MR BOTWE ALL

The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason our family. We could visit his home anytime and we would always meet a gentleman who spoke with us in of strength eighty years, yet their pride is but labour his quiet, thoughtful way marked with gentle humour and consistency. His life was an example we aspired to and sorrow, for it passes quickly and we fly away - emulate. He made us belong to his family. WPsalm 90:10e have encountered a number Akonta was a man of strength, fortitude, conviction, of very resolute and dedicated and determination. These are some of the qualities he people in our lives and in our did not hesitate to put on or display to anyone who family, but none measures to that encountered him. of our brother-in-law, Nana Botwe. Our nephews, nieces, and their children were his pride In the early 1960s, we heard from our parents that a and joy and he always maintained a keen interest in each of their lives. It is very heartbreaking that you gentleman who was a teacher had proposed to marry are no more, but we honour you with every act, every word, and every gesture of yours in our lives. We will our sister, Felicia Ama Safoa, little did we expect that a always remember you for your strong personality, your kindness, and your loving nature. big man and a prosperous family was in the offing.Nana Akonta, Sister Mina, Oworae Mensah, and Oduro Botwe and our parents became so close that before our Mensah, with a heavy heart, say thank you and fare thee well. mother died in 1998, she appointed Nana Botwe an May the good God grant you a peaceful transition. honorary son which duty he received with love for every Da Yie, Da Yie, Da Yie. Nyame mfa wo kra nsie yie. Amen! one of us, especially the younger ones. We will surely miss him for his constant visit to us at Asafo-Akim. Nana Botwe, aside from being an astute disciplinary teacher was also a brilliant man. He spoke less but every word that came from him had the greatest impact on people. We had a solid rock to lean against. His door was always open to us right from the first day he joined NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 101

NANA ATWRIBUUTKE BUY BRAM I KY I D OM H EN E O F DAW U A KUA P EM AN D FAM I LY “The world indeed is a stage and all I cannot forget how you graciously led the family men and women are merely players. with Opanin Nimaku, Kyeremu, Kwadjo Paper, Owusu They have their entrances and their Banahene, Kwame Dapaah, Kwaku Anan Ameyaw exit and one man in his time plays and myself to victory at court in the early 80’s. This many parts win cemented our family bond like veterans who had been to war and won. It was a great victory indeed and William Shakespeare entrenched the position of the Mankrado stool in the family. Nana, for the part you played in my life and that of my family we You further introduced Obaa Panyin AkosuaYeboah alias are grateful. I came back home Bokoo, Nana Amponsah Peasah, Obaa Panyin Ama Akya to Tafo looking for my Akyem Nkruma, Obaa Panyin Yaa Hagar, Obaa Panyin Adjoa heritage and I found the elder Fosua Ediya, Opanyin Kwaku Yeboah and Abusuapanyin brother I always longed for. You Adjei welcomed me and made sure I felt at home. I always looked Suddenly a whole new door of family was opened to forward to visiting Tafo because of you.You made it your me and my children and this was your doing. You did personal quest to teach me everything you knew about not miss an opportunity to support me. You informed our family history and this journey down memory lane me about our Tafo heritage events, and we proudly led us to the point where we had to reclaim our family attended them together. Participating in events stool, the Kronti or Mankrado stool of Tafo Anwansa together also gave me the opportunity to proudly show Kotoko Kru Kyereku. off the Tafo side of me during Dawu events. I will miss that greatly. 102 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

You opened your door to my family to the extent that to date my daughter (Gifty) cannot stop talking about her Mum and Dad from Tafo. She would say “honestly I don’t remember how the Dining Hall in Asamankese Secondary School looks like, so often my sister Pat would come and call me, and I would go home to eat”. All she can remember is the love you and your wife showered on her”. It was her first time away from home and her parent,and she found a home away from home in your family. Her experience in your home really left a lasting impact on her, and she does not hesitate to say her time with you contributed to who she is today as a Wife, Mum, and the Senior Information System Analyst of American Tower Corporation, Ghana (ATC Ghana). Thank you, for your encouragement and purpose to bring me home. It worked. You made me happy to be back home and I will not let your effort be in vain. I will forever keep hanging on to the legacy you left me. I am grateful for the years the Almighty God gave you and I together and I will forever cherish it. Rest well Big Brother. REST WELL! You fought a good fight and played your role gracefully. I salute you My Elder Brother. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 103

TRIBUTE BY NEPHEWS & NIECES A great soul serves everyone all the time, a great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again. “Maya Angeku” Hardly do you hear a lot said zone if we want to make it in this life; this we appreciated about our uncle (Nana), but we very much. were privileged to have been blessed with a wonderful uncle He will forever remain in our hearts for his monumental who supersedes all others. and unprecedented lifelong memories we shared with him. We would have loved to have you around forever, He was a man who embraced but that would be against the scriptures because to all and sundry, ready to offer everything there is a season and a time to every purpose support and assistance not only to his children but under the heaven. We strongly believed that you are extended that gesture to us as well. mainly from time to eternity. This is the time to join your maker and so we have no questions. His God-fearing character was evident in the manner he brought up these children of which we also had our We are still grateful to your maker because you fought a share. good fight. God be with you Nana. What can we say? We have lost a unique uncle, father, Irene, Olivia, Kwaayo, Darko, Ruben, Kwaku, Sister”, a pace setter and an industry person who encouraged Marfo, Paa Yaw, Oye and Kofi says, until we meet again, us to forge ahead in life and move out of our comfort Rest in perfect peace Nana.   104 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TRIBUTE BY BROTHERS & SISTER- IN-LAW FROM ASAFO AKIM We have encountered a number of very resolute and dedicated people in our lives and in our family, but none measures to that of our brother-in-law, Nana Botwe. In the early 1960s, we heard from our parents that a gentleman who was a teacher had proposed to marry our sister, Felicia Ama Safoa, little did we expect that a big man and a prosperous family was in the offing. Nana Botwe and our parents became so close that before our mother died in 1998, she appointed Nana Botwe an honorary son which duty he received with love for every one of us, especially the younger ones. “The days of our years are seventy, or even by We will surely miss him for his constant visit to us at Asafo-Akim. Nana Botwe, aside from being an astute reason of strength eighty years, yet their pride disciplinary teacher was also a brilliant man. He spoke is but labour and sorrow, for it passes quickly less but every word that came from him had the greatest impact on people. and we fly away We had a solid rock to lean against. His door was Psalm 90:10 always open to us right from the first day he joined our family. We could visit his home anytime and we would always meet a gentleman who spoke with us in his quiet, thoughtful way marked with gentle humour and consistency. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 105

His life was an example we aspired to emulate. He made us belong to his family. Akonta was a man of strength, fortitude, conviction, and determination. These are some of the qualities he did not hesitate to put on or display to anyone who encountered him. Our nephews, nieces, and their children were his pride and joy and he always maintained a keen interest in each of their lives. It is very heartbreaking that you are no more, but we honour you with every act, every word, and every gesture of yours in our lives.We will always remember you for your strong personality, your kindness, and your loving nature. Akonta, Sister Mina, Oworae Mensah, and Oduro Mensah, with a heavy heart, say thank you and fare thee well. May the good God grant you a peaceful transition. Da Yie, Da Yie, Da Yie. Nyame mfa wo kra nsie yie. Amen! 106 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TRIBUTE BY THE A.M.E. ZION CHURCH BISHOP SOLOMON DORME LARTEY SOCIETY Who can count the dust of He paid his dues promptly and advocated for justice Jacob? Who can number the and fair play for all. This added beauty to his caliber of dust of Israel? Let me die the person and status in the church. death of the righteous, and may NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 107 I end up like him. Numbers 23:10 ‘A nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for’ hence the need for this tribute.’ Nana Botwe was a staunch member of the A.M.E. Zion Church, Bishop Dorme Lartey Society and stood tall as an active church member and a role model for many. He was one of the most important and revered figures in the church and in the entire Tafo Traditional Area. He was a modest person despite his high educational achievement. He blended liberal education in line with traditional values and Christian standards and demonstrated a high sense of discipline. Due to his academic dexterity, he became the first Assistant Headmaster of our noble institution – W.B.M. Zion S.H.S, Old Tafo Akim. He was born into the church by the late ‘Awo Hagar’ a very humble, decent, and a Christian mother of substance. As a born Zionite, Nana respected all the norms of the church and was found at both local and national levels. He was a member of the Men’s Fellowship and contributed immensely to the physical and spiritual upliftment of the fellowship.

Due to his hard work, Nana rose to the position of the Fare thee well Nana. Preacher’s steward, which is the most enviable and Rest perfectly in the bosom esteemed position in the Local Church. In other words, he was the pastor’s number one friend who is mandated of the FATHER. to provide for the needs and well-being of the pastor. We hope to meet in heaven He discharged this responsibility with precision and where the faithful assembles diligence. before the Almighty God. Nana distinguished and positioned himself in the church as a unique person and his demise has left an inordinate vacuum. We have indeed lost an advocate, a scholar, a donor, a devoted Christian, and a state man whose pragmatic and genuine proposal and programs will forever be remembered. 108 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TRIBUTE BY THE ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED DIRECTORS OF EDUCATION, EASTERN REGION IN MEMORY OF THE LATE NANA A. O. BOTWE Blessed are the dead which die Nana by his examples taught us three important in the lord from henceforth: conducts that augur well for the Association; Yea, saith the spirit, that they • Punctuality may rest from their labors; and • Regular and prompt payment of monthly dues their works do follow them. • Speaking only when one has the floor. Rev. 14:13(KJV) Nana was a friend to all members.We would remember him forever.Yes, his good works would follow him.Nana! Oh! fearless death, you invaded our camp for the third time,snatching a Royal and the most Senior Fellow from Nana A. O. Botwe, fare thee well till we meet again at us. Our father and brother has been called to glory. He the Lord’s feet. was an example of calmness, wisdom, fortitude, and nobility to us. Nana, as we called him at our gatherings Due! Damerifa Due!!  was a silent mentor. His words and contributions at the meetings showed the strength and power of his knowledge and experience in life. He helped the Association with all the good qualities he possessed. Nana. A. O. Botwe was present when we had our maiden meeting which gave birth to the Association on the 18th of October 2018 at Akyem New Tafo. He was a founding member and contributed greatly to the preparation of our constitution. We have indeed lost a treasure and pillar. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 109

TRIBUTE BY Felicia Ama Safoa Botwe admired the game because at the latter part of last year, Fiifi bought three sets of OPANIN BOADI draught for our use. AMN UNCLE AND A FRIENDy relationship with Nana Nana was a man of integrity, selfless, charitable, Agyebeng Botwe started in tolerant, sympathetic and firm. He was an icon of peace 1992 when I led my friend, among his contemporaries.He was a disciplinarian who the late Mr. Jonathan Kwasi will not gloss over issues lightly. Nkansah to perform the marriage rites between his Nana was strict and championed justice and fair play in son Dr.Theophilus Nkansah all his endeavours. He was a role model who inspired and Nana’s daughter, Rev. his siblings, children and all those who met him. He was Irene Nkansah. a loving and caring father who took issues concerning his children at heart. This relationship with Nana grew stronger during the death of Nana’s younger brother who was also my Nana, I believe by now, your late wife, Mrs. Felicia Ama nephew in the person of the late Opanin Anthony Safoa Botwe is waiting to take you O. Yeboah in 2014. Both of us served on the funeral committee. home. Please tell her I appreciated the way she received and served me whenever I visited you. Before our involvement with the committee, we used to play draught at his Old Tafo residence to entertain Fare thee well, Nana. ourselves. After the funeral, we moved the draught Until we meet again, playing to Nana’s present house. This continued for a very long time until his ill health separated us leading to Damirifa Due! his sudden demise. Nana and I did not only play draught in his house, we at times settled disputes among people. He never introduced me to people by my name but always as ‘w4fa’ (uncle). During my presence in Nana’s house, I found out that both his children and his late wife, the late Mrs. 110 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

We can’t feel the loss of a friend until they are apart from us DEBOLINA NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 111

NANA K. TKRYIBUETEI-BBY ROBBEY (EKUONAHENE, AKYEM TAFO) FORMER HEADMASTER OF OFORI PANIN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (OPASS) “Let not your heart be troubled; By the grace of the Almighty God, the mortal remains of the great personality that lie before this gathering has You believe in God, believe also in Me. gone through the full cycle of celebrated life. In My father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. From birth, infancy, childhood, to adolescence, to adulthood, gracefully aged and now demised. As we I go to prepare a place for you. commemorate the wonderful life of Nana Agyebeng And if I go and prepare a place for you, Okyere Botwe, the Akyem Tafo Mankrado, we console I will come again and receive you to Myself, ourselves with the knowledge that his soul or spirit has That where I am, there you may be also. found repose in the bosom of the Lord. And where I go, you know, DEMISE And the way you know. (John 14:1-4) Still reeling from the shock of the demise of this great traditional ruler, educationist, family man and unifier, 112 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE I wonder why the God of Hosts decided to recall his invaluable contributions from us physically, when these were much needed, having in mind that two months earlier, his lovely life partner’s great talents had been made unavailable to us the living, through her passing on. It is worth touting him as the foundation rock upon which the Tafo Ahenfie super structure was built upon. AS A TRAILBLAZER Sincerely, I crave the indulgence of herein gathered that my personal viewpoint forms basis for this eulogy.

The fact is that the apparent same configuration of I have difficulty maintaining my emotional composure career paths between us is rather striking, although his and trying not to be choked by sentiments. Twenty was on a higher pedestal. Nana Botwe’s life trajectory years back, Nana was on the panel that interviewed as a teacher, educational administrator, civil service the thirteen of us who were prospective candidates to executive and finally a traditional chief (Mankrado), succeed the then exiting headmaster; my immediate a transition from a highly formalized operation with predecessor, the late Mr. K. Amo Dako of blessed management structures to ancient governance systems memory. Nana’s memory will forever be etched in my notorious for their rabid conservatisms (and hostility mind. to rapid modernization) was certainly a fascinating adventure. Nana left an incredible impression on EVERLASTING LEGACY: EDUCATION many young teenagers in Tafo and Akyem Abuakwa as a whole. Some of us emulated his good pathway set A leader must have a tenacity of purpose as one of and followed his royal footsteps to become what we the ingredients required for success and leave a good are today. As a trailblazer, he was an advocate for the enduring legacy; which we can all testify, that Nana respect for traditions and customs of our people, one Botwe left for the benefit of his children, and the people with a common destiny. individuals who were privileged to have been taught by him as a seasoned tutor. For bequeathing a high sense ROLE MODEL of morality, uprightness, and humility, you played your part. From the Holy Book, the adage mantra is “train up Nana Botwe epitomized the uniqueness and a child the way he should go and when he is old, he will respectability of chieftaincy as a traditional institution to not depart from it.” Generations were impacted. its best ethos. His was an exemplary service to his town, keeping high standards of sterling leadership qualities As French lawyer Maximilien Robespierre once said, of discipline, integrity and humility. To many of us, “The secret of liberty is to enlighten men, as that of tyranny is to keep them in ignorance.” Nana became a role model, to the young and elderly alike. He was instrumental in the process of my MEANINGFUL CATALYST AND ENFORCER IN TAFO nomination, selection, and subsequent enstoolment as PALACE Ekounahene of Akyem Tafo. Very persuasive, the general impression was that he Profusely,he expressed his gratitude to my family for the was an excellent leader, never self-centered, with no presentation of my candidature for the vacant position grandiose illusions of self-importance. His judgment adding that the traditional council had been hoping to on many issues, especially those bordering on enlist me as a member for a long time to serve the town. complaints that did not lead to actable outcomes, was He had for a longer period been my mentor. As I say this, meaningless to him. Hence, he became a catalyst in NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 113

the Anwansa Palace that provoked action very often. I am informed by my limited association with him that Although he was tactful in his relationship with others, he was literally a fountain of knowledge or probably he could sometimes reproach to correct unbecoming a walking encyclopedia as far as Tafo history, customs, attitudes he felt uncomfortable with. He had a greater traditions, and usages were concerned in the following capacity for listening and being sensitive and uniquely instances; magnanimous. • Tafo heritage, its roots, and first settlement at FORTHRIGHT AND ASSERTIVE Bunso near River Birem. In my steep learning curve in the royal court of • Parting ways with their Saaman brothers and Tafohene, as soon as I became a privileged member, sisters. They migrated to different directions. I erred on the side of customs and traditions. I then needed an intercession, calling a brother of mine, • To Anwansa settlement and their subsequent Okyeame Awua Brobbey, to help me out of the mess. movement to the present site. Quickly, Nana Mankrado told me forthrightly that I was his grandson courtesy of my mother being a daughter • Kukurantumi settlement (about 1805) at a present of his forebears. I could not take solace in anybody else location from the previous site at Akyem Takyiman. than in his presence. • Tafo-Kukurantumi boundary demarcation and Moreover, as a colleague former headmaster, and ruling by the colonial Supreme Court in 1904 (12th educator, I needed to draw closer to him. I was April, 1904) before Chief Justice William Brandford overwhelmed by his welcome assertiveness. As a Griffith. dynamic traditional authority, Nana Botwe provided a forward-looking leadership template for us against the • Asene settlement of Old Ati on the original Tafo- constraints of rather rigid customs, ancient practices, Kukurantumi road off Tafo suburb of Fofiase. and traditions. • Location (site) of OPASS (Tafo Kukurantumi LOSS OF A HUMAN LIBRARY Secondary School) in 1961 Nana Botwe provided exemplary leadership, full of Many more are the collections of critical historical facts wisdom, knowledgeable in cultural practices, and ethos lost in that wonderful brain soon to be forever missed of traditional value. There is an adage that says, “Every in posterity. wise old person that dies in Africa is a library destroyed.” This aptly describes the demise of Nana Botwe to Nana Botwe was a gentle giant in the true sense Tafoman. of the word. Of a quiet disposition, very charming temperament, dignified and impressive personality. Nana could easily be singled out in a crowd by his imposing height and size. 114 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

We know death eventually comes to us all, but your passing on has left a deep void that we know can never be filled. Your life story ties in perfectly with what the unknown sage and philosopher said; “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. We pay homage to all distinguished chiefs and their elders, all other honourable guests to have travelled from far and near, in their full mourning regalia made of red and black cloths and ornaments to the ancient town of Akyem Tafo. We are united in grief to pay our last respect to dear Tafo Mankrado. In a show or display made up of a blend of culture and tradition, with a continuous firing of guns, pouring of libation, chanting, traditional drumming and dancing, all of us pray for peaceful rest for his gentle soul in the Lord. OBREMPONG, DAMIRIFA DUE, DUE! AMEN!  NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 115

THE AHWOIS TRIBUTE BY ATO, KWESI & EWURA-ABENA AHWOI In the early 1950s, we had the privilege and Other noticeable things about Nana were, his kindness, honour of meeting and getting to know Nana diligence, patience, and sense of humour. For us, Nana’s Botwe at Wesley College Practice School most critical and endearing trait, was his dedication to located at Suame in Kumasi where our father, his work as a teacher. Nana simply loved teaching! Mr. J. K. Ahwoi, enrolled us for our elementary schooling. At that time, we had no idea of the Now, we are adults, but as it is obvious from this tribute, role he would play in our lives. we still recollect many things about Nana because children, due to their impressionable age, always From our childhood perspective, Nana had remember many things about those adults who play an arresting presence that attracted us to him but also a special role in their lives. We still remember the made us afraid of him. We saw him as a GIANT as he was unforgettable Teacher Botwe, who at that early age of the tallest and most well-built among all the teachers. our lives, showed a very keen and special interest in us, He had a broad face, with fine features. His eyes were the Ahwois, and kept his relationship with us from then particularly very attractive – eyes that always seemed and throughout our adult lives. to dance with all kinds of emotions. At one time, they could be warm because he was smiling; and his smile Indeed, Nana’s interest in us deepened when we always reached his eyes. At another time they would assumedvariousrolesinthesocio-politicaldevelopment be very serious and piercing because one had done of Mother Ghana from 1970 to date. Nana was so proud something wrong and being the disciplinarian that he of us that he never hesitated to show us off - his once- was, he would leave you in no doubt of his disapproval. upon-a-time teeny-weeny pupils of Wesley College In addition, he had a heart of gold which reflected in his Practice School. Nana’s interest in us blossomed the relationship with all his pupils. more when Kwesi’s wife, Mrs. Ewura-Abena Ahwoi was posted by Ghana Education Service (GES) as the Director 116 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE of Education, Eastern Region, and

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settled in Koforidua the regional capital. Nana Botwe Nana,we hear you consoling us through Joey Beighley’s immediately ‘adopted’ her as his daughter. Nana had poem below, entitled: another reason to appreciate the Ahwois when his son, Eric Botwe, was employed and became a top manager Fill Not Your Hearts in the erstwhile CASHPRO Co. Ltd., a leading cocoa Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, purchasing company established by the Ahwois. but remember me in every tomorrow. Fast forward to April 2022.Nana,we sent you a message Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, through your spit-image of a daughter and our friend and sister, Boatemaa, that, we would be visiting you at I’ve only gone to rest a little while. Tafo. You responded that you were looking forward to Although my leaving causes pain and grief, our visit as it had been a while since we last met. In fact, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. we too were excitedly looking forward to seeing you again. So, imagine our shock when we were informed So, dry your eyes and remember me, of your sudden demise via a terse WhatsApp message not as I am now, but as I used to be. on July 4, 2022: Because, I will remember you all, “Nana Botwe is no more. He will be …” and look on with a smile. Understand, in your hearts, “No! This cannot be true,” we exclaimed in disbelief. I’ve only gone to rest a little while ... Alas, it was true. You had become the Lord’s, after a very As long as I have the love of you, short illness. Mmmhh … I can live my life in your hearts. We are very grateful to you for your tutelage and the wonderful relationship we shared together. We shall Our Very Own Special Teacher forever remember you as Teacher Botwe of Wesley Botwe, Nana, rest in perfect peace, College Practice School, Suame, Kumasi. … and your very special interest in us due to the potential greatness forever, in the bosom of the you saw in us, which you often narrated to your many Almighty until the Resurrection friends and contacts. morning, when there will be ‘no more sorrow, no more weeping, 118 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE no more pain’. Amen.

TRIBUTE BY This tribute is in reference to a few of the recollections of various moments spent PROF. ALFFRED with Nana Botwe while alive and which have now become the bedrock of my OTENG-YEBOAH memory of him. The man Nana Botwe became a father figure to me from the “Sometimes you will never know the true value time I started a career in university teaching in the early of a moment until it becomes a memory” 1970s till his death. [Dr. Seuss]. My late father had previously been an elderly figure “Memory is the diary we all carry about with us” within the Asenee clan of Akyem Tafo and had directly [Oscar Wilde]. or indirectly influenced the younger ones in the clan in various aspects of the Akan traditions including those “Memories are created by what we do and not of Tafo and specifically of the Asenee. Nana Botwe what we think” [Anon.]. was a beneficiary. It was in appreciation of this that Nana Botwe took a special interest in me to satisfy my inquiring mind on certain blind ends of history, culture, and tradition. This made it possible for me to approach him on any subject of interest in these areas and he was very accommodating. My earliest closest contact with Nana Botwe was in the early years of the 1970s, from about 1974 to 1975 when he enrolled in the Post Graduate Diploma in Education course at the University of Cape Coast. I was then a very young lecturer in the Sciences at the university. Through the initiative of the late Mr. Asante, from Maase who was then the headmaster of the newly established UCC Practice Secondary School (UPSS), I was formally introduced to Nana. We remained in touch throughout his period of studies at Cape Coast. I recall one occasion when Mr. Asante and Nana brought a large basket full of fresh fish from Elmina beach to my bungalow on campus. In their words, this supply was to last me a whole year so that I would not have to buy fish. To my NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 119

surprise and later to both of theirs, this fish turned out Ohumkyire) to celebrate the Ohum Festival of the Akyem to be ‘Ewurafua’ whose skin was harsh and abrasive Abuakwa people. The Ohum festival is driven by special like sandpaper, and not very much in demand. We traditional and customary rites that are performed by learned later that the fishermen and the fishmongers the chief and elders of Tafo that initiate its observation had rejected them, and therefore sold cheap. The two and celebration within all the Akyem towns. gentlemen from Akyem had no idea about this and they thought they had had a booty that they could share. My When I was in bereavement over the sudden death of household had an interesting time attempting to clean my elder brother in London in January 2021, Nana was this fish,and in the end,received little or no benefit from in constant touch with me. He expressed profound its meat. This episode became a joking issue among us. sympathy and provided support in the form of advice on the conduct of the funeral arrangements, starting from Nana and I served as members of the Board of the one-week observation to the final funeral rites. Governors for WBM AME Zion Senior Secondary School at Old Tafo. Nana represented historical and traditional Nana had been a stabilizing figure for the people of interest and I represented the Director-General of the Tafo. As the Amankrado of the town for so many years, GES and therefore automatically became the Chairman he exercised his functions peacefully. Nana will be of the Board. Nana accommodated me in this position sorely missed for his wit in oratory, overview of cases and brought his extensive knowledge and experience of arbitration, and rare wisdom in traditional matters. in the Ghanaian secondary education system to bear. Nana was extraordinary and he commanded respect He combined effectively with the late Dr. Asumang to and adoration within and outside the Anwansa Palace promote effective learning and teaching environment of Tafo. at the school. It was during this period that the results of the school started to change with many students having Fare thee well Nana. good grades to qualify to enter tertiary institutions. One interesting coincidence was that the three of us were Rest peacefully in the bosom of your maker. Amen from Tafo and were members of the Bishop Dorme Lartey AME Zion Church at Old Tafo. “Nana had been a I never missed an opportunity to inquire about the stabilizing figure for history of Tafo. Nana and the late Dr. Asumang of the the people of Tafo. Bank of Ghana never failed to provide answers to a myriad of questions I posed when I determined to understand and write about the stories of Tafo. One very pertinent question I posed to Nana was to know the reason for having 2 seasons (the Ohumkan and the 120 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TAFOMAN SPEAKS NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 121

TESTIMONY BY I was beloved by him. He was someone who cherished people too. Through my relationship with him, I got to KWABENA KONADU know many prominent people.What makes me believe in his authority is that he was the second-in-command My name is Kwabena after the Tafohene. He was the one who enstooled the Konadu popularly current Atihene. He was also the one who enstooled the known as Abanjo. Tafohene too. I hail from Akyem Tafo and my house No one is perfect. As long as you are a human being, number is D13. I people would definitely identify flaws in your character. consider myself a ‘child’ of Kontehene of If I should begin to testify about his personality, I think it Tafo who is called Nana Amankrado, also would be difficult to end. He was a humane person and known as Teacher Botwe. down-to-earth. When my roofs came off, he came swiftly to find out why I had not informed him about it. He told me that if it was not for Tafohene,he would have been left unaware whiles he dwelled somewhere else. So, I asked for forgiveness and immediately I did that, he forgave me. He used to fall sick intermittently and I used to visit him. This illness is what led to his death. Owuo kita ade# a, nkwa ntumi nnye `When death has hold of something, life cannot restore it.’ I can say for a fact that he is a humane person. Nanso de# wø hø1 however he was a humane person and his children also. So, this is what I know about my elder brother. 1 It means that every human being has flaws no matter the perfect behaviour portrayed. 122 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY In 1959, I decided to start schooling and Nana Amankrado was the one who took me to Akyem Asafo, where at the OKYERE BOATENG time, he was a teacher at the Asafo Methodist Middle school. That was where I began schooling. During that period, we My name is Okyere stayed in Major-General Okine’s father’s residence. Boateng and I am popularly called Wofa Even before going to stay with him, I was told by my Nkramo. I succeeded mother that he was a brilliant student during his school the father of the late days. However, after he completed primary school, he Nana Amankrado. I am could not continue to Form 1 immediately, because his the only son of my mother, who was Nana father lived outside of the town and his aunty was also Amankrado’s aunty2. She was called Adwoa married in Asante Akyem Agogo. So, his aunty had to return Boatemaa a.k.a Adwoa Fodjour. to the town to help him further his education. She took him to Maase Methodist Form 1. Unfortunately, upon arrival to the school, they were told he could not be admitted into the school. The woman wept bitterly and pleaded several times with the authorities to consider him for admission. The headmaster then decided to admit him on only one condition, that is, to pass his entrance examination. The next Monday after that encounter with the headmaster, he went to write the exams. After the examination, the result showed that he scored 95% or more. He got admitted. Due to his intelligence, he was made the class prefect of his class at Maasi Methodist School. It was years after he had completed school that I went to stay with him at Akyem Asafo. While I was with him, he was good in football and racing. During that period, Asafo Methodist did not have hostels like how the Presbyterians had theirs. So, during those times, he hosted in his house brilliant students who were from other villages. This was to enable them go to school with ease. So, many pupils stayed with him. The residence these pupils stayed in was Major General Okine’s father’s residence, where we NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 123

also dwelled. So many of the students who did not get the Presbyterian hostel stayed with him and he became their guardian. Since he already knew how to play football, he trained these pupils to become good at sports and this made him popular in the school. When he began teaching at Asafo Methodist School, he was awarded at the zonal level several times until he left the school. His last match was with Akooko at Old Tafo Rovers Park and there, he was the winner. He knew how to play football.He even played for All Blacks inTafo and other places. He ensured that his pupils performed well, and they took the cup in Tafo. This made him popular during his teaching days in the elementary school. Before Teacher Botwe ascended the throne as Amankrado, my uncle, who was my predecessor, had become old and weak. So, I had to stand in as his father for him to be brought to the palace to be enthroned as Amankrado. Nana Okru Banin II was then the chief. Because of his intelligence, the chief appointed him his secretary, and he worked closely with him in all his endeavours. Nana Okru Banin desired to produce scholars in this town. He entrusted Nana Amankrado with this vision, tasking him to find a way to get a Secondary School established in the town. So, it was through him that AME Zion Secondary School (now WBM Zion Senior High School) came into existence, as he and Okyeame Kyere, also known as teacher Kyere, fought hard to get AME Zion Secondary School established in the town. When the school began operating, the chief did not have accommodation for the school, so the chief decided to hand the school over to AMESS for them to help in that regard, so that the school can be well established. So indeed, it was through Nana Amankrado’s help and Nana Okru Banin’s vision that made us get AME Zion Secondary School. 124 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY KWASI DONKOR (Traditional Footwear Seller) Nana Amankrado, for items to be brought home whose name for purchase. He was someone was also teacher who always advised me. He Botwe was a was very humble. His death has humble and really disturbed me. I would be affable person, lying to you, if I told you that I who was my customer too.His death have not been disturbed by the has caused me a lot of pain because news of his demise. This is the whenever he came here, he bought little testimony I can give about about three pairs of ahenema him. He was an amiable person. (traditional footwear) from me. He smiled and laughed with Sometimes, he called and ordered everyone around him. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 125

TESTIMONY BY classmate1. He went to school with him at the time when the Zion school didn’t have a Middle QUAO BANAHENE School and pupils were expected to go to Maase (Alias Kwaku Lopez) to finish their education. He was his close friend, so he knew him very well.  Nana Amankrado Botwe, as we knew him, was For me, he was like my father and at the same someone I also know very time,Irespectedhimasanelderbrother,knowing well because he went to my father’s younger brother’s relationship with school with my father’s him.  younger brother, Attah Banahene. So, I know him as my father’s He attended Zion school, as we know already, and because in those days Zion school didn’t 126 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE have a Middle School here, he was just like one of those people who went to school at other places to finish their education.  When I joined Zion, he was like my advisor, whom I held in high esteem and regarded him as an elder brother whose advice I couldn’t afford to go contrary to. When he was enstooled as the Amankrado, it was like swearing in a chief we all knew already, because if he was the Tafo Amankrado then he was expected to work closely with the chief of Tafo. And Nana Okru Banin who made him the Amankrado, was someone that was well respected throughout Ɔkyeman.  For Nana, if we disregarded him in anything we did here in the Tafo area, that particular endeavour would not end well. Nana was 1  The younger brother of your father is also your father in the Akan tradition.

indeed a true Tafo Chieftain who could not TESTIMONY BY be side-lined on anything. For me, I know very well from my work in Zion that it was J.K. GYAN his counsel that enabled me to lead as the Men’s Fellowship President in Zion. When I Iam called J. K. Gyan. I am Osabarima’s Abusua went home too, he regarded me as a family Panin5. I was always in the company of Nana member, so I had the opportunity to ask him Amankrado, which meant that he did not anything I wanted.  hide anything from me. He spoke the truth in every situation. There was a time when some When I opened my supermarket, we had an people came looking for a particular job from oware2 game there and we all used to play him. I was the person who led the people to his it together. Even when Nana Okru Banin was house and even spoke on behalf of the people for around, we could play this game, and I won him to agree to give the work to them.  severaltimes.ThosedaysIcalledmyself ‘Lopez’, Nana Amankrado was a very good man whom I the name of a boxer who was able to defeat a cannot say anything evil about. Nana led us well well-known Ghanaian boxer. I named myself while we served in the Palace, and everything went Kweku Lopez. So, whenever I was playing the well for us. So, for Nana, he was a good person. That oware game with Nana, he would say he is is what I can say about him. If you needed anything “Nana wøndidi” and I would say I am “Kweku fromhimandyou askedhim,he would not withhold Lopez”. it from you. He will offer it to you or teach you how to go about getting the things you need. So this is So,for Nana,mytestimonyabouthimisendless. what I know about Nana. He was a good person. When he even joined Zion, he accorded me all the respect which allowed me to operate well NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 127 as the Men’s Fellowship President. I also took his advice very seriously in all that I did. 2 It is a type of strategy game played by two individuals

TESTIMONY BY KWABENA ASANTE (A.k.a Foster Coldstore) own son. He can call me at any time for a conversation. Through our conversations, he would advise me. As for me, I can say his demise has caused a loss. If I should tell you I have not lost a lot, then I would be telling lies.Even though he was my in-law,he never addressed me as such. He called me his son. I feel that I have deeply lost a valuable person. Even with the testimony recording, you have actually disturbed my emotions. Iam called Kwabena Asante My children, who are his grandchildren are popularly known as Foster Cold always playing with him and he also does Store here in Tafo. I am married to likewise with the children. The children play Amankrado’s niece who is called and shout his name ‘Grandpa, Grandpa’. His Kwayo. It has been 20 years since death has become a loss to me.We can never I married a member of this family. forget about him, especially his constant This man has treated with me like his intake of his hot favorite tea whenever he visited during the Ohum festival. With his hot water available, he will distribute the tea such that even when I am at my shop, he will send some to me. I have not drunk tea this Ohum festival because there is no one to provide that since he is dead. He would have said; ‘Foster, come for your tea’. 128 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY REV. OHENE YEBOAH My name is Rev.Ohene Yeboah. went to him for an advice, he would counsel you on how to go about your problems or My uncle is Nana difficulties. He would tell you what he thinks would be beneficial to you and discourage Amankrado. I you from what would be detrimental. So, Nana was not a bad person and he was live in the same very truthful. He liked this adage ‘Let truth lead you and you will reach your rightful vicinity with Nana destination’. Me de saa as#m yi too me kotodwe mu which means ‘I have held on to this saying’ and truthfully it has helped me in several ways. Nana’s death has really worried us especially me. It has really worried me. I do not think I can get a replacement for him. Even if I get someone with similar character like Nana, he would not be exactly like him. He pampered us. Whenever you visited him, he would pamper you, and tell you about our history. He will tell you the history of Tafo and teach you some ancient paths and ways of life. Now that he is dead, we will miss that aspect of him too.We have lost someone dear to us. A great person has left our midst but in all we leave it in the hands of God. Amankrado. Anytime you visited him or NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 129

TESTIMONY BY SARPOMAA (A.k.a Sarpong) What I know about Nana is that, whenever he comes to my shop, he asks me whether I have milo available. If I do, he says to me, ‘give me milo, give me bread, and give me milk’. At the end of his shopping, I tell him the total price of the items bought. He will tell me he will bring my money later. After a little while, he will send someone to bring my money to me. That is what I know about Nana. He is one of my customers who bought a lot from me. Now that he is dead, I have lost one customer. 130 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY AMKWPEKOU ONTESNAG H Hello family, my name is Kweku Oteng Amponsah.The little I know about my uncle Nana Amankrado is that Nana is someone who loved people and empathised with others. During my childhood days, I mostly came here when I was on school break and I would visit Nana.Whenever he saw me, he would call me Agya ‘father’ because he said I resemble his father. The way he pampered us was enviable. He made enquiries about our wellbeing,whether you have eaten or not. Even during my school days in OPASS, he would ask to find out what was going on in your life.It was a delight when you encountered him. Anytime he saw me, he is joyous. This is the little I can say about him. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 131

TESTIMONY BY CHRISTIANA DARKOA My name is Christiana Darkoa. What I know about our father is that we lived in the same vicinity. He lived with us here during his youthful age. He went to school at Maase and not too long ago in his old age, he was made the Amankrado. During the enstoolment process, I was the first to be brought to the palace to be enstooled followed by him. So, we were both enstooled the same day. After the enstoolment, we worked hand-in-hand. In our interactions, he shared his ideas with me, and I also did same with him. That shows the good relationship we had. Whenever we encountered any issue, we would deliberate on it together.We shared ideas on how to go about issues we faced. Whiles being friends, I never heard anyone say something bad about him. He was flawless. Whenever we had to go to Kyebi, we did it together. We did everything together. He was a good man, very humble and respectful. 132 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY REV. ASHETU OUSMAN N(Provisions Seller) ana was my father as well as my grandfather.We lived in this vicinity together. Sometimes when he was passing by, he could stop by my shop and ask me to give him some items. He purchased a lot from me. If I don’t tell you he used to buy a lot of things from me then I would be telling lies. For instance, when I go and buy oats for sale, it does not keep this long. If Nana was alive, it would have run out a long time ago. Unfortunately, the oats are still in my shop. Even if he does not come in person, he would send his driver to come and take the oats on his behalf then the same driver brings the money. If I should tell you that his death has not worried me then I would be telling lies. The way he used to buy my items, I don’t get other people doing same. He bought many things from me. If I should say he didn’t do so then I would be telling lies. So, his death has become my loss. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 133

TESTIMONY BY TESTIMONY BY YAW OTENG KOF(AIkO.a OWboU) SU (Ak.a Kwame Base) My name is Yaw Oteng,popularly called Iam Kofi Owusu alias Obo. I am Nana’s nephew. I was in charge of Kwame Base. For Papa, his stool house. What I can say is that the Asenee Clan has lost a treasure. we mostly played dame This year’s Ohum was not the same without Oman [as we called Nana]. (draughts) with him We were even confused. We now have no one. Oman was a good person. That is all I here and he mostly can say. advised us so we could become like him in future. He was a good man.We wish his family yaakø‘our condolences’. 134 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY was not even one day that he did not pay after bringing his items.He never took people for granted. Sometimes, YAW BAFFOUR NTI charging him for my service rendered was difficult due (Catechist) to the relationship we had. However, he tells me that ‘Yaw if you don’t take the money, how do I bring more My name is Yaw Baffour cloths to you? This can destroy your business so please Nti. I am a Catechist at the charge me whenever I bring my cloths’. Presbyterian Church at Old Tafo, Grace Congregation. He advised me a lot. He showed me strategies to use I am also a tailor. In the which can help me get customers especially prominent traditional setting, Nana people to come and sew their things with me. He also Botwe is my grandfather. He is my senior brother advised me on how to train my apprentices. He told me when I regard him as a chief. to have compassion, and patience towards them. He I am a tailor and Nana Amankrado was one of made me understand the essence of education, so he my clients who sewed his things with me. There encouraged me to send my wards to school because these children have been given their diverse potentials and the school system can help unearth them. He asked me to push my children to any level I can afford and not settle for less so that these children can be of help to the society and to our family. Also, Nana’s desire was for me to involve myself fully to the service of the traditional Council.However,I told him that I have been called by God to serve as a catechist. I told him that I was willing to assist them on anything when I am called upon, but I can’t be fully committed to the traditional council. I can’t serve two masters, but I will do my possible best to assist them whenever they need me. Nana was someone who liked people. He never hid himself from his subjects. He was very approachable. He hated division caused by disputes. He liked to be informed about things going on in the society. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 135

TESTIMONY BY FESTUS OPOKU AKYEAMPONG (Ak.a Okini) My name is Festus Opoku Akyeampong a.k.a Okini. Nana was one of the elderly people in this town. Four years ago, I decided to compete for the position of Assemblyman, and he advised me on several things. Because of his good counsel, we called Nana Amankrado another name, Oman. He was approachable so during the Ohum festival every year, we would go to him to ask him questions on Ohum. He gladly would tell us all that he knew. We always went to him for advice on anything. 136 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY EMMANUEL MOVEH (AGYA) (Security Man) My name is Moveh Emmanuel popularly known as Agya [Father]. I was Nana Amankrado’s security man. He never wronged me in any way. Never did he do bad things to me. If I should say otherwise, then I would be telling lies. He liked me a lot and I also liked him a lot. He never wronged me in any way. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 137

TESTIMONY BY HON. ANKOMAH DAKWA M(Former Assemblyman) y name is Honorable Ankomah Dakwa, former Assemblyman for this area. We have lost a great person. When it comes to the history of this town, if Nana was not included in narrating it, then no one was adequate to do so. He knew the history behind how Tafo came to its present settlement from Bunso. Nana’s death is a big loss. Nana attended every funeral he was invited to. Even if it is impossible for him to be present, he sent his nsawa1. We have lost a great man in this town. Our elders are all dead and gone. Y#to y#ani a, øntø obiara anim `When we cast our eyes, it falls on no one’2. Nana was very compassionate towards everyone. So, what I can say is that, Tafoman has really lost an important person. We can never get anyone like him. We have lost a great man. Nyame mfa ne kra nsie ‘God should keep his soul’. This is the little I can say. 1 Money given to support a funeral. 2 This means that there is no hope. 138 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY OBAA ADU (Bread Seller) provide what we needed. He would say ‘Whatever you want, you can take’ and we would also take what we wanted. If money is demanded for the things taken, he will just say ‘I am the one who asked you to take what you want, I will pay for everything’. We have been doing this with him for a long time. We lived together in this vicinity. He could even tell me, ‘Yaa, bring me bread. I want the big ones. Make sure you don’t give me small loaves of bread’.Then would I ask him,‘Nana,how much do you want to buy?’ and he sometimes reply, ‘Bring me 50 cedis or 100 cedis’ and then I will send them to him. When I reach there, I say “Nana the bread is in and he says bring then inside the room”. To be frank with you, his demise has caused me pain. My brother has left me. He was the one who helped me get money to feed. My brother has painfully left me here. My name is Obaa Adu. I am the By now my bread would have finished long ago. I could woman who sells koko ‘a tell Nana that I couldn’t sell all my bread, and he would local porridge’ in this vicinity. simply tell me to bring them to his home and he would Nana was my brother. It is my pay the remaining loaves. My brother was a good man, koko he bought always. full of compassion. He liked people. He sometimes come to sit here with us, and he will say ‘Yaa are you When we needed money, we selling your bread?’ and I would say “Nana, business would tell Nana that ‘Nana we need money’. When is not running so well’. He would tell me to come for we needed something, all we did was just tell him some money. When he goes to town, everyone will be especially during Ohum festivities. He would readily shouting his name enthusiastically singing his name ‘Nana o, Nana o, Nana o’. Now he is no longer with us. He has left us to care for ourselves. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 139

TESTIMONY BY AMA OFFEIBEA Nana would come from his Nana I haven’t eaten. He would say house and he sometimes sat at ‘That is why I called you’. He would Abanjo’s house and call me to try and take money from his pocket, come. He would ask me how but he would say “Opanin nyi sika wø I am faring, and my response abønten” ‘[an elder does not give out would be Nana I am fine, but money in public] so let us go home instead. So, we would go home and he would give me the money. After that he would advise me. He even advised my partner to go and perform my traditional marriage rites. Whenever this topic comes up, the man agrees to what Nana says. I can never speak evil of him. I have to say his good deeds aloud. I have to say what he has done for me. When I needed money, he provided. Sometimes when he buys groundnut from me, I would not want him to pay but he made sure I take my money from him. This is what I can say. 140 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY ALICE SERWAA Nana was my husband’s uncle. He would call my husband and they would talk. He would sometimes tell him to come home and then my husband would either take a motorcycle or a bicycle and go to his house. When he went there, Nana would educate him on kingship and rulership. When he returns, he would tell me what his uncle told him, and I will be astonished. I used to tell him; your uncle really likes you a lot. For me, I can’t speak evil of Nana. He is someone who truly likes people. My name is Agnes Serwaa. Nana I sell fish. During the Ohum festival, I carry Amankrado was my in-law. catfish to his house for him to buy. When I Nana is someone I can’t identify mention the price, he would persuasively any flaws with. Truthfully, he say ‘My in-law please reduce the price so was someone who smiled with I can buy’. I would reduce it and he would everyone. Even now, I am very buy. Afterwards, we laugh, and I return to my sad as I am talking to you. house. For my in-law, I can never speak evil of him. He is someone who smiled with everyone and he genuinely loved people. He has helped people too. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 141

TESTIMONY BY AFIA OWMUSUAA y name is Afia Owusuaa. Nana Amankrado was my uncle. My uncle is someone who would call us often to advise us. He advised us to work hard and become like him. He told us not to do evil against one another. He says we should never pay evil for evil. Nana liked his nieces and nephews. Nana’s demise has caused us grievous pain. When the chiefs sit, we don’t find you seated any longer.You have caused us pain. Even if you had travelled to a faraway land, you would have returned by now to join in the Ohum festival. We have been expectant of you, but you are still not in. Your children, your grandchildren together give you damirifa due7 .Damirifa due ne amane hunu. Damirifa due ne yare1. Nana due, due, due. 142 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY MANSAH (ABANJO'S WIFE) My name is Mansah, Abanjo’s he said it, after a month and one week, he also died. wife. I hail from Tafo. This is They are both at the morgue now. I can see that they where I was born. He was are soul tied. There was no financial help you need that my real grandfather. He is Nana Amankrado would not provide. I actually thought my father’s father. Nana he will be the one to bury my father. However, Owuo Amankrado is a sincere kuta ade# a nkwa ntumi nnye ‘when death has hold of person. He was God-fearing and he loved people. something, life cannot restore it’. We have lost a great man.My fathers,Kwame Boateng and Kofi Kwaw,left us When Nana Amankrado died, I informed my father in his care however God does what He pleases. about it. He told me that if Nana Amankrado is dead then in a month’s time, he will also die and just as Nana is someone who welcomed into his home even the children of the men in the family. I for instance, I am nobody but the way Nana treated me with dignity and respect, I haven’t encountered that before. Nyame mfa ne kra nsie ‘God should keep his soul’. If for nothing at all I remembered him so much during Agyempr#muso da. I really missed him. When we got there, it was a sorrowful site. Nyame mfa no nsie. Ømfa ne nto Abraham koko mu ‘God should keep him. He should keep him in Abraham’s bosom’. His works should follow him. The Bible tells us that ‘Woe unto the one who is loved by all’.So far as you are a human being,you have your flaws but God should preserve his soul until we all meet one day. In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The whole of Tafo should say ‘God should bless him and grant him a safe journey’. .7 A special form of greeting given by mourners, expressing sympathy to the dead NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 143

TESTIMONY BY AFUA AGMYEIWAA y name is Afua Agyeiwaa This house is a house of the Oyoko Clan. What I know about Nana Amankrado is that, he is one of my grandfather’s children. I realized he was my family member when I was older. So I used to go and visit him. We have conversations about the family. During our discussions, he enlightened me on certain things unknown to me. Nana is a counsellor. He advised me. When I encountered difficulties, I would tell him and he would advise me on ways to resolve it. In this house,he sits in state when there are ceremonies such as traditional weddings and funerals. He used to direct us on how to go about things. He was someone who liked to smile. Whenever he saw his family members, he smiled with them. He was someone who will influence you to go to church if you don’t do so. He would encourage you to know God and to live right. The people of Oyoko must be disappointed because they have lost a great man. He is someone who would stop anywhere just to find out how one is faring. We have lost a great man. When I heard about his demise, I was sad. We have lost a great man. We have lost a great gem. 144 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY AUNTYSMAGGIEo what I know about Nana is that, he was a good man. When you are financially unstable,ønhw#wo kwa’ [he will not be unconcerned, and he help in that regard]. He would at the very least provide what you will eat. When you need anything and you go to plead with Nana, he will be of help to you. Nana was a good man. Nana’s demise has worried everyone in this town. He was a good man. Everyone testifies to that. He helped his family and the whole town too. I, myself, I am a member of the Asene Clan. Nana has helped me several times and so I can never speak evil of him. What I can say is that Nyame mfa ne kra nsie ‘God should keep his soul’. Nyame mfa ne kra nsie ‘God should keep his soul’. He was a good man. If you did something wrong and you are summoned by him, he would speak to you in an honourable and respectful manner. Nana was a good man. He was ever willing to help others. His children have also emulated his character too. His children keep on helping people too. This is what I can say about Nana. Nyame mfa ne kra nsie ‘God should keep his soul’. I thank him. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 145

TESTIMONY BY YAW ATTA W(Resident of Fofiase) hat I know about Nana Amankrado is that he was a good man. He helped anyone who went to him for help. What I like about him is that when we are returning from Agyempr#muso, he calls all the people in the vicinity to come home to dine because he has set tables for all. So, we would also go as a group to his place. What I can say about Nana Amankrado is that he, unlike some others we have in this town, he was a good person. He respected people. He did not discriminate between a child and an adult. He respected them all. When a speech of someone was bad, he could invite the person and tell the person that what you said is wrong. He would correct you so that you the know the appropriate thing to say next time. Nana Amankrado and I live in the same vicinity. Sometimes when passing in front of his house, and I greeted by shouting out the greeting, he would ask me why I am passing without coming home to visit. Then I would say that I am walking with someone that is why I couldn’t come home to visit. So, I would plead with him and then there is peace afterwards. Nana Amankrado was a good man. 146 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY KWAME BOADU Iam called Kwame Boadu. Amankrado was my grandfather. During my school going age, I was the one who came out first always in my class. So, Nana Amankrado always advised me to be focused on my education since I am brilliant. I shouldn’t be a womanizer and I should focus on my education and continue to excel. In form 2, I wanted to quit but he advised me several times and I continued. I lived with him here in this vicinity. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 147

TESTIMONY BY FRANK OSEI My name is Osei Frank and I am popularly known as Okito. I was Amankrado’s driver. I was the one who did his errands for him. If he needed to travel, I was the one he called to take him to his destination. If he goes to buy something or he wants to go to the marketplace, I am the one he calls to drive him there. Sometimes when he was unable to go to the bank, I am the one who does his transactions on his behalf. When he did not have gas for cooking, I am the one he calls to fill up his gas tank at the gas filling station. Whenever there was no gas and they had to use charcoal, I am the one who would go to buy the charcoal.When he wants to eat a particular type of food, he could send me to buy that particular food he craved for at that moment. His demise has caused grievous pain. This is because, I had the privilege to work for an important personality and now he is dead. His demise made me so sad. I couldn’t control my hurt and disappointment. For me I pray God keeps his soul in Abraham’s bosom until we all meet one day in paradise. 148 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY AKOSUA NTIRIWAA Nana Amankrado was my in- law. I was named after his junior wife’s mother. He is someone who avoided trouble. Whenever he saw me, he would eulogize me. He calls me in-law. When I heard he was dead, I was hurt. This is because I have never heard anyone speak evil of him. Now he is dead,we are also preparing ourselves to give him a befitting burial. I am native of Økyeman and I have a relationship with him so if you hear me testify about him, it is because he was my in- law. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 149

TESTIMONY BY OFORI ATTA M(Wofa Atta) y name is Ofori Atta, popularly known as Wofa Atta. Nana Amankrado was my good friend. He wanted me to accompany him wherever he went. From time to time, I visited him at his residence. Sometimes he got upset when I stopped visiting him at his residence. He was my friend and I went everywhere with him. Sometimes, I would go and work for him at his residence.WhenIgothere,hiswife,NanaAmankrado, and I cook together. When his children also visit him, we meet all of them and have a conversation. When the children come, I mostly stay there for long. When he had not seen me for a period of time, he would call me to find out how I am faring, and he further enquired when I can pay him a visit. When he asked that, I would promise to find time during one of the weekends and pay you a visit. When I finally would visit him, he would be very happy and excited to see me. Sometimes when I paid a visit, he would not want me to return home. Through our conversations, he advised me because I heed to his advice. 150 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE