From Courtside to Community: Coach Agbo’s 25-Year Journey in Abelemkpe

by Avik Grover | Humans of Abelemkpe Series

Video Interview

This week in Humans of Abelemkpe, we sat down with Coach Agbo—known affectionately by students and staff alike as “Coach”—to explore the story behind one of Lincoln’s most beloved educators and mentors. With over 25 years of experience living and working in Abelemkpe, Coach Agbo’s connection to the community runs deep, built on years of dedication, passion, and quiet service.

Originally from Ghana’s Volta Region, Coach Agbo first discovered Abelemkpe through sport. At the time, he was working at Labone Secondary School when his team was invited to a basketball match at Lincoln Community School. “It was my first time driving out to Lincoln,” he recalled. “I said, ‘Wow, this is beautiful. I would love to work here.’” That simple moment of inspiration led to more than two decades of coaching, mentoring, and contributing to the school and the neighborhood.

Now a longtime resident, Coach Agbo has built a home and family in the area. “I have a beautiful wife and three wonderful kids—two daughters and a son. My daughter attends Lincoln,” he shared proudly.

When asked what he loves most about Abelemkpe, Coach Agbo didn’t hesitate: “It’s both quiet and busy… a very interconnected area.” He describes the unique balance between the more traditional sections of the neighborhood and the rapidly modernizing parts, with markets that reflect a wide range of lifestyles and cultures. “Depending on where you go, prices vary, people vary. It’s a blend.”

Coach Agbo also enjoys the little details that shape daily life—like choosing his barber shop not just for the haircut, but for the ambiance. “I used to go to a barber in another area, but now I barber in Abelemkpe,” he said with a laugh.

Of course, no community is without its challenges. For Abelemkpe, Coach Agbo points to transportation and road safety. “It’s easy to walk to the main road, but a lot of vehicles move around too quickly. That’s a safety concern—especially for students.”

Over the years, he’s watched the area transform. Once filled with undeveloped land, Abelemkpe now boasts a growing number of apartment complexes, schools, and office buildings. “It’s developing fast, and that’s a good thing,” he said.

But Coach Agbo believes the future of the community depends on giving back. “There are many elementary schools in the area,” he explained. “I think it would be great for younger generations—students from Lincoln, for example—to return and help uplift the educational standards.”

As we wrapped up the conversation, we asked Coach Agbo what advice he would give to someone considering a move to Abelemkpe. His answer was clear: “It’s one of the best areas to live in. It’s close to town, has good road access, and offers a mix of everything—quiet neighborhoods, active markets, and a real sense of community.”

From basketball games to classroom mentorship, Coach Agbo continues to leave a lasting impact—not just on his players, but on Abelemkpe as a whole.