just in the buildings, wells, and clinics, but in the hearts of the people whose lives he touched and in the enduring partnership between TEL Missions and the people of Ghana.