FUNERAL PROGRAMME FOR MRS MAUD EKELEBAH

Glorious Home Call MRS. MAUD EKELEBAH BLANKSON-MILLS (1938-2022) Burial and Memorial Service Friday, 24th June 2022 At the Accra Ridge Church @ 8:00am



Order of Service OFFICIATING MINISTERS Rt. Rev. Sampson K. Gyabeng Methodist Minister, ARC Rev. Andrew J. T. Odjawo Presbyterian/Coordinating Minister, ARC Rev. Canon Samuel L. Lamptey Anglican Minister, ARC Rev. Father Eric Owusu Auxiliary Anglican Minister VISITING MINISTERS Most Rev. Dr. Justice Ofei Akrofi Former Archbishop of the Province of West Africa and Bishop of Accra Rt. Rev Dr. George Neequaye Suffragan Bishop Rt. Rev William R. A. Blankson Methodist Church, Ghana Very Rev Ama Afo Blay Resurrection Methodist Church, Adenta Venerable Dr. Joseph Lamptey Archdeacon of Accra East Venerable Samuel Hansen Addy Archdeacon of Tema Venerable Antonio Tello Nelson Archdeacon of Accra West Rev. Canon Noah Mensa Retired Anglican Priest DIRECTOR OF MUSIC James Opoku Agyeman IN ATTENDANCE Winneba Youth Choir

PRE-BURIAL SERVICE Reception of the remains of the deceased Hymn MHB 428 (I’ll Praise my Maker …) Prayer Filing past amidst Hymns from Pre-burial hymnal: 52, 4, 15, 39, 34, 59, 21, 55 Closing of Casket BURIAL SERVICE Sentences Purpose of Gathering Hymn MHB 679 (Pleasant are thy Courts…) Prayer 5. Hymn MHB 896 (Now Praise we Great...) Biography of the deceased Tributes Hymn – Solo Scripture Readings 1. 1 Cor. 15:50 – 58 2. John 11:17-27 Hymn - MHB 528 (In Heavenly Love Abiding) Sermon Affirmation of Faith Offering / Christian Charity - Medley of songs by Winneba Youth Choir Thanksgiving - MHB 831 (Give me the Wings of Faith) Notices Closing Hymn - MHB 667 (The day Thou gavest Lord….) Prayer and Benediction Absolution of the Dead Hallelujah Chorus – Winneba Youth Choir Recessional - Hymn MHB 651 (Hark! Hark my soul …) INTERMENT Sentences Hymn - MHB 975 (When the day of toil is done…) Committal Vote of thanks Parting Hymn MHB 914 (God be with you till we meet…) Benediction

BIOGRAPHY “My daughter you are spectacular. You gave me a grandson at the beginning of the year, and a second to close out the year!” - Rt. Hon. Justice R.S. Blay after Maud gave birth to Steve in December; having birthed TT in January of the same year. Mrs. Maud Ekelebah Blankson-Mills neé Blay, affectionately called “Akweley,” was born the elder of twin girls, on October29th, 1938, to the late Rt. Hon. Justice Robert Samuel Blay and Marjorie Lady Mould of Jamestown, British Accra. Also born on that day was Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, first elected female Head of State in Africa. Robert, her father, the first lawyer of Nzima, rose to become a justice of Ghana's Supreme Court. He also was a Founding Member and first Vice-Chairman of the United Gold Coast Convention. He was active in Ghana's pre- and post-Colonial legislative and was appointed the Speaker of the Constituent Assembly of 1969. The story of Ghana's emergence as an Independent State cannot be written without him. Her Maternal Ancestry derives from the Mould and Ghartey Families of Winneba and Jamestown, British Accra, and the Addy and Van der Puije families of Jamestown. Her Maternal Grandmother was Chief John Van der Puije’s daughter. Chief John van der Puije was a Gold Coast merchant, newspaper publisher, and Member of the Legislative Council. He was instrumental in the re-introduction of the Anglican Communion and English Freemasonry to the Colony. Her Grandpa Mould was a Colonial Civil Servant who was posted to Nigeria. Her Paternal Ancestry derives from the Adahole Clan of Eikwe and Esiama. Maud attended Accra Methodist School for her Elementary Schooling at the feet of Sister Rose Little, the same English headmistress as her mother, Lady Mould. In January 1952, both twins entered Wesley Girls High School in Cape Coast when Ms. Olive Compton was Headmistress. They sat for their 6th Form Entrance Examination in 1956 and were accepted by Mfantsipim School, which made them “OLD BOYS” of MOBA 1956. They passed the Cambridge Higher School Certificate examination in December 1958, with Exemption from Matriculation. Maud came of age around Independence, a period of great optimism in Ghana. It was truly the Nation’s “belle epoch.” Hers was a world of ballroom dances and visits for horse-racing. With her sisters, she would don pretty frocks for frequent afternoon teas with scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam, at the Stewards Stand of the Race-Course. Tall, shapely, attractive, and stylishly dressed, Maud was a hit on the social scene.



She and her twin chose to read sociology and economics at the University of Ghana. At the time, sociology was still considered a rather “exotic” subject; derided by Ms. Compton, the then Headmistress of Wesley Girls Secondary School as “fanciful.” They were perhaps expected to engage in more traditional studies. Their Graduation in 1962 was hailed all over the Ghanaian media where they made front- page headlines as the “Academic Twins” who “had made Ghana proud.” They were held up by Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as shining examples of academic excellence. He used them as an example to encourage families to send their “girl children” to school. Soon after Graduation from the University of Ghana, Maud joined the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to start her working life. She started as a Listener Research Assistant in September 1962. She was known as a very diligent worker, earning frequent awards for exceptional performance. She was instrumental in the opening of Regional Radio stations across the Country for the Corporation. Serious about her career, Maud pursued post-graduate studies at Boston University and at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In 1973, she won a UNESCO Fellowship in Mass Communication Research, which took her to Canada for one year. After completing her Fellowship, she was selected to intern at Voice of America Radio. A pioneer in establishing the first Audience Research Department at GBC she was instrumental in establishing Research Departments in several African countries. Her work took her to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Maud represented GBC at many conferences both locally and internationally. She presented a paper on Audience Research, the Ghanaian Experience at the URTNA General Assembly Meeting in Dakar, Senegal, in 1979, and was a member of the Ghanaian delegation to the 5th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995. Maud ultimately reached her goal to break into the ranks of Senior Management as the Director of Corporate Affairs. For several years she was the only female in Senior Management. She was also one of the Founding Members of the Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) which was an affiliate of the Ghana Journalists Association. She served on important Corporate Boards and mentored several protégés. She retired from the Corporation in October 1998. Maud married Lawyer Joseph Nii Lante Blankson-Mills in 1964. He was the Head of the Legal Department at the Internal Revenue Service. Their marriage was blessed with four children: TT and Steve (both who predeceased her), then Major and Mary-Ann. She bore the tragic passing of her sons with deep inner sorrow, visible only to those who knew her well. Her inner strength, not to

mention the needs of her surviving children, forced her to forge ahead after the death of each child. Her strength, faith in God, and her close relationship with her sisters provided solace. A devoted Methodist from an early age, Maud was active in her church community at Ridge Church. She enjoyed Bible study as well as the many wonderful Methodist hymns that she and her sisters joyfully sang from memory at any and all times. After retirement, she was a frequent visitor to the US and UK on visits to her children and grandchildren, but Accra remained her residence until her death. She lived a full, rich life and leaves a lasting legacy. She is survived by her older brother, Ate, sisters Maame Ekeleba, Twin Akuorkor, Abe, Mokowa, Adala T, and Afo; and a huge extended family of cousins, nephews, nieces who mourn her. Dearest, May you Rest Peacefully in the Bosom of our Maker till we meet again. Yaa wor ojogbaa Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. - Ecclesiastes. 12:7 KJV

TRIBUTES

Tribute from Twin Sister To my Twin Sister, Akweley: You have left me suddenly. I feel so abandoned. Our lives have been so intertwined that I feel like I have lost half of myself, just like an amputee. I feel a great sense of emptiness. You were my rock, my constant companion, and you always had my back. I would do anything to see your beautiful face again, but God knows best. I know you would not have left me if He had not summoned you. I am convinced the Almighty needed you for higher service in His presence. Our Loving God ensured we spent your last day on earth together. You were in such a good mood. Our Loving God ensured we spent your last day on earth together. You were in such a good mood. It was like we were young and carefree again. We were looking forward to a pleasant and relaxed afternoon of window shopping. We had giggled at the image of two old ladies in wheelchairs being pushed around the store. We reckoned the store management would have taken pictures of us, and used for adverts, with a caption: Even old Ladies shop at …! It was not to be. At the point of departure for this anticipated joyful expedition, you crumpled into my arms. That image of this parting plays back a thousand times a day in my head and increases my distress. Everyone assures me that this vivid picture will fade with time. I don’t know if that is good or bad. I am still so confused. There is no doubt that my twilight years have been compromised by your sudden call to glory. I will survive on the beautiful memories—the joys, the sorrows, and the love I have garnered on our walk together on this place we call earth. It has been my privilege to have you as my Twin Sister for over eight decades; but now we part, painfully. Farewell my dear Twin Sister Akweley. May the winds of Heaven blow softly on you till we meet again. Amen.

Tribute from Children From Major Blankson-Mills My mother was absolutely the love of my life. I was also the apple of her eye. The gift my mother gave me was her undying love, which I felt from the moment I had the ability to think or feel. Loyal to a fault, she put us her children first and made no apologies for it. I truly don’t know how she managed to keep up with three boisterous boys without losing her mind, but she cared for us with gusto. She truly created a warm, loving environment for me and my siblings. My mother—Auntie, as everyone referred to her—truly gave to her children in a very selfless way. I truly feel lucky to have been raised by her. She was cerebral and creative doing her crossword puzzles, her embroidery, and reading her books and magazines. I didn’t tell her enough times how grateful I was to her for all that she did for me, but I want to say it now. Mama: thank you for all you did for me, thank you for loving me, thank you for enduring me. Do rest in perfect peace. From Mary-Ann Quaye Maa, why so sudden? Why four days before your grandkids were about to see you after all this time apart? Your passing is a very bitter pill to swallow. You may have passed on, but your memories will always live on within me. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care, your concern. You are the strongest person I will ever know. You have endured many difficulties. Losing two sons must have been heartbreaking, but you never wilted. The struggles of life did not break you. In your seventies, you took care of my children tirelessly. Roland and I will be forever grateful for your time and dedication to your grandkids. Your bond with your sisters was something to behold. You were loved, and you are missed terribly. My only regret is that I was unable to say goodbye to you. God indeed gained another angel. Sleep well Maa, rest in perfect peace.

Tribute from Siblings I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8, KJV Hard and painful to believe our precious sister is gone. You were so happy and hilarious just a day before you left us. We don’t understand it all, but the Lord knows best. Growing up, you were the flagship of our family, our older big sister. The go-to person in all situations. You had your own separate relationship with each of us. We confided in you, shed tears together, and always knew you had our individual and collective backs. You, our sister, truly had one of the finest minds one could ever come across. Full of wisdom, you were one we all relied on for sound and rational judgment. You were a devoted mother and grandmother, extraordinarily patient with babies and very young children. You even acted like a mother to us, your siblings. You endured suffering with grace, as we all watched with gaping mouths how you stood firm and resolute in the face of unimaginable loss. Steadfast as a rock, we certainly leaned on you. You were broad-minded, well-read and engaging in conversation. Most importantly you were funny, seeing the humor in all things. You were so happy and hilarious at our usual weekly \"Sibling Lunch\" days before you left us. We were amazed at the energy you had during our trip to Essiama and Eikwe on the 9th of April and the effort you made to walk to Papa's graveside. The added bonus to you was to also \"pay homage\" to your dear brother Kwame Amodzin lying beside Papa! That scene will never leave us! At your side that fateful evening you asked for water, and you drank. You looked exactly like the way you looked after you had Mary-Ann! But you clearly survived the ordeal of a retained placenta! Not long after your drink, you had a series of attacks in spite of everything and breathed your last. You looked so peaceful and at rest. Clearly the superstition that one needs water for the journey has some merit. You are now at rest! We, your siblings say: rest in peace. Go and sleep well Sister Akweley.



Tributes from Grandchildren From Naa Lamley Blankson-Mills Dearest grandma: You were a pleasure to be around and always offered the best advice. I am forever grateful for your love, And I know you’re looking down from above. You truly were a special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories will always live on within us. Words cannot describe the loss I feel having to say goodbye, but you’ll never be forgotten. Rest in eternal peace until we meet again. From Chloe Quaye Gram Gram, you are dearly missed! I wish we had just one more minute to talk to each other. You always told me that no one lives forever, and God has a plan for everyone in the afterlife. I hope yours is as angelic as you. I thank the Lord for the time that we did have on this earth to be blessed with so many joyful memories of you. You have left me with an everlasting impression of hope and happiness. Until we meet again, grandma! From Christa Quaye To my beloved Grandma, it’s so sad to see you go. Your death brought a tremendous amount of grief to many people. I will always remember and treasure the time we had to spend together. Although time might pass, your memories will live on through us. The fact that you’re no longer here causes me pain, but I like to think that you’re looking down at us acting as a silent cheerleader as we continue our lives. You will forever be in my heart. Until we meet again. From Chelsea Quaye To my wonderful Grandma: We were all so excited to come see you in Ghana. You were always so much fun to be around. It was great every time you came to visit. You will always be in my heart. Until we meet again, grandma!



From Mrs. Amazia Adu and Siblings I am sitting here in Northolt writing this and I cannot believe you are gone. The fact that I will come home and not see you? Words cannot describe how I feel. Our loving Mould family gave us to you as your children when our dear Maa went to be with the Lord in January of 2015. You have been so wonderful to me. I would only have to send you a WhatsApp message, and you would immediately call me for a chat. I loved visiting you at Chaado where we would sit and chat for ages, hearing about my grandfather, granduncles and grand-aunties at the Mould House in Jamestown; how you would describe my grandfather, Pa Franco, as a very handsome gentleman with his beautiful, elegant wife Agnes Ama Adoma Mould, affectionately called ‘Mooh’. I will really miss those precious times. Somehow, I’m dreading coming home because that is when the reality of your passing will hit me. My one comfort lies in the fact that my dear Mama Two is around and will be for many more years, thanks be to God. Farewell my dear Auntie Akweley. Rest peacefully in the arms of our loving Father till we meet again. I will love you forever. Dear mom Auntie Akweley, Though I am not your biological daughter, you took us into your bosom when our mom passed on. Thank you for being there for me. Love you as you rest in the arms of the Lord. Mum, rest in perfect peace - Maame From Cassandra Sam Auntie Maud 'mother' An exceptional and wonderful woman. You were a mother to all. You showed me great love as any mother would do, although I was not your biological daughter. Rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.

Tributes from Cousins From Betty Mould Iddrisu Dearest Sister Akweley, My heart literally broke when Sister Akuorkor broke the news of your passing to me. I had spoken to you a couple of days before and then to hear that you had left us. Just like that! Ooh sis! You had always been there. When my dad died in 1979 and when my mum died in London some 16 years ago, you flew down to stay with me in London to guide my steps during that difficult period. What love, and just because I was your beloved uncle - Pa Kwesi's daughter. He was the direct senior brother of your mum - our wonderful Aunty Lady and they had an incredibly tight bond. You schooled me in the ways of family and marriage; Alhaji became your darling boy, and you were his 'sweetheart'. We went all over Ghana and even as far away as Lomé on funeral journeys together every couple of weeks with ice chest and bedding packed. You were the one we always consulted in all matters of Jamestown and family issues. We were together with you during the good, the bad and the ugly. We were blessed having you as the glue that kept us together. Sleep Well dear Sister Akweley. Your work on earth is ended. We can never forget you. Yaa wor ojogbaa

From the Sowahs (Connie, Ray, Susan and Irwin) We were just kids. You saw in us what no one did. A presence so strong, Physically not there. You cared for each of us. Your fingerprints all abound, your outstretched hand of love, Amidst many sorrows we remember quietly and secretly, in your own way you were there, Waiting in the wings to lend a hand. We’ll remember the smile that never fades; The laughter that continues to ring. We will miss you and continue to remember. From Ablorh Sowah How little I was, how big I have become. Memories true and clear fill my thoughts and mind. There are memories. Memories come and go. This one memory has come to stay. Heartbeats elevate with the news. A memory that cannot dim shines through a cluster of darkness. Only a special person evokes memory adoration. The good times keep coming; cherished moments of yesteryears. Sis Akwele, You are very special. Memory has come to stay. Wo odzogban. From the Welbecks (Aramansa and Auntie) Our dearest Sister Akweley, ‘people’ ‘ZE’, you were a part of our lives in Accra and London, you will be sorely missed, we will love you forever, emli ejor nmaanii. Auntie Ak, Yaa Wo odzogban

Tributes from Nieces and Nephews From the Chinery-Hesses A Always present. Holding down the fort. U Undying in your devotion to your children. N Never giving up in the face of unimaginable grief. T Tirelessly taking care of our affairs. I Indefatigable in your devotion to your family and the extended family. E Endowed with beauty, brains and wisdom. Always with the word in season. Ever to be relied upon. M Matron of the family. A Auntie is what you were called U Underpinning the family with your love D Devoted to all. Thank you, thank you, thank you

From the Bruce-Konuahs Top 5 Reasons Auntie Maud was amazing! She was incredibly strong. She endured many difficulties with grace. She was the rock that held the family together! She breastfed Herman when he was a baby, and Vane’s first days were at her house. She was beloved by her many sisters and brothers. Her twin leaned on her heavily. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. I will never forget how you dropped everything and came all the way to LA to help me adjust to life as a new mom. - Jackie! Your wisdom was incredible. - Vane Thank you for your patience, words of wisdom and love. – Naa-Adaawa Aku and I will never forget how you took care of us and loved us, every time I watch tennis, you will be in my heart. - Junior

From The Alloteys Our dear Auntie Akweley, It is hard to believe that you have left us so suddenly. We never imagined that barely within six months you would join your brother in eternity. We thank God for the cherished moments we spent with you on the phone and at home. May the Lord keep you in His bosom till we meet again. Rest in perfect peace. Your nieces, Eileen and Rita. From The Alloteys Dear Auntie, Akweley, We are truly heartbroken to hear you have left us. We can’t imagine how our father will fare without you. You were precious to him and precious to us. You will remain in our memories forever. Go and rest in perfect peace. Lynn, Pascal and Jimmy

From the Blays I asked my sisters to write this tribute on behalf of the three of us because in my humble opinion I was closest to Auntie Maud. Auntie Maud was simply my girlfriend. If I had any problem (and I had several over the years) she was automatically my go to person and she solved them. Even back in the 70’s when I was in secondary school, if I had an issue my father would send me straight to GBC to Auntie Maud. I tremble as I write this because Auntie Maud was the Chief Editor at the GBC. I know she is editing this writing from heaven and I want to make sure I have made no errors. After the A levels I was unsure of what to do. I wanted something technical, and she opened her address book and offered any introductions I needed. If I was broke, she would be the first call. She would make sure I was sorted out. Her love for me cemented my close relationship with Steve. Auntie Maud suffered with the loss of TT and later on Steve. I always felt guilty that I was here, and they were not. Her smile was like the Queen of England smiling at us. We couldn’t imagine anything anyone could say about our wonderful, kind, Auntie. Go and rest in peace dearest Auntie!

From the Armah Blays Our dearest aunt, what a blessing and privilege it was to have you as a part of our beautiful family. Though we didn’t spend much time around you the few times we did was worthwhile, you were very warm and receptive and made us feel at home. It saddens our hearts that death has laid its cold icy hands on you so quickly just when we were looking forward to spending more time with you. We are comforted knowing that you are in a much better place! Your memories will forever be with us. Sleep well Auntie Maud until we meet again! From the Tamakloes My first memories of Aunt Maud were at grandpa’s 70th birthday gathering meeting. I also remember as a kid in the late 70’s, meeting with both aunts when they came to MOBA to visit TT, Herman, and Steve. Auntie Maud’s distinctive deep resonating voice along with her calm demeanor was always reassuring to us. From the Yamoahs I am finding it so difficult to write this tribute as it signifies a final goodbye, but you are not gone, even though we will not get to hug you and be with you physically, we believe you are with us in spirit, and we will get to see you again at the end of time. We will deeply miss your infectious laugh. Fare the well Aunt Akweley. You will be truly missed. Nantwe ye, rest in perfect peace till we meet again. Aba & Siblings

From The Adu-Gyamfies and Essilfie-Bondzies Dearest Auntie Maud, Before we knew you, we knew you through your wonderful children. The apple does not fall far from the tree. We also knew you by reputation and we're proud of our Auntie, as a female pioneer in Ghana, one who had achieved many firsts. You were rich in wisdom, education, knowledge, and your love for our dear Mummy Mokowa and Mummy Afo. We collectively always remarked that you looked like Mummy Afo while Auntie Akworkor looked like Mummy Dr. (Mokowa.) Going back to your wonderful brood, your values of family, grace, and love shone through. Clearly, you were the yarn that wove through the fabric of our wonderful huge family. We admired your quiet leadership and your organizational skills when it came to arranging traditional wedding ceremonies, funerals, and other traditions. Most importantly, it was clear you shared the same love of the old Methodist hymns. We love you, Auntie Akweley! You were a source of courage for us all. God bless and keep you. Go and rest in much-deserved peace. From the Asmahs Auntie Akweley, your bright personality and outgoing nature will forever be remembered. You were the one who knew how to make Mom take that walk to your house at least once a week. Always ready to offer help and advice whenever it was needed. You may be gone physically but your indomitable spirit and the memories you left will last. Keep on your lovely smile till we meet again. Rest in the arms of the Lord.

From the Ackahs Although we cannot claim to have spent a lot of time with you Aunty Akweley, we have felt your death deeply! Suddenly images and memories of your constant smile that radiates through your eyes, your warmth, and your strong but silent presence come flooding through, along with the grim realization that you are no longer with us. You always had a way of quizzing and probing about our endeavors, which subtly turned into inputs and advice without sounding intrusive. Growing up, you have been a support and a pillar in our lives when it mattered, and we are truly thankful. You always showed up whether we were mourning a loss or celebrating a blessing. Thank you for the assurance that we could always count on you. You are greatly and fondly missed.

From Jeanette Hayfron-Benjamin Maud, my dear friend and aunt in law now departed from this world. What a shock I had when I received the sad news the morning, I unknowingly visited her twin sister, Mary. I met Maud in the 1960’s and we became close friends. I really enjoyed her pleasant company and her ability to share pleasantries. On a few occasions I was even mistaken for her by a few people much to our amusement. In the 1990’s, we became neighbors when my husband and I took up residence close to her at North Ridge where she resided as the very Senior Member of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. I was always impressed by her calm nature, her sense of humor and her ability to withstand bitterness and rancor. My deepest sympathy goes to her loving sister, Mary, who must learn to live without her reassuring company. May your loving sister Maud rest in peace, the peace which only God can give.

From Doris Ablo Maud! It was just a couple of weeks ago when you, Mary and I went to Aburi to spend the day with Herman and enjoy unpolluted air. A few days later we went to Sogakope-Villa Awoyo to spend another day enjoying the river breeze. There was no sign of you leaving us. The day, the hour, the minute is not known to anyone. This is the mystery of death. Those of us left behind will continue to ask questions but we will not get satisfactory answers. May you rest in the Bosom of the Lord. Till we meet again. From Baba Abu My very close friendship with Steve and Major meant I spent a lot of time in Aunt Maud's home, a place of much laughter and joy where I always felt welcome. Aunt Maud was like a mother to me. I watched her deal with the challenges of raising teenage boys. Becoming a parent has given me some perspective into how it must have been. There was an incident with her prized off-white Peugeot 504 that earned us one of her many withering looks! Aunt Maud had to deal with two tragic events which would have been a stern test of anyone's faith. Yet Aunt Maud managed that with fortitude and good grace which revealed inner strength and true faith. To paraphrase the hymn, Aunt Maud's anchor held in the storms of life. I am full of admiration for what Aunt Maud did and I thank the almighty for the gift of her life. May your soul rest in eternal peace. May those you leave behind find comfort. Love always.

Tribute by the 1956 Year group of Wesley Girls’ High School Cape Coast Thy way not mine, O Lord, However dark it be; Lead me by Thine own hand Choose out the Path for me - MHB 515 verse 1 Aw Akweley, Maud, how come you left your friends and sisters so suddenly, after our last get-together at your twin sister, Akuorkor Marys’ Residence on Wednesday 11th of May 2022? At that meeting, it was even decided that our next meeting /get-together would be held at Maud’s Residence, and she gladly accepted to host. We are really traumatized yet we have faith and believe that you are resting peacefully in the bosom of the Lord, your Maker, whom you worshipped diligently, and you will rise in Glory. A bond was formed over seventy (70) years ago, in January 1952, when the then Headmistress of Wesley Girls’ High School, Cape Coast, Miss Olive Compton of blessed memory, admitted forty- eight young girls from all over the then Gold Coast, now Ghana, to the school. Maud and Mary, the twin sisters who were non identical, and we could tell one from the other very easily, were among the young ladies. They were housed in Block D, Wrigley House – Yellow. This group could be divided into two, namely the Naive and Mature. Strange enough, Maud could fit into either group. By the end of the first term both groups had settled down to serious academic work, prompt response to bells and discipline of the school. We, in addition, took part in many extracurricular activities such as Drama, Red Cross, Singing, Gardening and above all sports. During sporting activities, Maud was among those of us who were enthusiastic Cheerleaders for our class, cheering our teams to victory. She was very supportive of her twin sister Mary, who was adept at high jump. When finally, we left the school in December 1956, after sitting the Cambridge School Certificate Examination, we all went our several ways to pursue our individual life interests. Some went straight into nursing, others into teaching, business and other professions whilst a group of nine (9) including Maud and Mary went to Mfantsipim school to do Sixth Form Course. After gaining their Higher School Certificate they continued to pursue their Education at the University of Ghana Legon. All this while, we kept in touch with each other.



Later on, we decided to meet once a month on rotational bases, to maintain the relationship and help each other through thick and thin, our motivation being the third verse of our school hymn. Hold thou each hand to keep it just. Touch Thou our lips and make them pure. If Thou art with us, Lord, we must be faithful friends and comrades sure Dear Lord, we pray Thy spirit may be present in our school always. In fulfilment of this obligation, we met on Wednesday 11th May at the Residence of Dr. Mary Chinery–Hesse, the twin sister of Maud, to be followed later at Maud’s Residence. We had fun, cracked jokes, ate sumptuous meals and even discussed the welfare of aging members of the group. As man proposes and God disposes, that meeting will never be held with Maud as the host rather we are here to bid farewell to Maud whose mortal remains lies here. Maud, Akweley, as we affectionately called her, was caring and generous. She was passionate and adorable, with a beautiful smile, even when provoked or teased. In a nutshell, Maud was an epitome of peace and harmony. She has had her fair share of the vicissitudes of life, she has played her part well on the stage of life and now she has been freed from the shackles of pain and sorrow awaiting the crown of glory. We, your Faithful Friends, Comrades Sure, Golden Oldies, now promise that by the Grace of God we will keep comforting each other, especially your twin sister Akuorkor Mary. We want to keep the flame of fellowship burning as in the hymn. We are watchers of a beacon whose light must never die; We are guardians of an altar that shows Thee ever nigh. We are children of Thy freemen who sleep beneath the sod. For the might of thine arm we bless Thee our God, our fathers’ God. MHB 715 verse 3 Maud, Fare thee well, Live Pure, Speak True, Right Wrong, Follow the King, Adieu, Adieu, Adieu. Till we meet again.

Tribute from Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Soon after graduation from the University of Ghana, Mrs. Blankson-Mills joined the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC, to start her working life. She started as a Listener Research Assistant in September 1962. She was known to be a very diligent worker with records of exceptional performances on many occasions. For instance, she was instrumental in the opening of regional radio stations across the country for the Corporation. Over the years she rose to positions of higher responsibility such as Research Officer, Principal Audience Research Officer, Public Affairs Manager and Director of Corporate Affairs. As Director of Corporate Affairs, she was for many years the only female member of senior management. While at GBC, Mrs. Maud Blankson-Mills won a UNESCO Fellowship in Mass Communication Research in 1973, which took her to Canada for one year. Also, she represented GBC at many conferences both locally and internationally. She presented a paper on Audience Research, the Ghanaian Experience at the URTNA General Assembly Meeting in Dakar, Senegal in 1979 and was a member of the Ghana delegation to the 5th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995. She retired from the Corporation on reaching the compulsory retirement age in October 1998.



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HYMNS

MHB 428 (Stanzas 1,2&4) I’ll praise my maker…. 1.I’ll praise my maker while I’ve breath And when my voice is lost in death, raise shall employ my nobler powers, My days of shall ne’er be past, While life and thought and being last, Or immortality endures. 2.Happy the man whose hopes rely On Israel’s God! He made the sky, And earth and seas with all their train, His truth forever stands secure, He saves the oppressed, He feeds the poor And none shall find His promise vain. 3.I’ll praise Him while He lends me breath; And when my voice is lost in death, Praise shall employ my nobler powers, My days of praise shall ne’er be past, While life and thought and being last, Or immortality endures. MHB 679 (Stanzas 1,2& 3) Pleasant are thy courts above…. 1.Pleasant are thy courts above In the land of light and love; Pleasant are thy courts below, In this land of sin and woe, O my spirit longs and faints For the converse of thy saints For the brightness of thy face For the fulness, God of grace. 2.Happy birds that shall sing and fly Round thy altars O most high; Happier souls find a rest; In a heavenly mother’s breast; Like the wandering dove that found, No repose on earth around They can to their ark repair.

3.Lord be mine this prize to win, Guide me through a world of sin Keep me by thy saving grace Give me at thy side a place Sun and shield alike thou art Guide and guard my erring heart Grace and glory flow from thee Shower, o shower them Lord on me. MHB 896 (Stanzas1, 2&5) Now praise we great… 1.Now praise we great and famous men, The fathers named in story; And praise the Lord who now as then, Reveals in man His glory. 2.Praise we the wise and brave and strong Who graced their generation, Who helped the right and fought the wrong and made our folk a nation. 3.Praise we the glorious names we know, And they-whose names have perished, Lost in the haze of long ago, In silent love be cherished. MHB 528 (Stanzas 1, 2 &3) In heavenly love abiding… 1.In heavenly love abiding, No change my heart shall fear; And safe is such confiding For nothing changes here The storm may roar without me, My heart may low be laid; But God is round about me And can I be dismayed 2.Wherever He may guide me, No want shall turn me back; My shepherd is beside me; And nothing can I lack;

His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim; He knows the way He taketh, And I will walk with Him. 3.Green pastures are before me, Which yet I have not seen, Bright skies will soon be o’er me, Where the dark clouds have been My hope I cannot measure, My path to life is free, My savior has my treasure And He will walk with me. MHB 831 (Stanzas 1, 2 &3) Give me the wings of faith… 1.Give me the wings of faith to rise, Within the veil and see, The saints above how great their joys, How bright their glories be. 2.Once they were mourners here below, And poured out cries and tears, They wrestled hard as we do now, With sins and doubts and fears. 3.Our glorious leader claims our praise, For his own pattern given, While the long cloud of witnesses Show the same paths to heaven. MHB 667 (Stanzas 1,2,3 & 4) The day thou gavest… 1.The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended; the darkness falls at thy behest; to thee our morning hymns ascended; thy praise shall hallow now our rest. 2.We thank thee that thy church, unsleeping while earth rolls onward into light, through all the world her watch is keeping, and rests not now by day or night.

3.As o'er each continent and island the dawn leads on another day, the voice of prayer is never silent, nor die the strains of praise away. 4.So be it, Lord; thy throne shall never, like earth's proud empires, pass away. Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever, till all thy creatures own thy sway. MHB 651 (Stanzas 1,2 &5) Hark! Hark my soul… 1.Hark! hark my soul! Angelic songs are swelling O’er earth’s green fields and oceans wave-beat shore: How sweet the truth those blessed strains are telling; Of that new life when sin shall be no more! Angels of Jesus, angels of light, Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the night! 2.Onward we go, for still we hear them singing: Come weary souls, for Jesus bids you come: And through the dark, its echoes sweetly ringing, The music of the gospel leads us home. Angels of Jesus, angels of light, Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the night! 3.Angels, sing on, your faithful watches keeping Sing us sweet fragments of the songs above, Till morning’s joy shall end the night of weeping, And life’s long shadows break in cloudless love, Angels of Jesus, angels of light, Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the night! MHB 975 (Stanzas 1,2 & 6) When the day of toil 1. When the day of toil is done, When the race of life is run, Father grant thy wearied one Rest for evermore.

2.When the strife of sin is stilled, When the foe within is killed, Be thy gracious word fulfilled, Peace for evermore. 3.When the breath of life is flown When the grave must claim its own Lord of life be ours Thy crown Life for evermore. MHB 914 (Stanzas 1, 2 & 4) God be with you till we meet… 1.God be with you till we meet again, By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you, God be with you till we meet again. Refrain: Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet, Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again 2.God be with you till we meet again, Neath His wings protecting hide you, Daily manna still provide you, God be with you till we meet again. Refrain: Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet, Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again 3.God be with you till we meet again, Keep love’s banner floating o’er you, Smite death’s threatening wave before you, God be with you till we meet again. Refrain…

Appreciation The Entire Family of the Late Mrs. Maud Ekelebah Blankson-Mills appreciate your prayers, expressions of sympathy, your presence and kind support. God richly bless you.