THE RT. REV. ACHAMFUO-YEBOAH'S BROCHURE

o ered to sponsor the printing of the initial 300 copies for use by our Ewe congregation in the Volta Region and the Republic of Togo. He also assisted the then Diocesan Lay Chairman, Bro. SammyAbakahtoacquirethe1sto cialLayChairman'sVehiclein2009. In fact, Bishop Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah has le an indelible mark–A Legacy in the Diocese. To his ever-loving supportive wife, Asafo Maame Esther and sons Samuel and Cephas, the Achamfuo-Yeboah Family, we can only say, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord and their good works follow them. Rev. 14:13. And so, we say Farewell Yet we know very well That you have merely taken the lead On a path we will all heed May the Lord safely keep you till we meet again on the Day of Resurrection Bishop Achamfuo-yeboah, Rest Well Eternally. Dayie Dayie, W4 Jogba`` 49 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

ST. PAUL METHODIST CATHEDRAL, TEMA For ever with the Lord ACHAMFUO-YEBOAH whose motionless Amen, so let it be mortal remains lies before us this solemn morning. Life from the dead is in that word Tis immortality The Rt. Rev. Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo- Yeboah was stationed at St. Paul in the year Here in the body pent 2000 and served the Church for 3 years as a Absent from Him I roam Superintendent Minister, Tema Circuit, Yet mightily pitch my moving tent Resident Minister, St. Paul Cathedral and A Day's march near home Synod Secretary, Tema Diocese. At the 2003 Synod of the Tema Diocese, he was elected So when shall my latest breath as the 2nd Bishop and served the Tema Shall rend the veil in twain Diocese from 2003 – 2009. By death I shall escape from death At St. Paul, Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah And life eternal gain brought his administrative prowess and accounting background to review and Knowing as I am known, strengthen activities and programmes of How shall I love that word the Church such as Revivals, Seminars, and And oft repeat before the throne Training Workshops on the Methodist Church's Constitution. For ever with the Lord – MHB 658 V 1&4 He did not compromise on his pastoral duties like visiting the sick, Bible Classes, We have met this morning to Church organizations, meetings and so on. eulogise, sing dirges and Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah was the 'people's celebrate a man of God who was compassionate, caring, a able, approachable, frank, friendly with good human relations, a simple personality, and prayerful. He meets you and he is the rst to extend greetings followed by his infectious smile and laugh. He was an astute administrator who knew the Church's Constitution and Standing Orders and applied them diligently in the performance of his supervisory role as a Minister. He spoke eloquently at any meeting of the Church such as Leaders and Quarterly Meetings, Synods, Connexional conferences, and many others. He explained certain salient Standing Orders in the Church's Constitution to the admiration of all. He was sometimes described as “controversial” because he stated his mind without fear or favour. These are the attributes of RT. REV. SAMUEL OSEI TUTU 50 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

man' because of his inter-personal October 26, 2008. He was notably relationships. You will be surprised to know assisted by Bro. Sammy Abakah Lay that Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah will mention Chairman and Very Rev. Aaron, Gaisie- your name and greet you whether you were Amoah, (SynodSecretary). an adult or youth even the Sunday School Children. Other attributes of Bishop Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah was very health Achamfuo-Yeboah include a good retentive conscious and Church members who memory, a good conversationalist, and a stayed late for meetings will see him doing joke sharer. He was very current on issues his walk or other exercises at the Church's like religion, politics, economics, and what compound. The Achamfuo-Yeboah Family have you. He was a humble and simple was generous and benevolent and caring. person to a fault and would not hesitate to They gave out gi s of all kinds here at St. render an apology even from the pulpit, in Paul. Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah invited person, or on the phone. members who had nothing for Christmas to the Manse for a package every year during Bishop loved the Methodist Church and St. church service. Paul in particular, because he made a lot of friends as a Superintendent Minster, as a We thank God for Bishop Achamfuo- Synod Secretary and as a Bishop. It was not Yeboah s life, the many lives he impacted surprising when he chose to superannuate during his journey and the indelible legacy at St. Paul and has been with us until his hehasle behind. untimely demise. He was one of the To Asafo Maame Esther, Samuel and Fathers of this Cathedral. His sermons Cephas (sons) and the entire Achamfuo- were thought-provoking, challenging, and Yeboah Family, St. Paul Cathedral expresses uncompromising which we always its deepest condolences. GOD WILL TAKE appreciated. He also had a developmental CARE OF YOU. mindset and initiated several Projects for the Church which include: Shall we all sing to the Glory of God, his Ÿ Renovations of the Eastern and favourite Hymn Western Walls of this Cathedral with MHB 154 Wooden Fittings and Glasses to improve “I heard the voice of Jesus say ventilation. Come unto Me and Rest Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Ÿ Improvement of facilities for our The head upon my Brest School s Primary and the Junior High I came to Jesus as I was Departments. Weary, and worn, and sad I found in Him a resting place Ÿ The dedication of the 2nd Floor of the And He has made me glad Rt. Rev. J. Y. Bannerman Hall Complex consisting of O ces and Meeting Hall christened as Upper Room on Sunday 51 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

THE REV. PETER KWEI DAGADU Congregation for the Inauguration of the MEMORIAL SOCIETY OF THE OSU Osu Circuit that took place on 27th February 2021. We were extremely grateful CIRCUIT OF THE METHODIST that he was present at this historic event as CHURCH GHANA he had always wished to see us progress to the Circuit status and intimated that this “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to was long overdue. heart; The devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are Whilst with our Society as the Minister-in- taken away to be spared from evil. Those Charge, we greatly admired his work in all who walk uprightly enter into peace; they areas including his consistency in visiting in rm members, sharing the word of God Wfind rest as they lie in death.”(Isaiah 57: 1-2) with them, and administering the Holy e are saddened by the news that Communion. He never missed the early Rt. Reverend Samuel Achamfuo- morning devotion services organized in the Yeboah who led the Reverend Peter Kwei Dagadu Memorial Society at Osu from 1998 to the year 2000 and rose to become the Bishop of the Tema Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana has passed on to glory. He never abandoned the Rev Peter Kwei Dagadu Memorial Society, even though he moved on to pastor other Societies and to hold higher positions in the Methodist Church, Ghana. He honoured all invitations extended to him to join us to celebrate various occasions and activities in the Society. Most recently, he joined our 52 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

Chapel. He regularly visited Bible Classes Bishop, we hope that for all you ve done and Organisations to boost their morale and here on earth, when you arrive at the pearly he encouraged members to participate in gates, God will say of you, “Well done, good the Society and Local Council of Churches and faithful servant. You have been faithful activities. in a few things, I will set you over many. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew 25: He was extraordinarily committed to 21 – 23). building up families. We remember Rt. Reverend Samuel Achamfuo-Yeboah as a Our thoughts and prayers go out to his Minister who was always counselling and family and the members in his larger delivering talks to married couples both old community of faith. Rt. Reverend Samuel and young. In fact, it is on record that he Achamfuo-Yeboah, Rest Peacefully in the organized the rst ever Mass Wedding in arms of the Lord. Amen! our Society during his time with us. Rt. Reverend Samuel Achamfuo- Rt. Reverend Samuel Achamfuo-Yeboah Yeboah, Rest Peacefully in the arms of was a reliable man of God. He never minced the Lord. Amen! words nor tried to please anyone. He was true to himself and to his God. What most members of the Society remember about him is that he boldly and openly discouraged gossiping and backbiting around the Society. He would promptly invite and ask characters making complaints about others to repeat their complaints right in the presence of the people they gossiped about. This reduced such behaviour to the barest minimum. Osofo Sammy was a very responsible person. He never shi ed the blame for his shortcomings on others. Rather, he acknowledged them and did the needful to make up for them. We shall miss such a rare breed of a Minister. If there is anything we do not wish for, but is yet necessary, it is death. Death, we might say is cruel, but it is necessary for the survival and continuation of the human race and life generally on earth. 53 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

Ebenezer Methodist Church Siwdo, shared among Societies in the Cape Coast Cape Coast Diocese were equitably distributed. He stood strongly for Siwdo Society, then in the MHB 832 (Stanzas 1 & 3) process of putting up a new church 1. For all the saints, who from their labours building. He never made unnecessary rest, demands on the church, because according Who thee by faith before the world to him, he was not on a mission to enrich confessed, himself. Again, Rev. Achamfuo was the only Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blest Minister who used to invite church Alleluia members in nancial distress to come to him a er church service on some Sundays. 3. O may thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold. Rev. Achamfuo–Yeboah was kind and Firth as the saints who noble fought of old. compassionate. And win, with them victors' crown of gold Alleluia On church activities like con rmation, he personally took charge of the classes on Ebenezer Methodist Church, Siwdo Sunday a ernoons and would not condone was and is still the home to all any late coming. Couples would not dare be Methodist Ministers assigned as late to their wedding ceremonies a er Chaplains to Mfantsipim School. This is passing through counselling sessions with because the church at Siwdo owes its him. In fact, he drilled the church with establishment to the Chaplaincy Board of regimental strictness. His management of Mfantsipim School in 1950. One of such time was never in doubt and the church illustrious clergymen to the then small members in the long run, were happy to church at Siwdo was Rev. Samuel O. Achamfuo-Yeboah—the unforgettable. ow along with him. Rev. S. O. Achamfuo – Yeboah was the third S o fo Ac h a m f u o –Ye b o a h , a s h e wa s Minister to be posted to the Church. He a ectionately called by all church served the Siwdo Church from 1989 to 1992. members, is fondly remembered by even He travelled to the USA on a year's study the Siwdo townsmen, who nicknamed him leave. On his return from the study leave, “Sofo Abodwes0”. The townsmen were Rev. Achamfuo – Yeboah took over the care mainly traditionalist and it required of the Church once again and served from courage to carry out evangelism 1993 to 1998. He also doubled as the outreaches in the heart of the village. Sofo Managing Director of the Methodist Book Achamfuo–Yeboah however, did not relent Depot Headquarters in Accra and he was to defetishize them and lead them to the abletomanagethetwoe ectively. church. Rev. Achamfuo, a highly quali ed Financial During his tenure, the small church grew in Accountant saw to it that Assessment leaps and bounds with both qualitative and quantitative membership. Lecturers, 54 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

lawyers, teachers, businessmen and church. The simple and the beautiful edi ce women, nurses, accountants, doctors, of a church, the Ebenezer Methodist students, and so on kept ocking into the Church, was completed within two years of church every week making the old church commencement (1996/1997) under the smaller and smaller. It therefore became auspices of the Bishop Samuel profoundly necessary that a new and a Achamfuo–Yeboah. bigger Chapel be built to meet the numbers. Sofo, your name is synonymous with the Sofo Achamfuo–Yeboah convinced Madam Siwdo Ebenezer Methodist Church. Siwdo Elizabeth Inkoom, who was one of the will fondly remember you and your good church s leaders, to give out her school works. Sofopon Achamfuo–Yeboah as you premises for church activities in the interim journey to meet your Maker, we bid you fare a er scouters were unsuccessful in locating well. an alternate site. The smaller old building was then pulled down for the Rest In Perfect Peace. Amen commencement of the new one. Architectural services with no nancial cost to the church were o ered by Brothers William Sackey and Moses E. Arthur of the 55 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

TRIBUTES FROM days as he was at every wedding and funeral. ORGANISATIONS Bishop's tenure at Tema campus coincided TThe Methodist University Ghana with the transformation of the university. h e l ate Rt . Rev. S a mue l O s e i The campus's multiple locations; MEDASS Achamfuo-Yeboah was a member of old and new, Bexhill School, both in the original Tertiary Education Community 11, as well Bethel Methodist Advisory Council, under the leadership of Church Hall in Community 8 were moved Prof. K. T. de Gra -Johnson, which was to the modern four-storey faculty and formed because of recommendations of administrative building complex. He was the Expert Group set up by then President instrumental in speeding up the processing of the Methodist Church Ghana, The Most. of the building permit from the Tema Rev. Dr. Samuel Asante Antwi that oversaw Metropolitan Assembly to commence the the establishment of Methodist University construction of the Tema Campus Faculty Ghana. He was thus a founding father of and Administrative Complex; he was also Methodist University Ghana and was there in uential in the acquisition of an 8.46-acre from its inception. parcel of land at Adjei-Kojo, o the Tema- Accra motorway for the university. Later in 2005, as the Bishop of the Tema Diocese, he requested of Professors Bishop's obsession with doing what was Adjepong and Kudadjie that a campus of right, at all cost, was his standard; he on the University be established in Tema. several occasions referred to this quote There was no university in the Tema from James 4:17, “Whoever knows what is environs at that time and thus he right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin”. recommended the use of MEDASS Thatde nedhisbanner. premises as a campus to the management of the University. Bishop, thank you for your contributions to Methodist University Ghana. Thank you for In September 2009, Bishop, as we called being a founding father, an astute him, joined the sta of Methodist University administrator, a father to all, a mentor, and a Ghana as a Senior Assistant Registrar and teacher. Your legacy lives on. the Coordinator for the Tema Campus for a period of more than nine years, where he Thank you and Rest Well. served faithfully and sincerely. He was meticulous, time conscious, an astute administrator who paid attention to the minutest of detail, and never compromised on mediocrity. He was kind and a able, easy to be with, and managed to get the best out of the sta who worked closely with him. He celebrated with them on their happy days and mourned with them on their darkest 56 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

The Management & Staff Of Methodist no working capital, the National Investment Book Depot Ltd Bank had graciously o ered to grant the “Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Depot a Performance Certi cate/Bank Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and Guarantee which would help alleviate the the God of all comfort, who comforts us in penury of the Depot if it won a bid to supply all our troubles, so that we can comfort pens and pencils to all basic schools in the those in any trouble with the comfort we country. The plan was for him to get to the ourselves receive from God\" 2 Corinthians bank rst thing on a Monday morning. By 1:3-4. 5.30 a.m. however, on the scheduled day, the driver was at Elmina to pick Mr Eshun Bishop S. O. Achamfuo-Yeboah was a (the then accountant) even though he was former Managing Director of the originally not travelling with him. Hurriedly Methodist Book Depot Limited from he dressed up and o they went. When they the year 1987 to 2000. He served the Book got to Bishop's residence he was visibly sick, Depot with love, diligence, and looking haggard and pale with malaria. commitment for 13 years. “Mathew, we are going to Accra and if I He came to the Depot at a time when should pass away on the trip, you must instead of books, charcoal was being sold in continue to get the document from the the shops! Through hard work, dedication, bank''. “Esther (to his wife), “bring me the diligence and absolute dependence on God, the Depot became an enviable stop for ask and the medications”. “But Osofo you books and stationery. Consequently, the cannot travel in such a state.'' Mr Eshun's Depot's mandate of supporting the nancial pleas were adeptly ignored. So, to Accra commitments of the church was once again they went. Mr Eshun recounts how he was realized. scared to death as Osofo instructed the driver to speed up because they were During his tenure, the Book Depot was behind time since they had had to stop blessed with several opportunities to serve along the way so he could throw up. But to the Methodist Church. He made sure that the glory of God, they secured the Church requirements and other relevant document and the contract was executed; reading materials needed, especially Bibles the outcome, fantastic. and Almanacs, were always readily available to the Methodist Church Ghana. There are in fact many other Regardless of any prevailing challenges, he accomplishments that the Lord, through always motivated sta to put in their best, to him, endowed the Depot with but the grow the Depot from strength to strength. following are worthy of note: The sel ess sacri ces he made for the He instilled discipline in the Depot were numerous. For instance, with administrative structures of the Depot, as sta attitude and practices then, were inimical doing private business for 57 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

personal gain to the growth of the Publishing House UK, and distributed Company. them as book packages to Ministers across the Connexion. He moved the Book Depot Head o ce from Cape Coast to Accra to have He hosted an International Conference betterbusinessoperations outcomes. at Nogahil Hotel, Ghana for Methodist Publishing Houses-Global. He improved sta welfare and launched short course sta training and Under his administration, the Depot upgraded the sta salary to receivedanawardfor “ThePremierBook commensuratewithyearlypro ts. Printer, Publisher, and Bookshop operator with branches well spread He also introduced Book Aid businessas across Ghana.” another stream of income thereby improving cash in ows and pro ts Time will not permit us to mention them all bringing a lot of good Christian literature but we know one thing, that God was for sale use by the Church and other magnanimous to the Depot as He used his Christian communities. servant, by his sacri ces, to bring the Depot from a quagmire to a level of buoyancy. He expanded the Book Depot frontiers to Tamale. Bishop, Ayekoo Adieu He imported, with the permission of the Methodist Church Ghana, Wesleyan Fare thee well. literature books from the Methodist 58 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

The Association Of Methodist Men's simplicity and humility in every aspect of Fellowships (AMMF), Tema Diocese your life and in our encounter with you. I heard the voice of Jesus say, You did truly hear the voice of Jesus, you “Come unto Me and rest; came to Jesus and rested in Him, and you Lay down, thou weary one, lay down laid down your life sincerely as a weary one. Thy head upon My breast” You allowed the head of Jesus to rest upon I came to Jesus as I was, your breast. You did not hold anything back Weary, and worn, and sad; from Jesus. You stressed that you came to I found in Him a resting-place, Jesus as you were, weary, worn, and sad. On And he has made me glad. no occasion did we nd you fretting. You MHB 154 v 1 were always calm and beamed with infectious smiles each time you meet any of Our Dear Beloved Brother, Father our members. With your profound a ability And Bishop! Rt. Rev Achamfuo- and the amicable way you dealt with us, we yeboah, we the Association of have no doubt that you have found in the Methodist Men's Fellowships remain Lord a resting place, and the Lord has made speechless with deep amazement, feel you glad. distraught, and are struggling to come to terms with your demise. Nevertheless, our The Lord Jesus valued teaching as a tool for hope is not gone. Otherwise, our faith would soul-wining. Most of the times that you have been meaningless. For Paul has said in mounted the pulpit, you taught the Romans 8:11 “If the Spirit of him who raised congregation as if they were being prepared Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who for an examination and they would need raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also some salient points that will enable them give life to your mortal bodies through his score good marks. You therefore never Spirit who dwells in you”. ended your sermons without listing the key points or takeaways. To quote you, Dear Our Dear Brother, Father and Bishop, the Bishop, these were some of the eight (8) news of your demise immediately brought points you requested that we take note of in into remembrance the lyrics and tune of one of your sermons on 5th November 2021, MHB 154: I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS which are considered relevant, for which SAY. We recollect when in one of your you will always be remembered: sermons, you disclosed that this was your favourite hymn, which marked an epochal “The death of the righteous is to be greatly turning point in your personal life. desired, Numbers 23:10” Throughout our interactions and “Death has no fear for the righteous” experiences with you as our Dear Brother, “The death of the righteous is precious to Reverend Minister, and Bishop of Tema God” Diocese, we can of a truth testify how you “Even in death the righteous seek refuge in lived. You demonstrated extraordinary God” 59 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

“The death of the righteous is triumphant” “Worldly pleasures will never ensure “Life does not and indeed cannot be Heaven. discontinued by death Romans 14:8” “Worldliness and its approval from friends “That death is great gain for the righteous” and colleagues can never ensure eternal “The righteous are blessed in death Rev presence in God's Kingdom.” 13:14” “We should not be deceived for Christ has warned that what does it pro t a man to gain On 28th July 2021, you said, “It is good to the whole world and lose his own life. always look to our beginning. When we do Mathew 16:26” that, we see our miserable beginning and “We can only nd rest in God Mathew 11: 28- see how God has blessed us”. You added 30” that: “There is assurance for our salvation John “Realizing how God has blessed us humbles 3:16” us and it enables us to see the nger of God in our lives. We are convicted to commit our Our Dear Brother and Bishop Achamfuo life to him and make our life of some Yeboah, just like Jesus said unto Simon in account to Jesus. It is scriptural and proper John 21: 15 Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou for St. Paul to remember its past because it is me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou consistent with John Wesley's knowest that I love thee. [Jesus] saith unto quadrilateral.” him, Feed my sheep.” You have indeed fed us richly with the word of God and you have On 26th September 2021, you gave us ve also set an example by your own life of lessons on the parable of the unjust simplicity and extraordinary humility. We stewards: “Money can be used for good and owe you heavily in our hearts, but we are bad.” assured that the Good Lord will place you “Money, our resources etc have a lot of on His Right side as it is said in Matthew power so we must use it carefully and not in 25:31, “When the Son of Man comes in his a manner to entice people to sin or mislead glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit others.” on his throne in heavenly glory.” “We must use our monies or resources to have faith in God.” Our Dear Late Brother, Father and Bishop “When we use money or our resources to Achamfuo-Yeboah, we thank the Almighty have faith in God, we shall have friends in God for your life and what you were able to Heaven.” acco mp l i s h . Yo u w i l l a lways b e remembered in our Hearts. You concluded by saying that, above all we must plan to avoid hell and that strangely LATE BISHOP ACHAMFUO-YEBOAH, MAY this parable of the unjust steward was YOUR SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE. purposefully followed by Lazarus. Even in your conclusion you listed the following For Christ! We Live! For Christ! We Live! and ve points: For Christ! We Live! AMEN 60 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

Monday Bible Class (Osofo Class) MHB 154: “I heard the voice of Jesus small...how sweet! say: Come unto Me and rest...” This was one of Bishop's favourite Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah had a cute smile. hymns. He made eye contact with each person that made one feel his undivided attention. As a “Good people pass away, the godly often die man of God, he served humanity to glorify before their time. But no one seems to care God Almighty. A er the COVID-19 lock or wonder why? No one seems to down, most of the old folks stopped understand that God is protecting them attending Bible Class but Bishop and Aunty from the evil to come. For those who follow Esther were ever ready to share his godly path, will rest in peace when they die”. theological knowledge with us. Bishop Isaiah 57: 1-2. however started missing Bible Class meetings some months ago which we Bishop Samuel O. Achamfuo-Yeboah was attributed to his change of residence to very regular at our class meetings despite A enya. We were looking forward to seeing his busy schedules. Today the foundation you again at Bible Class meetings and listen of our great class has been shaken and tears to your contributions to our discussions but that was not to be. lled with sorrow ow, but in all we give thanks to the Almighty God for what He has The announcement of your demise was a done, Amen. shock. We couldn't believe what we heard. We called one another to con rm if it was Bishop loved our class because we were true. Finally, we had to accept the reality that very argumentative and challenging, and our Bishop was gone. In the space of about 6 he always had personal stories and months, our Bible Class has lost 3 very experiences to share, not forgetting the amazing and devoted senior citizens with Legon “chief vandal” stories. His great leadership roles (You, Bro. Abednego, contributions to the bible discussions were and Lawyer Chinbuah Esq). Aunty Maggie meaningful, re-assuring, educative, and Colemancan tstophertearsfromrunning. spiritual. We have lost a kind-hearted Bishop and He was a able, humble, respectful, and met people with an infectious smile. He was a good conversationist with several pieces of good advice. Simplicity was his hallmark. He was simple in nature and believed in simple things. He expressed his faith in simple ways that made Christianity valuable each day with God Almighty. He showed an attitude of gratitude and appreciation to all creatures great and 61 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

devoted class member, but we are TRIBUTES FROM convinced that he has gone to a better place ALMA MATERS to rest from his labour, and we shall meet again on the Resurrection Day. You will be Tribute By The Akayafoo Group forever missed and loved Bishop! Of Commonwealth Hall 1969 -1974 Omigro We end this tribute to Bishop Achamfuo- Joe Scatter B Yeboah with our Bible Class anthem…MHB Chief Vandal 608 Bishop Samuel Achamfuo-Yeboah “Captain of Israel s host and Guide, Of all who seek the land above…. We recall with pride the great moments we had together as Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory till we meet young, adventurous, sometimes in Heaven. mischievous, but o en public-spirited students who had assembled in Fare the well Bishop. Rest in perfect peace! Commonwealth Hall to pursue academic Amen, dreams. Well, that is what we thought then, until time showed that we were indeed pursuing pathways to leadership in national life, contrary to what some sceptics thought of us: good-for-nothing, night- howling, aimless bunch of over-grown pupils called the AKAYAFOO. Almost y (50) years down the line, the Akayafoo and Associates, numbering een (15) to twenty (20) individuals at any one time, have produced a Vice-President, an Inspector-General of Police, a Minister and Professor, Supervising and Chief Directors, three (3) Ambassadors, Chief Executive O cers of state and private institutions, international civil servants, business magnates, traditional rulers, renowned doctors and prominent lawyers. You, Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah, crowned it all with service to mankind through your 62 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

Bishop Achamfou-Yeboah with P K Acheampong and B K Owusu 1973 dedication to doing God's work on earth, intervention than by chance. In no time, having quali ed as a Chartered Accountant four (4) Associates from other Halls, notably and subsequently taking on the robe and Akuafo, Sarbah Annex, and Legon, would rising to become a Bishop. Akwasi become part of the Group and participate in Acheampong, your good self, Kwaku Ben, all its activities. Indeed, they had a right to Armalai, Kwame Django, Atta Appiah, dine with us for free in the Dining Hall and as Kwame Akoto, Morgan, and a few others they wished. They would grow with us even started it all in 1969. The Akayafoo to this day. For them, Commonwealth Hall assembled students from Adisadel, was their rst choice. They had the right to Mfantsipim, Ghana National and Prempeh live like Vandals and join one of its who had a common interest: enjoy one s constituent parts. A former Vice-President youth in a relaxed, permissive and yet of the Republic of Ghana belonged to the serious university atmosphere; build love Akayafoo service. and foster teamwork among friends; be productive by participating in student The Akayafoo would help to rede ne activities; and help drive positive change. Vandalism that “broke the rule s” POSITIVELY and NON-VIOLENTLY to drive Two (2) years later in 1971, a motley group of needed change in the Hall and in the students from various secondary university at large. In short, the name schools connected through umbilical Akayafoo signi ed hard work and cords originating from Adisadel, OWASS, dedicated service facilitated through Achimota, St. Peter's, Okuapeman, positive vandalism. Mfantsipim would coalesce into junior Akayafoo in the very rst week of their Most importantly, the spirit of camaraderie entry into Commonwealth Hall. A among the Akayafoo that saw them go to formidable group was formed, which may the Dining Hall together, participate in the appear to have been driven more by divine Hall's sporting and agship Vandal Day 63 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

celebrations together, take leadership roles you worked with the State Gold Mining in the university's events, undertake Corporation. Being fully employed, you voluntary work in Asutsuare and treated us to some good entertainment and Dawhenya together back in the Kutu the Akayafoo who made the trip remain Acheampong days, and seek justice for grateful for the largesse you extended. Yes, those who needed it—including female those were days that one s monthly salary students of Volta Hall is one attribute many took him far beyond the month and still were envious of. allowed a budget for highlife. Even though you had moved on, a member of the In all this you played a big part, Bishop Akayafoo Group would become Chief Achamfou-Yeboah. Indeed, in your post- Executive of the State Gold Mining graduate year in 1973/74, you were Corporation, twenty-one years a er that unanimously chosen as Chief Vandal, a visit, and vividly recalled where we sat in position many people outside theSeniorO cerscanteen. Commonwealth Hall have never really understood. Yes, to be chosen a Chief Vandal you are considered a gentleman par excellence, a trusted leader, and one who seeks justice for all. For, as the Hall s motto reads, TRUTH STANDS. The Deputy Chief Vandal who supported you also belonged to the Akayafoo, as did the Vandal Chief Priest, lending testimony to the reverence that the group enjoyed. We cannot of course forget that you and the other Kaya in the School of Administration always failed to attend the second hour of the 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. lectures every Thursday. Just remember that Akayafoo knew why this was the case. Somehow, those who prepared the School's timetable forgot that Tatale and Bambara beans with Jollof Rice was served for lunch on that day in Commonwealth Hall. Being with the rest of the Akayafoo at lunch on Thursdays superseded any other activity. A er all, notes could always be copied. We recall with joy the trip we made to 1973/74 Chief Vandal and Prestea by train to visit you in 1974 when Deputy Chief Vandal in 2021 64 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

No doubt, as we approached our ripe years, we were unable to meet as o en as we would have wished. But we knew you were doing God's work and the leadership training you acquired by association with the Vandal community and the Akayafoo Group would endear you to your congregation, the Methodist Church, and to the Almighty. Our Dear Bishop Samuel Achamfou-Yeboah, we bid you farewell as you journey into eternity. We have absolutely no doubt that your life on earth has been fruitful and rewarding to those you leave behind. Your in-law, your good self and a former Inspector General of Police who formed the Adisadel Triumvirate in the Akayafoo Group attest to this. The three (3) of you sat in the same classrooms in Adisadel College from Form One through to Sixth Form, found yourselves in Commonwealth Hall and therea er were members of the Akayafoo Group. In later years, your o spring would become life partners, unaware of the bond that existed between you. Was this by divine intervention or was it by chance? BK and Sam: Classmates, Vandals, Akayafoo and In-Laws Bishop, Brother and Friend, DA YIE. The 1967 Year Group Of Adisadel Old Boys He had always been an agile person, right from when we met on the Hills in Adisadel College in 1962, placed in Hamlyn House. Class 1A did not have a speci cally designated feature, but any cursory observer would notice that the “small boys” among their colleagues found themselves in that Class. SOA, as we a ectionately called him, found himself among the big guys in 1B. These class placements were mysterious. SOA had a cra y smile, an enquiring look, and a sharp brain. He did not nd his way among the sports persons which Adisadel then was very much known for, nor among the musicians, but he stuck to his books and acquitted himself very well, returning to the school for his sixth form 65 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

course a er the O-Level exams, which gained him entry to the School of Administration at Legon. He was engaged at the Prestea Gold elds Ltd at Prestea a er graduation. He was housed in one of the three-bedroom bungalows, even though he was a bachelor. SOA would sleep in a di erent room each night. We later learnt with appreciation that he had enrolled as a minister in the Methodist Church where he rose to become a Bishop. The bond and camaraderie in school was great. It is thus not surprising that a seed of his fell in love with a seed of one of our mates Mr. B K Owusu, producing a harmony of love and o spring which we are all very proud of. We had looked forward to more interactions with him, only to hear the sad news of his passing. May his blessed soul Rest In perfect Peace. TRIBUTE FROM MOBA ‘86 Rev. Achamfuo-Yeboah was the School Chaplain in 1981, the same year we entered Form One at Mfanstipim School. As such, he holds a treasured place in the heart of MOBA 86 members. He watched us grow and mature as students as we advanced from the boys seeking refuge in his quarters to escape incessant chores from seniors to young men holding responsible positions in the school and beyond. Such was his gentlemanly, a able, and kind nature that in spite of his disciplinarian streak he escaped the notoriously mischievous nicknames given to all teachers on campus. Quite recently at the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of MOBA 86 setting foot on the Kwabotwe Hill, we had the singular pleasure to be hosted at Rev. Achamfuo – Yeboah's station, The St. Paul Methodist Cathedral, Tema. 66 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

With energy belying his advanced age, The Very Reverend had a rather curiously youthful request thatwesingthemilitantrenditionoftheMethodistHymn526. This version unlike the original departs from the calm, sing song, gentle way hymns are usually sang but rather adopts a certain brusque pace that brooks no quarters, demanding to serve the lord, overcon dent that he is your guide. The song aptly epitomizes the surety Rev exhibited in his faith and life. Our prayer is that where Jesus is in glory, there let His servant be. TRIBUTES FROM MINISTERS Rt. Reverend Albert Ofoe Wright (Past Secretary of Conference, Past Administrative Bishop of The Methodist Church, Ghana and Past Bishop of Somanya Diocese) Time, like an ever-rolling stream Bears all its sons away; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day [MHB 878 v. 6] It is with heaviness of heart that I pay my last respect to my deceased friend and brother-in- Christ, Bishop Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah. We rst met in 1975 by God s providence and I wish to infer from the Annals of Challenge Enterprises of Ghana Limited about how it all happened. In my work as Counsellor responsible for all correspondences of people seeking answers to spiritual issues, people who had read the African Challenge Magazine, listened to radio ELWA of Sudan Interior Mission SIM broadcasting from Liberia and people who visited Challenge to seek answers to life came to me. The enquirers were led to begin a life in the Lord. For those who already knew the Lord, I assisted them to have a personal walk with God. One of the many people I led to Christ at Challenge was Mr. S. O. Achamfuo-Yeboah,now the late Right Reverend Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah, Past Bishop of Tema Diocese whose mortal remains lie before us. At Challenge, Brother Samuel Achamfuo-Yeboah requested for deliverance from his then state of life. A er a lengthy discussion, I pointed him to Jesus but his response was that the many Christians he met were hypocrites, so he did not want to be a Christian. I encouraged him to “become the rst Christian who is not a hypocrite” and that was his turning point. Occasionally, 67 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

he reported for follow-up. Years later, he came to inform me that he had opted to join the Ordained Ministry; we prayed together and that was the beginning of our friendship. In the work of The Methodist Church Ghana, we served concertedly. The Rt Reverend Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah was a preacher, teacher, and hard worker. He was vocal, fearless, and uncompromising; he was a man of faith and stood by his convictions. In matters of fellowship and great concerns, we were there for each other. Today, we are here to bid you farewell because it pleases the Lord to call you to Himself. Your good works will forever be remembered. My brother and friend, rest in Immaculate Peace. Rt. Rev. and Mrs. Justice K.A Dadson and Children For those we love within the veil, who once were comrades of our way, We thank thee Lord; for they have won to cloudless day.” (MHB 657) I met Sammy in the late 1980's when he was stationed at Bethel Methodist, Community 8 as a Circuit Minister, while I was the Superintendent Minister of the Tema Circuit. Our friendship became stronger when we both realised that I taught Esther, his lovely wife in the primary school at Ayensuako in the Central Region. I always told him that Esther s father was the postmaster, and I would send Esther to get my letters for me. When my family and I le Ghana for the Caribbeans, I asked Sammy to keep all my books and other documents for me. I told him since he was going to head the Methodist Book Depot, he would be the best person to keep my books for me. In the ministry, Sammy has twice been my bossand I have twice been his bossas well.While he was the minister at Bethel, Community 8, Tema, I was the Tema Circuit Supt. Minister and when I was the Chairman and General Supt. of the then Cape Coast District, Sammy pastored a society in Siwdo, Cape Coast and was Journal Secretary at Synods in the then Cape Coast District. For a year, while I pastored the Mt. Zion Methodist Church at Sakumono, which was then part of the Tema Circuit, Sammy was the Supt. Minister of the Tema Circuit and when Sammy became bishop of the Tema Diocese, I became the Supt. Minister of the Tema West Circuit. Our friendship was a cordial one and it evolved to involve and include our spouses and children. Sammy and Esther showed up at almost all celebrations we had in my family. It was a privilege to have him preach at my son's wedding at Bethel Methodist Church in Takoradi and it was also a privilege for me to preach at his son's wedding at St George's Church in Kumasi. He wasn't only at wedding ceremonies but also o ciated naming ceremonies for two of my 68 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

grandchildren. In the mid 90's, Sammy and Esther graciously accommodated Lily's mother, my mother-in-law, Madam Mary Annan in their home in Cape Coast when she had a surgery on her eye and needed a place to pass the night. I got to know that Sammy was not well when he couldn't attend my 80th birthday celebration. I read his message in my birthday brochure and I was stunned. He recalled issues I had long forgotten. I visited Sammy on Saturday, 5th November with my wife Lily and my son William. Although he wasn t well, we had an interesting conversation as usual. Exactly two weeks a er our last visit, we heard the news that Sammy had been called home. Sammy was a very principled leader. He was rm, honest, and transparent in his ministry. When he attended my Superannuation service in September 2012 at the Immanuel Methodist Church, East Airport, his message to the congregation was that he had realized that we shared a lot of common characteristics. He said, “We are both rm, fair, principled, and transparent. We both say it as it is.” Sammy, together with Lily and the children, we say, sleep well my good friend. May The Good Lord lead you safely home, till we meet again. The Very Rev. Dr. Casely Baiden Essamuah A A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” Prov 17:17 s Bishop Samuel Achamfuo-Yeboah has entered his Heavenly and eternal home, I have lost a brother from another mother. Our friendship blossomed during our years of service in Cape Coast. He was the Managing Director of the Methodist Book Depot and I served as the Chaplain at Ghana National College, and later Assistant Synod Secretary for the diocese. Our friendship was deepened by our mutual love of books, and up to today, I have books that he either gave me as gi s or on discount from the many containers that he organized to be shipped from abroad to replenish the Book Depot stock during his time of leadership. His tenure at the Methodist Book Depot marked the rescue mission that it so desperately needed to reposition it for the future and the current prosperity that the Methodist Book Depot enjoys is a testament to his bold initiatives. We give thanks to God for your legacy. I remember with great fondness and deep appreciation his prayer with me a er one of the most devastating events in my life and assuring me that God had other plans for me. I remember his prayer at the airport when I rst le for the USA to study at Harvard University. He had prayed that distance will not “chill our friendship” and I say to the glory of God that distance did not. cherish my last visit to him in August 2022, and our combined excitement that his book had 69 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

been published. I recall our prayer together celebrating the fact that he used his intellectual energies, to proclaim the gospel, even when undergoing health challenges. We salute you for your ministry to us all. Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah was a staunch and loyal Methodist. He understood that the discipline within the Methodist Church Ghana provided guardrails for deeper discipleship and walk with the Lord. He understood that the systems put in place were to make our evangelism and mission even more e ective. He lived out the full range of ministry by “rising through the ranks” so to speak to the very top hierarchy of the church, serving as Diocesan Bishop of Tema. And yet, Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah loved the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ more than anything else. He was rst and foremost a deep spiritual person and had come to faith through a radical conversion experience. So, when the church that he loved so much seemed to be erring from what he considered the right path, he was one of the few who had the courage and grace to sound the alarm. We pay tribute to your courageous leadership. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to my dear brother for his love for his dearest wife Asafo maame Esther and the children. Please note that you are dearly loved and cherished and that he extended that deep love to us all. We celebrate your love for family and friends. And so, my dearbrother from another mother, I salute you today for friendship that transcends all bonds, making me a better disciple of Jesus Christ and thus a better member of the Methodist Church Ghana, and your encouragement in all aspects of life. You have le the world a better place than you found it, and indeed with Paul, you can say that: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV. May the Good Lord for whom you labored grant you eternal rest, and may your great legacy continue to inspire us as we serve. Rest in peace, my dear brother. TRIBUTES FROM LOVED ONES Sammy Abakah and Family Not how did he die, but how did he live? Not what did he gain, but what did he give? These are the units to measure the worth of a man as a man, regardless of birth. Not, what was his Church, nor what was his creed? But had he befriended those really in need? Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer? To bring back a smile, to banish a tear? Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say! But how many were sorry when he passed away.- Not How He Died…But How He Lived – Summer Sandercox 70 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

Our friendship began in the mid-1980s when Rt Rev Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah was the Circuit Minister in charge of the Bethel Methodist Church, Community 8, Tema. The relationship rose to another level when between 2000-2003 he was stationed at St. Paul Society as Supt Minister, Tema Circuit and later appointed as the Synod Secretary of the then Tema Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana. It further reached a crescendo in 2003, when he was elected as the 2nd Diocesan Bishop of Tema and served from 2003-2009. In our home, he was known as “Bishop Achamfuo” because he was ever present at all our Family's ceremonies such as traditional marriages (engagements), weddings, naming ceremonies, birthdays, and bereavements. On February 13th, 2007, and January 26th, 2010, Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah broke the news of the demise of my in-laws (The Odamttens) to the extended families. Recently in August 2020 when I lost my mom, he was the rst to call and commiserate with us together with Auntie Esther, his adorable wife. Such is Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah whom we are mourning this day. To us his death was received with mixed feelings— happy, because he lived a good life worthy of emulation and sad, because we will miss him sorely. With nostalgia, his personality, infectious smile, human relations, friendship, caring, and compassionate nature will never be forgotten. Bishop was a giver of gi s, a humourist, frank, very rm in his convictions, knowledgeable, intelligent, good-hearted, prayerful, and had a good laugh. You would enjoy his company anytime and anywhere. As a family, we always engaged his company together with Auntie Esther, and they know almost everything about our children. Bishop Achamfuo-Yeboah o ciated our children's weddings, and we also attendedhistwosons' weddingsinKumasi. I recall many of the conversations we had during my tenure as Diocesan Lay Chairman (2007- 2010) for Tema. We undertook several travels for meetings and one such memorable trip was the one to Sunyani from Tema to attend a GPC Meeting which continued to Wenchi. On that trip, we discussed the Church, our Families, Traditions, Politics, Moral Degeneration among the Youth and Adults, Social issues, and many others. I concluded that day that Bishop Achamfuo- Yeboahwashighlyintelligent“ASHARK” inallaspectsoflife. On October 13th, 2022, during one of our many visits in his convalescent period at home, two of his friends in the Church and mates at ADISCO, Major Rtd. A.B. Assan (his senior) and brother Ko Yankah who sat on the same desk from Form 1 to 3 with him were present. This visit lasted over 4 hours with Asafo Maame Esther in attendance. One can imagine the topics of the conversation that day. These included school Days at ADISCO especially from Form 1 – 5, their teachers and headmasters, university days, family lives and other social issues. Bishop was very, very happy that day and leaving him was di cult. Bishop assured us of joining us at Church soon to thank God for his speedy recovery. 71 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

We agree with Shakespeare that: “Though you were one man, you played many parts and nished your work here on earth”. Wearepainedbyyourexit,butwetakeconsolationinthewordsofRomans8:16-17 “Thatweare God's children and co-heirs with Christ . Indeed, you are a child of God who graced our generation alongside with Christ and you are glori ed together. Our family believes that your deeds shall follow you (Rev. 14:13) to the bosom of the Lord who will grant you the peaceful rest that you so well deserve. Fare Thee Well, Rt. Rev. Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah. Da Yie, Da Yie, Da Yie, Yaaw4 Ojogba``, AYEKOO!!!! Ernest Odame Adams, Past Lay Chairman The healthy, disciplined, outspoken Bishop and friend is gone. He was hospitalized for a few weeks and was discharged, he started regaining his strength, and we all thanked God for his recovery. His thanksgiving service at St. Paul Cathedral was even being planned. He went back to the hospital, all had expected him home a er his readmission as was with the rst hospitalization, but alas our bishop and friend did not return home, he responded to the call to be with his Maker. Bishop Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah was transferred to Tema Circuit as Superintendent and became the second Synod Secretary of the Tema Diocese. He was then elected to the position of Tema Diocesan Bishop. I worked closely with him when I was elected The Lay Chairman for the Diocese. I did all my three years as Lay Chairman with him as Bishop. We travelled together, visiting all circuits in the Diocese which then covered parts of the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta Regions. He was meticulous and an e cient administrator, perhaps due to his background as a graduate in Business Administration. As a minister of the Gospel, he was friendly to all and frank. He was a good counsellor who looked far into the future for the progress and wellbeing of the church and its members. He respected both the young and the old. He would get a haircut, trim his beard, and when I commented that I liked his new look, he would respond, “this is for the Synod”. He even called me “BraKwadwo” whichsometimesmademeblush. He selected 2 Corinthians 5:1 as his theme for all the synod meetings he chaired as Bishop. “Now we know that, if this earthly tent we live in is destroyed we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” The lessons you taught us are still fresh in my memory; I know you have taken residence in this eternal house in Heaven. 72 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

It was during his tenure as Bishop that the land for the Bishop's Manse was purchased, and the acquisition of the Prampram land for a future Methodist Retreat Center. He arranged for the nal translation of selected Methodist Hymns into Ewe. This was printed for use by the Ewe community in the church particularly for those in the Volta Region and the Methodist Church in Togo. A er his tenure as Bishop, the church appointed him as the Assistant Registrar of the Methodist University College, in charge of the Tema campus till his superannuation. Papa Bishop, you served your Maker, the church, and humanity well and to the best of your ability. Auntie Esther, weep not. Samuel and Cephas, be consoled. Your husband and father is ingoodhands.OseiTutuNanadayie;1yaakyiaa24fo a ediwokanYinaamay1n. Fare thee well my bishop and friend. Rest well in the bosom of your Maker till we meet again. AMEN. Best Man, Mr. Dieu Donne Tayi Yankson “He that hath the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice, thus is my joy therefore fulfilled”- John 3:29 I met S. O., as I a ectionately called him, at Prestea in 1976 and we easily bonded. He was the Financial Accountant for Prestea Gold elds Limited of the then State Gold Mining Corporation (SGMC) whilst I was a Mining Engineering student trainee (O cial learner) as we were called in those days. He was a surface worker in an air-conditioned o ce, while I worked several thousand feet or meters as an underground worker. Sometimes, a er close of work, while waiting for a cage to surface, I would call him on telephone at the gangway. His rst reaction was DDT, where are you?”, to which I will reply “24 level”, or any level depending on my location at that time. Yes, 24X150 underground. I had 73 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

sideburns and moustache and he had moustache, charming eyebrows, and a nice triangular beard. Fufu and palm soup with “koobi” was our delicacy. We had very strong jaws and teeth and we could eat several ears of roasted corn from one end of the town to the other. On days when we attended Scripture Union meetings, we always had a backup of this roasted delicacy on us. Being an Nzema, I once suggested that we spice our roasted corn with coconut, and that was it. The ladies liked him, and he also liked them but God who is rich in mercy delivered him from the power of darkness and translated him into the kingdom of His dear Son in whom we have redemption through His blood even the forgiveness of sins. We were two very handsome Christians. We prayed, studied the Bible, and memorized several verses together. In 1980, I was on my annual leave in Abidjan when he sent a message that he was getting married and that he wanted me to be his best man. I rushed down to Accra and when we met, he said, “DDT, I have found a very beautiful lady. She is Esther Oguaa and she just graduated from the University of Ghana”. I saw Esther and true to S. O.'s description met a very beautiful, full of smiles with round cheeks and eyebrows almost like his. I picked up his bride from Michell Camp to Calvary Methodist, Adabraka where the wedding ceremony took place. As I watched my friend exchange th marriage vows, my heart was lled with praise to the Lord. At long last he had found a good thing and obtained favour with the Lord. He was very bold, courageous, and spoke his mind. Many Reverend ministers liked him for his frankness, but others disliked him to the core. He did not please men, but always wanted to be a servant of the Lord. He was threatened with transfer to a remote village early in his ministry for his stance at a meeting of some Big ministers several years ago. The transfer however never took place but S.O would have gone anyway because he learned how to sing MHB 516 stanza 5. On June 30th, 2022, we had a long chat, and little did I know it was going to be our last one. He recounted how he had been sick but now well by God's grace. To members of the bereaved family, Esther, Nana Osei, and Paa Nii, it is almost impossible to say anything that can console you at this time and remove the pain and deep clouds of disappointment going on in your minds. May the peace of God strengthen you in this trying moment. “As for God, His way is Perfect”- Psalm 18:30b. As Dr Martin Luther King Jnr. said, “There is an amazing democracy about death. It is not aristocracy for some of the people, but a democracy for all the people. Kings die, and beggars die; rich people die, and poor people die; death comes to the innocent, and it comes to the guilty”. Bishops die, and my friend and brother Bishop Samuel Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah has joined the Church Triumphant. I salute you, for you have fought a good ght, you have nished your course and kept the faith. Farewell my dear friend and brother. 74 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

Dr. Ernest Attuquaye Quaye 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. MHB 896 The annual stationing of Methodist ministers in October 2000 brought Rt. Rev. Samuel O. Achamfuo-Yeboah and his family to Tema Circuit as the Superintendent Minister and to St. Paul Society. I got close and personal with Bishop by divine adaptation. He visited one of the Youth Fellowship's Friday meetings unannounced; this was his common practice of visiting the organizations at their meetings. I knew from our brief meeting, conversation, and events that followed, that God had sent to me a spiritual father who would be mentoring me for His service. Meeting Bishop was just like how Philip was directed by an angel to meet the Ethiopian EunuchinGaza (Acts8:26-40). It was a pleasant surprise for me when Bishop just mentioned my name as we bumped into each other a er church service; this was just two days a er his visit to the Youth Fellowship meeting. St. Paul had a large congregation with a lot of dynamic young people active in service. It would usually take some time for newly stationed ministers to acquaint themselves with members; but Bishop was very quick in knowing and associating with the congregation under his care. 75 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

“Ernest, k0 efe0, bashia” (Ernest, come When he became a Bishop in 2003, he home was the statement he made that enforced the policy that allowed young Sunday a er the service. Bishop wanted to people to have adequate representation as know me and other young people better to Synod members. By this, the young people provide guidance. He was a counsellor to were not only observers by virtue of their the young people who were in leadership of o ceatSynods. the church. The likes of Rev. Edward Kwesi Nyamekye, Bros. Solomon Quansah, During meetings, Bishop's eyes would Lawrence Nyarko Asare, Stephen Sakyi, actively scan through to catch young Daniel Okai Asare, Eric Ansah Djan and people who may want to contribute to many others will make reference to 'S.O' (as matters being discussed. His favourite text we a ectionately called him) and his in encouraging the youth to speak up was 1 counsel or advice in our conversations. Timothy 4:12; “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an Bishop invited us home to discuss issues example for the believers in speech, in related to the young people and the church. conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” He He enjoyed sitting at the porch of the Manse always added the need to be assertive and so he could see the activities going on at the respectful when we have issues as young church compound. When he was less people. In 2002, as the Superintendent engaged, he invited members for Minister of Tema Circuit, Rt. Rev. Samuel O. discussions at the porch. Bishop discussed Achamfuo-Yeboah insisted I share my life p ro fe s s i o n a l a s p i rat i o n s , m i n i s t r y, transforming testimony at a circuit crusade challenges, and many other issues that in Site 2, knowing so well that I was nurtured requires guidance and counsel and there. provided such. He would explain to us the wisdom behind some policy changes He shared his life transforming testimony within the church that did not appeal to the with me, from being a Chief Vandal at youth and convince us to embrace them. Commonwealth Hall to becoming an When Thomas, Nana Osei and Paa Nii were ordained minister of the Methodist church. available, he invited them to join in the The mentorship continued with the discussion. encouragement to register for the Connexional Lay Preachers School. In Bishop had the support of the Leaders 2002, together with Mrs. Esther Achamfuo- meeting and implemented Conference Yeboah and some other Bible Class leaders, directives for societies to have some we registered for the Part One Exams in percentage of young people as part of September 2002. It was a privilege and a joy leadership and various committees. In studying with Maa Esther, with Bishop as 2001, myself and some young people at St. one of our lecturers. We were certi ed as Paul society were groomed to become Bible Full Lay Preachers of the Methodist Church Class Leaders. At Leaders meetings, he in 2004. would make sure the youth were given the opportunity to contribute to discussions. 76 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

As the Bishop of Tema Diocese, Rt. Rev. Rest well, gallant soldier of Christ. Samuel O. Achamfuo-Yeboah supported the annual Easter Evangelism embarked on W4 ojogba``, Tsul4 Kpakpa. by the Youth Fellowship in the Juapong and later Ho Circuits. He ensured the allocation God be with you till we meet again. AMEN! of funds and resources to support the programme. At Synods, he commended the Matthew Kwame Eshun youth for the initiative and garnered support and resources for the youth. In I can mention without any 2004, when I visited him and his family at contradictions that Osofo, with the able Site 6, to introduce Cynthia to him as my support of members of the Depot Board, especially, the late Auntie Naomi Okine, ancée and inform him of the turned around the fortunes of the Book arrangements for our marriage, he pledged Depot Ltd. Indeed, he worked with sincerity his support, prayed with us, and blessed our and honesty of heart. intents. He was not only available for the blessing of the marriage; he led us into I remember it as if it was only yesterday how declaring the vows for the solemnization he kept his salary in the Depot's cash and administered our rst communion as a in ows until some pressing nancial couple. obligations had been met even to the extent of forfeiting together with other Bishop was a wise, brave, strong, and board members their emoluments to keep famous man for his generation. He stood for the Depot going. He successfully led in anything that was right and fought all that executing the projects of the Depot, the was wrong. He was bold, very con dent, Lord enabling. I also observed with and would express his opinion on issues enthusiasm the graciousness and mercies about the church and leadership without of the Lord over the Book Depot in di cult fear or favour. He was principled and a and hard times –including, litigations, sta disciplinarian. He esteemed fairness and agitations etc.; – “ but the Lord saved us from would stand for the rights of all and sundry. all”. Osofo was dedicated and loyal to the core, serving the Lord with all his being. He Bishop, it was your desire that, I joined the was also a man of prayer, with persuasions ordained ministry knowing how much you to spread the word of God at every have imparted on some of us. I once opportunity; a man of strong faith in the remarked, I am waiting on God's call. You Lord and of good courage. smiled and reminded me of how God called the boy Samuel through the Priest Eli (1 He accepted invitations to Full Gospel Samuel 3). I have taken the needed step, if it Men's Fellowship Meetings, Vandal Hall isthewillofGod,thatdesirewillbeful lled. home coming (as ex-chief vandal) now man of God but took that opportunity sharing his I am grateful to God for your life on earth, rich testimony, the Holy Spirit leading him. your ministry, and mentorship to the many He was not perturbed to accept an young people you have impacted. 77 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

invitation to preach at a wedding (ICGC EVANS OPOKU – ASARE BOADI Baiden Power's Hall) on the next day a er 1.Da yie oo da yie da yie aah ! da yie the mother's burial at Mankessim and for Akwabran mu Ɔkwabran kweku a na him to continue therea er to observe the Woye Ɔbran, Ɔdaaku da yie nal funeral obsequies (at Kaneshie, Da yie oo Da yie Thomas Glegg) Obirimmirim Ɔworakasaku ne mmre: Asanteman Rev. entrusted me with higher and greater Dehye ba kronkron mu kronkron a wapɔn da yie responsibilities (including serving on Woa anka woma siw nya Anaonyam nnɛ baama Wesley Girls Secondary School Board of Survey) some of which he watched from owu afar and would say, 'well done' in public but Ate wo frɛdɛ ama W'anuonyam yi anyam a some other times would call me and give me private admonitions. My brother, S.O. Ende da yie never held back his rich counsel from me Da yie oo Da yie woawaadi owu anim kan and I appreciate every little thing he did for Anana dehye kannmukann. Nkuto mu ƆhoƆdenfo me and my family. a owia The last call to him was around September Katabann bi anan wo afi wo da bia , Da yie and he said “Matthew! Nyame Aye Aweie.!”. We had a good chat but it never crossed my Da yie oo Da yie Da yie mind that that was his parting message. Obiri Amankwa kurotia : Yehyia Nananom a Among his favourite hymns are MHB 113 Obi di moa tem a obi di no biɛ. Ɔsagefo a and 116 as he led the Depot in devotions. W'abasa biako kunkum mpem mpem Da yie “Blessed (is the) assurance (that) Jesus is mine” is also his favourite. (I will continue to Da yie oo sing this when life is weary.) Akoo kɔdiabɛ nana a wofi ɔdodow mu nti yɛntow Today as I mourn him, I mourn him because WO I have lost my former boss, friend, a mentor ɔbo nnɛde , owu akorabo bi akasa wo ama and a senior brother in the faith. But we thank the Lord. With Paul I ask, “O Death, w'akɔda where is thy sting; O grave, where is thy dinn a ɛnde da yie victory?” (1 Cor.15:55) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord 2. Da yie oo Da yie Da yie ooh! Da yie Jesus Christ”.(1 Cor. 15:57) “For faithful is He…” Okunu pa a , na wo ayɛsɛ osisi kwabrafoa w'ani (1Thess. 5:24). ku Journey Well, S.O. who it is my honour to call mɛ ho da yie my ex-boss, my privilege to call my elder Da yie oo Da yie brother, and my pleasure to call my friend. Akua Obisi a wonti nnka misi kunkon sɛ Anomaa Kɔreɛ brɛsiam a otu a ne n'an ase bogya bum - ɛnnɛ sɛ owu mframa gyampanturudu bi ɛhwin wo , hwim !! afi menkyɛn a ɛndɛ da yie . Da yie oo Da yie Mmarima mu ɔbarima katakyi a nka womo ntoa Koda , sum, puw nyansa, me nkɔmɔ di fo asa ama me tɛkyerɛma afam manum koraa nso mese da yie Da yie oo Ɔkyɛrɛnim Ɔkyerɛku baama ɔsoro a, wode nsansa kɔ kwae mu , de boa ba fie bɛ boa siesie fie hmmmm meni abrɛ o abere kɔɔ abre sɛ krodom nso merentumi 78 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

nfa hwee nhwehwɛ hwee, nya hwee mma wo hwee Ma eso anuanom mpempemmankoma nkɔyɛ hwee nti Nyinaa ara so da yie Ɔsei hweekɔɔ mese wo Atipem mu otipem akyi rɛmpemampem. Asomdwee Da yie …. ba 3. Da yie oo Da yie Da yie ooh!Da yie a na woma ntamamu twɛre mu sane da yie Agyanom mu Agyapa a w'agya yɛn Nyamesuro, Da yie oo Da yie obu, Adanse Okuru Yeboah Asɔfo mpayin mu ɔpayin ne nedi sɛ Agyapade, da yie a na wote Nyamesoro nyansa duase Da yie oo Da yie oo Papa Tutu da yie da yie Otutu Akate Brempong kurab3toso a wotoo hyire Kumm amane nnɛ de owu wudifo yi adi wo awu, osogode batani a na wode osomserebo kunkum anadwo ɔwɔ, nnɛde ahurutiaɔwɔ akum Wo re kosie a yɛre nhu wo bio nti da yie . Tuntum bi atumi wo ne se ano ama w'ada wo benkum so din nti da yie Da yie o Da yie oo Da yie Aserewa sikasuo:Anomaa aniɔdenfo , MUSUMURU NANA OSEI TUTU DA YIE …. adwumadenyefo NANA DA YIE a wode Akɔteako ne akɔneabadi ne kwaawaa OSEI TUTU DA YIE dekyerɛobi nwen wo buw maayɛm baabi dedae sɛ nnɛ owu daadafo yi adaadaa wo asesa wo dabia kɔ ne nna mu a , Ende da yie Da yie oo Da yie Ɔkwaku a na wutew ma wo mma nnɛ owu Peaw bi awɔ wokoma mu akɔ hyɛ ne sum A woremmehu han bio nti Ayapa da yie 4. Da yie oo Da yie hmmm ! Da yie Mmirikisi a kan mpanyin antumi annɔw a nti wofrɛɛ no nsamanpɔw a wotuu mudunsin No , nnɛ dɛ owu patanye yi atwee wo nyaaa rekɔ ne pɔw munti da yie Da yie oo Da yie Da yie ooh! Da yie Akofo mu ɔkofo, nnanfo mu ɔyɔnko pa Acheamfoɔ a woko yɛ kona ɔkomafo , da yie Ɔkōawia nana , yenkofo a na wode ɔbo foro Ɔbotan ko gye dom da yie Da yie oo Da yie Akokyɛm kurafo denkyɛm nyinapa : papaso a yɛn Yie de nti woyii anumdɛ akwa da yie Da yie oo Ɔbadweneba adwenkyerɛfo pa a na wode W'adwene dwene di adwene di neti da yie Woa weankwati fraw ankɔnta , wa fow owu trimuwɔsum yi antweri a wore nsi bio nti da yie . 5. Da yie oo Da yie Da yie ei Da yie Aberewamusu nana: okyesobasa duampan a na Wokyekyɛ Denkyem mmerɛbo kɛtewese 79 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

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MHB 154 My shepherd is beside me, 1. I HEARD the voice of Jesus say; And nothing can I lack: Come unto Me and rest His wisdom ever waketh, Lay down, thou weary one ,lay down His sight is never dim Thy head upon My breast! He knows the way he taketh, I came to Jesus as I was, And I will walk with Him. Weary, and worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting-place, 3. Green pastures are before me, And He has made me glad. Which yet I have not seen Bright skies will soon be o'er me, 2. I heard the voice of Jesus say: Where the dark clouds have been: Behold, I freely give My hope I cannot measure, The living water; thirsty one, My path to life is free Stoop down and drink, and live! My Saviour has my treasure, I came to Jesus, and I drank And He will walk with me. Of that life-giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, MHB 608 And now I live in Him. 1. CAPTAIN of Israel's host, and Guide Of all who seek the land above, 3. I heard the voice of Jesus say: Beneath Thy shadow we abide, I am this dark world's Light; The cloud of Thy protecting love Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, Our strength, Thy grace And all thy day be bright! Our rule, Thy word I looked to Jesus, and I found Our end, the glory of the Lord. In Him my star, my sun; And in that light of life I'll walk 2. By Thine unerring spirit led, Till traveling days are done. We shall not in the dessert stray We shall not full direction need, MHB 528 Nor miss our providential way 1. IN heavenly love abiding, As far from danger as from fear, No change my heart shall fear While love, almighty love, is near. And safe in such confiding, For nothing changes here: MHB 828 The storm may roar without me, 1.TEN thousand times ten thousand My heart may low be laid In sparkling raiment bright, But God is round about me, The armies of the ransomed saints And can I be dismayed? Throng up the steeps of light Tis finished, all is finished, 2. Wherever He may guide me, Their fight with death and sin No want shall turn me back 84 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

Fling open wide the golden gates, Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And let the victors in. And our defence is sure. 3. Before the hills in order stood, 2. What rush of hallelujahs Or earth received her frame, Fills all the earth and sky From everlasting Thou art God, What ringing of a thousand harps To endless years the same. Bespeaks the triumph nigh O day for which creation 4. A thousand ages in Thy sight, And all its' tribes were made Are like an evening gone O joy for all its' former woes Short as the watch that ends the A thousand fold repaid. night Before the rising sun. 3. O then what raptured greetings On Canaan's happy shore, 5. The busy tribes of flesh and blood, What knitting severed friendships up, With all their cares and fears, Where partings are no more Are carried downward by the flood, Then eyes with joy shall sparkle And lost in following years. That brimmed with tears of late Orphans no longer fatherless, 6. Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Nor widows desolate. Bears all its sons away They fly forgotten, as a dream 4. Brind near Thy great salvation, Dies at the opening day. Thou Lamb for sinners slain Fill up the roll of Thine elect, 7. O God, our help in ages past, Then take Thy power and reign Our hope for years to come, Appear, Desire of nations - Be Thou our guard while troubles Thine exiles long for home last, Show in the heaven Thy promised sign And our eternal home. Thou Prince and Saviour, come. Amen. Amen. MHB 878 1. O GOD, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home: 2. Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure 85 Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah

Appreciation The entire family of our beloved Rt. Rev. Samuel Nana Osei Tutu Achamfuo-Yeboah expresses our heartfelt thanks for your prayers, presence, and thoughtful gestures of love. May God reward you immensely.