Kenneth Anewenah

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 101 Hidden in a small space between the Commercial Street, Ken was an ‘ATM’ for many in the region and his untimely Bolgatanga and the Women’s Vocational Training School, demise has, by necessary implication, created a gaping hole the LESKEN Enterprise Limited which he directed its too deep to fill. Many people regardless of tribe, religion, affairs grew by leaps and bounds to its present magnificent and political affiliations depended on Ken to put bread and and imposing location near the Bolgatanga Stadium. butter or better still TZ and “Zoum” on the table. The New Myturn Company Limited has also come to occupy pride Patriotic Party in the Upper East Region is equally made of place through Ken’s industry, dedication, commitment, poorer by his sudden call to his Maker. perseverance and hard work. It will be to the glory of God and a fitting tribute to Ken if Ken was a gentleman who could execute multitudes of we individually and collectively, in whatever way we can, tasks contemporaneously. He hardly slept nor rested help in ensuring that whatever Ken strove so hard to estab- anytime he set his mind to do something. He was an lish withstands the test of time. organizer par excellence and had a Midas Touch to anything he did. Little wonder, the two companies under I pray to the Almighty God to minimize his shortcomings his auspices have become household names not only in the and maximize his good deeds by admitting Ken to His Upper East Region and Ghana but the world at large. The Bosom. two companies without doubt are the highest employers of the teaming workforce in the region, second only to the Ken, Rest in Perfect Peace till we meet again. government of Ghana and also rank favourably in the nation writ large.

102 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 75 Tribute by Ben Assorow Tribute to my Nephew-Ken life event that has befallen us. Yes, life is full of human suffering and tragedy can stroke when least expected. It was a dawn call. “Uncle Ben, Anabor wom!!!” (to wit, Ken, for me the best tribute that I can offer you is to express “Uncle Ben, my brother”) that was all I could get from the my sincere sympathy and condolences to your wife, wailing voice of Hanna Anewenah Amoateng. I took it as children, mother and siblings who are much more hit with a family matter which she had wanted me to come over to this tragedy and to let them know that I am with them assist in resolving. Alas, that was not the case when I got during this painful time of their lives and that I do acknowl- to her residence at about 3:20 am. The least expected had edge their pain and suffering. This, to me, is more import- happened! ant than the words that I can ever deliver. Indeed, there is nothing I can offer to assuage or alleviate their pain and It is impossible to make sense of the meaning of life when suffering, except to hope that these few words would confronted with the loss of a person very close to you. It provide some consolation for them to get through this as is even more devastating in the case of the sudden death they read or listen to the sorrowful lamentations in the of Ken who was at the prime, promising and youthful many tributes in your memory. Please let them understand stage of his life. At a time when he was achieving his that my thoughts and prayers are with them. goals in life. At a time when many people and institutions Each one of us, who were close to you, feel the pain of your relied on him for one thing or the other. Ken was, indeed, passing on in many ways. Indeed, we are still learning to generous to a fault. What a mighty loss!! cope with this great loss. The very many tributes in this Ken, Ken, Ken, this is Uncle Ben. I am struggling for funeral brochure, the other messages in the Condolence heartfelt and poignant words to express my immeasur- Books and spoken ones, and the outpouring of grief by able grief and loss and for this challenging and traumatic many people bear testimony to how you were held in high esteem. Ken, I need time to accept your sudden death and adjust to this huge loss. Ken, I have no words to adequately express the pain in me. Rest assured that your memory will eternal- ly live on in my heart. Ken, May the Good Lord grant you eternal comfort in His bosom till we meet sooner or later on the Day of the Resur- rection. From Ben B. Assorow.

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 103 Tribute by Ivan Avereyireh and Family “A kind person is one who helps others to be estab- He used to tell me I was his “Counselor of the last Resort”. lished even as they establish themselves; who helps I always endeavored to give him my unbiased opinions others achieve as they strive towards personal and concerns in all matters he brought to me for counsel. achievements” -CONFUCIUS 551-479 BC I can vouch that Ken was never a faker, pretender, traitor, hypocrite or even an insincere person. He would always For me, knowing Ken for close to thirty years, the say it the way it is. He stood for the truth. above quotation by Confucius, a Chinese philoso- pher, aptly describes the kind of person he was. Kenneth Elvis Anewenah popularly called ‘Ken’, was a good man. Our human paths crossed in the late 1990’s when work sent me to the Bolgatanga Branch of the then The shock and pain of your passing-on, will live with my State Insurance Corporation (SIC) where I was the family and me forever. Branch Manager. My interactions with the Anewen- ah family then marked the beginning of a lifelong Kenneth go on, go on to your Maker, friendship with Ken. May the angels lead you to your rest at last, till we meet again. Consequently, Ken opened his heart and home to me and my family just as I did same for him. He saw Rest in Perfect Peace. me as a big brother and we stood by each other in good times and in bad times, our concern for each other growing by leaps and bounds.

104 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Tribute by the Chanayireh Family \" Then I heard a voice from Heaven say \" Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on, \" Yes\" says the Spirit \" they will rest from their labour for their deeds will follow them\" Revelation 14:13 Ken was our maternal cousin, being the son of Auntie His passing has come as a big blow to us. Lucy Anewenah, one of the kid sisters of our late mother, The main beam holding the building is broken! Mrs. Gabrielle Chanayireh. The mighty oak tree from whence we get shade has fallen, there is no hiding place, but wait, isn't it said that the voice Growing up our parents made sure we knew and related of the people is the voice of God? (Vox Populi Vox Dei). closely with our relatives hence sister Lilian and auntie We have a listening God up there and we know he is Lucy have been very close since their teens when they hearing our cries and pleas. Father in Heaven, send the often stayed together either in Nayagenia or Nogsenia. Angels to meet our Ken and seat him by your side. Auntie Lucy has not only remained very close to the Lord, as we mourn the sudden death of our brother family but has been a mother to us, welcoming us into her Kenneth, show us the immense power of your goodness, home whenever we were in Bolgatanga. Her love for our and strengthen our belief that he has entered into your family was later inculcated in her children, led by Ken, presence. who has kept this bond of family love alive, manifested in how inseparable he and Alice have been. May he rest peacefully in your bossom until we meet again. Ken was a good man with a good heart. He understood and Amen cherished family relationships and was always there to Debam Chiruu Nyi Lanyirani! lend a hand in good and in bad times. Though generally Babia tan nom mehmeh! quiet and a bit reserved, he was always on top of issues and quick to act.

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 105 Tribute by Wife’s Siblings Fred, Abigail and Anaale Afoko When events like this happen, the mind unconsciously home away from home in their home. We all looked digs far back to unearthing memories long forgotten, to forward to Ken’s special Sunday lunches not because of preserve and to hold on to what we have left of a the interesting meals he was going to come up with, but departed loved one. rather the conviviality shared among family and friends in the meal preparation process as we all followed the That said, two conflicting sounds keep resounding in orders of Ken, our lead chef. our thoughts, the sound of excitement in our sister Caro’s voice the day she came home recounting her When we lost our mum, the late Francisca Yizura Afoko, experience of meeting one nice gentleman called Ken, you were the big brother helping us to navigate this very and the other, the sound of deep hurt in her cry as she sad and confusing time. Following your lead, you had us delivered the devastating news of your departure that focused on all the relevant things necessary to help lay fateful Saturday morning. A sound we may never be her to rest. You knew where to go or who to talk to for able to erase from memory. We are still in disbelief and anything and everything. feel as though you have only embarked on one of your usual work trips to soon return. It's a struggle to put The last time we were together was the night before down the next sentence just because using the past tense Abigail had to leave for Algeria on her current assign- after your name makes it too real. ment. She declared she was going to embark on a Medi- Ken, as we affectionately called him, loved to have terranean diet and adapt her taste buds to the Mediterra- family around. With his warm and welcoming personal- nean gastronomy of Algeria and therefore was not going ity, all we “new” siblings soon easily felt at home in to take along any starchy Ghanaian food. We vividly Ken and Caro’s new home. This affection was also remember your deep laughter of disbelief and the look on extended to a good number of our friends who found a your face when you cautiously advised her to at least

106 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah carry along some balls of kenkey. family, and for being that stronghold. I guess you must have had the last laugh when barely two months afterwards, she made an SOS request to We promise to help keep the memory of your love and Caro for some food provisions to be sent, with Kenkey goodness fresh in the minds of Chandelle, Kylie and being at the very top of the list. Jeffery and will try to make your absence more bearable to them. The good book tells us that in all things we should give thanks to God. At this point we can only ask God why? Though you are gone we believe your spirit continues to Why did he call you home at this tender age? No matter be with us, to comfort and strengthen us in those how we try to rationalize it, we continue to be lost in a moments when we cannot help but miss you most dearly. myriad of unanswered questions. In an attempt to accept Our Mum awaits you to lead you to the bosom of God, your sudden departure, we are consoled by the thought the Father. of the life and works of Jesus Christ who lived but for 33 years on this earth. Rest in Peace Ken, till we meet again. The impact you have had on the lives of many will Naawen Tefu Duaka Djigi !!! continue to be felt in the lives of the next generation as Nyilanyerane!!! well. As we bid farewell to you today, we would like to say a final thank you for always being the caring broth- er-in-law who made no distinction when it came to

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 107 Tribute by your Special Auntie, Florence Ernestina Bobi Who would have thought that I would be writing a tribute on the occasion of your passing but here I am today, faced with your untimely demise and this heart wrenching duty. I do not know of many occasions on which I have questioned God but the day I heard of your passing, I did. Your friendship was a blessing and I will miss you so. You brightened up my days. You brought me so much happiness with your kind and loving ways. You lifted up my spirits when I felt down. No matter what was happening, you knew just what to do. Never did I count myself worthy of the ready care you gave me, never did I think myself deserv- ing of your thorough respect. Though young enough to be my son, I count you as one of my true friends. Today the angels will take you home and you and I must part company but you will live in my heart for as long as I live. Today is the day you will be laid to rest but you know what they say, God only takes the best. You lived well and I am sure you are in heaven Rest in peace Ken Till we meet again. Nyi lanyirane!

108 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Tribute by Uncle Batido Feli KEN, MY NEPHEW, MY SON, FAREWELL mum would rush to the kitchen to ensure breakfast, lunch, or dinner was quickly whipped-up for me no matter the It was not easy, and it is still not easy, to believe and swallow time of day. the news of your sudden departure from this world, especially without a word. I still have a souvenir which you left with me Surely, I would continue to cherish very fond memories of on the occasion of the demise of my younger brother, Kofi you, your siblings, and your parents. Adda, thank you. Our Lord has already received and accepted you. You are now in the bossom of the Lord with your dear Daddy, my big Of one thing I am sure, that everyone will remember and brother. recall your humanism and goodness in the world. I know and acknowledge you as one of the few young men your dear late Ken, fare thee well! father entrusted to me as a ‘son’, to protect and advise in his We shall continue trying to emulate your goodness. absence. I tried to do this to the best of my ability. I will miss you, but my consolation is that God loves you more. Though I did not want to disturb, bother, or stress you, you I salute you. more than did your part, there was nothing you would deny me, as long as I made the request. You served your God well and have paid your dues. I recall with fondness, you and your siblings running to Navrongo and your country will miss you, mummy and daddy shouting, any time of the day, to announce My Nephew, My son, goodbye! “Uncle Batido has come”. They would promptly leave what they were doing and embrace me and Auntie Lucy, your Uncle Batido Tribute by Dr. Cephas Lerewonu BROTHER: THANK YOU Brother, thank you. We will miss your presence, but we will not miss your love. We all thank you. All whom you interacted with while with us thank you. We will continue God's mission for each of us till our time is done and then we meet you again at the feet of the Lord. Smile on bro. Sleep well.

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 109 Tributes by Jennifer Yaroh (Ms J), Patience Azuntaba and Dr. Faustina Dalaba Roohi \"Those we love do not go away. They walk bedside us every day unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so dear!\" Where do I start? Where do I end? IW'mhdereevadsotaIt-start? Where ed and confused. This sure wasne'dt wanhdat cwonefused. This planned. Everything has changedplabnunted.yoEurverything h memory is strong amongst us. We tamlkeamboruyt yisosutrong among in every conversation; knowing whaint yeovuerwyocuolndversation; kn have said or done. have said or done. Hmmmm! Director, your memorieHsmamremtomu!ghDirector, you some days but knowing we have thseommeisdwayosrthbut knowing By Jennifer Yaroh (Ms J) By Jennifer Ythaerpoahin (thMeyscaJu)se. Oh! Why? My rtehiegpnaiisntrthueny- cause. Oh! cated. But who am I to question Gocda?teMd.aByuHt iwsho am I to q Bro! \"Kenneti\"!! Director!!! I calledByrou! \"bKyethnenseeti.\"!! Dnairmecetobre!!p!rIacisaelldedfoyrogurbaynttihnegsem. e anbarmotehebrelpikreaised for gra But all in all, you were my brotherB. uI tcalnl'tinbrainllg, younoweortehemr.yMbsroJthwera.sIKcaen'!t AbrnidngKennwo aosthMers. MJ!!s J was Ken myself to pen down something as a mtriybsuetlef to ypoeun.dow\"nMssoJmtehtihsi!nMg assJathtraitb!u! tMe tsoJyeovue.ryw\"hMerse\"J!t!h! is! Ms J that!! M

110 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah brother, mHaymtmhemamn!geDlsirectoyroumlyeftburosthhaenr,gimngay. I twheanatntogebleslieveyothualteIftaums ihnanging. I want to believe that I am in meet again.escort you home tiallnwigehtmmeaerteaagnadinw. ill wake up to finadntihgahttimt'saraenand will wake up to find that it's an taba awful dream, but the dreadful trutahwfisu,l idt'rseaamn , but the dreadful truth is, it's an By Patience Aawzufunl traeabliaty - you have gone to abwefuwlitrheatlhitey - you have gone to be with the Lord. Lord. Beriwaasa Me:Bro, bro Ken: Apei, Beriwaasa a Me: Abubuaa, GabMaayadoinae and only Director, I nevMeryimonageinaendd only Director, I never imagined lign, jump,Ken: we Dey movwe,rirtei-nagliagntr,ijbuumtept,o you, but a painfuwlrrietianligtya htraisbute to you, but a painful reality has ey for youM’lle!: AHnodwyhoiugh??s?etIinD. Seyeveforarl ytiomue’sll!haAvnedtriyedouto gestesttainrt.eSde,vbeurtal times have tried to get started, but ere for me. certainly was alwahyoswthdeoreIfsotrarmt ew. hen it's hard to holhdobwacdko tIeasrtasrt when it's hard to hold back tears on the 17tMh yoflaJsutlycownivllo wiathndyohuurotn. Nthoe 1d7otuhbto,fIJuwlyaswpilalrt ofanydouhruritn.nNero doubt, I was part of your inner y. It was a bnreevzeyr lSeuanvdeamyy mceimrcolery.anItdwaasfaambirlyeebzyecSaunsedawye inccilrucdledanedacah family because we included each we connecteadndfoart tehxealcatslyt 1:1o5tphmer iwnemceomnnoeracbteled efvoerntthseolfaosut r livoetsh.eAr ifnamielmy orable events of our lives. A family deeply conntiemcetebdrfor.ieSnudc-h wapsoosiutirodnetehpaltyycoounnpelacyteeddfsroienwde-ll. Ypoouspitriotnecthteadt you played so well. You protected s. ship and love betwmeyeninutse.rest, gave me good counselmanydinstheorweset,dgave me good counsel and showed misconceptTioonthaibsoudtayouthr e bimggeeshtomwistococnacrepftoiornmaybofuriteonudrs. Thmanekhyoowu tfoorcare for my friends. Thank you for a biologicarlesliastieorntsohyipouis. thatmIawkainsga mbieolaogbiectatel rsipsteerrsoton.yOouh.! Anmdahkoiwngcmane Ia better person. Oh! And how can I am indeed Tthe r'deeaflaitcytoirs thfaotrgIetatmhe dinadyeyedoutshaeid'dtoefmacytohrusbafnodrg, eBtethzeadda,y you said to my husband, Behzad, so doubled absioalorgeaiclaslistiesrter 'w\"hBoehazlsaod,dtohuabnlkedyaosuaforerablusiilsdtienrg Ho\"Bneeyh'zsaDd,ritvheank you for building Honey's Drive to keep thinis larewa.l Bshro,rtam (greositnagurtaont)kefeopr tmhiys rseisatlers.”hoIrt app(rreecsitaatuerdantth)e for my sister.” I appreciated the for sure: I hheurret.,..bI uhtutrht!is! I kbnrowthefrolyr lsouvree:yoIuhsuhrot,wIedhmuret!b! ecaubsreotIhsearwly tlhoeve you showed me because I saw the t for eons thourcto!!mMe ybustoIul wsilplahrkuritnfmoryehounssbatondc'someyeesbaunt dI he wspaasrbkeianmminyghusband's eyes and he was beaming gain. know we will connweictht apgraidine. with pride. o! Bro, Yilanyiranaaa kento! I have asked God WHY? WHY YOIUh?avIeknasokwedI God WHY? WHY YOU? I know I FaustinaTriDbuatleababy wDilrl noFt gaeut satninanasweDr. aI lwaibllanot uwnidlel rnsotatngdetitan answer. I will not understand it Roohi and never will but know God knowasndbenset.vWerhwyill but know God knows best. Why does it seem as though the good peodpoleeasriet staekemenas though the good people are taken day you camLeitotlethdeidhokunsoew thafrtothme udsayfayrotuoocasmooent?oMthye hoonuesaend onfrloymDuirsecfatorrt,oo soon? My one and only Director, k's 50th birthodgaiyvecemleebarar-ide toyoSupwarikll'sli5v0ethinboirutrhhdeaayrctselfeobrerav-er. Uynotiul weillmlieveet in our hearts forever. Until we meet time we wotiuolnd wseoeuledacbhe theaglaisnt,tmimaey ywoeurwgoeunltdlesseoeuel arecsht in eatgearnina,lmpeaaycye.our gentle soul rest in eternal peace. other. or, as I alwaMysycoalnledanydouo,nly Director, as I always called you,

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 111 Tribute by Mrs. Elizabeth Abavana (Auntie Liz) When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. The shockwaves are still running through my system. When a truly sad and unexpected event hits you like a thunderbolt, there is that incredible feeling of hollowness that rises from deep down in the belly of the heart, radiates upwards and envelopes the brain, numbs the senses, slows you down and spins you into disbelief. The lips part ways, dry up and the tears flee. Then you wish to flee to be free…… But freedom comes from encouragement with the pain and hurt. So must it be. Farewell, Ken, rest peacefully in eternity. Till we meet again, fare thee well.

112 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Tribute by Gandaa Family “Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them” - George Eliot. Our relationship with Ken has been like forever. We each guinea fowl (Harry special way). Ken never came there had a personal relationship with him and interacted same alone but with his entourage, and this meant good business depending on the age gap. But in all, it was beautiful. for that day as you those who knew him can attest, he was a Ken became a part of our lives far back as the late 80’s, generous spender. when he was a teenager. The friendship grew over the years Ken, the news of your demise was a shocker. Mark, whom and remained cordial and beautiful. you usually called ‘zinbaro’ (big bro) was beside himself with grief as it was the eve of his birthday and Jennifer was Years later when Lesken was established, our friendship like, “No! he was in Comme Ci last week. He hugged me. included business dealings as Comme Ci Comme Ca Hotel Was that a goodbye?” Matter of fact, we were all in started buying drinks from their company. Ken however complete denial. always made sure we had enough stocks of Guinness products in our stores. He even gave us a heads up when Hilda, your ‘fighting’ buddy, went to your residence in there was a rumour of shortage and encouraged us to stock Accra and confirmed to us that, really you were no more. up. That, was a GLOOMY day. On a personal level, Ken was a true friend who kept to his The management and staff of Comme Ci will miss your promises. Though we were all living in different parts of the presence and your generous tips. You touched lives, more country and some also living abroad, we kept the friendship than you would ever know and thousands are totally broken going through regular phone calls and chats. When you due to your untimely demise. hadn’t spoken to him in a while, you get a short WhatsApp text from him simply saying “so you dey?” And you imme- May your good deeds go before you! diately knew to get in touch. May Angels lead you home! We were there for each other’s families at all times. Fare thee well! At a point he grew fond of Ellen, since according to him, he May The Almighty God receive you in His bosom, till we saw her more often than he did the rest of us. On his regular meet again. Amen. visits to Bolga, Ken made it a point to pass to Comme Ci for his usual, Yam chips and Harry special not forgetting his

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 113 Tribute by Mrs. Esther Osei (Auntie Esther) It is with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to my You loved and cared so deeply for each and every one dear friend Ken. and made everyone feel so special. You have been a Godsend blessing to many!! We started off as friends but with time we became This is a trait of yours I deeply admired. family so much so that you began to call me ‘mummy’ much to the amusement of my children. I will forever remember the good times we spent together chatting endlessly about one thing or the other The news of your sudden departure from us on Earth over good food as always. You were insightful, hilari- has left us all in shock and pain. ous and always great company. You were a wonderful person, a gentle soul, a kind-hearted man and an amazing friend who was May the good Lord welcome you with open arms and always there for me in times of joy and in times of grant you eternal rest. sorrow. Rest in perfect peace, Ken. I particularly admired your devotion to family and your community at large.

114 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Tribute by the Bolgatanga Tennis Club “… I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears; behold, I will heal thee ...” 2 Kings 20:5 The Club received, with shock, the sad news of your demise In 2021 you made a singular donation of Twenty Thou- which came at a time that it was least expected. In June this sand Ghana Cedis (GH₵20,000.00) towards the rehabili- year, the Club was happy to have you attend a reception on tation of one of the tennis courts which significantly Mother’s Day at the Tennis Court as part of events to contributed to the hosting of the Northern Tripartite commemorate the day. A few days later you invited mem- Tournament that year. The Club was now looking forward bers of the Club to the launching of the New Star Beer to signing an agreement with you so that you would which took place at the Catering Rest House. You also become the main sponsor of the Northern Tripartite invited some members of the Club to a reception at Akayet Tennis Tournament. Hotel to welcome the Managing Director of Guinness Ghana Limited who was on a tour of the Upper East Region Ever since you were made patron of the Club, there has this year. never been any occasion that the Club did not receive a donation from you. Your interest in the Club has contrib- Barely three weeks to your demise, you again invited mem- uted immensely to the development of tennis as a sport to bers of the Club to a reception at your residence in Navron- reckon with in the Upper East Region. Also through your go. Even though the relationship between you and the Club support, the Club represented the region in a number of goes far back beyond the past ten years, we have never had tennis tournaments in the country. such frequent interactions within a short period. Little did we know that these were the last moments we were going to The Club will forever remember you for your generous have with you. The Club is completely devastated by your donations and for always making time to pass by to see us demise. at the Club House whenever the opportunity availed itself. Indeed, words are not enough to express how distraught Your regular generous donations towards activities of the the Club is as we bid farewell to your mortal remains. Club as patron made the Club to distinguish you with the May the Good Lord receive you into his bosom and be title Chief Patron. You were the main sponsor of the North- gracious and generous to you as you were to us on earth! ern Tripartite Tennis Tournament comprising Bolgatanga, Tamale and Wa Tennis Clubs, which we nicknamed Chief Patron Kenneth Anewenah Rest Well Till We Meet LESKEN Triangular Tennis Tournament in 2017. Again!!!

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 115 Tribute by Irish Pub Today, should have been a different ceremony but alas as a last farewell, nor a goodbye. You were gone before we fate and God would have it, He in his wisdom called You knew it, and only God knows why. We thank God he made to his side. You, our brother while you were here on earth. A million While others struggled to get out of misery, Ken, you times we will miss you, a million times we will cry. If love always found a way to lift us up. Our daily hustle was part alone could have saved you, You never would have died. In of your thoughts. The stars can’t immortalize you because life we loved you dearly, in death we shall love you still. In they will fade away. A poem cannot commemorate you our hearts you hold a place no one else can fill. It broke our because it would be forgotten one day. You gave none of us hearts to have lost you, but you didn't go alone, for part of us went with you the day God took you home. Ken, we will meet again someday in a better place. Fare thee well, Brother and Friend. We love you, but God loves you more. Rest well in the bosom of the Lord.

116 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Tribute by Joseph Allan (‘Your Father’) \"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.\" 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1 My \"son\" as I called you, I am lost for words. But as the me. You adopted my son, Lieutenant Prince Allan as your bible verse says, I am comforted knowing you are in a better son and played the role par excellence and he will certainly place. miss a good father like you. How can I forget the custom- Our relationship started in 1985 when you arrived in Notre ized Christmas hampers you always sent to my family? My Dame Secondary Seminary School to start secondary heart is indeed heavy, and I am lost for words. education. Being in my final year and as part of the practice, I had the privilege of choosing you as one of those to serve The last time we physically met was at Fridays in Sakumo- me. You discharged this assignment religiously and with no. We discussed very important issues with other friends great commitment. Our relationship was one admired by who were largely Notre Dame boys. Our last conversation many. You showed me great respect as a big brother hence, was on Tuesday, 19th July and we had agreed to meet on each time you were admitted to the infirmary, I spent much Saturday23rd July but alas, this was not to be. You should of my time with you. have been writing my tribute being that I am the ‘father’ and not the other way round, but God's ways are not our ways Our relationship continued even after I left Notre Dame. and his thoughts not ours. Each time you had an issue that bordered on your business, family, health name it, you will call me for advice or prayer Your demise has not only affected me, my family, but the support which I gladly provided to the best of my ability. At whole Upper East region. Oh no, the whole nation. any gathering we found ourselves, you will introduce me to You shall be fondly remembered even as you find yourself others as ‘your father’ which was so humbling, and you in the bosom of Abraham. went on to extend your kindness to anyone who related to Sleep well my son, Ken. Sleep well till we meet again!

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 117 Tribute by Kasise Ricky Peprah At first I was numbed, unbelieving, desperately hoping I had heard for managing to remain humble even with your remarkable wrong. fortune. Most people change for the worse with power and wealth, refreshingly, you became a far better person the more Then I dreaded to call, for it is not the type of information one you climbed the ladder of success and the more you gathered would want confirmed. clout, substantial clout. Alone at home, that dawn, I began to think about you and what you Ken, for many people, philanthropy tends to go hand in hand meant to me. with publicity but you gave, generously, with the utmost discre- Then I willed myself to stop thinking of you in the past. tion, even secrecy. In giving you did not want to inadvertently But it could not be wished away, God had indeed summoned you belittle the receiver neither did you want to tout your deeds. home, away from this taxing tedium called life. What beautiful practicalization of our Christian faith! I then began to ask God why so early, why in your prime, why when you have yet so much to achieve and so many dreams to It is a wonder still how you managed to accumulate so many accomplish, why with so many to help and yet more to support? positive attributes, we thank God you did. Very often, tributes are difficult to write because one has to Ken, I, like so many, have been dealt this cruel assignment, to dabble in fiction but writing a tribute to you has not been, in that write a tribute to one so young, the only solace being that in doing light, taxing. Its difficulty arises from the fact that it is just not so we can say thank you to you for the last time and also help right, pardon my contest of God’s will, that you are gone to your cement your legacy for those yet to come. Maker so soon. You always treated me with a deference I still insist I did not The many people gathered today to bid you farewell know full deserve, always calling me ‘Zimbaro’. well that you were affable, respectful, hardworking, caring, thoughtful, forgiving, generous and uncommonly humble, and You always had my back long before I thought to ask. that is not all. As humans go, you were a paragon of a Christian, When it was easy for me to be overlooked, you sought me out and surely not perfect but always working hard at it. drove me to Daddy’s home for a meal after one of his birthdays. Ken not only have you left us with wonderful memories of your exceptional humaneness but also copious examples of persever- When Daddy passed you honoured me with allowing me assist in ance and charity and humility and fellow feeling, it is my hope his funeral preparations and for that I am grateful, for daddy never that we all will endeavour to emulate your sterling example. gave up on me. Thank you my junior brother Ken Anytime we met at an event, where people trooped to you, you in You have left an indelible mark, an unfillable vacuum, an turn sought me out to say hello, always drawing the collective outstanding legacy, a trove of memories and a remarkable gazes of many onlookers to me, humble me. Thank you brother. example. Ken, permit me to add my voice to the resounding chorus of your I pray I too earn a place in heaven, to join you. now legendary generosity and to go one step further to thank you Rest in Peace

118 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah A Tribute by Kabik Daam (Lima) Ken, Today is the day you will be laid to rest, But you know what they say, God only takes the best. Everything happens for a reason, Even if we may not agree. Just promise to look after us, And if you can, Save a spot up there for me. The thought of never seeing you again brings tears to my eyes, And even more so, Because all of this was such a surprise. But we should never question what God has planned, Sometimes it’s not meant for us to understand. So as we sit here and mourn the loss of a beloved friend, We have to keep telling ourselves that we will meet again. We are here to celebrate your life And the measure of its worth And every single life you touched While you were on this earth. We wish to pay our last respects. That’s why we all are here, To thank you for your friendship And all the memories we hold dear. It’s been a privilege to have known you. We were family, not just friends, And we will carry you in spirit Until we meet up once again.

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 119 A Tribute by Tafa Ken, the truth is that it is hard to accept that you are gone All I wish for you today is to be forgiven and received in but my memories of you and the time we shared together Heaven, where there is no more death. will forever be remembered. Goodbye the ‘Northern Governor’ My boss, mentor, brother and best friend, my pain is that I Till we meet again did not get the opportunity to say goodbye to you. Rest well, my brother. Choosing to be a part of my life is something I will forever humble, and that is not all. As humans go, you were a be grateful for, and I will cherish it more so because you paragon of a Christian, surely not perfect but always brought more than I bargained for. working hard at it. Ken not only have you left us with wonderful memories of “Igwe”, “Governor”, you taught me how to be kind, patient your exceptional humaneness but also copious examples and considerate towards everyone. of perseverance and charity and humility and fellow In you, I had a friend who became a blood-brother if not feeling, it is my hope that we all will endeavour to emulate more. Only God knows how I feel about losing you so early your sterling example. in life, but God knows best, so I believe you are in good Thank you my junior brother Ken hands, Kenneth. You have left an indelible mark, an unfillable vacuum, an Words can't explain what I am going through for losing outstanding legacy, a trove of memories and a remarkable you, “Igwe”. example. You were selfless, loving, and peaceful and by far the I pray I too earn a place in heaven, to join you. kindest and most generous human being l have ever Rest in Peace encountered.

120 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah PHOTO GALLERY A STAR IS BORN

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 121 THE PERFECT STUDENT

122 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah THE PERFECT STUDENT

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 123 THE ASPIRING BUSINESS MAN

124 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah THE HEART OF A HOME Mom and Dad Wife and Kids

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 125 Wife and Kids

126 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Wife and Kids

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 127 Siblings

128 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Siblings

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 129 Nieces and Nephews

130 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Birthdays

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 131 Birthdays

132 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Family Group

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 133 Inlaws

134 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah CHEF EXTRAORDINAIRE

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 135 FRIENDS

136 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah FRIENDS

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 137 FRIENDS

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 138 FRIENDS

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 139 FRIENDS

140 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah FRIENDS

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 141 FRIENDS

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 142 FRIENDS

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 143 WORK LESKEN

144 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah MYTURN WORK

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 145 WORK MYTURN

146 Kenneth Elvis Anewenah AWARDS

Kenneth Elvis Anewenah 147 CHARITY

148 A man for all Seasons He had a kindly word for each and died beloved by all. His friendship was an inspiration, his love a blessing. He was beloved in life. A loving father, tender and kind, what a beautiful memory you left behind. Resting with those he loved. His greatest joy was in making others happy. His joy was in serving others. God took him home, it was his will, but in our hearts he liveth still. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember him. O, Lord I put him in thy hands. His mission on earth fulfilled. No man is indispensable but some are irreplaceable. To those who knew and loved him, his memory will never grow old. His true wealth was in his generous heart. And what endless wealth he did have. Fond memories linger every day, remembrance keeps him near. The world's loss was heaven's gain when God took you home. To live with him and sing in endless morn of light! His life was gentle, and the elements so mix'd in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world, \"This was a man!\" On him and on his high endeavor the light of praise shall shine forever. We loved him a lot but God loved him more. To know him was to love him. A man greatly beloved. The world is diminished because he is gone... but it is still a better place because he was here. Let not a man guard his dignity but let his dignity guard him (Emerson) He lives with us in memory and will for evermore. By Eric Kasise Pwamang

Notes

Notes