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TESTIMONY BY CYNTHIA ASIEDUWAA TWUM My grandfather dearly loved me. He used to tell me that whenever he hears my voice, he gets happy. He blessed me always. We also used to pray for me to get a good husband. Whenever I went to visit him, he wanted us to eat from the same plate, but I would decline because I am shy to eat with him. So, I would opt for a separate plate. My grandfather calls me me nana ‘my granddaughter’. One day he asked why I didn’t show up for the observation of Grandma’s one week of passing on. I told him that I was present, sitting right behind him. He then said, why didn’t you come and greet me in public as the custom is? I told him that I was shy to do that. He said to me ‘Don’t be shy to come to the public’. He said he actually wanted to show me to his brother a Chief from Dawu but I was nowhere to be found. My name is Cynthia Asieduaa Sometime after, I heard of his demise. In fact, I was very Twum. My grandf`ather disturbed. He was someone who liked me so much. He was someone who loved could actually send someone to come home and find me dearly. Whenever he out about how I am faring. Whenever I went to visit him came to the bank or to and I needed to return home, he asked his driver to bring town, he would pay me me home. He instructed him to bring me to my doorstep. a visit before departing for home. Whenever he When my mother passed on, Nana wanted to be present came,hewouldstayinhiscarandwhenIapproach but he couldn’t because he needed to be traditionally his car, he gently squeezed some money into my cleansed so he decided to delegate someone who would hands and say, ‘Just buy something with it’. represent him and make all preparations for the funeral a success. For Nana, he was true kindred. I am sudden because he couldn’t wait to see my marriage happen. I pray God’s blessings on him. God should preserve his soul. God should keep him in Abraham’s bosom. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 151

TESTIMONY BY MAAME GRACE PEASAH(Aunty Ama) ana Amankrado was like a father to me.He was everything to me.He really loved me. Whenever he came to the center of the town where I am mostly and doesn’t find me, he would come Nhome to visit to find out how I was faring. When I got into trouble, he advised me on how to handle that particular issue to bring peace between myself and whoever I offended. His demise has caused me grievous pain. I always think about it. My worry is that, he wouldn’t be available to advise me anymore when I am in trouble. I get worried because, I don’t know who would defend and speak on my behalf now. Nana is someone who has been good to me. My prayer for him is that God should keep his soul in Abraham’s bosom. I pray that God would grant us, those alive, good health and vitality. Tafoman has lost a great man. There was no way he would be unconcerned about an issue you brought to him. He will advise you and tell you what to do when you have encountered a difficulty. That is what I can say about Nana. 152 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY KWADWO TWUMASI My name is Kojo Twumasi. I know Nana Amankrado because he was the son of one of the elders. When he was enstooled as chief, he proved that he was humble.When I was younger, I used to go to him and he always gave us good counsel. From the counsel he used to give us, we realized that he was a wise man and an in-depth thinker. The manner in which he would advise you when you are found guilty of a crime would discourage you from repeating it. He was a good man. We have lost a great person. He is actually irreplaceable. He was our son and we must admit that his help to us has been enormous. So, my prayer for Nana Amankrado is that God should keep his soul safe because he has been a great source of help to us all. We pray we get another person just like him to replace him. He never looked down on us. I leave him with God now. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 153

TESTIMONY BY KWASI AMOAH (Barber) that I had been asked to come to his residence to cut his hair. I was always excited when I got those invitations. I even tell people and I pride myself on it that I am going to barber Nana Amankrado’s hair. He was a very humble person. My name is Kwesi Once upon a time, I got into trouble and I was Amoah. I was Nana sent to the palace. He came to my defense and Amankrado’s barber. told the elders that he knew me, and I am like his In fact, I deem it a child. I had no hope before going to the palace great privilege to because I couldn’t predict the outcome.However, have been the one to Nana defended me and the issue was settled groom Nana’s hair. For me, it was a privilege amicably. He was very humble and so down-to- earth. I was delighted when I was called upon to barber his hair because he used that opportunity to advise me. So, I mostly go and check if his hair is grown so I could barber it for him. When I get there, he might sometimes say ‘Oh my grandson, my hair is not so grown now let’s give it some more time’. So, for me, I saw barbering his hair as a privilege. This man was a humane person and my prayer for him is that God should keep him in a good place. I also pray for a good weather so we can give him a befitting burial for his sake. We thank him so much and God should continue to bless him. God should keep him in Abraham’s bosom. 154 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY ABENMA POMAAy name is Abena Pomaa. Nana Amankrado was my uncle. I have been crying since his demise because I don’t get food to feed myself,I have become so vulnerable. It’s been too long since I saw him. Even if he had travelled, he should be in by now. Please wherever you find my uncle, kindly tell him that we are suffering now, and we have no one to come to our defense. So, wherever he has travelled to, we plead with him to return to us. We can’t find him even if we search for him. We have no one to defend us. This is my testimony about him. Every festive season, he gave us money but now we can’t find him to take money from him.All our uncles are dead.So,we are pleading with our ancestors to close the gate of the dead. We do not want any more death. As they have departed from us, we plead their blessings upon us so we can get money to bury Nana Amankrado. I stop the prayers and ill wishes of those who pray that another person should die after Nana Amankrado. I have no one to turn to so I plead that people come to help me because my uncle is no more. My children and I have become vulnerable. This is the little I can say. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 155

TESTIMONY BY TESTIMONY BY CHARITY BOSOMPIM AWATEY LAWRENCIA MynameisCharityBosompim. MynameisAwatey Nana Amankrado was Lawrencia. Nana my grandfather. The only Amankrado was thing I can say about Nana my grandfather. Amankrado is that he was Anytime I visited the only elder left alive after him, he would all the others died. Currently we have lost him, give me money and anything I needed. and we have no elder now and we don’t know He was a good person. what to do. This year, we couldn’t celebrate the Ohum festival the way we normally do. This is all as a result of the demise of Nana Amankrado. We knew he was the caretaker of the land and so his demise has worried everyone. We pray God preserves his soul and hides him in Abraham’s bosom until we meet again. 156 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

TESTIMONY BY TESTIMONY BY ROSINA AFRAKOMA KISSIWAA AGBLEVOR My name is Roselina My name is KissiwaaAgblevor.Nana Afrakuma. My grandfather was Amankrado was my Nana Botwe. He had a good grandfather. He was relationship with us. He supported us in all that we did. kindhearted. Whenever we called on him in times of trouble, he came to our rescue. He Nana was doing good was our father’s father. He helped us in diverse ways. things in the society. He was very generous, and he helped people. So, this is what I can say about my grandfather, Nana Amankrado. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 157

What the heart has once owned and had, It shall never lose. DEBOLINA 158 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

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TRIBUTE BY OLAM FOOD INGREDIENTS (ofi) “Bruce Coville said, If we could make a wish, we would ask God to give us more years on earth with you, but God loves you more. “Nothing you love is lost; things, people, always go Our journey with you has been life changing. We can away sooner or later. You cannot hold them anymore confidently say your advice over the years and your gift than you can hold the moonlight, but if they have of your son, our Country Head – Eric Asare Botwe, have touched you, they are still yours because the only brought us this far; we are indeed grateful. things you ever have are the ones you hold inside your heart.” For us in ofi, the late traditional ruler Nana Botwe was a highly committed, resourceful, hardworking, and So was and is the late Nana Agyebeng Botwe to the Olam supportive leader. He was a father who always tried Food Ingredients (ofi) business. He was a traditional to bring tradition and culture into our business life. ruler whose life was one of courage. He was constantly He always said engaging the Chiefs and people in all inclined to help ofi and its leaders to succeed. the cocoa districts was essential to thrive in the cocoa 162 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

business. For the last 12 years, he ensured the Tafo traditional leadership led by Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV and elders participated in the ofi annual Cocoa Managers Conference and subsequent celebrations. He led our business to community acceptability. We are grateful to Nana Botwe for all the handholding. He was accessible to all and supported many; the late ruler’s kindness and congeniality to ofi employees made us confident in traditional circles because we had been taught by the best. Nana Botwe made things possible for ofi at the Tafo Palace; we knew what to say and how to say it, and because of all the coaching, we had the Tafohene’s blessing in all our activities. Unfortunately, we have lost a priceless gem; who will replace him? Nana Botwe believed in the power of education to transform lives and communities. So, in partnership with Tafohene, and through constant engagement with the business, ofi established an educational fund to support needy but brilliant students in Tafo, which was one of the ten (10) developmental projects set up in cocoa communities across the country. These include: Akyem Tafo, Sefwi Wiawso, Sefwi Anhwiaso, Denkyiraman, Wala/Bulsa, Tepa, Wassa Amenfi, Goaso and Nkawkaw as well as a market facility in Pramkese near Kade. The educational fund has benefited many, which was a great delight to him. How lovely Nana’s conversations, traditional dressings, and home visits were! We were happy to call on him periodically because we were sure to learn a thing or two on what items to send to the palace and the proper attire to wear for traditional events and to the palace. We at ofi have enjoyed his company. We called him ‘the old man and Chief with a beautiful garden.’ You have left a legacy of good traditional leadership, Nana. Nana, rest in peace. Nana Botwe due, due, due!!! NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 163

TRIBUTE BY love, kindness and respect for me and my safety. He taught me about gratitude and never taking anything AMOS OKYERE BOATENG for granted. He told me to always shoot for the stars & FELICIA BOATENG and live in a way that made me happy. For none of us lives to himself, and more of us dies to Around him, I never once questioned my worth, my himself, if we live, we live to the Lord and if we die, talent, my beauty or my purpose. He always had we die to the Lord, so then whether we live or die we something to say to brighten my spirits and always belong to the Lord”, Roman’s 14:7-8. something to say when I wanted nothing more than to give up. He pushed me like he pushed everyone My grandfather was by far one of the most amazing else in the family. Grandpa accepted and was warm to people I had the honour and pleasure of knowing. my family just as he was to me. His home was always Moreover, I am always proud to say that I was related open to us and he was always happy to see us. to him. Grandpa, you were a wonderful living experience. Growing up, my grandfather was the life of the party, someone everyone loved talking to and always wanted We will miss you so much and we believe you lie in advice from. Everyone knew who he was and everyone the bosom of the Almighty God. We shall surely meet always knew they could rely on him for any reason. There was always peace, happiness and laughter when again. SGlereanpdwpeall he was around and everyone acted as if they did not have a care in the world. Many of us in the family were inspired by him to learn hard. Because of him, I found a love for playing draught. On one occasion, sitting together with him in the hall playing draught, as our jaws dropped, he suddenly remembered that he had to have his cup of tea. Aah yes your tea, grandpa ........ you loved your tea. He was always so kind to me, letting me run around like a maniac in the garden, he would let me scream and yell for as long as I was able, and he always gave me the best hugs. Granted, he knew how to give a stern talking to whenever he needed to, but he did so out of 164 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

CORPORALTRDIBAUTNE BYIEL ACHANA “…and the dust returns to the ground it Your news shocked us to the core. came from, and the spirit returns to God Little did we know that, you would leave us so soon. who gave it. I have lost a great opponent and a good friend.The Bible consoles us with, G Ecclesiastic 12:7 randpa was a quiet person, a good Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 listener, an intellectual, and a great leader. These qualities made him To everything there is a season, and a time to every resolve conflicts easily. Silence, he purpose under the heaven: taught me, is a great key to solving problems. 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; My relationship with Grandpa began when he realised I was a good draught player like him. We could play 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, draught and forget to eat. Grandpa never accepted and a time to build up; defeat. Until he won, he never stopped playing. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, Draught is associated with war formation, which makes and a time to dance; … all Draught players warriors, and Grandpa was a great warrior. To you, my dear friend, on this day, I While he was sick, he wished he could play draught, but I asked him to get well first. I never imagined seeing you bid farewell. that day was the last. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 165

TRIBUTE BY MR. WILLIAM ASIEDU Grandpa was an incredible person. He I know we are all feel disconsolated that we have lost a was wise, open and would always friend, and great Grandfather. Together we have cried make you laugh. Every time I saw him, an ocean of tears as we feel so empty and hold many he always made me smile as he used fears. But Grandpa would want us to know that he is in to tell me funny stories and would a good place and that he's watching us all with a smile always ask of my condition of health on his face. and my family as well. It is important for us to realise that the rock is Throughout my 9-year encounter with him, I was of not gone, but exists in everything he has done. the opinion that he was someone who had triumphed Memories of grandpa will forever be treasured. overtime, risen from the ashes of terrible global conflict and created a family and legacy to be proud of, a Till we meet to part lasting testament to being courageous and showing more.... dedication. Fear has always been a part of life. The fear of rejection, of loss, of failure among others. Never before has such a blow been struck on us; the cruel ravages of fate taking from us a wonderful Patriarch who guided and sheltered us. I never imagined your death to be this sadden, yet let us not reflect on this fact, and instead remember the joyous time we had with him at our side. 166 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

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APPIADU-AIRPORT HILLS CAUCUS CONT'D “We had a wonderful grandfather, when necessary. A man of his magnitude surely had so many words of wisdom no matter the subject being One who never really grew old; discussed and almost always his advice was the words you certainly had to hear to keep calm about the issue His smile was made of sunshine, just as he was. His heart was solid gold; And Whenever grandpa was celebrated, his appreciation for the kind gesture was obvious and he would not hesitate His eyes were as bright as shining stars, to let us know how much he loved the gesture. The celebration of his 40th year on the throne as Amankrado We had a wonderful grandfather, of Akyem Tafo and his various birthdays were met with similar responses. Whenever Grandpa was called on his And that’s the way it will always be. birthday, he would receive the birthday wishes with such glee and bless us with many best wishes than he IAuthor Unknown was wished as the celebrant. t is with much sorrow that the members of the household of Mr. Eric Asare Botwe and Justice Afia Grandpa always took advantage of any opportunity to Serwah Asare-Botwe write this tribute in honour explain to anyone who would hear him some history of Nana Agyebeng Okyereh Botwe as we have about the Akyem Traditional Area and by extension been painfully robbed of another grandparent Ghana.We will really miss you, grandpa. He would even within a rather brief period of time after the go ahead and answer any questions we may have to demise of his late wife Mrs. Felicia Ama Safoa Botwe. enlighten us on the tales which were truths and those which were myths. Nana Botwe was grandpa to all of us irrespective of age. Although he had the physique of a giant, he was Grandpa was far too kind. He did not mind giving us fruits incredibly a very calm person. One could say Grandpa anytime we went to Tafo. He would not only encourage was literally the true definition of a “Gentle Jack”, very us to take lots of them away but also participate in the humble and above all, a quiet man but his silence spoke picking and indicate to us which ones were ripe for volumes to many.We have no idea what he would have plucking and also assist us in packing them. sounded like annoyed because we never had to deal with any such situation. As is characteristic of the Asare-Botwe household, any opportunity to meet is always one for us to have a He was full of smiles whenever he would converse with competition or an event that will involve all of us. Once us when we spent some time in Tafo. He would want we were in Tafo, Grandpa was a champion in the game to know of the ‘’happenings’’ in our lives and advise of draughts he had many tricks up his sleeves to give the 168 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

younger players a run for their money. Daniel would on has brought to us the understanding of what Paul miss your stellar performance at this game. We do not says in Philippians 1:21 “For me to live is Christ and know who will keep him challenged like you used to. to die is Gain”. Who would have thought that the same Anytime we come to Tafo, and we organise games, we year in which Grandma was buried, would be the same shall surely remember the fun times we had with you in to say Goodbye to you as well? Hmm….. sadly, there the past. is going to be an empty chair towards the dining area where you used to have your meals. We pray you are at Grandpa always graced our celebrations with his peace because during the stormy period of grandma’s presence and invited us to events that were laced with death, life on earth had become boring and you were a rich display of culture and tradition. It was always a overcome with grief over the loss of your soul mate. delight to see grandpa in his ‘’batakari’’-a traditional smock, or beautifully woven cloth and being carried on The memories Mr. Amissah, Uncle Willie, Pascal, Francis, a throne or in a palanquin during a durbar or a festival. Kokos, Daniel, Janet, Ingrid, Uncle Atta, Nana, Kwaku Anim, Afua Konadu, Akosua Serwah and Papa Kwame Grandpa would always welcome everyone to his home shared with you will forever remain in our hearts regardless of their background and would really give you not forgetting the rich experience of your life which a warm welcome. It was therefore not surprising when continues to have a great impact on ours. in March we met in his home under rather unfortunate circumstances and just before he bade us goodnight, Although we cannot hear your voice or see your smiling he told us that once we were gathered there, we were face, we know deep down in our hearts that you have family and so we should feel right at home.At that point, not totally left us. In our deepest despair, our greatest what was evident was grandpa who was walking away comfort lies in knowing that you are now at peace with with an aid by virtue of old age but definitely not the the Lord. image of a frail man nearing his death. Grandpa Nante Yie! The announcement of his death few days later was therefore disheartening and shook us to our core. In Grandpa Onyame mfa wo kra nsie. fact, everything around us came to a standstill.We could not believe it, the affable Grandpa was no more with us. Grandpa Rest in It brought us so many thoughts and mixed feelings since Perfect Peace. we did not and still do not understand this situation, but the good Lord knows best. We are elated that you left to be with your Maker and also to be with Grandma. The way in which you passed NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 169

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Hymns. MHB 182 2. Mo Wura, ɔmpar me dɛ m’ botuw, 3.Nothing in my hand I bring, Gyedɛ m’ Agyenkwa No wu mu: Simply to Thy Cross I cling; 1. WHEN I survey the wondrous cross Egyangyandze a modɔ kɛse n’, Naked, come to Thee for dress; On which the Prince of glory died, Mobɔ n’ afɔr ma No bɔgyaa. Helpless, look to Thee for grace; My richest gain I count but loss, Foul, I to the fountain fly; And pour contempt on all my pride. 3. Hwɛ mbrɛ yaw na ɔdɔ rosɔn Wash me. Saviour, or I die. Ne tsir, Ne nsa, nye N’ anan ho: 2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Dɛm dɔ na yaw yi mmbɔɔ mu pɛn, 4.While I draw this fleeting breath, Save in the death of Christ my God: Na nsoɛ kyɛw yi bi nnsoaa bi da. When my eyelids close in death, All the vain things that charm me most, When I soar to worlds unknown, I sacrifice them to His blood. 4. Wiadze nyina yɛ medze mpo a, See Thee on Thy Judgement- N-kyɛ ɔyɛ akyɛdze a osuar koraa; throne : 3. See, from His head, His hands, His Dɔ nwanwa yi, Nyame dɔ yi, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, feet, Gye me kra, mo nkwa, m’ adze nyina Let me hide myself in Thee. Sorrow and love flow mingled down: Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, MHB 498 CAN 164 Or thorns compose so rich a crown ? 1.ROCK of Ages, cleft for me, 1. Tsetse Bo a wɔpaae maa me, 4. Were the whole realm of nature mine, Let me hide myself in Thee; Ma munguan nhunta Wo mu; That were an offering far too small; Let the water and the blood, Ma nsu no nye bɛgya n’ a Love so amazing, so divine, From Thy riven side which flowed, Ofi Wo mfem’ repem no, Demands my soul, my life, my all. Be of sin the double cure, Ɔnyɛ bɔn edufanu, Cleanse me from Its guilt and power. Ɔmpa m’ fɔ, ɔnsan mo ho. CAN 54 2.Not the labours of my hands 2. Sɛ me nyinsu kyi daa mpo, 1. Moto m’ enyi hwɛ anwanwa dua a Can fulfil Thy law’s demands; Sɛ mo mbɔdzen nngow da mpo, Enyimnyam Hen no tɔɔr do n’ a, Could my zeal no respite know, Yinom nnkotum bɔn wer tɔ; M’ adze pa biara mummbu n’ hwee, Could my tears for ever flow. Gyefo nye Wo nkotonoo: M’ ahopɔw nyina yɛ m’ nkɔnkɔw. All for sin could not atone : Me nsam’ nnyi akatua bi, Thou must save, and Thou alone. Metetar Wo mbeamudua n’. 182 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

3. Ber a muga ahomtsia yi, CAN 154 Amazing love! How can it be Ber a m’bɛka m’enyi egu do, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me! Ber a m’bɔsoɛr maba noho, 1. Mihia Wo Mber Nyina, Ebohu W’ W’ahengua do n’, Domfo Ewuradze; 2. ‘’Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies: Tsetse Bo a wɔpaae maa me, Ndze bi nntse dɛ Wodze a, Who can explore His strange design? Ma munguan nhunta Wo mu. Ɔma asomdwee. In vain the first-born seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. MHB 475 Mihia Wo, ao, mihia Wo, ‘’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Mber nyina mihia Wo; Let angel minds inquire no more. 1. I NEED Thee every hour, M’Agyenkwa, Maba Wo hɔ, Most gracious Lord; Hyira me sesei. 3. He left His Father’s throne above- No tender voice like Thine So free, so infinite His grace- Can peace afford. 2. Mihia Wo mber nyina, Emptied Himself of all but love, Pinkyɛn me daa; And bled for Adam’s helpless race. I need Thee, O I need Thee; Ber a Ɔwo bɛn me n’ Tis mercy all, immense and free; Every hour I need Thee; Mennyɛ bɔn da. For, O my God, it found out me! O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee. 3. Mihia Wo mber nyina, 4. Long my imprisoned spirit lay Dɛw mu o, yaw mu o; Fast bound in sin and nature’s night 2. I need Thee every hour, Bra ntsɛm bɛnye me ntsena, Thine eye diffused a quickening ray- Stay Thou nearby; Mma ɔbra annyɛ gyan. I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; Temptations lose their power My chains fell off, my heart was free, When Thou art nigh. 4. Mihia Wo mber nyina, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. Kyerɛkyerɛ m’ Wo pɛ; 3. I need Thee every hour, W’anohoba a ɔsom bo n’ 5. No condemnation now I dread; In joy or pain; Pon ne nyina ma m’. Jesus, and all in Him, is mine! Come quickly and abide, Alive in Him, my living Head, Or life is in vain. MHB 371 And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne, 4. I need Thee every hour; 1. AND can it be that I should gain And claim the crown, through Christ, my Teach me Thy will; An interest in the Saviour’s blood? own. And Thy rich promises Died He for me, who caused His pain? In me fulfill. For me, who Him to death pursued? NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 183

Hymns. CAN 122 5. Afei munnsuro afɔbu bi; 4. All things are possible to God, Jesus, No mu dze nyina medze a; To Christ, the power of God in man, 1. NA ɔbɛyɛ dɛ mibenya Metse No mu, me Tseasefo a To me, when I am all renewed, Mfaso wɔ Agyenkwa bɔgyaa m’? Ɔdze sor tsenenee efura m’, When I in Christ am formed again, Owui maa ‘mi a ne yaw fir m’ yir, Medze ‘kokodur bɛn ‘’hɛngua n’, And witness, from all sin set free, Maa ‘mi a mitsiiw No kɔr wu mu n’! Nam Christ do gye ahenkyɛw no. All things are possible to me. Anwanwa dɔ! Ɔyɛ dɛn yɛ Dɛ Ɔwo, me Nyame, wui maa m’? MHB 548 CAN 181 2. Esumasɛm a! Nyame bowu; 1. ALL things are possible to him 1. Adze nyinaa ne yɛ nnyɛ dzen Woana tum hwehwɛ N’akwan mu? That can in Jesu’s name believe: mma Kwa na seraph a odzi kan n’ Lord, I no more Thy truth blaspheme, Nyia otum gye Jesu dzin dzi; Ɔper hwehwɛ nyamedɔ bun n’, Thy truth I lovingly receive; Munngu Wo nokwar n’ ho fi bio, Mbɔbɔrhu a! Asaase nhua, I can, I do believe in Thee, Mo Wura, megye n’ dɔ mu ara; Mma abɔfo nnhwehwɛ mu bio. All things are possible to me. Mutum, megye Wo dzi ampa, Adze nyinaa ne yɛ nnyɛ dzen mma 3. Ogyaa N’Egya ‘hengua wɔ sor - 2. The most impossible of all m’. N’adom mbordo ɔdze ma kwa- Is, that I e’er from sin should cease; Ɔpoow ne nyina gyedɛ ɔdɔ, Yet shall it be, I know it shall: 2. Dza ɔyɛ dzen sen adze nyina Wui maa adam afɔdzifo, Jesus, look to Thy faithfulness! Nye dɛ m’begyaa bɔn yɛ koraa; Mbɔbɔrhu a! Ɔso, wɔnntɔ; If nothing is too hard for Thee, Naaso ne yɛ nnyɛ dzen, minyim: Ao, me Nyame, ɔtwee me puei! All things are possible to me. Jesus, hwɛ Wo nokwaredzi no! Sɛ biribiara nnyɛ dzen mma Wo a, 4. Mber pii mo sunsum daduanyi 3. Though earth and hell the word Adze nyina ne yɛ nnyɛ dzen mma m’ Daa bɔn mpokyerɛ na anago sum gainsay, m’; The word of God can never fail; 3. Asaase nye hɛll gye kyim mpo a, W’enyiwa toow kan nserɛmɛn The Lamb shall take my sins away, Nyame N’asɛm nnkotwa apaw da; Gyegyee fiadze hɔ, minyanee; ’Tis certain, though impossible; Eguambaa n’ beyi mo bɔn koraa, Mo mpokyerɛ gui, minyaa ahotɔ, The thing impossible shall be, Ampa, sɛ ɔyɛ dzen mpo a; Mifiir edzi, midzii W’ekyir. All things are possible to me. Dza ɔyɛ dzen mpo ɔbɛyɛ; Adze nyina ne yɛ nnyɛ dzen mma m’. 184 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

4. Adze nyina Nyame yɛ ma ɔyɛ, CAN 126 2: The name we still acknowledge Christ so, nyimpam’ Nyame tum no, That burst our bonds in sunder, Mo so, wɔayɛ m’fofor koraa n’, 1. O, Ɔwo a ifi sor bae And loudly sing, Wɔayɛ m’ fofor wɔ Christ mu no, Edze gya krɔnkrɔn n’ rebɛma, Our conquering king, Midzi dase n’, mefi bɔn nsa n’, Sɔ dɔ a ho tsew ne gya no In songs of joy and wonder. Adze nyina ne yɛ nnyɛ dzen mma Wɔ m’akoma afɔrmbukyia do. In every day’s deliverance m’. 2. Ma ɔndzew hɔ mma W’ enyimnyam Our Jesus we discover; Dɛ ne framee no onndum da; ‘Tis He, ‘tis He MHB 386 Ɔmfa ahopopo nsan bio, That smote the sea, Wɔ ayɛyi na mpaabɔ mu. And led us safely over! 1. O Thou who camest from above, The pure celestial fire to impart 3. Jesus, hyɛ dza m’akoma pɛ ma 3: While in affliction’s furnace, Kindle a flame of sacred love Ɔnyɛ edwuma, nkasa, ndwen mma Wo, And passing through the fire, On the mean altar of my heart. Ma menda ho nweɔn gya krɔnkrɔn n’, Thy love we praise, Nkenyan W’akyɛdze wɔ mo mu. Which knows our days 2. There let it for Thy glory burn And ever brings us nigher. With inextinguishable blaze, 4. Mayɛ krado Wo pɛ nyinaa ho, We clap our hands exulting And trembling to its source return, M’besi gyedzi na dɔ ndwuma do, In Thine almighty favour; In humble prayer and fervent praise. Kodu dɛ W’dɔe bɛhyɛ ma The love divine Wɔ wum’ ma afɔrbɔ n’ edzi mu. Which made us Thine 3. Jesus, confirm my heart’s desire Shall keep us Thine for ever. To work and speak and think for MHB 411 thee; 4: By faith we see the glory Still let me guard the holy fire, 1: HEAD of Thy Church triumphant, To which Thou shalt restore us; And still stir up thy gift in me. We joyfully adore Thee, The Cross despise Till Thou appear, Thy members here For that high prize 4. Ready for all Thy perfect will, Shall sing like those in glory. Which Thou hast set before us. My acts of faith and love repeat, We lift our hearts and voices And if Thou count us worthy, Till death Thy endless mercies seal, With blest anticipation, We each, as dying Stephen, And make the sacrifice complete. And cry aloud, And give to God Shall see Thee stand The praise of our salvation. At God’s right hand, To take us up to heaven. NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 185

Hymns. CAN 135 Yɛnam Wo do Who will all our sorrows share? Bɛtsew h)n mu Jesus knows our every weakness: 1. Konyim Asor n’Ewuradze, Na yɛatow konyim ndwom no. Take it to the Lord in prayer! Yɛdze dɛw yi Wo ayɛw; Yɛw) ha yi 4. Hɛn gyedzi hu enyimnyam a 3. Are we weak and heavy-laden, Yɛbotow ndwom Edze b)dom hɛn bio no; cumbered with a load of care? Dɛ enyimnyammufo no. Mbeamudua n’ nnyɛ hwee Precious Saviour still our refuge, Yɛhyɛ ase ha ara Akatua pa a take it to the Lord in prayer; Ma akoma na n-dze do Edze esi hɛn enyim ntsi. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Kekam’ dzendzen Sɛ ndaamba yɛbɛfata a Take it to the Lord in prayer; Yi Nyame ayɛw Yebohu Wo dɛ Stephen In His arms He’ll take and shield Wo hɛn n-kwahosan ntsi. Ohun Wo w) thee. Nyame nyimfa, Thou wilt find a solace there. 2. Yeda fona fononoo mu yi Dɛ eregye hɛn ak) sor. Na yɛnam ogya mu yi MHB 468 Yɛhyira Wo d) a MHB 538 Onyim hen nda 1. Nearer, my God, to Thee, Na daa )dze hɛn bɛn Wo. 1. WHAT a friend we have in Jesus, Nearer to Thee! Yebo hɛn nsam’ dzi ehurusi All our sins and griefs to bear! E’en though it be a cross Wo W’enyimtsewee no mu; What a privilege to carry That raiseth me, Wo do a )maa Everything to God in prayer! Still all my song shall be, Yɛyɛɛ Wodze n’ O what peace we often forfeit, Nearer, my God, to Thee. Bokora hen wo Wo nkyɛn daa. O what needless pain we bear, Nearer to Thee! All because we do not carry 3. )wo nye Wo nkorofo nam Everything to God in prayer! 2. Though like the wanderer, Ngyigye n’esuyiriim’;, The sun gone down, Ebɛn hvn yi 2. Have we trials and temptations? Darkness be over me, Yennkosuro Is there trouble anywhere? My rest a stone. Amandzehu gyatanaa. We should never be discouraged: Yet in my dreams I’d be Wiadze nye bon nye abonsam Take it to the Lord in prayer. Nearer, my God to Thee. Wonnkotum esi hɛn mpa; Can we find a friend so faithful, Nearer to Thee! 186 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

3. There let the way appear, Kaansa mirikyin mpo MHB 428 Steps unto Heaven; Ma wi ak)t), All that Thou send’st Ma adze so asa me, 1.I will praise my maker In me, in mercy given; Ma mesun bo a, while I’ve breath; Angels to beckon me M’adaaso mu m’bepin And when my voice is lost in death, Nearer, my God, to Thee. Wo nkyɛn ara, Nyame, Praise shall employ my nobler Nearer to Thee ! Wo nkyɛn ara. power: Days of praise shall ne’er past, 4. Then, with my waking thoughts Ma kwan m-bɛda ho a While life, and thought, and being Bright with Thy praise, W)dze ko sor; last, Out of my stony griefs Dza edze ma m’ nyina Or immortality endures. Bethel I’ll raise; Ehumb)b)r kwa; So by my woes to be Ab)fo refrɛfrɛ m’ 2.Happy the man whose hopes rely Nearer, my God, to Thee. Wo nkyɛn ara, Nyame, On Israel’s God! He made the sky, Nearer to Thee! Wo nkyɛn ara. And earth, and sea, with all their train: 5. Or, if on joyful wing Ber a m’enyi betsetsew n’, His truth forever stands secure; Cleaving the sky, M’beyi W’ayɛw; He saves the oppressed, He feeds Sun, moon, and stars forgot, M’bodua m’awerɛhow mu the poor, Upward I’ll fly, M’esi Nyame fi; And none shall find his promise. Still all my song shall be, Menam me yawm’ m’bepin Nearer, my God, to Thee, Wo nkyɛn ara, Nyame, 3. The Lord pours eyesight on the Nearer to Thee! Wo nkyɛn ara! blind; The Lord supports the fainting mind; CAN 152 Sɛ so medze ahomka He sends the labouring conscience Mutu ba sor, peace; Wo nkyɛn ara, Nyame, Mo werɛ fir wi, bosom, He helps the stranger in distress, Wo nkyɛn ara! )nye nworaba a, The widow, and the fatherless, Kaansa mbeamudua mpo Mo ndwom mber nyina nye dɛ, And grants the prisoner sweet Na )ma mo do a, Wo nkyɛn ara, Nyame, release. Mo ndwom dabaa nye dɛ, Wo nkyɛn ara! Wo nkyɛn ara, Nyame, NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 187 Wo nkyɛn ara.

Hymns. 4. I’ll praise him while he lends me 4. Mibeyi No ayɛw nkwaberm’ breath; Na ber a me ndze bɛyew wum no, And when my voice is lost in death, Medze tum kese bɛkamfo N’: Praise shall employ my nobler powers: M’ayɛyi nda nnkotwa mu da, My days of praise shall ne’er be past Nkwa na adwen na ahom wo ho ‘i, While life, and thought, and being last Anaa bɛkyebo wo do yi. Or immortality endures. MHB 746 CAN 140 1.I AM Thine, O Lord; I have heard Thy voice, 1. M’beyi mo Bofo ayɛw nkwaberm’ And it told Thy love to me; Na ber a me ndze bɛyew wum’ no, But I lone to rise In the arms of faith, Medze tum kɛse bɛkamfo N’: And be closer drawn to Thee. M’ayɛyi nda nnkotwa mu da, Nkwa na adwen na ahom wo ho ‘i, Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, Anaa bɛkyebo wo do yi. To the Cross where Thou hast died: Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, 2. Siarfo nye nyia n’enyidar twer To Thy precious, bleeding side. Israel Nyame! )no y33 wim’, Asaase, Po, nye dza )w)m’ nyina: 2.Consecrate me now to Thy service,Lord, No nokwar tsim h) pintsinn daa; By the power of graice divine; )gye afonafo, )hwɛ ehiafo, Let my soul look up with a stead¬fast hope, Na N’anohoba nnyɛ gyan da. And my will be lost In Thine. 3. Ewuradze ma furafo hu adze; 3.O the pure delight of a single hour Osuo adwen a )at) bitsim’ That before Thy throne I spend, )ma tsibowa a )nnda asomdwee; When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, )boa h)ho wo fona mu, I commune as friend with friend. Kunafo nye egyanka so Na )dom daduanyi fahodzi. 4.There are depths of love that I cannot know Till I cross the narrow sea; 188 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE There are heights of joy that I may not reach Till I rest In peace with Thee.

MHB 247 5.He all His foes shall quell, shall N’ahendzi mmb) adze da, all our sins destroy, No tum w) sor na ase; 1.Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your And every bosom swell with pure W)dze samanadze Lord and King adore; seraphic joy; Saafee ama Jesus: Mortals give thanks and sing, and Lift up your heart, lift up your Ma w’akoma nye wo ndze do; triumph evermore; voice, Dzi dɛw, mese wo dɛ, Dzi dɛw. Lift up your heart, lift up your Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! voice; )tse Nyame nyimfa Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! 6.Rejoice in glorious hope! Jesus Kɛpem dɛ N’atamfo the Judge shall come, B)b) hon mu adze 2.Jesus, the Savior, reigns, the And take His servants up to their Edzi N’ahyɛdze do: God of truth and love; eternal home. Ma w’akoma nye wo ndze do; When He had purged our stains We soon shall hear th’archangel’s Dzi dɛw, mese wo dɛ, Dzi dɛw. He took His seat above; voice; Lift up your heart, lift up your The trump of God shall sound, Obedzi nyim ewie, voice; rejoice! Oetu hɛn bon nyina, Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! Ma dasanyi biara CAN 75 Eenya sor enyigye: 3.His kingdom cannot fail, He Ma w’akoma nye wo ndze do; rules o’er earth and heaven, Dzi dɛw, Nyame yɛ Hen! Dzi dɛw, mese wo dɛ, Dzi dɛw. The keys of death and hell are to Kotow w’Ewuradze; our Jesus given; )dasanyi, tow ndwom. Dzi dɛw enyidadom’; Lift up your heart, lift up your Na dzi dɛw daa nyina: Hɛn Jesus bɛba bio voice; Ma w’akoma nye wo ndze do; Abɛfa hɛn ako Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! Dzi dɛw, mese wo dɛ, Dzi dɛw. Hɛn domankoma fie: Ma w’akoma nye wo ndze do; 4.He sits at God’s right hand till all Agyenkwa Christ dzi hen, Dzi dɛw, mese wo dɛ, Dzi dɛw. His foes submit, Nokwar nye d) dzi w) n; And bow to His command, and )hoor hɛn ho fi no, NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE | 189 fall beneath His feet: )gyee egua w) sor: Lift up your heart, lift up your Ma w’akoma nye wo ndze do; voice; Dzi dɛw, mese wo dɛ, Dzi dɛw. Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Hymns. MHB 2 Ewuradze yɛ Nyame ampa; 3. Twer Jesu N’abaw mu komm, )noara na )yɛɛ hɛn:Yɛyɛ Nedze, Nyame do nkata wo do; 1: ALL people that on earth do dwell, )nyɛn hɛn daa;N’edzidzibea do Sun W’Agyenkwa No bom’ sonn, Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice: nguan nye hɛn. Mbrɛ bon biara nnkɛhaw wo. Him serve with mirth, Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w’ nsie, His praise forth tell; O hom nhɛn N’aponkvse mu; Yebehyiam’ afeboo, da yie! Come ye before Him and rejoice. Hom mbedzi dɛw N’abanguado; Hom nhyira N’, nyi Ne dzin ayɛw; 4. Kwantunyi berɛfo dofo, 2: The Lord, ye know, is God indeed; Na hɛn Nyame fata ndaase: W’akwantu abo adze; Without our aid He did us make: Atsew esian nyina mu, We are His fork, He doth us feed; Osiandɛ Ewuradze yɛ pa; Efi awerɛhow wiadze. And for His sheep He doth us take. N’ehumb)b)r so tsim ho daa; Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w’ nsie, No nokwardzi si pi ampa, Dzi fie kan kotweon hɛn, da yie! 3: O enter then His gates with praise; Na nnkobo adze ara da. Approach with joy His courts unto; Praise, laud, and bless His name CAN 324 always, For it is seemly so to do. 1. Da yie, dofo fonafo, W’edwuma ab) adze; 4: For why? The Lord our God is Ahomgye pa, siar mbordo good; Na dɛw mapa nyɛ wodze. His mercy is for ever sure; Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w’ nsie, His truth at all times firmly stood, Adzesaa ahyɛ sum, da yie! And shall from age to age endure. Amen. 2. Nyinsu bonsam’ kwantunyi Hom fi yaw na suro nsa, CAN 2 Hom mbrɛ su na mbusu nnyi, W’akwantu ber no asa. Nyimpa a hom wo wiadze nyina, Da yie, da yie, Nyame mfa w’ nsie, Hom mfa enyigye ndze ntow ndwom: Adzesaa ahyɛ sum, da yie! Hom mfa nyi Nyankopon ayɛw; Hom mbra N’enyim hom mbedzi dɛw. 190 | NANA AGYEBENG OKYEREH BOTWE

Farewell Message Nana, your entire Asenee Family, Tafoman and the uncountable people your life touched miss you and you will forever remain dear in our hearts. Our earnest prayer is that may the Good Lord keep and preserve you in his perfect peace. Nana, Damirifa Due! Asenee deyhe Kronkron, Damirifa Due! Aduanaba, Damirifa Due! Adusuapanin Piesie, Damirifa Due! Onyame mfa wo nsie! Amen!

Acknowledgement The family of the late Nana Agyebeng Okyereh Botwe Wishes to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to you; Our friends, well-wishers and loved ones for your prayers, donations, support and presence as we mourn the loss of our beloved. May God Richly Bless You.