Ghanaian athlete dies of leukemia at age 35

Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) expresses its deepest condolences to the family of former national team athlete Allah Laryea-Akrong who passed away on the 3rd of December.

Below is a tribute for Allah Laryea-Akrong

Allah Laryea-Akrong, age 35, died peacefully in the arms of his wife on December 3, 2018 at their home in Provo, Utah after a courageous battle with leukemia.

Allah was born on May 27, 1983 in Accra, Ghana to Laryea and Mercy Laryea-Akrong. After graduating from Ghanata Senior High School, Allah served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Accra, Ghana (2005–2007). He later attended Utah Valley University (2008–2013) on a Track and Field scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management. As a gifted athlete, Allah ran for the Ghana National Team and excelled in the 100m and 200m events. Allah holds two UVU Track and Field records as well as Top-10 All-Time Performances in seven events.

Allah was sealed to his sweetheart, Megan, in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on December 16, 2011. Allah and Megan welcomed their daughter, Lily, in November 2015. Allah adored Lily. She was his best friend and “Ghanaian Princess.”

Allah had a contagious personality and loved to entertain his teammates and friends while he ran. Teammates will never forget Allah smiling through the pain of the 400m sprint. With about 100m left in the race, when others were slowing down, Allah would look over at his team, flash a winning smile, take off and finish the race with ease, which always left his team laughing.

Besides spending time with his family and friends, Allah had a passion for running, cycling and watching and attending sporting events, especially Manchester United. He enjoyed the Utah outdoors, particularly camping, fishing and family Lake Powell trips. Allah had an infectious smile and overwhelming optimism, even in the face of trials. When Allah needed to be taken care of, he was selfless and humble and instead spent his time trying to help others.

Allah was a born teacher and leader. He loved to teach others at church, school, and Track and Field. Throughout the track community, Allah was known as the friendliest competitor and was often seen coaching his own competition.

Allah is survived by his wife Megan; their daughter Lily; his parents Laryea and Mercy Laryea-Akrong; his siblings Cynthia (Richard), Susanna (Michel), Adjei (Kafui), Elizabeth (Robert), and Nana-Kwame. Allah will be greatly missed by his 16 nieces and nephews.

Above all, Allah will be remembered for his unwavering love for his wife and daughter, his teasing sense of humor, his wildly entertaining stories, his powerful testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his unfailing work ethic, his charismatic smile and his willingness to serve at a moment’s notice.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff of East 8 at LDS Hospital. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff at the Utah Valley Infusion Center.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 N. University Ave., Provo, Utah.

A celebration of Allah’s life will be held at 11 AM, on Friday, December 7, 2018, at the Edgemont Chapel, 4220 Foothill Drive, Provo, Utah. There will be an additional viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 AM prior to services at the Edgemont Chapel. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery.

Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) expresses its deepest condolences to the family of former national team athlete Allah Laryea-Akrong who passed away on the 3rd of December, 2018. Please see links below for more information concerning funeral arrangements and his life.