We are reflecting on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and her legacy. Amongst one of her lasting marks on the monarchy was her progressiveness- be it in state, abroad or at home. In that regard, we recognize a Ghanaian of discipline and dedication whose service to the British Monarchy was perhaps one of the most intimate any one has ever had.
Meet Lieutenant Colonel Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, MVO. He is the first Black man to hold the position of equerry to the British Royal family. A veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq war, Lt. Col. Twumasi-Ankrah was appointed by the late Queen Elizabeth II as her equerry.
Born in Ghana in 1979, Lt. Col. Twumasi-Ankrah migrated to the United Kingdom with his family in 1982. His father was a former Head of Military Intelligence for the Ghanaian Army. Lt. Col. Twumasi-Ankrah enlisted at Sovereign Mary College, and afterward enlisted in the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
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A man of firsts, Lt. Col. Twumasi-Ankrah was the first black African British Army officer to be commissioned to the Household Calvary. In 2011, he performed as escort leader at the royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton and was seen close by the 1902 State Landau in the carriage procession from Westminster Nunnery to Buckingham Castle. Twumasi-Ankrah was named as leader of the Blues and Royals at the Trooping the Colour ceremony during the Queen’s birthday festivities that very year. He presently holds the tactical position of Lieutenant Colonel.
In July 2017, Twumasi-Ankrah was named by Queen Elizabeth II as her equerry. The appointment made him the first black man to hold the position. He succeeded Wing Leader Sam Fletcher, who resigned from the job in 2017. The equerry is viewed as quite possibly one of the most significant and senior appointments in the royal family. It is highly regarded and requiring engagements at Buckingham Castle and the British Monarchy’s other regal homes. The position is reserved for an official of one of the armed services with a period of three years.
At Windsor Palace on 27 November 2020, Twumasi-Ankrah was received by the late Queen Elizabeth, who invested him with the rank of MVO (Royal Victorian Order) after relinquishing his position as Equerry.
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On 2 June 2012, Twumasi-Ankrah wedded Joanna Hanna-Grindall, who is a senior corporate organizations director at the Victoria and Albert Exhibition hall. The couple have three youngsters. He is known as TA among his Military partners.
Ghana salutes you, Lt. Col. Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, for your service to the Commonwealth.
