John Kow Bentil, 92, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026, at home. John was born on December 28, 1934, to Opanyin Kwesi Bentsir and Obaapanyin Adjoa Ampenyiwa of Kojokrom near Sekondi, in the Western Region of Ghana.
John was enrolled at Essikado Catholic Primary School 1951 at an advanced age of 17. He continued at Essaman Catholic and finally completed his elementary education at Roman Catholic, Ketan in 1960, making his education in 9 years instead of 10 years due to his advanced age and his cleverness.
All this while getting himself educated during his advanced age, John was always working hard with his late father on the farm while assisting his mom with Fante kenkey preparation.
John was a devoted husband to Grace Bentil whom he married on January 10th, 1963. He was a loving father to his six children, Augustine, Martha, Sylvester, Alice, Rose, and Monica.
All this helped "Old Ben, New Ben" to develop his own sense of work ethic in farming, home chores, kenkey selling. This gave him an affection for farming, that took him, his wife and children to follow his stead as he farmed.
John was employed by the Ghana Railways as a pipe fitter at the Carriage & Wagon sector from October 1961 until retiring in September 1989.
John was not only a hardworking man but also a man of deep faith. This is chronicled in his own archived notes that he was a founding member of Sacred Heart Church. He never got tired serving God as a Sacred Heart parishioner, Chorister, St. Anthony member, and Sacred Heart Confraternity member. John could be described as the face of the Catholic Church in Kojokrom. His commitment to God in the Catholic church shaped his own spiritual growth as well as many of his family members, leading to his first-born son becoming a Catholic priest.
John served in faith, served with humility and led in love. He never wanted to engage in any conflict with anyone, a man of peace. John will be remembered for his commitment to righteousness, grace and unwavering trust in God's promises. The family finds peace in knowing that he is now in eternity, resting with his Maker. His love, wisdom and devotion will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.
The late John Bentil is survived by his loving wife, Grace Bentil, and his six children Rev. Augustine Bentil (Fr. Gus), Martha Bentil, Sylvester Bentil, Alice Bentil, Rose Bentil, and Monica Bentil.
A combined Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at noon at St. Joseph Parish, Galloway. There will be refreshments and a meal served.
