MR BOTWE ALL

BotweNana Agyebeng Okyereh Tafo Akyem Amankrado 1931 -2022



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PRE-BURIAL, BURIAL, AND THANKSGIVING SERVICE OF THE LATE OkNyanearAeghyeBboentwg e (AKYEM TAFO AMANKRADO) AGED: 91 YEARS PRE-BURIAL ON FRIDAY 12TH AUGUST 2022 AT ANWANSA AHENFIE, OLD TAFO AKYEM AT 8:00 AM BURIAL SERVICE ON SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST 2022 AT ROVERS PARK AT 8:30 AM THANKSGIVING SERVICE ON SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST 2022 AT DORME LARTEY A. M. E. ZION CHURCH, OLD TAFO AKYEM AT 8:30 AM 4 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

Compendium • Order of Service • Nephews and Nieces • Biography • Autobiography • Mrs. Felicia Mensah Botwe’s Siblings • Asenee Family • Widow • Dorme Lartey A.M.E. Zion Church - Old • Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV - Tafo Akyem Akyem TafoHene & The Akyem • Association of Retired Directors of Anwansa Traditional Council Education • Children • The Okyereh Botwes • Opanin Boadi • The Yeboahs • The Nkansahs • Nana K. Kyei-Brobbey (Ekuonahene, • The Akwetea-Folis Akyem Tafo) • The Asare Botwes • The Osei-Akotos • The Ahwois` • Lawrence Nana Kwasi Botwe • Christiana Boatemaa Botwe • Prof Alfred Oteng-Yeboah • Gloria Oppong-Yeboahs • Brothers and sisters • Tafoman Speaks • Nana Awuku Bram I • Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) • Amos Okyere Boateng & Felicia Boateng • Corporal Daniel Achana • Mr. William Asiedu • Appiadu-Airport hills Caucus • Gallery • Hymns • Acknowledgement NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 5

TAFOMAN SPEAKS 1. Mr. Kwabena Konadu 19. Ms. Ama Offeibea 2. Mr. Okyere Boateng 20. Ms. Alice Serwaa 3. Mr. kwasi Donkor 21. Ms. Afia Owusua 4. Mr. Quao Banahene (Alias Kwaku 22. Ms. Mansah 23. Ms. Afua Agyeiwaa Lopez) 24. Ms. Margaret 5. Mr. J. K. Gyan 25. Mr. Yaw Atta 6. Mr. Kwabena Asante (AKA Foster 26. Mr. Kwame Boadu 27. Mr. Frank Osei Coldstore) 28. Ms. Akosua Ntiriwaa 7. Rev. Ohene Yeboah 29. Mr. Ofori Atta 8. Ms. Sarpomaa (AKA Sarpong) 30. Ms. Cynthia Asieduwaa Twum 9. Mr. Kwame Oteng Amponsah 31. Ms. Grace Peasah (Aunty Ama) 10. Ms. Christiana Darkoa 32. Mr. Kwadwo Twumasi 11. Ms. Ashetu Ousman 33. Mr. Kwasi Amoah 12. Mr. Yaw Oteng (AKA Kwame Base) 34. Ms. Abena Pomaa 13. Mr. Kofi Owusu (AKA Obo) 35. Ms. Awatey Lawrencia 14. Mr. Yaw Baffour Nti 36. Ms. Rosina Afrakoma 15. Mr. Festus Opoku Akyeampong (AKA 37. Ms. Charity Bosompim 38. Ms. Kissiwaa Agblevor Okini) 16. Mr. Emmanuel Moveh (Agya) 17. Honourable Ankomah Dakwa 18. Ms. Obaa Adu 6 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

SOREDRERVOICF E FORTHELATE NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE (OLD TAFO AMANKRADO) Officiating Ministers: • Rev Augustina Dornoo Hushie. Suhum • Rev Mrs. Racheal Stuff. Koforidua • The Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe • Rev Mrs. Doris Ntow (Presiding Prelate of the A.M.E. Zion Church, • Apostle and Rev Mrs. Oduro Appiah. Kumasi WWAED). • Rev Oppong Boadi Asamankese • Rev David Kwabena Odame Accra • The Rev. Dr. Seth F. Coleman (Bishop’s Deputy, • Rev Emmanuel Obama. Accra WWAED, Ghana Region) • Rev. Edward Ribeiro - Area Superintendent Minister, • The Rev. S. B. A. Anane (Presiding Elder, Tafo ICGC Kingdom Area. District) • Rev. Samuel Fening Nimako - District • The Rev. Prince Appiah-Intsiful, (Host Pastor, Superintendent Minister, ICGC, Weija District. Dorme Lartey Society, Old Tafo) • Apostle Dr. Joseph Lavoe - Parez Chapel, Kasoa • Pastor Susan Asiama - Bekoe - ICGC, Weija District. • The Rev. Dennis Fredua Owusu, (A.M.E. Zion • Apostle Godfred Obeng (Founder, Divine Vision Ch, Calvary Society, New Tafo,) Church International) • The Rev. Alexander Clifford Duah, • Bro. Hayford Duah Boateng (A.M.E. Zion Church, (Superannuated Minister, Tafo District.) Asibuo Society-Anyinam) • Very Rev Dr Nana Abaka. Winneba • Bro. Foster Fugah (A.M.E. Zion Church, Bishop • Very RevGodson Nii Amu Akushie, Supt Dorme Lartey Society, Old Tafo) Minister, Osu Circuit • Bro. Edmund Asante (A.M.E. Zion Church, Bishop • Rev Michael Asiedu. Kumasi Dorme Lartey Society, Old Tafo) • Rev Mark Abrefa. Kumasi NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 7 • Rev Ebenezer Kusi Appiah. Kumasi • Rev Yaw Anokye Kyei Baffour. Kumasi • Rev Godman William Nyarko. Kumasi • Rev Monica Dawson - Amoah. Nkawkaw

Choirs in Attendance Nana Awuku Bram I • Bishop Solomon Dorme Lartey Choir - Old Tafo Mrs. Felicia Mensah Botwe’s siblings • Young Chorale Association of Retired Directors of Education At the Organ Tafoman Speaks • Mr. Daniel Okwening - Dorme Lartey Society, Tafo • Burial Service • Mr. Quayson – Dorme Lartey Society, Old Tafo • Organ Prelude- CAN 126/ MHB 386 • Funeral Sentences FRIDAY, • Invocation 12TH AUGUST 2022 • Hymn of Praise -CAN 122/ MHB 371 PRE - BURIAL SERVICE I • Scripture Reading • Pastoral Prayer • Opening Hymn- CAN 164/MHB 498 • Hymn of Meditation - MHB 538 • Opening Prayer • Sermon • Filing past the casket-CAN 154/MHB 475, • Offering • Songs-Singing Band • Tributes • Short Exhortation • Closing hymn-CAN 54/MHB 182 • Biography • Closing prayer • Tafohene & Akyem Anwansa Traditional • Benediction Council SATURDAY, 1 • Widow 3TH AUGUST 2022 • Children’s Tribute • Dorme Lartey A.M.E. Zion Church - Old Tafo PART I PRE-BURIAL SERVICE II Akyem • Opanin Boadi Asenee Family • Prof Alfred Oteng - Yeboah Brothers and sisters • Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) • Prayer for the family 8 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE • Announcements • Closing Hymn CAN 181 / MHB 548 • Closing Prayer and Benediction • Organ Postlude

PART II 11. Scripture Readings: OLD TESTAMENT: GRAVE SIDE Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10 • Committal Hymn-CAN 152/ MHB 468 a. EPISTLE: Hebrews 12: 1-4 • Committal prayer b. GOSPEL: Luke 12: 49-53 • Te Deum 12. Praises and Adoration • Laying of Wreaths 13. Pastoral Prayer • Vote of Thanks 14. Selection by Church Choir • Closing Hymn - CAN 324 15. Ministry of Kindness • Closing Prayer 16. Welcome/Greetings • Benediction 17. Introduction of Preacher 18. Hymn of Meditation-MHB 746 SUNDAY, 19. Sermon- Rev Prince Appiah-Intsiful 14TH AUGUST 2022 20. Invitation to Christian Discipleship DIVINE SERVICE 21. Offering 22. Announcement/ Acknowledgement of Guests 1. Organ prelude 23. Closing Hymn. - CAN 75/MHB 247 24. Closing Prayer and Benediction 2. Processional Hymn -CAN 135/ MHB 411 25. Recession- CAN 2/MHB 2 3. Call to Worship NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 9 4. Introit 5. Invocation 6. Hymn of Praise - CAN 140/ MHB 428 7. Responsive Reading -Psalm 95:1-6 8. Affirmation of Faith 9. Gloria Patri 10. African lyrics (Abibinwom)

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BiographyOFTHELATE HENRY KWABENA OKYEREH AGYEBENG BOTWE Tafo Ahenfie. The Zion Missionaries had for the first time (AKYEM TAFO AMANKRADO) 1931 – 2022 come to the town and needed boys to start a school with. Hence their forceful enrolment. The school started The Late Nana Botwe (so popularly at the demolished YMCA building, near the Old Tafo called), whose life we are market, the place where the Community Centre is now celebrating, was born on Tuesday being constructed. 22nd September, 1931 as Akyem Tafo to the late Opanin Kwadwo On completing his Standard 3 (present day P6) Okyereh (a.k.a Agya or Opusuanin) education at Old Tafo A.M.E. Zion Primary in 1948 he of the Abesem Aduana Royal Family was enrolled at Akyem Maase Methodist Middle School of Asante Juaben and the Late Obaapanin Hagar Yaa in 1949 where he started his Standard 4 education. He Gyaawa Kwao (a.k.a Maame Yaa Adiyia or Maame had to go to Maase because the nearest Middle Schools Hagar) of Asenee Royal Family of Akyem Tafo. He was then were at Kyebi, Begoro and Akuapem Akropong. the second (2nd) child of his mother’s ten (10) children Some of his classmates were Messrs Yaw Nyarko, Opoku and also the second (2nd) of his father’s seventeen (17) Charles, Lawrence Kwabena Duah, Sintim (Kwaku Nti) children of which only six (6) are still alive. and Idi Mahama, all of blessed memory. He completed his Standard 7 education at Maase Methodist Middle EDUCATION AND WORKING EXPERIENCE School and passed out with distinction at the Standard 7 exams in 1952. The late Nana Botwe started his basic education at Old Tafo Akyem A. M. E. Zion primary school when he and other age mates were forcefully caught and enrolled in the school by the late Opanin Kwasi Kyeame from the NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 11

Nana pursued his 4-year Teacher Training Course at School (OPASS) in 1966 as Geography master. After Wesley College (WESCO) in Kumasi from 1952 – 1956 some years of teaching at Ofori Panin Secondary School during which he sat for both the Certificate “A” post B (OPASS), OMOSE or BLACK Moses (as he was nicknamed and Certificate ‘A’ exams and passed out successfully in by the students) enrolled at the University of Ghana 1956.He was posted to and taught at L/A Primary School (Legon) for his first degree in 1970. He came out at Asem in Kumasi. Later, he was released to the East successfully with a B.A. (Hons) degree in Geography. He Akim District and posted to Akyem Asafo Middle School. did his National Service with the Department of Game Some schools he headed in the District included New and Wildlife. Nana found favour with the Director and Tafo Methodist Middle and L/A Mixed Middle. Board of the Department of Game and Wildlife and they would ask him to go and head their project at Damango After some years of teaching and headship experiences for them. at the basic level, Nana pursued a 2-year specialist course in Geography at Wesley College in Kumasi. On Another classmate of Nana who was at a (high rank in completion, he was posted to Ofori Panin Secondary the Ghana Police Service also wanted Nana to join the Ghana Police Service and was seriously working on that 12 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE for him. When these two plans were almost at fruition and Nana was contemplating on which one to choose, he had a surprise from the Ghana Education Service. Unknown to Nana, his Headmaster at OPASS, Mr. S. T. Ampofo seriously wanted him back and had worked through some authorities to bring him back to OPASS. Since Nana went to Legon on Study leave from the G.E.S. and had no money to pay back the loan he took, he was compelled against his wish to go back to OPASS. This scuffled all his plans to leave teaching. His consolation then was that “Man proposes but God disposes” and that “All things work together for good to those who love God and called for His purpose”, so Nana reluctantly returned to OPASS. After several years of teaching at OPASS Nana was posted to the Eastern Regional Education Office as Coordinator of the J.H.S. Pilot Project. All the schools Nana selected and used for the Pilot Project have all now become Senior High/Technical Schools. The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Nana worked under then was Mr. Ajani.

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When the Pilot Project was completed,Nana was posted to In 1955, Nana’s father-in-law, Opanin Kwasi Oppong built A.M.E. Zion Secondary School (AMEZSS) in his home town, his own house at Suame in Kumasi so Nana and his wife Akyem Tafo as an Assistant Headmaster. From here Nana moved into that house. It was in this house in 1956 that was transferred to Asamankese Secondary School (ASASCO) Nana had his first son, Yaw Kyereh (named after Nana’s also as Assistant Headmaster from 1987-1991. Later, Nana father, Opanin Kwadwo Kyereh). Two years later in 1958, was posted to Abuakwa State College (ABUSCO) in Kibi as Nana had a daughter, Akosua Asamoah, whom he named Headmaster. Whilst at ABUSCO, Nana was promoted from after his aunt at Moseaso near Anyinam, who died in her Headship to Directorship so he was moved from ABUSCO to infancy. In 1963, Nana had his third born with Mrs. Grace Oda as Birim-South District Director of Education in 1993, a Oppong Botwe and named her Adwoa Gyaawa after position he held till his retirement in 1996. Nana’s mother Maame Hagar. In summary, Nana was a Great educationist and had a In 1958, Nana was transferred from Kumasi to East Akyim rugged educational career. He rose through the ranks District in the Eastern Region and was posted to Akyem in the Ghana Education Service. He started as a Cert ‘A’ Asafo Methodist Middle School. It was while working at teacher and retired as a District Director of Education. He Asafo that he met Ms. Felicia Mensah who he later married was class teacher, an Assistant Head-teacher and a Head- when his marriage with Ms. Grace Oppong, with whom he teacher at the Basic Level. At the secondary level, he was hadthree(3)issueshittherocks. Nanawasinstrumentalin a subject teacher and a house-master at OPASS from 1966 Ms. Felicia Mensah’s admission and training at St. Monica’s to 1975. At AMEZSS, he was an Assistant Headmaster from Teacher Training College at Ashanti Mampong, so when 1981 to 1987 and at ABUSCO as Headmaster from 1991 to she eventually completed in 1966, they got married. 1993. Finally, he was the Birim-South District Director of Education from 1993 to October 1996. Nana’s marriage with Mrs. Felicia Mensah Botwe was the longest and most fruitful. It was blessed with six (6) Bravo, Nana! children: Irene in June1967, Evelyn in October1968, Fiifi in June 1971, Pat in July 1974, Nana Kwasi in October1978 Even after retirement,upon the request of the proprietress, and Gloria in February, 1983. he helped in Strengthening and directing the Management of Quality Toddlers Preparatory School at Akyem Tafo from When Nana mounted the Akyem Tafo Amankrado throne 1997 – 1999. in 1977, pressure was laid on him to have “Nkonya Yere” (Stool wife) as demanded by custom, so he married Ms. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE Elizabeth Asaa and had with her Adwoa Christie in 1982. With the passing away of Mrs. Felicia Ama Sarfoa Botwe in Nana first met Miss Grace Oppong at Maase during his January this year, Mrs. Elizabeth Asaa Botwe remains the schooling at Maase Methodist Middle School. Their only surviving wife of Nana and thus the widow. relationship developed into marriage in 1954 when Nana was pursuing his Cert.‘A’ Teacher Training atWesley College Nana had a blessed, fruitful and happy marriage and in Kumasi. Miss Grace Oppong’s father Opanin Kwasi family life. He was blessed with 10 children, 9 of which Oppong, a wealthy Cocoa farmer from Akyem Maase had are still surviving as well as 21 grandchildren 5 Great then bought a house at Fante New Town in Kumasi so the grandchildren. young couple were asked to stay in that house. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 15

ENSTOOLMENT AfterthedeathofOpaninKwameDarkwa,theimmediate occupant of the Akyem Tafo Asenee Amankrado stool, the stool laid vacant for years. The then Tafo-hene, Nana Okru Banin I approached the then Akyem Tafo Asenee abusuapanin, Opanin Kwame Yeboah (a.k.a Opanin Kwaapaa) for an occupant Nana Botwe, then a teacher was nominated by the family and upon the approval of his father Opanin Kwadwo Kyereh, Nana was enstooled as Amankrado of Akyem Tafo in 1977 with the stool name Nana Yaw Kyereh II. He was enstooled the same day with Ohemaa Yaw Darkoa as Queen Mother of Akyem Tafo to succeed her late grandmother Ohemaa Krofoaa. Nana served diligently at the palace and became a close confidant of Nana Okru Banin. When Nana Okru Banin died in 1984, there arose a very keen competition for his successor and Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV (a past student of Nana Botwe at OPASS) emerged as winner. Although there were a few hiccups in the beginning, things settled down eventually and the two worked well in tadem. Nana continued with his diligent and loyal service under Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV and until his death was a close confidant. For 45 years (1977 – 2022), Nana diligently, loyally and gallantly served as the Amankrado of Akyem Tafo. He took part in many meetings in sittings both inside and outside the palace, partook in numerous festivals and celebrations, served on several boards and represented the chief, elders and people of Akyem Tafo on uncountable external assignments and engagements. Before his death, he was oldest, most learned, most experienced and longest serving elder of the Akyem Tafo Anwansa (Palace). 16 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

SPORTS AND GAMES uncle Wofa Boadi. Nana would never like it easily whenever defeated and they would play for hours, FootballwasNanaandNanawasfootball.Hewasagreat sometimes even late into the night. football enthusiast and played in all the school teams of all the schools and colleges he attended. Nana joined Nana was also good on “oware” but was not as skillful the Tafo “All Black Football club”, a premier division club on it as he was on draft. Occasionally he played chess of those days and competed against premier clubs like and other times ludo. Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, Great Olympics and others. Some of his team mates were Kwame Oware from Osiem who CONTRIBUTIONS later became coach and manager of Abuakwa Susu Biribi, Michael Adjei from Koforidua, Kwasi Adjei from With such a rich experience in education, Nana saw to Tafo and Sule Ajani, nicked-named Kwasi Aboagye, it that almost every child in his family, (both maternal a renowned goal keeper. There was no competitive and paternal) and marital families went to school. He football match Ghana played that Nana did not watch, also helped in getting admissions for wards of friends being it WAFU, African Cup of Nations, World Cup and and many youths from his community in the various others. institutions he worked in. At the EUROFA level, he was a great Manchester United Teachers who worked under him would testify to the fun and never missed any of their matches. Nana was fact that he sought for their welfare and were posted to a great draft lover and player and won numerous good stations. On the family front, Nana was a mighty competitions. He defeated renowned contestants like pivot around which all matters of the family revolved. Opanin Sowah, Opanin Kwaabey, Opanin Kweku Saah He was a mighty oak under whose foliage all and sundry and Kwasi Kyereh. His greatest opponent was his own sought shelter. Despite some few short-falls especially NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 17

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during his last years, the family in unison can testify that Nana has indeed made a mark of himself in the family and indelible indeed, so we all now stand back and chorus “that was a man”. Tafoman has lost a great son of the soil. A patriotic and committed son indeed.Anwansa Ahenfia has lost a giant and has been left vacant. HEALTH Hospital but transferred to a mortuary home in Accra the same day. So ended the life of this customary giant and Nana was blessed with perfect health. All the blessings academic maestro. of 3 John 2 in the bible were fulfilled in him as the number of his days were, so was his strength. He was FAREWELL MESSAGE active when in service and also throughout his 31 years after retirement. Despite his age, he had perfect Nana, your entire Asenee family, Tafoman and the sight, perfect speech, perfect memory and perfect uncountable people your life touched miss you and judgment. He could perform his chieftaincy and marital you will forever remain dear in our hearts. Our earnest responsibilities perfectly well. He was regular at the prayer is that may the Good Lord keep and preserve you hearing of arbitration matters held at the palace every in his perfect peace. Friday and gave sound contributions and judgments. Nana, Damirifa Due! He could attend church services and perform all his Asenee deyhe Kronkron, Damirifa Due! responsibilities in the church perfectly well. He could Aduanaba, Damirifa Due! absorb the shock of his wife’s death and sit for hours Abusuapanin Piesie, Damirifa Due! with his children in planning his wife’s funeral which Omankrado, Due ne Amanehunu! was to coming off on 19th March, 2022. He had one of Onyame mfa wo nsie! such meetings with his children on the night of Saturday, Amen! 26th February, 2022. He could not wake up early the following day being Sunday 27th February, 2022, so in the afternoon he was taken to New Tafo Government Hospital for check-up. There it was discovered his sugar level had shot up, so he was placed on admission. Everything went on well until Tuesday 1st March, 2022 when his health begun deteriorating. On Wednesday 2nd March, 2022 plans were put in place to get him transferred to Kumasi to see his personal doctor. It was while on the way just at Bunso that Nana breathed his last. His body was returned to New Tafo Government NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 19

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TEditor’s note:he family was surprised to see, after the death of Nana Botwe, that he had started to write his autobiography in an exercise book and sheets of paper, setting out his life story. He however was unable to complete it. This is what has been typewritten and set out hereunder with the few necessary editorial changes. Mr.Botwe was born at Old Tafo Akim,Fofiase Street,in a suburb called Fofiase in the early 1930s, the selected date or chosen time being September 22, 1931. This date was chosen after careful calculation when in Middle School at Maase Methodist School. Birth Place: In my childhood, Fofiase at Old Tafo was a “Paradise”. The children lived in a humble and peaceful community. Each parent took every child as his own, advised, directed, fed, and provided for any child in Fofiase. As children, we ate together in every house. Each child was a brother or sister to the other. The adults or the elderly could punish any child who went wrong,and no parent would question when his/ her child was punished for any wrongdoing. Parents: Opanin Kwadwo Okyereh, father and Yaa Adiyiah a.k.a Yaa Gyaawah. She took the name Hagar Kwao (Quao) when baptized as a Christian at the A. M. E. Zion church later named Dorme Lartey AME Zion Church. I was born into the era when children followed their parents and learned their profession. My parents were both farmers, their immediate relatives were all farmers. In my early childhood I was principally attached to my father’s mother, Afia Akomaah. I was very close to her up to the time I went to school. She died when I was in class two or three. 22 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

Before being sent to school my father would take me to Many children were admitted to this new school which farm, sometimes on his back. I was his second child. The was very popular and preferred by many parents. I was first, a girl name Adwoa died, I was told a time after my in my father’s house, House No. D4 at Fofiase attending birth. to the cocoa beans my father had spread in the sun when the Headteacher, Mr. A. M. Kwadwo Aboagye The next after me also did not survive but later seven with Okyeame Nkansah Nana Yaw Oten (Head of the children followed. My father and my mother had ten branch of Aduana Family) came, I was asked to tie my children in all, seven boys and three girls. cloth around my neck after washing my feet. Two boys, Kweku Nti (later known as Mr. Sintim) and Kwasi Kuma The Community: (later Opanin Amoako) were in their company. Farming was the main activity of the day. The main I was taken to the school and enrolled in the school foods were Fufu and Ampesie.Occasionally εto,Mpihuu, at class one with the other two boys. The class one Sawsaw, Nkyekyerewa, Mpanpa (Kotorokgo) baked teacher was Maame Saarah (Mother of Kwadwo, who or toasted plantain Cocoyam, Yam or Sweet Potato or later became a pilot and Gladys Owusu who became a brobe was prepared for us. teacher). This was around 1940. Local games were numerous, namely Soba, Ahunta Ahunta (hide-and-seek), Dikyi (Cartwheel) racing, tug of war, singing and dancing, Gyako or Ampe (for girls), Ntam (wrestling), Mpempenaa, Hwehwε mu beyi wompena, Adoodi, Ntε (boys only). Some foreign games were also played – football, Ludu, and Spaa (Cards). Competitions were common in these games, especially among the various suburbs Old Tafo – Fofiase, Asemasa, Abase, Asoronkrobiase, Sukuum and Atukrom. Education I started school at Old Tafo Methodist at the age of Nine. The Methodist School had been established at Fofiase in an Iron Shed structure by a teacher called A. M. Kwadwo Aboagye who hailed from Asafo Akyem and Apinaman. The school was moved to a storey building left by the Europeans who had settled at Old Tafo. It was called Millers. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 23

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Baptism: was admitted to Maase Methodist School. It was two weeks to the end of the 2nd term and end of term In 1942 many of us in the school were baptized on Rovers examination was on-going.I was made to take part by a Park (Football field at Old Tafo).We were 70 baptized by very kind Headmaster Mr. Opare Anwah from Mampong the Rev. C. C. Ohene. Those baptized included some of Akwapim. I placed 2nd beaten by the 1st boy with only our seniors. The school had all the primary classes from 1 mark. class 1 to 6. In the 3rd term examination held in December,I was 1st. Some of the seniors had left the Presbyterian School and Upon this brilliant performance the Ministry allowed me A. M. E. Zion school at Old Tafo. to be promoted to Standard 5 though I could not have the attendance to pass me.I was so brilliant in class work In the middle 1940s, the Methodist Church withdrew its sums on the blackboard for those in classes 6 and 7. management and the Tafo stool took over and named the school Tafo National School. Definitely, the Tafo I continued to be first in class till at Standard 7, out of Stool elders could not continue with the management 32 pupils sent to write the School Leaving Certificate and Mr. A. M. Kwadwo Aboagye the strong educationist Examination held at Kukruantumi Presbyterian Church left. For some time, the school was merged with the A. I was the only one who obtained DISTINCTION in the M. E. Zion school and all the pupils went there. examination. The school fees at the time could not be paid by my In Standard 7, I sat for the following examinations; parents so I was sent to stay with my father’s relative at New Tafo. He was called Papa Adabo who was also 1. Common Entrance Examination known as Alfred Apaw, a farmer, a cocoa purchaser, and a prominent businessman. This was in 1944/45. For a 2. Wesley College Examination whole year I was out of school. 3. Asuansi Technical College Examination Later in 1945 I returned to the A. M. E. Zion School and topped the class at Standard two (primary 5). I topped Common Entrance Examination: the class and was promoted to class 6 in 1946 and later to Standard 1 at the same school which had established I opted for Adisadel College, Cape Coast. When the a senior school. results were released, I did not receive anything. Later I was told my result slip had been seized by the Post Unfortunately, the Ministry of Education after close Office Authorities and that I should go to New Tafo inspection by Inspector Tagoe closed the Senior Post Office to pay a penalty for unpaid postage. I went School, indicating that the authorities had not sought to pay four pesewas (tro ne maanan) and the result the Ministry’s approval before establishing the Senior slip was released to me. The interviews for admission School. had been done several weeks before I got the slip. My Headmaster, Mr. Opare Anwah wrote to the principal of In September, 1947, I secured a transfer Certificate and Adisadel College, explaining the conditions why I was not at the interview. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 25

Akim Abuakwa State Council decided to offer me a half Teaching scholarship. If I would like to go to Wesley College, a Teacher Training College. I had passed the Wesley In January 1956 I was transferred to teach at Wesley College Entrance Examination with credit, so I decided College Practice School. I was a very successful teacher, to go although my preference was to go the Adisadel liked and loved by my pupils, the teachers, and the College, a Secondary School. Headteacher. My father and my maternal family members met Due to political unrest and violence in Ashanti by the and decided to bear all expenses involved. From the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and the National prospectus my parents and my uncles/cousins bought Liberation Movement (NLM),I pleaded with the principal all my needs and gave me five pounds (£5) as the of Wesley College, the Manager of Wesley College balance to pay to the College after the State Council had Practice School due to me being unsecured because I paid Twenty-Five pounds (£25.00) Scholarship. This was was a citizen ofTafo,a strong CPP town.I was transferred February 1951. to open a Methodist Middle School at Asafo-Akim in January 1959. The school calendar was changed by the Wesley College Ghana Education Service and the following calendar was to be followed by all schools in Ghana; In February 1952, Kwame Nkrumah made the then Education in Training Colleges free, that is, teachers 1st term - September to December were to be trained free of charge. (Beginning of year) In the fourth year at Wesley College, I was elected the 2nd term - January to April Captain (the Senior House Prefect) for Knight House at the end of year Dinner where the Guest Speaker was 3rd term - May to August Kofi Abrefa Busia and when students were honoured (End of year –Promotion of pupils) a “Very Good Mention” was made of my name and in football. I was given a crest indicating “A member of In 1961 the school sent its first final years in Middle Wesley College Football Team” (M.W.F.T.) Form 4 to write the Middle School Leaving Certificate Examination InmytermofofficeastheHouseCaptainforKnightHouse, the House won or came first in these competitions; i. Results: Football.ii.Drama (English) plays,iii.Hockey,iv.Athletics and came second as the best-behaved house. Total number of pupils - 46 44 I obtained the Teacher Certificate A and was posted to Passes - 1 teach at Maase Methodist Primary School in January, 1 1955. Distinction - Referred - 26 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

1962 Academic Qualifications: • Specialist GEO, Wesley Kumasi Total number of pupils - 46 • BA(Hons) University of Ghana, Legon Passes - 35 100% Success • Post-Graduate Certificate in Education - University Distinction - 11 of Cape Coast “Octopus” Profession: 1. Director of Education, Birim South - Oda When the ball was with me it was difficult to see with which leg, I would use in kicking it. I ended up with a 2. Headmaster – ABUSCO - Kibi second-class certificate at the non-expectation of the whole college. A student should have B- or C+ on the 3. Asst. Headmaster – i. W.B.M - Old Tafo aggregate to qualify for first class. Unfortunately, I had ii. ASASCO - Asamankese not shown much interest in Athletics, and in my final year I ran a good race to beat the college and National 4. Regional Officer: Experimental Jnr. Secondary School Champion in the 800 meter race (then 880 yards). It - Koforidua was taken as hiding my talent and I had to be penalized despite my extraordinary performance in football which 5. Head-teacher - Basic Schools: i. Asafo L/A Methodist had made me popular without challenger. Everybody knew popular H. O. 1½, Knight Captain on Octopus. ii. New Tafo H. O. were my initials standing for Henry Okyereh W B M / AME Z.S.S. Botwe which I changed finally to A. O. when I returned to do a Geography Specialist course in 1964 at Wesley Barima Okru Banin, Tafohene consulted the then College, Kumasi. The masses had yielded to the call of Regional Director of Education, Late Mr. Addo Yobo Convention Peoples Party (CPP) asking the people to who agreed to open a Secondary School now, a Senior ignore English names and become Ghanaian or African. Secondary School on condition: In the Government were Kwame Nkrumah, Kwaku Boateng, Kofi Baako, Krobo Adusei, Kwasi Armah etc. i.Provision of a block or blocks for classrooms and offices with no English names so some of us also changed our to hold the school administration officers. names. I therefore dropped Henry and replaced it with Agyebeng. The chief approached the A.M.E. Zion Church which then rented the present site for a Training College but still maintained the blocks for future………. From college in 1954 as a Certificate A, 4-Year trained teacher, I was posted to Maase for 1 year (1955) and transferred to Wesley College Practice School. I taught there for 4 years and was sent to Akim Asafo Methodist Middle School to start the Middle-School which had been newly approved by the Ministry of Education. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 27

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TRIBUTE BY THE ROYAL ASENEE FAMILY OF AKYEM TAFO NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 29

‘Y’ akɔ ako ama yƐn mmpanim asa o! After consulting his parents, the late Opanin Kwadwo Kyereh and Obaapanin Gyaawa Y’ akɔ ako ama yƐn mmpanim asa o!! kwao, Nana agreed to occupy the stool as Krontihene (Amankrado) of Akyem Tafo. Yaa eei! Nana served as the occupant of the stool for about Forty-Five (45) years. Nana served Ɔyaa, ɔyaa eei!, Ɔyaa, ɔyaa eei. diligently and became the epitome of wisdom, a custodian of culture and History. TƐnƐ yƐdi ako oo, yaa eei. Nana functioned as a clean river from which Kings and Queens; Male and Female; Elderly n Yoo ayee!’’ and Young drunk from, and never dried up. he entire Royal Asenee Nana, your loyalty, strict discipline, humility, Family of Akyem Tafo is prudence, temperance, fortitude, and saddened by your demise kindness among other virtues will always be to join our ancestors.Some remembered. You were indeed a leader who people die and nobody pulled everybody along. We are grateful to remembers that they even the Almighty God for such a life well lived and lived. However, others die are consoled that you are with your Maker. and the pain of their departure lives on in the hearts of many. Such is the death of nana or Ɔkofoɔ, mo ne yɔ! Oman as we affectionately called him. He took the Asenee Family and Akyem Tafoman AseneƐba, Damirifa Due! as a priority and chose to serve diligently. Adonten Nana, Due ne Amanehunu! When the Kronti (Amankrado) Royal stool of Akyem Tafo had been vacant for many years Kronti, wo ko a tee! due to internal litigation resulting in sickness and the death of some family members, the Oman, ɔkwan so brƐbrƐ, brƐbrƐ, brƐbrƐ then Chief of Akyem Tafo, Nana Okru Banin, and some of his Elders, Nana Yaw Oten, Nana Otwereampɔn mfa wo nsie. Kwaku Nuama, Opanin Poku among others approached Nana to occupy the stool. Amen! 30 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 31

In Loving Memory of a Deear Husband and wonderful Father Time passes memories stay loved and remembere everyday... 32 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TRIBUTE BY THE WIDOW ELIZABETH ASAAH (Ante) OLord, I need you! The difficulties would not stop coming and I am feeling battle worn out. I am bruised and battered from the storms that won’t subside in my life. Wrap me in your loving arms and comfort my hurting heart. For though I walk through the darkest valley, I know you are with me. I will not fear, for you are my shepherd and will lead me to green pastures and quiet water. Lord, comfort and refresh my soul. Be my refuge from the storm, my stronghold in the battle. Help me find rest in you, trusting in your love and strength. Amen. To my soul mate, my best friend, my teacher, my advisor, my enlightener, my confidant, my King, my one in all, forty-six years of life together with a thousand tears and sleepless nights would not bring you back because I have cried. In the good times, we rejoiced and thanked the Lord. So, I have accepted heaven has gained an angel whose name I know. “A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best. If love alone could have saved you, you would have stayed with us forever.” You loved the Lord deeply and whatever you did, you did it as unto the Lord. The Lord in his infinite ways brought us together in 1975 and we got married, God blessed our marital journey with Christiana Boatemaa Botwe after some years to add up to the numerous children we had. When Christy was just one year old, glory be to God, I had a near-fatal accident on my way from Old Tafo to New Tafo. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 33

God saved my life and showed mercy and grace on my shell and to allow myself to step into the light to me, I was rushed to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Koforidua shine. I will forever be grateful for the gift of you. because New Tafo – Akim Government Hospital referred me.The accident was so serious that I had a broken bone My amazing man visited me almost every day with either in my right thigh and a broken knee bone on my left leg, Twi or English story books and would help me read it. He but my maker assured me in Isaiah 43:2”. made sure I read then he corrects my mistakes. My love will always be my superman, he did an extraordinary I could not move myself let alone walk. Nana, as I job in my life because after three months in the hospital affectionately called him, praise the Lord, was in my life. and six months bedridden, I could read anything. My From day one of the accident, he never left my side, at God miraculously made me take a step one day at a the time about forty years ago, there were a few cars, time, until I fully recovered after a year. After recovering but there was not a single day he left me alone. My from the accident, I started trading in grains and the husband was spectacular, wonderful, noble, selfless, encouragement and the counseling were superb. faithful, encouraging, trustworthy, heart-giving, and a Within that year Nana was transferred to Abuakwa State great leader who always set Christ-like examples. I am College, Kibi. In Nana’s first week in Abusco, there was sharing this because for the about three months’ stay at a shortage of grains, so my love directed the bursary to St. Joseph’s hospital Koforidua and those moments of me, so I started supplying Abusco with grains. With his my life, to me, I would not accept to read the bible or enormous guidance and counselling, God gave us more anything or take up a position at church because I did not opportunities to supply to other schools like Odasco. believe that I could read,although I had completed form four at the time. I was extremely shy, shy of everything, My selfless man,I really appreciate all you did for me and but Nana broke my shells and brought forth a new me. my generation. We really supported each other through As a partner, he always encouraged me to come out of thick and thin. God brought you my way to bless me so 34 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

I could bless others. In our many years of stay, we never With Andrae Crouch, I say; fought because we always ended our arguments with, I’m sorry, forgive me oo, then we continue from there. “I have had many tears and sorrows, I have had questions for tomorrow, You never missed my birthdays.Even when I forgot,your There’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong, presence with your gifts always came to remind me of But in every situation, my special day. I have indeed misplaced a fortune, a God gave me blessed consolation, treasure, a world. I love you so much, but God loves you That my trials come only to make me strong, best. Thank you so much for being a part and parcel of Through it all my story. Nana who will correct my tenses. Christy will I’ve learned to trust in Jesus make fun of me oo, who will I sing our favorite hymns I’ve learned to trust in God. with; Though it all I’ve learned to depend upon his word. “I will praise my maker whiles I have breath” and “Captain of Israel host and guide”. You are so wonderful to think of and so hard to be without and say goodbye to my dearest, we will surely My heart bleeds but I am comforted by knowing that meet again on the Lord’s side. Continue to rest peacefully you finished your work on this earth and the Lord called and tell the maker to prepare me a place because we you home to rest in glory. will surely meet again. God bless your beautiful soul much. You are indeed Goodbye generous and genuine, I will never get exhausted, My Love choosing you over and over again. Ante (Widow) NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 35

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Nothing gold can stay Robert frost Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leafs a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 37

TRIBUTE BY OSABARIMA ADUSEI PEASAH IV (AKYEM TAFOHENE) & THE AKYEM ANWANSA TRADITIONAL COUNCIL 38 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

o wails the fontomfrom drums as the When I was enstooled as Akyem Tafohene in 1985, inevitable summons of death has visited he was the first person that I swore my oath to as the Akyem Tafo. representative of the Elders of Akyem Tafo. Since then, he became my Second-in-Command, my Senior Elder, “He will wipe away every tear from advisor, mentor, and the leader of the opposition. In the eyes, and death shall be no more, my absence, Nana chaired all the meetings of the sub- chiefs so effectively that I never for once, had cause to Sneither shall the be mourning nor crying have any apprehensions. Capable, knowledgeable, and nor pain anymore, for the former things well-versed in the customs of our people and beyond have passed away.” was what he was. As an educationist, all problems concerning education -Revelations 21:4 were referred to him for the necessary solution. He was always present at the palace anytime he was Today we have put on our kuntunkuni and koben needed. Although his work took him to Asamankese and women have placed their hands on their heads as Headmaster of Asamankese Senior High School, intoning, “Nana eei! Nana eei!” How true it is that we Abuakwa State College, and later on to Oda as District understand death for the first time when he places his Director of Education, he still made sure to be present at icy hands upon one whom we love. the required time to perform his traditional duties. I was therefore blessed when he finally came on It is said that we begin the journey towards death on the retirement. He was affable and quite approachable. very day we are born. This is the way of all mortals. And now, this course has been the way of Nana Yaw Kyereh II a.k.a. Nana A. O. Botwe, the Amankrado of Tafo. The first time meeting Nana was in 1967 when I entered Ofori Panin Senior High School.Nana was my Geography tutor who was also meticulous and influential in my formative years as a teenager at OPASS before he left for further studies. It is through this foundation he gave us that aroused my interest to study Geography as one of my favourite subjects. Due to intra Asenee family chieftaincy feud, my immediate predecessor thought it fitting and prudent to create, nominate and install a new stool for lawful occupancy by Nana Botwe. Tafoman has since then been the big winner or beneficiary for his awesome contributions, development-wise. His ascension to that throne brought us together once more, this time in my adulthood and roles changed. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 39

He was also ready to help solve most of the problems of the traditional council over the years are greatly that came to the palace. He served the stool with appreciated. cautiousness and always did his best to calm his temper when it arose. Respect was often rendered to him as Mr. Eric Botwe in particular, has been phenomenal in his the uppermost elder at the palace. Being my former support for our traditional programs, other significant tutor, on every occasion, I gave him the due regard he dates on the calendar, and much more especially deserved and also felt proud to introduce him to visitors towards our Ohum Festival and Christmas festivities. as such. Nana Botwe’s desire to have all family members and the We met all the time to deliberate on decisions to be larger community of Tafoman educated, got crystalized taken before all the elders were informed. He was an when with his influence, Olam Food Ingredients Ghana advisor; he was generous, ever ready to share ideas, Limited established the Educational Fund. and always willing to inspire other elders to put our heads together for the betterment of Tafo. What he was May the good Lord continue to bless them abundantly most fond of was a referral to the history of our people even after the tragic demise of both of their wonderful whenever it was needed. Nana Botwe had a mature parents which was only a few months apart. manner he used to handle provocative issues on all occasions at the palace. Nana’s signature was etched on My Elders and I are indeed proud of the priceless many indentures of Tafo citizens and foreigners alike. legacy, Nana Botwe, left. We will forever miss Nana As a result of the effective parenting by Nana Botwe and Amankrado’s sense of humour. his late wife,Mrs.Felicia Ama Safoa Botwe,their children have been a blessing to Tafoman and the Ghanaian Nana Botwe, your passing on has indeed created a Nation as a whole. The direct physical donations they vacuum in the hearts of the Elders of Tafo Anwansa have made to ensure the smooth running of affairs Ahenfie and the people of Akyem Tafo. Nana Botwe, Damirifa due, 40 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE Tafo Amankrado, Damirifa due, Nante Yie.

In Our Hearts We thought of you today. But that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday. And days before that too. We think of you in silence. We often speak your name. Now all we have are memories And your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake. With which we’ll never part. God has you in his keeping. We have you in our heart. -Unknown- NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 41

CHTIRLIBUDTERBY EN GODFRED, HENRIETTA, IRENE, EVELYN, ERIC, PATRICIA, LAWRENCE, CHRISTIANA & GLORIA 42 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

“This is the price you pay for having a great father. You Although he was always on us, this helped us to excel at get the wonder, the joy, the tender moments – and you whatever endeavour we took up. As your children, if we get the tears at the end, too.” – Harlan Coben have ever been assertive and have been able to stand for the principles we live by, we have you to thank for We really are paying the price for having had a great guiding us with your words of wisdom and teaching us and well- rounded father. We are in floods of tears; to be fair and truthful no matter the cost. just simply inconsolable and no words are sufficient to describe what we feel about this tragic loss. Daa would always discipline us once deserved. He would immediately set us right without fear or favour It has not been too long since we last stood before you and with the appropriate punishment just to keep like this to pay homage to our dearly departed mum. As us straight. Daa was quite the leader in church. It is the cold icy hands of death would have it, here we are interesting how most of us ended up as members of once more deeply pained and saddened by our loss. the Methodist Church Ghana rather than the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church. Daa was not Our father, Nana Botwe, was the very pillar around worried about the physical church we attended. He was which our family was built. His life was like an exciting particularly interested in us growing up in accordance book from which we could emulate various chapters with God’s word and living very practical Christian lives. which enriched our lives. He was kind, a confidant, family-oriented, had the listening ear for all and sundry Daa was humble. He would set the best examples for whether the issue was serious or trivial; and had unique us. He supported us in our endeavours, even beyond relationships with all of us, our children and our spouses. academics and ensured that all our needs were catered We could not have asked for a better father, in-law and for while helping out with some domestic duties grandfather for our children. We have indeed lost an sometimes. irreplaceable gem. Our father as the teacher he was, and who was later promoted to various ranks in academia up to the level of a District Director of Education, ensured that we had the best of education there was to offer. He did not compromise on the quality of education he wanted us to have irrespective of the availability or otherwise of funds.Not only that,he used to personally assist us in our studies that we had no excuse than to excel. Daa would always want to know our challenges both at school and in the house, checking our exercise books and reading through our notebooks to correct our mistakes. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 43

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Daa would not only ensure that we were taken care of, Who will we go to? and who will we call for counsel? but he was also generous to a fault. He taught us how We have had many unanswered questions and so we to be kind to others and share whatever we had with have attempted to dial your telephone number several others. He had similar expectations of us to share the times, only to be hit with the harsh reality that you are word of God with others and so we would sometimes no more.We would give anything; pay any price to hear have discussions on topical Christian issues to equip us your soothing voice one more time or to see your warm for the times we would have to share our beliefs with smile once again but tragically that is not to be. others. The opinions expressed at such meetings could be diverse but at the end of the day he would ensure We really do miss you Daa. There were so many things that we fully understood the essence.These are some of you taught us but learning how to avoid missing people the fond memories we will hold dear. we had lost who were so dear to us was not part of the lessons let alone to have learnt how not to miss you Daa for as long as we knew him always juggled various once you had passed on. roles and responsibilities. He was the ever-present father, a dedicated teacher, a successful farmer, a sports Whenever we were together like this,it was to celebrate fanatic and a royal to the core in line with his role as you and some feat or another you had chalked up just as the Amankrado of Akyem Tafo just to mention a few. If we did last year during your 90th birthday celebration. you wanted to take Daa on playing draught or some We would usually surround you with lots of singing and intellectually stimulating board game, you had to dancing as we captured those beautiful moments. Daa, better come prepared before you were annihilated by we really long for many more of such merriments with Nana Botwe. We are sure his game buddy Opanin Boadi you. Instead, here we are draped in mourning clothes would bear us witness. and beside ourselves to bid farewell to you, who were once our gallant Dad. Nana Botwe was a man of the people, with regards to Chieftaincy. The kind of care he had for us was the We honestly believed we had many more years with same he had for Tafoman. He selflessly served the state you, but your maker had other plans. We will cherish and was always looking out for how he could use his every minute moment we shared with you while we influence to support the town’s folks or improve Akyem- had you as our incredible dad and in the circumstances, Tafo as a whole. Indeed, we have all lost a great man. pray the Good Lord you believed in grants you, eternal rest. It was interesting to be children of a Chief. Our friends and colleagues would consult us on matters of custom Agya pa pa, rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord. and traditions and we would also not disappoint them Daa, Damirifa Due! in showcasing the vast knowledge acquired from our Nana Botwe, Due ne Amanehunu!! dad, on such matters over the years. If we had no idea, all we did was to ask him since he was only a phone call Yɛn aa y’Obrempong, Nante yie. away. It has been very difficult these last few months without you Daa. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 45

THBEOOTRTIBKUWTYE BYEERSEH 46 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TRIBUTE BY GODFRED YAW OKYEREH BOTWE And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, Acts 17:26 world to join the saints, it has not been the same for me. Daddy, you were the mirror at which I looked at my life, the mirror at which I looked at myself, and now that you are gone my life is so empty that I feel it in my soul. My solace is in the fact that you live a righteous life. Every moment of your life has been like a book on a path towards heavenly bliss… Daddy when I close my eyes, all I see is your image… This verse reminds me that it is God who determines the The summary of our togetherness from cradle to your time and periods we will live on this earth, including exit lingers in my mind. It is a memory that even death the places we will dwell. It is in this truth that we cannot erase… Your departure has made me broken take comfort as we mourn the passing of my father, and transformed me into a man. Not by gender but by affectionately known as Oman. I strongly believe that the willingness to do what great men do knowing that dad has run his race as allotted to him by God. death is the end of every mortal; the transformation that life is vain and everything in it is vanity. When the mirror is broken you no longer see your image. On that dreadful day, since you departed this This death would not separate us as I would soon grow old and exit just like you did, and we shall meet again soon to continue as father and son.Then my son would also pay tribute to me like I am doing this morning to your blessed memory. Rest in the Lord true soldier of faith. Adieu my mirror. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 47

MAATRMIBEUTDE BIYANA And I heard a voice from Heaven say, ‘Write Asew pa,I cherished your unflinching humility,love,and this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord cordiality. from now on.’ ‘Yes’, says the spirit ‘they will rest from their labour for their deeds will Grandpa, we thank you for raising our children to be follow them adorable men and women. Thank you for the affection you showed your grandchildren.Be assured that they all M(Revelation 14:13). loved you also. y dear father-in-law, the sad news of your death came to me from far and Indeed, I will sadly miss you as much as the entire near as a great shock indeed. I knew of family. ‘Asew, the vacuum your exit has created will be your ill health, but little did I know that very difficult to fill. All that I can say is; May your soul rest you would leave us so soon. through the mercy of the Lord. I could not believe it but after some time, it dawned on Asew Pa, nante yie! me that the news was true. Grandpa nante yie, May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. Grandpa, as I affectionately called you, I cannot find enough words to express my grief. You welcomed me warmly into your home and gave me a sense of belonging. I simply called you “Grandpa because you were more than a father-in-law to me. It was such a privilege to have known and loved you. You treated me with absolute dignity and respect, to the extent that I felt the most loved and respected. I always felt part of your family without discrimination from your children. I also enjoyed your sense of humour and the childhood stories of my sisters-in-law and husbands that you shared with me. I will never forget the constructive advice you gave me any time we met or had a conversation with you especially ‘Yen ngyina nkrane mu ntutunkrane’. 48 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TRIBUTE BY HENRY AGYABENG BOTWE, DICKSON GYAN, PRINCE OWUSU BOTWE, & PRISCILLA OWUSUA BOTWE (CHILDREN OF GODFRED OKYEREH BOTWE) The sudden death of our dear grandfather has brought GYAN us to the understanding of what Paul says in Philippians OKYEREH 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” O Papa, we miss you so much. The Emptiness of the space you have left in our lives is so deep. You left without saying goodbye and we have been consoling ourselves on the basis that because you lie in the bosom of the Lord, we shall see you again. Granddad, you were a wonderful living experience. You were a grandfather, a mentor, a counsellor and a pillar of support to us. So strong and certain was your hand in showing us the way we HENRY should go as the Good Book says. We grew up thinking that every AGYEBENG grandfather was like you. But we discovered eventually that there OKYEREH were grandfathers, and there were indeed grandfathers. Your rich BOTWE experience of life and its different cultures filled our home with exotic stories. This ensured that we constantly gathered around your PRISCILLA feet. All grandchildren love stories, and we were no exception. Our OKYEREH ears tingled, our heads stood on, our noses twitched, and our eyes BOTWE stayed wide open for your thoughtful stories. They say you can see someone just now and the next moment they just disappear. We used to laugh at such sayings because we never understood it until it happened to us. In paying tribute to our grandpa, we sincerely wish to praise the name of our Lord God Almighty for a wonderful grandpa. We will remember you always and your memory will bring refreshment to our hearts and strengthen us in times of trouble. Grandpa, Rest in perfect peace. We will one day meet you in heaven. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 49

CANDICE ANOKYEWAA BOTWE CHGIRLADNRDEN CRYSTAL OOFBGKOYOTEDWRFEERHED AGYEIWAA NYAMEDEA BOTWE AFUA SERWAA ASARE BOTWE ISHMAEL AFRANIE GODFRED CHRISSON OKYERE BOTWE 50 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE