SETH KWASI
SOREDERR VOF ICE PART ONE • Closing hymn - PH 555 • Call to Worship • Benediction • Choir- Aseda by James Armah • Prayer PART TWO • Choir - Edikanfo by Ephraim Amo • Scripture Sentence • Biography • Hymn - PH 504 • Tribute from Wife • Committal • Choir - Nkradi by Ephraim Amo • Hymn- PH 477 • Tributes • Benediction • Scripture Reading Officiating Minister 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Rev. Dr. Kennedy K. Owiredu • Hymn - PH 336 • Sermon/Apostles Creed Choir In Attendance • Offertory Harmonious Chorale, Lead by • Thanksgiving Prayer James Armah • Announcements/Vote of Thanks SETH KWASI DEI | 3
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Bio graphy Seth Kwasi Dei was born on the 20th of February, year, Seth started his primary education 1945, to Madam Akosua at the Presbyterian Local Authority Obeaku and Opanyin Primary School in Kofi Pare, where he Kwabena Botwe, the excelled. Seth’s education progressed chief linguist to the Aburihene, normally until 1957, when he entered in the tiny settlement of the Presbyterian middle school. Under Wuruduwurudu. Seth was named the advice of his headmaster, he sat for after his uncle as in the Akan the common entrance examination, and tradition. gained admission to Achimota School in January 1959. He was there for three A year after the death of her husband in years. 1950, Madam Obeaku decided to migrate from her husband’s village to settle at In 1961, he received a full scholarship to Kofi Pare - her brother’s village. That same Buxton College Preparatory school in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where he studied for two years. After high school, SETH KWASI DEI | 5
he was admitted into Cornell University working for a leasing company, TAW and studied Agricultural economics. He International Leasing Company, which graduated in 1967. In 1969, he attended was established in 10 countries in Africa. Columbia University’s business school He lived and worked in Abidjan for 20 for his master’s degree. He also enrolled years, after which he came to Ghana in the Columbia University Graduate to set up his own leasing company, School of Journalism. LeaseAfric. His professional career began in a Always interested in agriculture, life insurance company in Hartford, when Seth met Anthony Pile, a British Connecticut. In 1973, he started businessman, in 1998, they set up Blue Skies, which today has several factories around the world producing fresh fruit and juice. Seth is the founding shareholder and director of Blue Skies subsidiaries and chairman of their juice and ice cream business. In 2014, Seth Dei was appointed the Chief of his village, Kofi Pare, and given the stool name of Nana Kwafo Kwesi. This was a role that he took seriously in his desire to develop the village. His innate love for the arts had him surrounded by musicians, sculptors and artists from several generations. Seth Dei was an avid art collector of contemporary African art and was well respected by artists in Ghana, the sub- region and internationally. He was also a founding member of Friends of the National Zoo, a member of CDD, where 6 | SETH KWASI DEI
he became the chairman but had to became an avid golf player. He was a resign this year due to ill health. He member of the Golden Tulip Tennis was a member of the KOSMOS Energy Club and the Achimota Golf Club. Advisory Board. He was an active member of the OAA ‘63 Year Group and He is survived by his wife Yaa Achiaa and picked up his relationship with them his children, Maeva Sika, Ama Otubea, as soon as he returned to West Africa. Ohene-Kofi and Awo Obeaku. He joined the Olympus Lodge of Ghana but again his ill health prevented him His amiable and self-effacing personality from being an active member which he allowed him to make friends with people regretted. from all walks of life and from all over the world. He will be fondly remembered by A keen sportsman, he was a good tennis all of them. player in his younger years and later SETH KWASI DEI | 7
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WIFETRIBUTE FROM YAA ACHIAA AGYEMAN The sun has set for Seth and known each other since we both entered he is at rest. My boyfriend, Achimota school in 1959 but never took my brother, my advisor, and, each other for granted. What he brought above all, my confidant is to my life was his kind acceptance of now at rest. We bounced everyone and everything. He would ideas off each other and although we ask a thousand and one questions agreed on most things, he found me too upon meeting someone, and would say, radical on many issues and just ignored “Everybody has a reason for being on the suggestions I threw at him. Seth this earth and you have to dig it out.” fought a good fight, he never complained even when he was in pain or in distress Seth, I know your reason for being on and would play down his discomfort if I this earth and it will stay with me until asked him about it. He put everyone first, we meet in the great beyond. I feel as even when it was obvious that he was if I have lost a limb. Keep it for me until the one in need of assistance. He made then. My farewell song to you is the one caring for him these last several years a you heard me sing on the morn of 31st duty of joy. October: ‘’Nkradi’’. The choir will sing it again. The mutual respect we had for each other was deep and selfless. We have Medɔ, da yie, Nyame mfa wo nsie. SETH KWASI DEI | 9
The loss of a friend is like that of a limb; time may heal the anguish of the wound, but the loss cannot be repaired ” Robert Southey 10 | SETH KWASI DEI
TRIBUTES FROM CHILDREN SETH KWASI DEI | 11
From my relationship SikaTRIBUTE FROM with him, I have Ilearned from his belief, always having learned that it is God’s plans; I learned from his courage by not love that sets us free complaining about his state of health; I learned from his stubbornness because and helps us overcome he was going to the end of what he undertook. life’s challenges From my relationship with him, I learned that you can only give what you have. I learned that it was important to know yourself, and to know your strengths and weaknesses. From my relationship with him, I have learned that it is God’s love that sets us free and helps us overcome life’s challenges. From my relationship with him, I learned that forgiveness allows for a new beginning. From my relationship with him, I learned that there is more joy in giving than receiving. I am grateful to God for the Father He gave me because that is what makes me who I am today. 12 | SETH KWASI DEI
From my relationship AmaTRIBUTE FROM with him, I learned that there is more My father, Seth Kwasi Dei, was a man joy in giving than with a big heart. He used what he receiving. learned and gained throughout his life to better the lives of others. Whether we were playing soccer in the yard, sitting on a dock fishing, or thumbing through his vast record collection, there was always discourse that culminated into a life lesson. My most vivid memories of my father are rooted in those conversations. They often centered on music, the arts, sports, politics, education and, above all, gratitude. My father constantly reminded me to not take anything for granted. When I would complain about what we were having for family lunch or about not getting some arbitrary item I coveted, he would remind me (in his calm but firm tone) that there were people directly outside the walls of our home who were not presented with the opportunities he provided me. Through him, I learned to see the positive in times of struggle. Even when I felt I was not doing my best, by father continually bolstered my confidence and helped me overcome many obstacles. I would not be the mother, wife, and educator I am today without his influence. I am blessed to have had him as my dad, and I will miss him. SETH KWASI DEI | 13
OHENE-KOFITRIBUTE FROM I’m happy I’ve Hey Dad, I’m not going to grown into that lie, I wish I had more time human being you with you, but then again were moulding me I have to admit that you have been teaching me forever. And to be. I haven’t forgotten anything. From our fishing trips and road trips, you shared with me everything I know about love and life. You taught me to invest in my own life and in people. I’m happy I’ve grown into that human being you were moulding me to be. You supported every single one of my dreams. You were avid about architecture, art, fishing, sports, and tennis, and have influenced my own taste in these things. I love you and I’ll miss you, Dad. You’ll always be in my heart. 14 | SETH KWASI DEI
Dad, my mind still talks AWOTRIBUTE FROM to you. My heart still Iremember having to write letters looks for you. My soul to my dad when I was younger to knows you are at peace. tell him how I was doing. This will You will always be in my not be the last letter I write but may heart… because in there, probably be the hardest. you’re still alive. You were always kind, caring and understanding towards me. You never raised your voice but lovingly showed me the right thing to do. You were a blessing and God’s gift to everyone you came across. You brought so much joy to us. You were a work of art in itself. Dad, my mind still talks to you. My heart still looks for you. My soul knows you are at peace. You will always be in my heart… because in there, you’re still alive. SETH KWASI DEI | 15
FROM TUSCANY TO TESANO “ It has been the aim of mankind ever since the amoeba crawled out of the slime to disassociate himself from his past, but only the very rare spirits achieve it by means of music, paintings and other arts”. Seth K. Dei of Kofi Pare is one In this, he has affinity to the legendary such rare spirit. From the mid- Paul Durand-Ruel. Whereas Durand- 90s, he actively supported and Ruel, Peggy Guggenheim, Charles promoted artists and collected Saatchi and Anthony d’Orfay had a their works. So passionate was his drive whiff of commerce surrounding their to ensure that established and emerging arts activities, Seth K. Dei’s patronage artists were encouraged to continue of the arts recall that of Lorenzo de to produce art, regardless of the lack of Medici of the Tuscany city of Florence. patronage in the country, that he even Lorenzo de Medici was one of the most included works which were not up to influential political figures of the Italian standard in his collection. Renaissance. He is most famous for 16 | SETH KWASI DEI
his extravagant patronage of the arts, and the remaining three were given which earned him the moniker, ‘The consolation cash awards. The Bartimeus Magnificent.’ Prize was funded by Seth K. Dei in collaboration with the National Theater Seth was a founding member of the of Ghana. Contemporary Art Society (CAS). The Society was set up to collect the work Through his extensive contacts, Seth of emerging artist and was an early supporter of artists paved the way for Ghanaian artists to just coming out of art colleges attend workshops at and schools. Membership the famous Vermont included the late Kojo Bentsi-Enchill, Studio Centre, Kojo Essah and Korkor Amarteifio. Vermont, USA. He CAS went further was perhaps the only and instituted THE BARTIMEUS PRIZE, Ghanaian individual named after the modern master who has sponsored a of the Akwapim Six fame. The travelling exhibition of Bartimeus Prize was modeled on the Turner Prize. It shortlisted four artists Ghanaian art, “Ghana yearly whose works were then shown at the Art Gallery of the National Theater To Vermont”, a major and at Leasafric, Tesano. The overall first prize winner was awarded a cash prize , contemporary art, cinema, food and dance festival that was shown in nine cities in the of state Vermont, USA. Seth also funded “Sketches of Ghana’ that toured Houston in 2002. The crowning moment of his patronage was the setting up of the DEI CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF CONTEMPORARY ART in Tesano. The center has a modest SETH KWASI DEI | 17
library for research and organizes a In the study, is a portrait of Seth Dei rotating exhibition by various artists and by Almighty God and an adorable works from his extensive collection of “Charlie Parker” by Hacajaka. The art. corridor leading to the bedroom has a special masters’ wall of works by Albert The Dei Collection is spread between Bartimeus, Prof. E.K Tetteh, Ato Delaquis three houses, two of which are in and Kofi Antubam. Just before you enter Tesano, Accra. The third is housed in a the bedroom, is the very rare “Christ villa chiseled out of the Akwapim scarp Feeding the Birds” by Owusu Dartey. In in Peduase. The villa recalls the Frank the bedroom are works by Wiz Kudawor, Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” in Laurel Owusu Dartey and Owusu Ankomah. Highlands, Pittsburg. The Peduase Thus completes the remarkable journey villa may not have a library like the from Lorenzo de Medici’s Florence to I Tatti, established by the art critic, Seth Dei’s Peduase through Tesano. If polyglot and collector, Bernard Berenson they whisper Ufizzi Galleries & I Tatti, in Florence, but what it has will be the whisper the Dei Collection. envy of Bernard Berenson. The art of his time! The Dei Collection confirms what Goethe opined centuries ago; In the dining room is Larry Otoo’s “Tomato Sellers”. Massed on the coffee “A man should hear a little music, read table in the living room is the most a little poetry, and see a fine picture exquisite and rare collection of Lobi every day of his life, in order that worldly dolls in private hands. Kofi Setordji’s cares may not obliterate the sense of wooden colorful sculptures, “Three the beautiful which God has implanted Heads” is displayed on the floor of the in the soul”. And by God, Seth K. Dei living room. On the walls are works by listened to music! Coltrane, Salif Keita, George Hughes, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Miles Davis & Carl Tjader; and he saw Jimoh Buraimoh and Wiz Kudawor. fine paintings every day. To the very end. His life was like a verse. His life was Art 18 | SETH KWASI DEI itself.
TRIBUTES FAFMROIMLY SETH KWASI DEI | 19
KOFI PARE FAMILYTRIBUTEFROM But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 Agreat oak has fallen, a Eiiii!!! Nana Odei! Wofa Odei! Why so mighty arm has been cut soon? off. Everything is quiet. The mighty flame is extinguished, You worked hard to support us. You a soft wind is blowing, blowing with a sad always believed in making a difference, message. What message? especially in education. Hmmmm! Nana Odei (Bafuor) has joined Our family will never forget your support, the dead. He is lying here cold, he is gone honesty, willingness and compassion. forever. Our hearts weep for him, our eyes are blinded with tears. Hmmmm! We believe that your heart is firm and you are with your maker. With great sorrow and sadness in our hearts, we mourn the death of our Nana Odei, safe journey; Wofa Odei, beloved father, brother, uncle, and damirifa due. Hmmmm! May your grandfather. Wofa Odei, farewell. soul rest in peace. 20 | SETH KWASI DEI
EVANSTRIBUTE FROM My dad introduced my treasured grand- conversations. He gave me solid advice uncle Mr Seth Kwasi Dei to me when I to guide me in life and on my academic gained admission to Suhum Secondary journey. Technical School. On completion of secondary school, the Nana Dei asked me whether I played any day of my departure to Accra to join my sport. At the time, I played table tennis. maternal family in Ashiaman coincided He then made sure that everything with Nana Dei’s visit to Kofi Pare to was paid for, for me to make a seamless introduce his daughter Sika to my late transition to secondary school. grandpa, Opanyin Kofi Asiamah. He gave me a ride to Accra, offered me advice, After that, whenever my vacation and dropped me off at the Achimota bus coincided with his visits to Kofi Pare, terminal with a generous handout and we engaged in deep and pleasant wished me well. Upon my decision to pursue a course in Shipping Management later, I yet again consulted Nana Dei and he fully paid for my upkeep for the period of the course. He later facilitated my employment at AFGO, first as an intern and then as a permanent employee. In 2001, my father and I visited Nana Dei’s office, where we met with Mrs Charlotte Osafo who was also to play an instrumental role in my life. She guided me through the steps to tertiary education at the prestigious Ashesi SETH KWASI DEI | 21
University. My graduation day was His impact on my life has been Nana Dei’s moment of pride and he was exponential and is well appreciated. present to celebrate with me, a feat that I would not have attained without his For a little over a decade, Nana Dei solid support. This was followed by a underwent treatment for some health reception at his Tesano residence. issues. We continued to pray and maintained our relationship with him. When it was time for me to settle down, he travelled to Tamale with the family to Nana Dei made me who I am today and officially ask for my wife-to-be, Christine’s my family and I are eternally grateful hand in marriage. for his unwavering benevolence and commitment to make us all better To say Nana Dei was generous, loving, people who are proud of where we come wise and impactful will not be enough from— Kofi Pare. to describe the man we say goodbye to today. He is the embodiment of Today, Nana Dei is physically gone, but so many positive attributes and an his legacy lives on and we will pass it on. unending source of guidance to many. He has contributed to and invested in Nana Dei, I can go on and on and it will so many lives that my wife and I, after never be enough to tell of the extent of consultations with family, decided your love, benevolence and sense of unequivocally to name our first child, family on my life. You will forever remain Nana Dei to honour him. This has been in our hearts. our way of perpetuating his memory and keeping him in our hearts and Rest in peace, Nana. May the angels minds. welcome you to heaven where you belong. We miss you so much already Nana Dei taught me the greatest lesson and the void you have left can never be of love and support for family. He was filled. selfless and so meticulous and dedicated to excellence and achievement. Till we meet again Nana, Nante yie. From Evans, Christine and children. 22 | SETH KWASI DEI
AZIZTRIBUTE FROM Tirelessly and selflessly caring for you these 13 years though tiring and sometimes overwhelming has taught me many things. What you did not realize was you were my caregiver as well. You helped me turn my frustrations into compassion My weakness of spirit into strength My fatigue into determination Your ever-increasing daily needs and your mobility growing more limited by the day taught me dignity, gentleness and gracw e. You helped me turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones. I experienced your last days, your last hours and your last breath. It’s humbling. You taught me through your living and you taught me through your departure. I cannot think of a better legacy and purpose. Repose toi bien, papa, tu resteras a jamais dans mon coeur. Rest well, Daddy. SETH KWASI DEI | 23
SISTERTRIBSUTE-FIRONM -LAW To lose someone brings pain Your best moments were to regale beyond belief. There are no everyone sitting at your dining table words to ease the pain, the with interesting stories, told with your sadness and grief of those left quiet humour. Those long stories with behind. the funny bits thrown in, in your subtle way! Your love and appreciation of ‘’Uncle Seth’’ (as some of us addressed music and dancing, not sitting down you, since this is what the nieces and even if you were struggling with neck nephews called you), memories of you pain. You were never off the dance floor, date back to when our sister Yaa lived in so that a few times people even wanted Abidjan. During our visits there, we spent to know if you and Yaa had attended quality time with you as you showed dancing school at some point. You had us around the city. Other moments great taste in music and an amazing which we cannot forget include your coming to music collection. You Ghana, your constant were the house DJ on declaration of your love every occasion. for our sister, spending time at the beach with Your love of art made you, occasionally you a renowned catching fish for dinner. collector and patron. These and many more You supported and were the precious dedicated time and moments which we resources to help treasure in our hearts. artists in Ghana to get the recognition 24 | SETH KWASI DEI
they deserved. Setting up a gallery was your way of sharing your collection with everyone. Another initiative you spearheaded as a leading member of ‘’Friends of the Zoo’’ was the using of art to support animals.... that was brilliant! The last years were not easy, yet you took everything in stride. You did all you could to live as you always had, not losing your humour and still making plans for new ventures. The few times we had to come to the hospital as you took ill, you still fought hard to regain your quality of life. Although you have left this world, you will stay within the hearts of your loved ones, guiding them like an angel even though you are far away. For love is everlasting, and so are memories your legacy that is always there to light the way. You will be sorely missed, dear Bro- in-law, yes you will be missed indeed. ‘’When the day of toil is done, When the race of life is run, Father, grant thy weary one Rest forever more’’. MHB 985 SETH KWASI DEI | 25
TRIBUTE FROM ALBERTA Iaffectionately called you Daddy, Your parting has brought a huge vacuum not because you gave birth to in my life and until we meet again, me but out of the kindness and your grand-daughters Sheilphanda, compassion of your heart, you and Mazikeen and I say damirifa due, Daddy Mummy found a place in your home and may God accept you into his bosom. for me when family abandoned me. You will forever be missed by all of us. You took me through school and cared Continue to rest well Daddy. for me like a father would his child, but the only beautiful thing was, you were a stranger that became my dad. The love and care you showed me from the first day I walked into your home in the year 1996 was amazing and still. Daddy, you provided for me, Ohene Kofi, Awo, Ama, and Sika, alongside others that needed fatherly love and care and for that we will all forever be grateful to you and continue to make you proud. Even though you were not my father, no one outside could tell, as you and Mummy never differentiated the love between myself and your children. You will for ever be my hero, a true definition of the most courageous and resourceful father ever to walk the face of this earth and I am proud to call you my DAD now and always. 26 | SETH KWASI DEI
TRIBUTE FROM AUNTIE PRISCILLA My tribute to my dearest Seth Dei Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom Lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see; The distant scene: one step enough for me. MHB 612 SETH KWASI DEI | 27
TRIBUTE FROM AYESHA & RAHMA HARRUNA ATTAH Uncle Seth, you introduced us to fishing trips, art, architecture, to beautiful sites in Ghana. You were one cool uncle. We loved coming to yours and Aunty Yaa Achiaa’s home, where we would get lost in your exquisite artwork for hours. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the world through your eyes and are thankful our children also got to know you (you were extraordinarily patient with them). The last years were difficult for you, but it was hard to tell, because you were always full of life and eager to learn about our lives. We know you are resting well, Uncle Seth. Rest in peace till we meet again. 28 | SETH KWASI DEI
TRIBUTE FROM DANLADE “Uncle Seth” Your most common saying to me when I was little was “Danlade, so many people From fishing to the beer that talk and talk and talk and bomb. You must Grandma always had ready always make sure you are not one of those.” when we came back, and the fufu that Aunty Yaa Achiaa Your life was a total display of efficiency made sure was always there because and strategy with business, efficiency and you would eat it at 10 o’clock at night if strategy with people, and with how you need be. You always struck me as one of ran your life. So much that in my business the most tactical and silent movers that life now I copy some of the silent ways in I’ve ever had the honor of meeting. which you always operated. You never showed off, although arguably Even in death this has been evident. Sorry you could do so with the best of them to see you go, Uncle Seth, however, I also do every day. A gentleman’s gentleman. not think many people have lived life quite as interestingly and as well as you have. I remember always wondering when Love you, Uncle Seth, and will miss you you would come back from your travels greatly. and what cool gift you brought for us each. Your Neph, Danlade SETH KWASI DEI | 29
TRIBUTE FROM YABA, ESSI AND FELICIA Uncle Seth, you have left a void in the lives of many with your passing. We are grateful for the times we had with you, including special outings to the Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) events when we were younger, and witnessing you as a dedicated father to our cousins. It has also been inspiring to see your business acumen have a positive impact on our country, Ghana. Uncle Seth, you have left a great legacy. May you rest in perfect peace. 30 | SETH KWASI DEI
TRIBUTES FROM BUSINESS RELATIONS SETH KWASI DEI | 31
TRIBUTE FROM BLUE SKIES 32 | SETH KWASI DEI
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TRIBUTE FROM FORMER STAFF OF LEASAFRIC GHANA 34 | SETH KWASI DEI
Seth believed Seth, as we knew him, was not only our strongly that boss, he was our big brother, father, friend, mentor, chief advisor, chief critic, and great a healthy encourager, all bundled into one. workforce was He created a corporate style and culture in essential and Leasafric which developed into a homely and positive took pride and working environment. joy in investing We individually had relationships with him which in a healthy surmounted into interesting and fulfilling educational lifestyle for his times. employees. Seth did not treat us as his employees but as work colleagues. Our relationships with him spanned decades and persisted long after we had left his employ and had gone our separate ways. Seth helped us develop not only our professional skills but our general life skills and social networks. His leadership style was consultative and he chose, in the founding stage of Leasafric, to consult the pioneers even in choosing the logo for the Company. Seth used to say that he wanted everyone to do much better after leaving Leasafric, and foresaw us heading various financial institutions and corporate institutions. Prophetically, three of Ghana’s non-banking financial institutions have been headed by managing directors groomed by Seth, and two former Leasafric staff are SETH KWASI DEI | 35
currently board chairs of financial Seth was full of life, and enjoyed every institutions in Ghana. He encouraged aspect of it too. He was always birthing his staff who wanted to better their new business ideas and would not education to do so. Many obtained hesitate to introduce his ideas through second degrees while at Leasafric. A any conversation. He introduced his messenger took the opportunity to get pastimes to ears that were ready to a first degree in accounting. listen: golf; wine, fine cuisine, art, music, farming, culture, and wildlife. You had As Seth’s offspring, we have absorbed to be patient to have a conversation his love for art, and many of us have with Seth; there was no end to his acquired priceless paintings and some depth of knowledge on these topics. have become collectors. Seth was a simple, yet sophisticated Our office was nothing short of a gentleman. He was local at heart, gallery. Our walls screamed with joy globally networked and down to earth. from his cherished art collections. A combination of these characteristics Our corridors were literally trampled can only be found in a personality like on by most of the greatest artists this Seth. country has produced, not to mention the young and promising artists who May the heavens receive your soul, found solace and inspiration from his Seth, and may God be with you till we private collections. meet again. You will forever be our hero. Seth believed strongly that a healthy workforce was essential and took Rest peacefully, Seth. pride and joy in investing in a healthy lifestyle for his employees. To this end, he paid for golf lessons for some of us. One of us is now an avid golf player. 36 | SETH KWASI DEI
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TRIBUTE FROM FORMER & CURRENT STAFF OF HARMATTAN INVESTMENT, PARK AVENUE REALTORS AND DEI CENTER 38 | SETH KWASI DEI
Seth believed Kofi Pare, African Art and Culture, Blue Skies, in people, he Leasafric, Wildlife, Music; These were a few of the passionate conversation topics we believed in were privileged to hold with Seth. It only giving people took a few minutes of conversation for the chance to anyone to hear about Seth‘s childhood years at Kofi Pare, be themselves his passion for art and love for country and endless stories and develop spanning over 70 years of his life. These topics were also synonymous with his name. themselves. The DEI Centre is the heartbeat of his love for African art and his desire to promote and showcase art from well-respected and known African artists. The Centre was created to promote the study and advancement of Arts and African artists. Seth’s life would not have been complete if the DEI Centre did not exist. Seth loved Ghana and believed in promoting youth employment and also creating employment opportunities for all. This was the reason for his establishing Harmattan Investment Trust and his association with Blue Skies. Seth was a man of many talents and achievements. After his studies in the United States, he could have opted to stay and build his life outside the shores of Africa. His choice to return to his homeland is testament of the person Seth Dei. He preferred to be part of the solution of building the nation. SETH KWASI DEI | 39
Seth believed in people, he believed We count ourselves lucky to in giving people the chance to be have worked with you, Seth. themselves and develop themselves. The opportunities are countless and endless but most of all we are proud To many of us he was Uncle Seth, but to have been associated with you and to many he was Seth; always taking cherish your good counsel and words genuine interest in our individual of wisdom which continue to shape welfareandadvancement. Hebelieved and guide our various lives. in improving individual lifestyles and offered to assist in the development of Seth will not have us shed tears his employees. He graciously offered because he is gone. That is not his style. to finance a second degree for his loyal He would rather we smile because he employee who was overwhelmed by lived; and so, we smile, and we cherish his offer and opted to study in Ghana that which he’s left behind, paying and continue working for him. homage and remembering him as we move on, because Seth would have Stories of his kindness, humility had it no other way. and warmness are countless. Seth engaged in conversations with us as Every piece of art will remind us of much as we did with him. Speaking Seth; so, will every bottle of Blue Skies with him always made us see life from juice and each visit to the Dei Centre. a can-do perspective. He was the boy from Kofi Pare, a small town in the Seth led us successfully and we thank Eastern Region who found his way to him for sharing some of his years with Achimota School and then to Cornell us. University, USA and opted to return to give others a chance at life. Rest well, Uncle Seth. Da Yie, Seth Dei Working with Seth was different. It was God be with you. not just work but in an atmosphere of art and culture. This was Seth’s style. 40 | SETH KWASI DEI
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TRIBUTE FROM KOSMOS ENERGY GHANA 42 | SETH KWASI DEI
TRIBUTE TO OUR FRIEND AND FORMER KOSMOS ENERGY GHANA ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER, MR. SETH DEI For everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under Heaven. M -Ecclesiastes 3:1 r. Joe K. Mensah, With the Kosmos Innovation Center Senior Vice President program, he had pre-existing passion and Head of Ghana for the cause. Business Unit, and the entire Kosmos Energy We will always remember how eager family are deeply saddened by the death he was to participate in every meeting, of Mr. Seth Dei, a cherished member of even if we sometimes felt like we the Kosmos Energy Ghana Advisory shouldn’t bother him because he had Council and a mentor to the Kosmos just finished a medical. Innovation Center Program. During this Mr. Dei had a heart that cared difficult time, we extend our heartfelt completely and the love that brought condolences to his family and friends. joy beyond measure. Seth was appointed to the Advisory As he has transitioned to the other side, Board in 2014. A well-accomplished we have lost a friend, a mentor and a Business Executive with a wealth of leader. He will be sorely missed by all knowledge and experience in business, Seth brought deep insights, counsel, of us. and advice to the board. He leaves Seth, we wish you well on your journey. an indelible legacy of commitment, mentorship and humility. SETH KWASI DEI | 43
TRIBUTE FROM THE BOARD, MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF THE GHANA CENTER FOR DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT 44 | SETH KWASI DEI
Mr. Dei’s We are deeply saddened by the sudden well-known passing of our dear colleague and friend Seth Dei. love and support for Mr. Seth Dei joined the board of Ghanaian art the Ghana Center for Democratic also rubbed off Development (CDD) in 2008 and remained an active on the Center. member of the board until June 2022 when he stepped down on health grounds. He was very passionate about CDD and appreciated and understood deeply the value of the Center’s work. Mr. Dei was proud of the Center’s contribution toward building a stable, democratic, and well-governed Ghana and spared no opportunity to laud and project the work of the Center to his extensive network of business associates, policymakers, and political decisionmakers. Mr. Dei’s love and care for the Center and its mission and values were unmistakable from the seriousness he attached to his role as a board member. He was regular and punctual at board meetings and always eager to share his wise counsel and wealth of experience with us. He brought to the deliberations of the board, indeed to the Center’s operations as a whole, his quintessential business sense and acumen. Mr. Dei made it his business to keep a critical eye on the Center’s finances and financial performance—on “the bottom line,” as he would say. He would scrutinize the Center’s quarterly and annual financial and audit reports, constantly reminding us that sound business and finance principles and practices were as relevant and necessary for a non-profit organization like CDD as for a regular business enterprise. He also was keenly interested in the public reputation of the Center and constantly had his eyes and ears out for how the Center was covered in the press or talked about in influential circles. SETH KWASI DEI | 45
Mr. Dei did not limit his involvement with A man of great social grace, Mr Dei CDD to his board membership; he was enjoyed hosting us at his home notably present at the Center’s public whenever the opportunity presented events. He had a particular interest and itself, and we happily honored his social appreciation for the Center’s surveys, invitations. One could always look particularly Afrobarometer and our pre- forward to sumptuous food, the best election and post-election surveys. He of Blue Skies desserts, fine drinks, great also made it a point to attend the Center’s jazz, and edifying conversation on such flagship annual “Kronti ne Akwamu” occasions. Lecture. In June 2022, Mr. Dei served us notice In January 2018, after ten years of that he was resigning his chairmanship service on the board, Mr. Seth Dei was and membership of the Board on health unanimously elected chairman of grounds. We feel exceedingly lucky to the CDD board. His assumption of the have been able to enjoy his company chairmanship of the board occurred at on 25th August, 2022, when the board, a critical juncture in the Center’s history. senior management, and a section of the CDD was then going through a major staff joined him at his Peduase home for transition from its founding leadership a long-overdue send-off party. He was (led by E Gyimah-Boadi) to a new his usual cheerful and chatty self. We leadership (led by H Kwasi Prempeh), took the opportunity of that visit to let and we were extremely fortunate to him know how deeply we appreciated have had a person of Mr. Dei’s stature and his long and dedicated service on the experience to steer the Board through CDD board and his contribution to our that historic and critical leadership growth over the years. On his part, he transition. underscored his admiration for CDD’s work and staff and reminded us that, Mr. Dei’s well-known love and support although he was no longer on the board, for Ghanaian art also rubbed off on the he was still very interested in what we Center. In 2008, on the occasion of CDD’s did and looked forward to receiving 10th anniversary, he donated one of private presentations and updates on the prized paintings in his extensive art our work. We promised to present him collection to the Center. That painting the latest Afrobarometer findings before still hangs prominently from the wall the end of the year. near the Center’s conference room. 46 | SETH KWASI DEI
We cannot thank Mr. Dei and his family children, and the entire family. As we enough for the time and energy he mourn with you this painful loss, may so generously gave to the business of you find solace in knowing that your CDD. Even when he wasn’t in the best of beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, health, he made time for board meetings. chief, and our dear friend and colleague We greatly appreciate the time we spent lived an accomplished, vibrant, and working with and in the company of fulfilling life on this side of eternity. We Seth Dei. His memory will continue to at CDD are most fortunate to have been live with us, and we will forever miss his part of his inspiring, long, and beautiful warm friendship. life story. Our thoughts and prayers are with his Mr. Seth Dei, Rest in peace! Da yie! dear wife Yaa Achiaa Agyeman, his SETH KWASI DEI | 47
TRIBUTE FROM ACHIMOTA SCHOOL ENDOWMENT TRUST FUND (ASETF) TO AKORA SETH DEI 48 | SETH KWASI DEI
Akora Seth Dei was that was then notorious for converting admitted to Achimota the names of people’s origins into their School in 1959. Although nicknames. Kofi Pare therefore became his ancestral hometown Seth’s nickname, and most people knew was supposed to be him better by that name than by his Aburi, he was admitted into the school official name. from a small village called Kofi Pare, in the Suhum-Kraboa-Coaltar district, Seth’s leadership qualities began to show where his parents were domiciled. His right from the year he was admitted. He origins were therefore in consonance showed a level of maturity that belied with the spirit of the first line of the his age and physical stature. He was very school song, “From Gambaga to Accra popular in Gyamfi House. He became from Wiawso to Keta we are brothers, even more popular when in 1960, when and our mother is our school”. Akora he was in form 2, he was selected to Seth was put in Gyamfi House, a house play the lead role in a school play in SETH KWASI DEI | 49
Twi, entitle Mpoansa Ntiamoah. He was Akora Seth Dei was able to steer the simply sensational. affairs of the Trust Fund so effectively and successfully for ten years, and It was therefore no wonder when, combine this role with his membership just before he entered form 4, he was of the School Think Tank. selected together with David Knight also of Gyamfi House, and Cadman Mills Achimota holds a special place in the of Cadbury House, to go to the United heart of Akora Seth Dei. it is no wonder States of America to continue their that as the Chairman of the Achimota education from high school up to the School Endowment Trust Fund university. But by the time he left, not (ASETF), he not only provided free office only had he gone though the Achimota space at the Dei Centre, Tesano in 2013 experience, but the culture and the but also paid the salary of the first hired spirit of Achimota had become part and administrator of the fund for a full year. parcel of his psyche. All the meetings of the Trust Fund and the Think Tank were also held in his We the Trustees of the Achimota School conference room free of charge, and this Endowment Trust Fund have given this continued even after he ceased to be the brief background to demonstrate why Chairman on grounds of ill health. 50 | SETH KWASI DEI
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