Tributes_for SKB and Jane

Tarmac’s uncommonly solemn commitment ricans to assume leadership positions in their rica. And, as Chairman of the African Peer to improving the quality of life of the people respective countries. Notable participants in Review Mechanism, Professor Asante wrote, in his Akyem community, even at the risk of Professor Asante’s workshops were Samuel malicious opposition and threats to his life, as Nujoma, who later served three terms as the e African Peer Review Mechanism as Af- he tells us in his autobiography, stood out as rst President of Namibia from 1990-2005; rica’s Innovative inking on Governance: A a glaring and magni cent example of tower- Oliver Tambo, a well-known revolutionary Decade of Ghana’s Experience, with a fore- ing public-spiritedness, o en lacking among and a sterling South African patriot, who word by President J.A. Ku uor, a best-selling some elected o cials who have sworn to pro- was President of the African National Con- book that has greatly contributed towards mote the progress and development of the gress from 1967-1991; and abo Mbeki, good governance and democracy in Africa. very constituencies they represent. Tarmac who served as the second African President Looking over Professor Asante’s bene cent was so magnanimously generous that he vir- of South Africa a er Nelson Mandela from and many-sided life, a life sagaciously spent tually wallpapered the life of his community 1999-2008. By the time Namibia became an doing things that were admi edly purposeful with his consummate generosity. He made independent country in 1990, Professor As- and evidently lasting, it becomes clear that it possible for his people to have access to ante was the Director of the United Nations he did not let his humble beginnings ruth- electricity and pipe-borne water; and, to give Institute for Namibia; and when the United lessly deter him, nor did he wait, anxiously, the many needy children in the community Nations decided to dissolve the Institute lo- for authorization from someone else to move access to education, Tarmac and his gracious cated in Zambia and relocate it in Windhoek, himself forward. Instead, with single-mind- wife set up the Professor S. K. B. Asante and Namibia, as a full- edge University, he im- ed devotion and pleasantly calm determina- Mrs. Jane B. Asante Educational Trust Fund plemented that resolution with unru ed, tion, he consciously stretched the presumed that supported young people in their eager professional competence. limits of human potentiality and proved that quest for education from Secondary School A er leaving Namibia in 1991, Professor As- human possibility is inexhaustible. Profes- to University, Teacher Training, and Nursing ante joined the United Nations Agency, the sor Asante’s statesmanlike and multi-faceted Training. Some of the students sponsored Economic Commission for Africa, in Addis contributions make him an unquestionably by the Asante Fund graduated from universi- Ababa as Principal Regional Adviser; and it luminous ray of sunshine in an otherwise ties in the elds of Earth Science, Aero-space was in that remarkable capacity that he led murky sky, and I am rmly convinced that Engineering, Information Studies, Engineer- the rst Economic Commission for Africa’s history will commendably record his name! ing, Publishing and Political Science. All this mission to provide invaluable advisory ser- Professor Asante’s life constitutes a veritable sounds like the noteworthy achievements of vices to the transitional government of Nel- source of inspiration, and for being a magnif- a local government in a rural area, but it was son Mandela in Johannesburg in October, icent and stirring example when we needed the admirable result of the strenuous e orts 1992. Nelson Mandela gratefully acknowl- one, we owe him tons and tons of gratitude! of one magni cent and totally unsel sh cou- edged Professor Asante’s inestimable and A well-meaning and indefatigable friend is ple, Professor S. K.B. Asante and Mrs. Jane B. varied services to him and his country and the one who brings out the best in you. End- Asante! extended a personal invitation to him to his less and respectful gratitude to you, TAR- Professor Asante’s brain-directed and ep- inauguration as President of South Africa in MAC, for bringing out the best in me! And och-making work at the United Nations In- May, 1994. as you transition into eternity, long-to-be- stitute for Namibia signi cantly helped to Based on his earnest and unshaken con- cherished memories of you will always be se- hasten the decolonization of the remaining viction that integration was the key to the curely stored as incredibly precious gems in colonies on the continent of Africa. In his progress and prosperity of the West African the jewel box of my mind. capacity as the Assistant Director of the In- sub-region as well as the other regions of Af- May your amiable and charitable soul stitute and Head of the Department of Devel- rica, Professor Asante established the Samu- opment Studies, Professor Asante organized el Asante International Consultancy Services nd eternal rest in the tranquil and ca- ground-breaking workshops and training during his post-retirement years to provide pacious bosom of our ever Merciful and sessions that were lo ily and undeviatingly expert information to regional bodies in Af- Compassionate Lord! aimed at equipping Namibians and South Af- 67 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

PERSONAL REMEMB NCE OF of our African Studies curriculum. Further- PROFESSOR S.K.B. ASANTE more, the UF Center would also facilitate the visiting scholar working with other univer- BY R. HUNT DAVIS, JR. sities and colleges in the region to develop their African Studies curricula. In addition, PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF HISTORY AND AFRICAN STUDIES the visiting scholar would teach courses in UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA his area of specialization. It was our good for- tune to learn of Professor Asante’s availability I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. to take up this position. He accepted our in- 2 Timothy 4:7 vitation to do so. I rst met Professor S.K.B. Asante in Fall, Area Studies Curriculum Consultant Grant Sam arrived in Gainesville to start the 1983 1983. At the time I was Director of the from the U.S. Department of Education to fall semester. Since he had not had time to Center for African Studies, University bring a distinguished African scholar to the arrange for an apartment ahead of his arriv- of Florida. We had secured an African university to advise on further development al, my wife Jeanne and I invited him to stay with us and our two teenage sons Richard and Jonathan until suitable housing was available. We immediately “hit it o ”, so to speak, and quickly formed what became an enduring and lifelong friendship. He quickly plunged into his university duties, which in- cluded in addition to his teaching outreach to other universities and colleges. He found the outreach work very invigorating through presenting lectures, advising on course de- velopment, and meeting faculty members at these universities. One of the universities he returned to on several occasions was Georgia Southwestern University. On one such visit in February 1986 to present two lectures during Black History Month he was honored with a special evening reception. e reception also coincided with the celebration of Georgia Southwestern’s 80th anniversary. Also pres- ent for the occasion was Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States (1979- 1983), who lived in nearby Plains, Georgia. As a result, Sam was able to interact warmly with President Carter certainly a unique opportunity for any visiting professor! ere was also the opportunity to participate 68 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

in academic conferences focusing on Africa ual basis was also important, such as his ad- UN Institute for Namibia. Yet, there were at other universities. For example, we were vising graduate students on their dissertation continued links to Gainesville. Abena com- able to have Sam invited to a conference at topics. Special mention should also be made pleted her B.Sc. in 1989, when Jane and her Indiana University on “African Independ- of his contribution to the social and intellec- brother Kwame returned for her graduation ence: e First Twenty-Five Years,” where tual life of the Ghanaian graduate students and a visit with us. In late December 1994, he presented a paper on “International as- studying at UF and their families. we hosted Sam, Jane, Yaa, Abena and her hus- sistance and International Capitalism: Sup- One of the most di cult personal episodes band Ko Adu-Nyako, and Abena’s daughter portive or counterproductive?” His paper in Sam’s life also occurred while he was in (and Sam and Jane’s rst grandchild) Akua. later appeared as one of the fourteen chapters Gainesville. His second daughter, Abena, had at evening, as Abena wrote in our guest (and one of only two by African scholars) in a been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness book, “Akua took 10 independent steps. book with the same title edited by Gwendo- which required major surgery. A er lots of Hooray!!” and Sam added “her rst steps len M. Carter and Patrick O’Meara. Review- prayers and successful surgery, thirty- ve unaided! Bravo!” It was a joy to have such an ers of the book subsequently commented fa- years later, she is leading a full and productive important Asante family event take place in vorably on his chapter. Sam also participated life and living in Texas with her own family. our living room. Another important Asante in an interdisciplinary weekly seminar at the Abena’s surgery paradoxically led to Jeanne family occasion Jeanne and I had the pleasure Center for African Studies on food and agri- and me ge ing to know the Asante family. and privilege of participating in was Kwame’s cultural issues in Africa. His paper on “Food Her recovery would move along faster if her wedding to Sha in August 2001. Kwame as a Focus of National and Regional Policies mother Jane were able to come to stay with and his family have continued to reside in in Contemporary Africa” subsequently ap- her and her father. e US consular author- Gainesville, so over the years we have seen peared as a chapter in the 1986 book Food ities proved somewhat obdurate in granting Sam and Jane when they came to visit them. in Sub-Saharan Africa edited by UF faculty her the necessary visa. A er strong interces- Sometimes it was for dinner at our home and members Art Hansen and Della McMillan. sion from her doctors aided by one of Flor- at other times at a restaurant in town. ose e chapter was the lead-o substantive ida’s US senators, however, Jane arrived in years when they were in the US but did not chapter for the book and again was well-re- mid-November 1985, and we soon broad- come to Gainesville Sam always managed ceived by reviewers. ened our friendship with Sam and Abena to to call so that we had an enjoyable conver- include her. e paper on food policies in Africa exempli- sation and caught up on each other’s news. I remember the last time he was in Gainesville ed Sam’s participation in and contribution Abena’s surgery paradoxically led to Jeanne we ate at a local restaurant and talked about to the intellectual life to the Center for Afri- and me ge ing to know the Asante family. his working with Nelson Mandela, one of the can Studies and the wider University of Flori- Her recovery would move along faster if her greatest of the world’s 20th century leaders, da during the three years (1983-86) he spent mother Jane were able to come to stay with on the transition from apartheid to a demo- living in Gainesville. Especially during his her and her father. e US consular author- cratic South Africa. second and third years at UF he was involved ities proved somewhat obdurate in granting in teaching courses on African politics and her the necessary visa. A er strong interces- Sam Asante’s passing in November 2020 sad- African international relations. In connection sion from her doctors aided by one of Flor- dened not only his family and colleagues, but with the la er, he taught a specialized course ida’s US senators, however, Jane arrived in his many friends worldwide. Jeanne and I on focusing on Africa and the Organization mid-November 1985, and we soon broad- consider ourselves fortunate to be numbered of African Unity that prepared the students ened our friendship with Sam and Abena to among them. We miss his ready smile and to participate in Howard University’s annual include her. hearty laugh, but he lives on in our minds and Model OAU Conference. In 1984 and 1985, the opportunity to write this reminiscence the UF student delegation that he led as the e Asante family departed Gainesville in has allowed us to re ect on nearly forty years instructor represented Mozambique and November 1986 for Lusaka, Zambia where of a warm friendship. And we continue to Zimbabwe and came away with top awards. Sam took up a new appointment as Assistant know him through Abena and Kwame. His interaction with students on an individ- Director and Head of Development Studies, 69 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

Onward we go, for still we hear them singing, “Come, weary souls, for Jesus bids you come” And through the dark, its echoes sweetly ringing, the music of the gospel leads us home. 70 MHB 651BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE BY FAREWELL PIECE: SONNET BY MRS. JACKSON MRS. ALFREDTINA JACKSON AND FAMILY WRI EN SPECIALLY FOR YOU, SAM AND JANE JOE, EWU MA, NAANA AND EWU BENA e End of Man Swi as the vanishing ray of light Shadows foretell the end of man For in the Flicker of an eye For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, He vanishes, and all his preoccupation and charm are gone nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from Blooming owers and the joy of u ery the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39 Birds fade away All of man’s delight come to naught What is worthwhile in life is man’s legacy to mankind. DREMEMB NCE Lots of love om Tina. ear Jane and Sam, AUNTIE JANE AND UNCLE SAM, I always recall my long association with you from the We will miss you dearly! e visits, the stories, the jokes and the 1970s to the present. Your frequent visits to me at Presec laughter all ring in our ears. ank you for being such wonderful and Madina were refreshing and joyous times. I simply friends to us all these years. We will always cherish the memories cannot believe the reality we face now. forever. With lots of love om, For your children to mourn the two of you at the same time is indeed incomprehensible. e uncertainty of times is a secret to man- kind. What else can we say but to trust and have faith in God. He surely will make things plain in the end. Adieu dear iends, we shall meet in the eternal bliss. 71 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE this trait in his character that led Prof Asante to PROFESSOR S. K. B. ASANTE establish a scholarship Fund and an I.C.T. Centre for the education of the youth in his local com- BY PROFESSOR KOFI DARKWAH munity. e Fund enabled some y or so of the local youth to bene t from secondary and/ And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” or tertiary education. us Prof S.K.B. Asante’s Luke 23:43 life touched the lives of many other people with whom he came into contact. I rst came into contact with the late Prof. At a personal level, Prof S.K.B. Asante was a S.K.B. Asante in 1967 when I became a pillar of support for me and my family in good Senior Member and Hall Tutor at Akuafo times as in bad times. Except when he was out of Hall following my appointment as a Lec- the country I could always count on him to be by turer in History at the University of Ghana; he my side on both joyous and mournful occasions. was then the Bursar of Akuafo Hall. From that A couple of examples will illustrate this point. time Prof. Asante adopted me as his younger Sometime in October 1989, while on his way brother, mentoring and supporting me in what- back to Lusaka, from a visit to Lesotho, he saw a ever way he could. job advert in the Johannesburg Times which he promptly mailed to me. My response to that ad- One of the many admirable qualities that I ob- vert secured for me a job at the University of Bot- served in Prof. Asante was that he had a clear sense swana where I spent fourteen (14) years of my of the direction and purpose for his life, namely, academic career. And, on at least two occasions to reach the highest level of achievement that he when my wife and I were away from Ghana, Prof was capable of. To this end he worked very hard; S.K.B. Asante and his wife organized, on our be- he was focussed and he persevered in search of half, parties to celebrate landmark achievements opportunities that would propel him towards his by our children. Earlier in 1972, at the passing of desired goal. In the process of searching for the my mother in-law, Prof and his wife were phys- opportunities, he did not allow any impediment ically present with us in my village throughout or temporary a raction or advantage to distract the weekend from Friday to Sunday for the burial him. His own account of his journey through life, and thanksgiving activities. Again in 1998 when from his primary schooldays through various we lost the oldest of our children, while I was stages to his years as international civil servant at away in Botswana, Prof S.K.B. Asante was among the United Nations Organization, amply testi es a small group of family and friends that met me to this remarkable quality. One might say that he at the Airport in Accra when I arrived to organize was a’ go-ge er’ and could be likened to a saga- the burial. at was the kind of older brother that cious businessman with an eagle’s eye for oppor- I had in Prof S.K.B. Asante. Need I say more! tunities to further advance his business. Yet he was not sel sh in his quest for self advancement. ONUA PANIN, thank you for the many dif- On the contrary, Prof S. K. B. Asante had a kind ferent ways in which you supported me and generous heart; he was ever willing to help peo- my family; we will miss you dearly. Rest ple in need or help to upli others in life. It was peacefully with your maker. 72 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO THE LATE in his community to have basic education; sec- PROFESSOR S. K. B. ASANTE ond, in the construction of a Teachers’ Quarter, to entice quality teachers to accept posting to his BY PROF. R ADDO-FENING community; and third, in a scholarship Fund to encourage as many of his community’s youth to So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. aspire to higher education. ese will stand as Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord historic monuments and a lasting tribute to the 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 memory of Professor and Mrs. Asante. He was a typical village boy who Domestic Bursar. Prof. Asante was generous with his time as took his own destiny into his Initially, our acquaintanceship was based he was with his money. He was regular at funerals hands; and by dint of hard work, in his hometown and elsewhere to condole with gained prominence as an inter- on shared ethnicity and similarity of childhood bereaved families of friends and acquaintances. national scholar, diplomat and consultant of no experiences; but with time, especially a er he On several occasions he invited me to accompa- mean stature. Prof Asante was a tried and tested, became a lecturer at the Department of Political ny him. long-standing friend, that I respectfully called Science at Legon, it developed into a warm, life- ‘Apanin’ (older brother). In turn, he fondly called long and mutually rewarding friendship that our Personally, Asante showed me a great me ‘Tick’, a nickname which originated from one children, then at the University Primary School, deal of love, consideration and favour at various of the jokes I once shared with him. replicated. times. I cannot forget the help he gave me when, two years ago, I was looking for a good book pub- I rst made the acquaintance of Professor Prof. Asante was a great humanitarian, a lisher to publish my autobiography. He not only Samuel Kwasi Botwe Asante in 1962 through the character trait that obviously derived from his recommended a widely acclaimed Tema compa- late Prof. Adu Boahen. At the time, the highly own personal, childhood experiences of dep- ny, Digibooks, owned by his friend, Mr Fred Lar- rated Professor doubled as Head of the Depart- rivation and poverty. ose experiences must bi; but also o ered to take me to Tema in his car ment of History, where I was a student, and Sen- have inspired him to invest much of his time and at a time when I was incapacitated and did not ior Tutor of Akuafo Hall, where S.K.B. worked as resources rst in the provision of elementary have a driver. For all my three or four follow-up school buildings to enable as many of the youth visits, Asante took me to Tema at his cost, in time and money. Prof. Asante had a great capacity for mak- ing and keeping friends; and he had many in high and low places. In the twilight of our days he counted me among his closest friends. We spoke on the phone at least once a week. Whenever he felt bored he would call: ‘’Yaw! wo wo e’’ (Yaw are you home?), and proceed to drive to my house with Jane, usually to be regaled with jokes (toli) from my seemingly inexhaustible stock. In- variably, the toli sent him reeling with his charac- teristic loud and infectious laugh. ‘’Kwaasante’’! It was good ge ing to know you. You were a great and faithful friend. ough you are gone, never to return, you will forever be in my thoughts. Da Yie!! 73 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE BY BENEFICIARIES OF education in the most prestigious universities PROFESSOR AND MRS. S.K.B. ASANTE across the country through their Educational Trust Fund. EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND Prof. & Mrs. SKB Asante, with their good And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. reputation and hard-earned social networking Ecclesiastes 12:7 worldwide, had bene ciary students of their Educational Trust Fund in all the high-pro le The greatest legacy anyone can leave be er as bene ciaries of their extensive and universities and other tertiary institutions in behind is to positively impact the life-changing Educational Trust Fund. the country i.e. Kwame Nkrumah University of lives of others. Whenever you add Science and Technology in Kumasi, University value to other people’s lives, you Our hearts are lled with sorrow this of Ghana-Legon, University of Cape Coast and are unknowingly leaving footprints on the very moment as we are observing your nal many more tertiary institutions in the country. sands of time that live on, even a er your de- funeral rites. Prof. and Mrs. Asante were very mise- Emeasoba George. kind, caring, thoughtful, sel ess and charitable e Educational Trust Fund had an ini- couple. ey established the Prof. & Mrs. SKB tial twelve-year plan from 2003 to 2015 but was We pay tribute to Professor and Mrs. Asante Educational Trust Fund in 2003 to of- further extended for an additional four years SKB Asante for positively impacting the lives fer scholarships to brilliant but needy students from 2015 to 2019. In all, the Prof. & Mrs. of millions across the world. We think this is within our Railwayline communities which SKB Asante Educational Trust Fund spanned the most appropriate tribute to such a wonder- comprises four neighboring towns i.e. Wenchi, sixteen years i.e. from 2003 to 2019. e Fund ful couple who have changed our lives for the Soabe, Takrowase and Kusi to pursue higher has raised a lot of intellectuals in various elds of work. Over the course of the sixteen years of the Prof. & Mrs. SKB Asante Education- al Trust Fund, there has been a total of y six (56) bene ciary students across our four neighboring Railwayline community towns (i.e. Wenchi, Soabe, Takrowase and Kusi). Upon seeing a signi cant change the fund has made, prof. wrote a book entitled ‘Brightening Your Corner’ - A Twelve-year ef- fort of the Professor and Mrs. SKB Asante Ed- ucational Trust Fund, 2003-2015. In the book, they said and I quote “If an- yone should ask why we have decided to put our experience with the establishment of the Educational Trust Fund in the public domain, we would not be short of answers. We strong- ly feel that it is worth sharing this experience with friends, colleagues and the general pub- lic, particularly those in similar circumstances who may wish to emulate our example”. Prof and Mrs. SKB Asante’s legacy needs emulation. If all prominent and well-to-do people within our communities are to embark on such good and heartfelt initiatives like they did, our Rail- 74 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

wayline communities and the country at large munities have become one strong and united We pray the Almighty God continually will be be er than they are now. community where students have a common keeps you safe in His Bosom. goal towards the well- being of the Railwayline. Prof. and Mrs. Asante, you have real- We are very sad that you are no more ly impacted our lives hugely and we are very is has become a reality today as a result of with us. We have always wished that you live grateful. But for you, we wouldn’t know what all the unwavering e orts by prof in the past in long with us to see to the fullest the results and would have become of our lives. We have got- achieving such goal. products of your relentless diligence in greater ten very reputable recognitions as intellectuals You held and chaired countless number of extent. If we have the power to resurrect you and graduates within our Railwayline com- meetings with us which we do remember very now, we will not hesitate even for a second munities, the Denkyembour District and the well because we deemed every meeting as a to do so right now but life belongs to the Al- entire nation and even beyond. Some of us are glorious opportunity to learn something new mighty God who alone is the giver of life. now engineers, nurses, teachers, economists, from you. During our last meeting with you bankers, entrepreneurs and a host of others be- in your house in Accra-Legon, that is some We will forever remember you and your cause of your generosity. few days before your painful demise in Octo- wife as two great personalities who have made ber 2020, you were seriously urging us to de- signi cant contributions in our lives and the Prof, as we all a ectionately called you; vise our own ways and every feasible means to world at large. you were a father, a mentor, a counselor, a continue with your legacy to help the needy teacher, an advisor, a motivator and a life pa- in our communities. What a sel ess man you Prof, we, the bene ciaries of your most tron to us. Who will forget the days when you are! Your sole aim for calling us for that our renowned and highly acknowledged Educa- used to summon all of us at Legon few days last meeting was we helping the needy within tional Trust Fund say to you and your wife a before reopening of the universities where we our communities. Prof, we won’t let this your very big “AYEKOO” for the great impact you came in our numbers for you to distribute your long standing legacy die o . We will continue have made in our lives. signed cheques to us for us to go and pay our to let it glow and live forever. It was during this school fees? We always se led full payment our last meeting that you presented to us the Our sweet and lovely couple and men- of our various school fees long before school list of all the bene ciaries of the Educational tors, we will always remember you. Bye! Bye! reopened all because we had a very caring and Trust Fund and also gave to each one of us two Bye! To your mortal remains today but your loving ‘dad’ in prof SKB Asante. You gave us T-shirts of the foundation to all our 56 bene - legacy of sharing and having a positive impact cheques for our full payment of our fees like ciaries. Prof, li le did we know that you were on our communities will forever be part of us. how a biological father would do for his chil- bidding us farewell that very day. dren. What a kind man you are, prof! You con- One of your favorite sayings which is sistently encouraged us to dream bigger, stay We are forever appreciative for all the well known by we the bene ciaries of your Ed- focused and be very purposeful in life. Another good virtues of life you have instilled in us. ucational Trust Fund says and I quote “What- core value which you always taught us is uni- ever we kept for ourselves and marked with our ty. You persistently urged and encouraged us You were also a man with a very great names would die with us. On the other hand, to unite as a people of the Railwayline. It was sense of humour. We recollect very well when whatever we shared with the community of all with this aim that you united and gathered all during one of our usual meetings with you, you creation for the glory of God’s name, would of us in 2011 at Soabe in your residence where jovially called one of us ‘Macopollo’. live on, from generation to generation, carry- we formed and inaugurated the Railwayline ing God’s love all down the ages” - Prof. SKB Communities Students’ Association (RCSA). As funny as this sounded to us, this term Asante Prior to this objective of a aining unity for the ‘Macopollo’ has become a very popular term students of the Railwayline communities by amongst some of us. Whenever we call one We love you and know very well that prof, hardly could students from one commu- another on the phone or whenever we meet, you are resting in the bosom of our Almighty nity mingle or interact with those form other the rst word we amicably say to one another God. neighbouring Railwayline communities but is ‘Macopollo’. We will forever reminisce about today what do we see? e Railwayline com- all the lovely good times we had with you and MO NDA YIE! your dear wife whenever the term ‘Macopollo’ NYAME NFA MO NSIE!! is mentioned. REST IN PERFECT PEACE, PROF. & MRS. SKB ASANTE AMEN!!! 75 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE BY SIBLINGS OF THE LATE TRIBUTE FROM MRS. JANE A. BOTWE ASANTE MRS. ROSALIND YANNEY & THE Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, YANNEY FAMILY 1 Corinthians 15:51 Our blessed sister Jane Adwoa Agyeiwaa Asante was the third of the children of Opa- A good name is better than precious ointment, nin Kwasi Asante of Akyem Asuboa, our father, and Madam Mary Akosua Konadu and the day of death than the day of birth. of Akyem Oda, our mother. All of blessed memory. Adwoa was the senior of the only two girls among our siblings and was a perfect Ecclesiastes 7:1 helper to our mother in the kitchen and in other female domestic duties. My family and I got to know the At the age of 15 years, she gained admission to the Presbyterian Girls Secondary School, Asante’s when we were living Aburi. Jane was very nice and loving to everyone in the family when we got together during vaca- in Lusaka, Zambia from 1978 tions. Sister Jane’s loving behavior was not di erent when she entered the Advance Teacher’s Train- to 1989. During our stay, Mrs ing College at Winneba, where she continued her education from Aburi Girls Secondary School. Asante, whom fondly called Auntie Jane, be- came my big sister. Sister Adwoa never ceased showing love and a ection to us when she joined her husband in 1960. During any gathering of the Ghanaians that lived in Zambia at the time, which were DEAR SISTER WE THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE YOU HAD FOR US. mostly held at our home, she was always help- Today as we mourn you and your husband, we give to THE ALMIGHTY GOD, “OUR ful and present. Her kind words, advice and CREATOR”, all the GLORY AND THANKS for your life and our relationship with you. suggestions were always welcome to everyone Knowing that God Loves us supremely, and that everything He does is always for our she was close to. good. So as hurt as we are, overall, it is best with Our Creator, in receiving you and your husband, through Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into ETERNAL REST AND EVERLASTING JOY. at sisterly love continued when we all Sister Jane, we wish you farewell with your husband, Prof. S.K.B. Asante. moved to Ghana and United States, anytime MO NANTE YIYE she visits her children. NANA, AKUA, KWAKU, KWADWO My children and I will miss both Prof and Auntie Jane dearly. May your souls rest in perfect peace. 76 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE FROM THE NATIONAL APRM GOVERNING COUNCIL And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Revelation 14:13 The demise of Prof. SKB Asante and their very lives to travel through every to the Forum of Heads of States and Govern- is a great loss to the APRM in nook and crany in Ghana to share the APRM ment of the APRM. His dedication to the lo- particular and Ghana and the message to parliament, traditional authori- calization of the APRM and its contribution African continent in general. ties, faith-based groups, civil society, youth to the decentralization process in Ghana re- Prof. SKB was one of seven eminent states- groups and civil society and academia as well sulted in many African states visit Ghana to men who were appointed to the rst Govern- as to development partners, the West African learn of this commendable practice includ- ing Council at the inception of the African sub-region and the rest of Africa. ing Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, Sierra Peer Review Mechanism (NAPRM-GC) in Prof. was the Chair of the Editorial Board of Leone, Kenya and Uganda to name a few as March 18, 2004 by Ex-President Ku our to the APRM which published several editions well as working with Development partners oversee the implementation of the nouvelle of the APRM-WATCH, the mouth piece of including the Hanns Seidel Foundation, GIZ APRM process in Ghana. the APRM, and other publications such as and the Danish Embassy. Prof. SKB contin- Together with Prof. SK Adjepong, the then ‘Ghana’s Journey through the APRM’ and ued to participate in APRM activities even Chairman and other Council members the popular versions of the CRR. He singu- a er he le the Council, the recent being namely Prof. M. Greenstreet, Most Rev. Dr. larly published the book ‘ e APRM As Af- his participation in the ‘ e Regional Work- Bishop Bemile, Ambassador Abankwa, Mr. rica’s innovative inking on Governance: A shop on Sensitization and Experience Shar- Nutifafa Kuenyehia and Ms Gloria Ofori- Decade of Ghana’s Experience’. ing & Peer Learning on Second Generation Boadu; they boldly steered APRM to under- Review’ held on July 22-23, 2019 at Accra, take the Country self-assessment for Ghana He contributed immensely towards the in- Ghana. We could go on and on eulogizing to become the rst to be peer-reviewed in stitution of the nouvelle District Oversight the sel ess contributions of the statesman- Africa in 2006. Commi ee (DOC) concept where commit- ship of Prof. SKB Asante. tee members were nominated by the commu- Prof. participated in the preparation of the nity people themselves. He participated in the e APRM fraternity and indeed the nation Ghana Country Review Report (CRR) and inauguration of 170 DOC across the country. have lost a great Man in Prof. SKB and there its Programme of Action as well as the na- He consistently participated in the validation is no doubt that in Prof is a life well lived to tionwide dissemination of the Report to of District Governance Assessment reports serve society and humanity. citizens of Ghana. e Governing Council that informed citizens on the state of govern- together with the then Executive Secretary ance in their communities across the ten re- Prof. May your soul rest in the gentle arms Dr. Francis Appiah of blessed memory, en- gions from 2010 until the dissolution of the of your maker forever!!! sured the APRM became a household name Council on March 31, 2015. His immense in Ghana as they sacri ced their time, energy contributions include the regular a endance 77 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR S.K. B. ASANTE BY YAW TWUMASI My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 Ihave known Professor S.K.B Asante for countless Ghanaian friends, myself included, with distant relatives. He must have been a per- more than ve decades. We were fellow and he counted such Americans as Professor son highly motivated to go to school. is made undergraduates at Legon Hall in the late Hunt Davis and his wife of University of Florida, it possible for him to go to school in all the var- 1950s. I knew him as a civil servant and a Gainesville, as close friends. S.K.B was not op- ious Akim states and traditional areas – Abuak- university bursar in the 1960s, a colleague in the portunistic in his choice of friends for he never wa, Bosome and Kotoku. He was a very good Political Science Department at Legon. We lived sought to exploit opportunities such friendships student and his intelligence and high motivation once again in Ghana in the early decades of the o ered with li le or no regard to principles or for education made it possible for him to obtain twenty rst century. During this period, I have consequences. He demanded a lot from himself secondary, sixth form and undergraduate educa- thus had countless opportunities to know him to make the friendships endure. He o en o ered tion through government scholarships. But he well as a human being and a professional. S.K.B good-will, kindly interest, and regaled his friends later got his masters and doctorate degrees by his as I was accustomed to calling him, lived in many with humorous tales, funny and wi y stories. It own bootstraps. He paid for his postgraduate ed- places in the world and became familiar with a was a delight to be in his company. ucation and did both through private studies. It lot of people. I am certain such people would like is thus not surprising that he later bootstrapped to pay tribute to his memory. I would therefore S.K.B had great interest in and respect for himself to the top of his profession as a university comment on what I regard as three signi cant as- education learning and scholarship. He showed professor and an international civil servant. pects of his life- his talent for making friends, his evidence of this early in his life. It is clear from his love of education and scholarship and brie y, on autobiography that he had a hard, scrabble child- S.K.B was not only interested in self ad- his social life. hood. ere were no primary schools in Soabe vancement. He invested heavily in the education so he was educated at primary schools in neigh- of his children and gave them the best education First, S.K.B had great capacity for making boring towns, moving from town to town, leav- his ability could get them as well as money could friends, both men and women. Even more re- ing his parents at home and staying close, mostly buy. He took great joy in the academic success of markably, his friendships lasted for a long time. I have no doubt that this was the care for he had great aptitude for holding secure and intact such friendships. He befriended people from all nationalities and races. J. Ayo Dele Langley, the late Gambian scholar and public servant was his friend until the la er’s death. So also, was the Nigerian professor and head of the Economic Commission for Africa, D A. Adedeji. He had 78 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

his friends and their children. He continued to ar at the Ghana Institute of Management and are o ered annually to a speci c number of de- improve himself all the same. His rst degree was Public Administration (GIMPA) and part time serving and quali ed pupils in these four-railway in history but began to read widely in internation- professor at the Legon Center for International communities. e scholarships are paid from al relations, economics, international political A airs. He served lectures, seminars and work- secondary school to tertiary level- university, economic and regional integration. He became shops. Secondly, S.K.B helped to implement the teacher training college and nursing school-. interested in research and teaching. He taught at African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). is the University of Ghana Political Science Depart- was a monitoring mechanism for African states e TRUST also undertakes infrastructural de- ment from 1969 to 1983. A er a stint as visiting to foster he adoption of policies, standards and velopments like installing electricity, building professor at the University of Calabar, Nigeria practices that lead to human security, political bungalows for leaders and much more. e Ed- and the University of Florida, Gainesville U.S.A, stability, high economic growth, accelerated ucational Trust is very important for it makes it he started to establish himself as a scholar in Re- sub-regional and continental integration and clear that though no one in those communities gional Integration and Collective Strategies of good governance. S.K.B served his county and helped S.K.B in his education, has not forgo en African Development. He published a number of Africa when he was appointed as a member of his roots and is ready to give something back to books and articles in these academic areas in na- a high level independent 7-member Governing his community. He is also aware that there are tional and international grounds. He also sought Council by President Kufuor. e council was to hindrances to the education of the children of to educate his countrymen and women on these implement the APRM formed in March 2004. these communities and is ready to remove them themes in the Daily Graphic of Ghana. As it hap- to make them have an interest in furthering their pens, it was at this time that he met Dr Adedeji, S.K.B continued to serve his country, education: Poverty, poor school performance, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations thirdly, when he established the S.K.B Asante low infrastructural development and the a rac- Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) at International Consultancy Services. It advised tion of diamond mining. S.K.B has a strong be- conference in Canada where he o ered S.K.B a national and international organizations and lief in education and this is, above all, the main job. is was in November, 1984, working rst in groups on regionalism, international trade and reason for establishing the educational trust. Ed- the United Nations Consultancy Service. He got African Development. S.K.B has worked with ucation, he tells us in his book Brightening Your a steady UN job when he was appointed as Head colleagues who have considerable experience in Corner, is the key to prosperity in the new 21st of the Department of Developmental Studies at their elds. e consultancy has worked on Re- Century and to meeting the challenge posed by this. the UN Institute for Namibia in Lusaka, Zambia. vitalization of African Union Parliaments, Ghana He worked here until he became in 1991 Depu- and EU-sponsored invitations to study the Im- “Education had never been this important ty Director and Acting Director of the Institute. pact of the West African Economic and Mone- to the future of Ghana and the rest of the devel- A er 1991, he se led down relatively perma- tary Union in Ghana and the World Bank-funded oping world as a whole. All sectors of our nation- nently in Addis Ababa. He worked here as Senior Economic Commission of West African States al life revolved around it.” Regional Advisor to African Governments and (ECOWAS). nally, as Principal Regional Advisor and Coor- rough this TRUST, S.K.B has made a dinator of the United Nations Multidisciplinary Nothing demonstrates the depth of S.K.B’s signi cant contribution to the development in Regional Advisory Group at the Cabinet O ce. belief and commitments to education than his his community, the town of his birth, to Akim decisions and that of his wife to establish the Abuakwa and Ghana. rough his articles, seminars, workshops and PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE and MRS. JANE conferences he organized, he contributed im- B. ASANTE EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND Finally, S.K.B led a very active social life mensely to African development. S.K.B retired in May 2003. e objective of the TRUST is even though his hard work in his life never made from the United Nations service in 1997 and re- to award scholarships to primary school pupils anyone think he had time for relaxing. He was a turned to Ghana. whose parents are citizens of the railway towns generous man, organizing parties for those who of Soabe, Akyem, Wenchi, Takorowase and Kusi. had shown him kindness. He never forgot them In Ghana, he continued to serve his coun- and was very appreciative of those who had been try and Africa as he continued to work and write is is the Akyem Wenchi Education circuit. good to him. His wife, Jane, was special to him. in the elds of African and sustainable develop- e eligible pupils must reside in these towns She was his favored companion and they died six ment, globalization an regionalism. He did all and furthermore must excel in the Basic Certif- months of each other. S.K.B worked very hard in these in three main ways; rst as a resident schol- icate Examination and gain admission to Senior life; may he now rest in the peace of the Lord. His Secondary School in Ghana. Full scholarships numerous friends and I will certainly miss him. 79 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE BY THE FAMILY OF THE LATE MRS. JANE ADWOA BOTWE ASANTE “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; Luke 2:29 She had her elementary education at which include Nigeria, Zambia, Ethiopia, Asuboa Presbyterian Primary and Middle and the United States of America. She nally School up to Middle form 2, and then entered returned home with her husband in 1997. the Presbyterian Girls Secondary School in Aburi. By the joint e orts of her grandmoth- e Good Lord has blessed their 60 er, mother, senior brother, and uncle, she suc- years of peaceful marriage with four chil- cessfully completed the secondary education dren (Kwabena, Yaa, Abena and Kwame) and from Aburi. She continued at the Winneba eleven grandchildren. Jane ba led in the last Advance Teachers Training College and be- 3 years of her life in ill health and sadly died came a Professional teacher. on 17th April, 2021 the 37 Military Hospital, Accra to join her deceased husband who had Jane Asante got married to Mr. Samuel died earlier on 26th November 2020. Kwasi Botwe Asante on December 16,1961. Jane was a teacher at Anumle Middle School, Jane Adwoa Agyeiwaa Asante and Sam- Achimota and later at the University Prima- uel Kwasi Botwe Asante as you join hands to- ry School, Legon, where her husband was a day in your journey back to our Creator with Lecturer at the University of Ghana, and the 1 essalonians 5:18. e Scripture says “Be family lived in Legon. thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Jane accompanied her husband as he held various appointments in other countries MO NANTE YIE!!! The Bible in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3:1-8 tells us that “Everything Has Its Time”: Vs 1.” To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under Heaven.” Vs 2, “A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted. Jane Adwoa Agyeiwaa Asante was born on August 28, 1939 to Opanin Jonathan Emmanuel Kwasi Asante of Asenie family in Akyem Asuboa-South and Madam Mary Akosua Konadu of Toa Family in Akyem Oda, all in Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area. Jane was the third of the siblings of ve sons and two daughters, and a senior to the other sister. Her father died when she was 16 years old. 80 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO AKWASI & AJOWA DR. F NCIS & MRS. COMFORT OSEI-TUTU TORONTO, CANADA Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints Psalm 116:15 Wonderful memories of our dearest friends, Ajowa and Akwasi will stay in our hearts forever. Al- though we are in Canada and unable to a end the nal goodbye ceremony we are participating in spirit.. We connected with Ajowa and Akwasi in the late 1950s. Ajowa was a ending Aburi Girls secondary school, Akwasi was then on the sta of the University of Ghana, Legon. We bonded as friends and became family to each other, sharing a lot of precious and fun time together. Over the past sixty years their home became our home where we o en returned to on our visits to Ghana. Interestingly, prior to their marriage both of them carried the name “ Asante” in- dependently as their surnames. eir wedding was a well celebrat- ed joyful occasion. As a couple, Ajowa and Akwasi complimented each other philosophically and intellectually on their outlook on life as well as being very supportive of each other in their career. ey both had a passion for education and spared no e ort to encourage and support education for children and the youth as evidenced by their philanthropic allocation. Both of them were highly intelligent, thoughtful, caring, kind and generous and fun with a wicked sense of humour. Spending time with them was not only enjoyable but in- vigorating. In 2019 we were fortunate enough to visit with them and indulge in some of our pastime activities such as dancing to highlife music, laughing at SKB jokes, reminiscing the youthful days. As parents, they were exemplary. ey were dedicated to their four delightful and talented children. ey adored their grandchil- dren. It was a pleasure to observe their detailed a ention and guid- ance to their children - they were their pride and joy! eir best leg- acy to the world! ey loved them dearly! It was a pleasure to have met on ourearthly journey S.K.B Asante and Jane Botwe Asante. Rest in Peace! 81 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

82 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

PROFESSOR career at the University of Ghana and he was that I came to understand the context that S. K. B. ASANTE generous in sharing his experience with me had given him the grit and determination so - A LIFE WELL & as I worked to build my pro le as a scholar critical to his amazing career and life. Read- FULLY LIVED! and researcher. ing about the absences and limitations he DR. NANA WILSON TAGOE Prof was on sabbatical in Calabar for only faced as a young boy desperate for educa- two years. His sights were always set on his tion, I understood why Prof chose to trek 12 It feels very strange indeed to be writing booming career at the University of Ghana, kilometers a day to a end primary school in about my dear brother and friend, Pro- and on his return, it soared beyond measure. a nearby town. Editing his memoir was both fessor S.K.B. Asante in the past tense. He became professor and head of the polit- an intellectual and teachable moment for me. He was a larger-than-life gure who ical science department and worked to ex- He and I debated words and wrestled with seemed destined to always be around. His op- pand the department’s curriculum and post- meanings. He was a political scientist who timism about life was boundless, and when- graduate o erings. I followed his progress wanted words to state the stark reality as it ever he was around, you felt that all problems with great interest and was saddened to learn exists, and I, a literary person wished to push however challenging could be tackled and that political pressure had made him resign their boundaries to make them say more resolved. As an undergraduate student at his post and ee the country. But I need not than the reality. e compromises we made Legon in the mid-1960s, I had only known have worried. His sojourn abroad turned out worked to make the memoir a most reada- Prof from a distance as the dynamic bursar of to be the rst of many transitions that would ble and fascinating piece of work. I ended up Akuafo Hall who had made the hall’s Fellows’ propel him into the US academia and later totally inspired by Prof ’s extraordinary life Garden pro table for the rst time in history. into a career at the UN’s Economic Commis- and sel ess philanthropy. I was humbled by It was when we both found ourselves teach- sion for Africa. Prof shares his amazing work what he and his wife, Jane had accomplished ing at the University of Calabar in Nigeria and accomplishments at the UN’s Institute through the Professor and Mrs. SKB Asante that he and his family became a beautiful part for Namibia and the ECA in his very readable Educational Fund. ey could have chosen of my life. e Ghanaian community at the and fascinating memoir, No Road Signs, No to live ostentatious lives, investing in fancy University of Calabar was one big family, and Manuals. My Journey rough Life. His ac- cars and other luxuries. But the memory of Prof and his wife, Jane were a central and live- count is indeed a piece of “behind the scenes his own struggles for education must have ly part of it. eir house had a buzz that drew history” which may never nd itself in o cial been a constant reminder that pushed Prof people because of its warmth, good food, history books yet represents the personal ef- to give other youngsters what he had nearly hospitality, and liveliness. I was part of their forts and individual sacri ces that other Afri- missed as a young boy. is is the measure circle of friends, and our two families shared can players made to secure political and eco- of the man we have lost! His passing has le a friendship and partnership that worked for nomic transformation in Namibia and South those of us who knew and valued him total- our mutual bene t. We breezed in and out Africa. e experience no doubt drove Prof ’s ly bere and anguished. But I want to call on of each other’s houses and even of each oth- passion for the science and politics of African all his loved ones to let us look beyond our er’s languages. I learnt to speak Twi, and they regional integration, a passion he pursued till pain and take comfort in all the beautiful leg- built on the li le Fante they had picked up his very last breadth through his work at the acies he has le behind: his lovely children working in Cape Coast in the early 1960s. We Centre for Regional Integration in Ghana. and grandchildren, the Centre for Regional were more than friends supporting each oth- As a close family friend, I kept in touch with Integration, his brainchild and passion, the er; we were a family. ough Prof and I were Prof at every stage of these life-changing ca- Professor and Mrs SKB Asante Educational based in di erent departments of the Univer- reer moves. I shared his excitement and wit- Foundation, and of course, the great exam- sity I picked up so much knowledge about nessed his courage and faith as he was tested ple of his own inspirational life. ere is no research and teaching from my association by his daughter’s life-threatening illness. But doubt his spirit will live in each of these lega- with him. He already had a thriving academic it was not until I helped to edit his memoir cies and keep him perpetually close to us. We will miss him sorely. But we will never forget him. 83 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR S.K.B company, he supported us by publishing all his AND MRS. JANE ASANTE subsequent books with Digibooks. e rst book he published with us was “Brighten the corner MR. FRED & MRS. AMA LABI AND FAMILY where you are”. is was a book that showed what philanthropists Prof S.K.B and wife Jane were. “The righteous perish and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away and no one understands Keenly aware of the poor quality of education that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk upright enter into peace; and desperately concerned to see improvements they find rest as they lie in death.” in the standard of education in their “corner” of Isaiah 57:1-2. the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Professor and Mrs SKB Asante set up an Educational Trust It is with a heavy heart that I pay this trib- children ew from US and Ghana to support us Fund in the Akyem Wenchi, Soabe, Takorowase ute on behalf of the Labi family and on my in the funeral arrangements in London. We were and Kusi which o ered full scholarships to qual- own behalf, to the sterling character, noble ever so grateful for the support. at was when i ed or deserving junior high school pupils from life and treasured memories of our beloved we got to know Prof. and Mrs. Asante. the Akyem Wenchi Education Circuit to enable Professor SKB Asante and wife Mrs. Jane Asante. them to further their education up to the tertiary When in 2006 my wife and I emigrated level -university, teacher training or nursing col- e Labi family and the Asante families life in- from England to Ghana, Prof. and Mrs. were lege. e objective stated in this book made me ter-twined when the late Mr. Erasmus Larbi mar- very supportive in helping us se le comfortably endear them so much. ried Maud Asante who happens to be the young- here. Prof had previously been publishing with er sister of Mrs. Jane Asante. When Erasmus renowned UK publishers like Penguin but just as Prof published 7 other books including passed away in London, Prof. Asante, wife and we set up Digibooks Ghana Ltd, our publishing his autobiography with Digibooks which we launched to help with the publicity and sales. When Prof set up the consultancy, Centre for Regional Integration, (CRIA) at GIMPA, we published many of his monographs. Prof was a proli c writer and always en- joyed publishing his books with Digibooks. e company has lost a great customer. Prof SKB Asante and Mrs Jane Asante, we will always remember you as rare individuals who lived your lives to bene t, enrich and ele- vate the lives of other human beings. Your good deeds will not be interred with your bones but will continue to be made manifest in the lives of the many who were lucky to be enriched by their encounter with you. Your departure is a great loss to us all but as Christians we take consolation in the fact that we shall meet again in the everlasting kingdom of God one day. Prof and Aunty Jane as we called you, “Damirifa due, damirifa Due”. Rest in perfect peace. 84 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

“GAINESVILLE ON THEIR MINDS AND LIPS”: PROFESSOR SAMUEL KINGSLEY & AUNTIE JANE BOTWE ASANTE (A AKWAGYAN NANA) KOFI AKWABI-AMEYAW. PH. D. PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF ANTHROPOLOGY, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY. USA Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm73:25-26 Professor S.K.B. Asante, Ph.D., had a recounted to many friends during the last 30+ geness crabs and goat meat with “inside-belly distinguished professional career and years before his death, namely, the trajectory of things”, ginger, pepper, onion, egg-plant and okro well-rounded life. His 88 year jour- his life’s journey through a place called Gaines- special light soup, which relish concoction Prof. ney through life began in 1932 at Old ville. e city of Gainesville, as at 2021, the 14th S.K.B aptly named Akwagyan Nana. Gaining a Soabe, in the Oseawuo Division of the Akyem largest city in the American southern State of near trademark identity, our enjoyment of this Abuakwa Kingdom, and came to an end in 2020 Florida, is currently marketed to be “one of the noteworthy light soup and its base companion, at East Legon, Accra. Indeed, as he eloquently best places to live in the US.” e city’s major at- “fufuo aa epo si mu” became a treasured feature points out in his outstanding autobiography, this traction is the state’s premier academy, the 160 that characterized our memorable interactions journey was undertaken without any road signs years old public-funded University of Florida in Gainesville therea er, bonding, not only our and manuals. Nevertheless, “Akwagyan Nana,” (UF) and its top-notch Shands Hospital Medical two families, but the entire Ghana community of Nana (for short) – which appellation my wife, School. It was to the UF’s acclaimed Center for UF teaching sta , students and respective fami- Amma, and I bestowed on him immediately we African Studies that Nana arrived in November ly members that, at the time, embraced, among met in Florida in November 1983 – lived a re- 1983 for a tenure of service as Professor and Af- others, Prof. Rowland and Florence Atiase, markable life. He achieved a meritorious record rican-Area Consultant. I, at that time, a doctoral James and Elizabeth Ansoanuur, Kwabena and in academic teaching, research, scholarship and student at the university and graduate research/ Lily Okrah, Henry and Maude Meier, Ko Adu- consultancy work as well as positively impacting teaching assistant at the Center, happened to be a Nyarko, Kwabena Asomaning Anaman, Owusu his local community, the general public, national, principal resource relied upon by the Center Di- Yaw and J.P. Owusu-Ansah. regional and international development service. rector, Professor Hunt Davis, to help situate Prof. Nana traveled extensively and worked in a vari- SKB “culturally” and facilitate his assimilation Beyond this happy fraternal experience, Gaines- ety of areas and on diverse substantive issues in into the about 80,000 mostly white central Flor- ville, forever, remained a somewhat unique x- history, economics, politics and social admin- ida /southern US city of Gainesville, more than ture in the mind and lips of Nana. is was for istration across Ghana, Africa, Europe and the half of whom were a liated with the university. a more emotionally traumatic and ultimately United States of America. anks to the instant almost daily rendezvous, I wish, in this testimonial tribute, to highlight the facilitated by my wife at our UF graduate family singular but rather extraordinary experience of housing home, over the ever-popular Ghanaian/ Nana which he cherished most and constantly Akyem-Asante “local-dish” of fufuo along with a galore and variety of Florida smoked sh, dun- 85 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

spiritual reason. Nana rst arrived in Gainesville the Almighty God for His manifold mercies and intellectually mapped out and institutionalized in 1983 minus his loving wife, Auntie Jane, who goodness towards Abena and her beautiful fam- the strategic outlines of his life journey’s pur- was only able to join him from Ghana two years ily. Today, as we all celebrate Nana and Auntie poseful mission of return to Africa culminating later. e couple, having rst met as far back as Jane’s epical journey, we can share their happy in his extended tenure as an international public 1958 and go en married in 1961, had always re ections about Gainesville in that seven out servant, rst, with the United Nations Institute been together but was now physically separated. of their beautiful bunch of eleven grandchildren for Namibia based in Lusaka, Zambia, in Novem- Nana in Gainesville alone without Auntie Jane have a direct connection to the Florida city that ber 1986 and, subsequently, with the Economic was not a pleasant life for any of them. But then was always on their minds and lips. Commission of Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Abena, their second daughter, arrived in Gaines- It is noteworthy to observe here also that during before nally retiring to rese le and continue ville in January 1985 to join Nana. She had ob- Nana’s tenure in Gainesville, in 1985, UF took a working in Ghana on national, local community tained admission to UF which was very happy major step and joined the Association of Ameri- and family-personal projects including the pro- news only to be immediately interrupted by an can Universities, a consortium of leading public foundly bene cial Professor and Mrs. S.K.B. As- unexpected heartbreak. Abena had to undergo and private higher education institutions in the ante Educational Trust Fund. a major life-threatening surgery at UF’s Shands United States “commi ed to using research to Center; and this happened without the support- change the world.” is was a signi cant enabler For you both, Akwagyan Nana Professor Samuel ing presence of her mother Jane and three sib- that impacted Nana’s professorial outreach using Kingsley Botwe Asante and Mrs. Jane Botwe As- lings, namely, Kwabena, Yaa and Kwame. Abe- lecture tours and educative presentations to mar- ante, there is no doubt in any minds that Gaines- na’s diagnosis with cancer became Nana’s biblical ket Africa to institutions and local communities ville inspired you greatly. Both of you are gone Job’s moment in life. It tested to the limit his abil- in the US southern states of Florida and Geor- today, never to make your occasional returns to ity to move along his life’s journey so far by pull- gia in quite signi cant ways. From the UF cam- your favored Gainesville city to visit with your ing his booth straps alone by himself. However, pus in Gainesville Nana educated vast numbers son Kwame and his Asante family, long time Abena’s singular courage to face the unknown of American students and communities thereby buddies – the Ansoanuurs – nor with your clos- and her success in undertaking her life-altering projecting a positive image about the African est American family friends, Professor and Mrs. surgical operation in Gainesville, strengthened continent and its peoples and cultures of which Hunt Davis. All of us who knew you in Gaines- Nana as a father and a remarkable individual most in the US knew very li le. ville take pride in the fact that through your son in such incredible ways that otherwise would Kwame, currently a practicing physical therapist not have ever been possible. It is insightful and Additionally, in his later conversations with and resident since 1987, the Florida city with tremendously striking to observe that it was in me, Nana always talked fondly about the rath- which we share collective and lasting a nity, Gainesville, of all places, where Nana in his own er unique Gainesville “opportunity.” By this he now boasts of a second and third generation of words, captured in his published autobiography, meant the congenial Akwagyan Nana social en- citizens who bear the Asante family name. Nana transformed from Methodist church-born and vironment created by the Ghana community and Auntie Jane, that’s your be ing legacy testi- baptized kid to Presbyterian con rmed youth for his acculturation to America, the extensive fying to Gainesville’s enduring memories in your but with li le enthusiasm for Christian worship library resources and the vibrant intellectual minds and lips. Your deepest sentiments in this in his life to became “a ‘born again’ Christian in circumstances o ered by UF. According to him, regard are shared by the Akwabi-Ameyaw family, the belief that life without Christ is empty.” Abe- these crucial factors worked together to challenge especially Kwadwo, whose postpartum naming na’s successful surgery and quick recovery were a his thinking and vision about the US and Africa ritual you customarily o ciated in Gainesville miracle. ey showed the direction ordained by relations, in particular, and the prospects of the in November 1984 and who turned out, in your the good Lord in His plan for Nana’s life journey. emergent globalism movement, in general, that words, to become the “pugnacious” friend. Abena beat the odds against obvious physical sought to make the world a be er place for hu- disability, graduated from UF and crowned her mankind. Indeed, Gainesville is the place where Akwagyan Nana and Auntie Jane, Fare ee own Gainesville story by marrying fellow UF Nana, as Professor and Consultant, formulated Well. Daakena! Damirifa! Mo Nda Yie!. alumni, Dr. Ko Adu- Nyarko with whom she what he and I always pleasantly laughed about as has two girls and a boy. anks and glory be to “the critical ideas.” It was in Gainesville where he 86 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

THE ASANTE FAMILY OF GEORGIA lives. Perhaps the most important moment was when Uncle Sammy and Auntie Jane (BENEDICTA AND CHILDREN - JOHN, AFUA, AND KOFI D.) supported our family during the untimely death in January 1991, of our patriarch, John Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your Ko Badu Asante, Sr. (brother of Prof SKB rod and your staff, they comfort me. Asante) We truly can’t thank them enough Psalm 23:4 for their comfort. We also remember all the quality time we spent with Uncle and Auntie during their long visits to the U.S. We would make long, yet worthwhile trips to visit them at their childrens’ homes up and down the East Coast. Uncle Sammy and Auntie Jane would take great interest in our schooling, careers, and our day-to-day lives. Not a day goes by where we don’t think about Uncle and Aunt- ie’s amazing stories and lively laughs. And when we got the chance to visit them in Ghana, they greeted us with open arms. Un- cle Sammy served as the living link to John, Sr., so when Uncle and Auntie took John Jnr. and Afua on trips to visit the family’s village in Soabe, the experiences were quite emo- tional and heartfelt. Being introduced to distant family members we had only heard about was quite a surreal experience we won’t forget any time soon. In our family, we fondly remember Prof. -- they really felt more like our grandpar- Uncle Sammy and Auntie Jane touched the S.K.B. & Jane Asante for their com- ents. As we lost our husband and father far lives of so many people in Ghana, in Africa, mitment to helping others. ey were too soon, they stepped up and provided that and across the globe. And we promise to cel- more than just our uncle and auntie grandparent-like wisdom throughout our ebrate their passion for education, their faith, travel, and life, which have been such an in- spiration to us all. May Uncle and Auntie rest in peace, and may God rest their souls. 87 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE BY THE NIMO AHINKO H FAMILY eir doors were always opened to us. e closer we were with them the more we enjoyed …You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word their humors, optimisms and the positive out- of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. look on life. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever Wofa used to call Nimo Osofo and ques- 1 Peter 1:23-25 tioned why he did not go into the Ministry for the fact that he saw the image of Christ too much in him and asked if he took to any o ence from anybody. He was not surprised when Nimo was called much closer into the Ministry as the First Lay Chairman of the Northern Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana to assist the Dioc- esan Bishop, in giving leadership to the Church. He confessed to me that he was happy to have witnessed my investiture into that position be- fore his death. Wofa encouraged us to continue to enjoy our lives particularly our marriage and our work and encouraged that our children should be in Ghana with us always. It was through his particu- lar interest, perseverance and commitment to the work of the United Nations and ECOWAS that encouraged me to seek to work for the ECOWAS and the United Nations on Standards, Quality and Metrology immediately a er my retirement as the Executive Director of the Ghana Stand- ards Board (Now Ghana Standards Authority) Wofa and Aunty Jane believed in charity and were philanthropists. ey will live in our hearts through memories forever. Nimo and Bea fondly called the late great support to our families in Accra, Oda and On the last week pending his demise when Professor S. K. B. Asante WOFA Akim Kotokuom. ey were our family heads in we visited them in their house at East Legon, (UNCLE). Wofa and Aunty Jane Accra and always stood closely and rmly behind Accra, to bid them farewell to Germany on UN also called Nimo, Osofo, whilst us in times of joy and sorrows and during child assignment, Wofa preached to us on Philippians Bea they named Great Ohemaaa and every mem- birth, baptism, engagements, marriage, wedding, 4: 8 -9. He said in the words of Paul in his le er ber of the family, Manchester. sickness and bereavements. to the Philippians. In conclusion, “my nephews”, ll your minds with those things that are good Wofa and Aunty Jane were dear Uncle or e special bond of relationship was rmly and that deserve praise: things that are true, no- Aunty, Big Brother or Big Sister and Father or strengthened when Wofa realized that Nimo and ble, right, pure, lovely and honourable. Put into Mother and had a special love for us, our chil- Bea took delight in serving them be er as all- practice what you learnt and received from me, dren, extended family members and any body round organizers of events concerning them and both from my words and from my actions. And who was associated with us. their family. God who gives us peace will be with you Wofa and Aunty Jane had been pillars of Wofa and Aunty Jane May Your Souls Rest in Perfect Peace. 88 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO SISTER JANE ASANTE Memorial Foundation for Good Quality Ma- BY MRS. FELICIA DARKWAH ternal Services. You joined me in all the trips that were made to the places and individu- en I heard a voice om heaven saying write “Blessed are the dead who die in the als to seek funding. You and your husband Lord says the spirit. ey will rest om their labour and their deeds will follow them.” organized parties for Akosua and Afua our daughters at their graduation and for Afua Rev. 14:13 and Nii a er their wedding while we were out of this country. A truly dependable Christian That this has come a second time three of them under the age of 11 and a er sister you were. in a ma er of two weeks means 2 years, you suggested that the girls should that Sister Jane really stood for be encouraged and supported to take the It was your faith in God that prepared what she was as a glorious saint. common entrance exam a year ahead. is is you to stand rm even in the face of a life Sister Jane, my family heard about your de- because you discovered while teaching them threatening medical condition of one of your mise with sorrow even at this point in time that they had what it took to make it and they daughters. It was also that same faith that en- when the funeral of your dear late husband did. All of them went to Wesley Girls’ High abled you to perform so credibly as a Church has not come to completion. We have known School one year before their year mates and Steward, the rst female Church Steward of your nuclear family for a long time. Dating they made it. We will forever be grateful to this unique Church. When you were not in from the 1970s you and your husband, Prof. you for that brilliant gesture of assistance and the best of health, when you began dancing S. K. B. Asante a ended funerals with us to observation. the unique dancing in church, as a health our hometown Asuom and we reciprocated professional I wondered whether it was the to Akim Oda and Soabe. When we found Back in Ghana, the relationship contin- joy in your heart or a sign of the beginning of ourselves together in Calabar, Nigeria, you ued. When we lost our daughter Nana Yaa in the end and wasn’t I very devastated when I o ered to give extra classes to our children, 1998, you were very much there for me. You learnt that you were truly under the weather became the rst president of the Nana Yaa and as if that was not bad enough, to add in- sult to injury, your dear husband passed away without your being able to participate in the activities to give him a be ing farewell. Sis- ter Jane it is as a true child of God it is be er to be with your maker because according to Paul, in all things God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). You were a true glorious church, a dedicated wife, a very good mother and grandmother, a su- per daughter, a niece for your mother and her sister, a wonderful sister to your siblings. You have indeed fought a good ght, you have kept the faith and you have nished the race, now rest peacefully in the bosom of your maker until we meet in paradise. Sleep well sister Amen. 89 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

Since all that I meet Shall work for my good, The bitter is sweet, The medicine is food; Though painful at present, ‘Twill cease before long, And then, oh how pleasant, The conqueror’s song! MHB 511 90 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

Rest comes at length: though life be long and dreary, the day must dawn, and darksome night be past; faith’s journeys end in welcome to the weary, and heaven, the heart’s true home, will come at last. MHB 651 91 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO MRS. JANE ASANTE So, she led me herself to the headteacher...dad FROM CLASS OF 1978, was called etc etc. Still, I survived. I am saddened to hear this news. Mrs. Asante was indeed a great THE UNIVERSITY PRIMARY SCHOOL teacher in UPS I’ll always remember. “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. Mrs Asante repeated my sister in her class. We For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: were sad but it was a blessing. My sister improved so much that she gained scholarship for her 5 whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. years Secondary Education. May Mrs. Asantes’s For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” beautiful soul nd rest in the Lord. Romans 14:7-9 Mrs. Asante, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Such a great teacher. Mrs. Asante taught Class 6x during Here are some memories: Auntie Jane instilled in us discipline, good char- our time. Many of us were priv- acter and great knowledge. ileged to have received not only I remember Mrs. Asante, one of my all-time fa- academic instructions from her; vourite teachers. She taught us in Class 6. I’ve got Auntie Jane, rest in peace in the bosom of the Al- we also received life lessons. great memories of being in her class. ank you mighty God. for being a great and caring teacher. For many of us, she was one of our favourite Mrs. Asante was beautiful inward and outwards, teachers. She always had a sweet smile and a I can never forget her. She is one of the teachers I and at the same time a no-nonsense teacher. May motherly way of communicating with us. As a remember most in primary school. your gentle soul rest in peace. teacher, she ensured that we learned to the best Yaa wo ojogbaan (sleep well), Auntie Jane. of our ability. No educator in Ghana is without She made me learn the Beatitudes-- I learnt it a cane or ruler o en used to correct. Her lashes paa because she was going to lash all those who Aunty Jane (Mrs. Asante), rest peacefully in the were just the right intensity to remind us to be could not memorize the verses and called me Lord. good students. Some of us recall how fervently ‘boy cacu’ (calculations) as in her view I was very we learned the beatitudes in order to avoid pun- fast with mental calculations. Aunty Jane, Nantew yie. ishment. I really liked her. As we recall these and more experiences from She was a jovial and expressive person. She had over 44 years ago, we are grateful indeed for her a rming nicknames for some of us. Some of us My class 6 teacher, full of life! Mrs. Jane Asante life, concern and care for her students, and her learned to gauge her mood for the day by observ- was also very bubbly, fashionable and strict; how- dedication to her profession and future genera- ing the colors she wore to school. We loved it ever, she treated everyone equally. I remember tions. when she wore her yellow ared dress! she wore a green beautiful dress ( ared) when she was in a bad mood (just be on your best be- Mrs. Asante, rest in perfect peace. She also served as a Girl Guides teacher for us. In havior) and wore the same kind in a bright yel- that way, we learned more of the life lessons that low whenever she was in a good mood. this community o ered. On one occasion, Mrs Asante told me to report She treated us all fairly and was not in uenced myself to Mr. Budu-Saidu. I went and came back by the fact that some of us were friends with her saying he wasn’t there...but he was, and she knew. daughter Abena. 92 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE FROM PROF. PHILIP K. QUARCOO Imet Prof. S.K.B. Asante for the rst time to the admiration of all. of both Prof and our dear Auntie Jane, including early in the 1990s in Dakar, Senegal while While we were all back in Accra on retire- the special luncheon dinner they gave us in late he was the United Nations Principal Re- 2018 at their residence in East Legon. A er this gional Advisor of the Economic Commis- ment from 2010 onwards, Prof continued to be last social event, our travels to the US and the on- sion for Africa (ECA). Prof was then on mission my mentor and advisor. On several occasions, set of Covid did not permit us to meet anymore. to the United Nations African Institute for Eco- on his invitation, I a ended some of his func- nomic Development and Planning (UN-IDEP), tions at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences It was therefore with u er shock, grief, and where I was the Deputy Director & Chief of whenever I was in Accra. is included the 2015 sadness, when we learned of the untimely demise Training Division. During the period, Prof en- IDEP Series on the Makers and Shakers of Af- of our beloved and eminent Prof in November riched the Institute’s training program in the area rican Development – Achieving Integration in 2019, to be followed by the equally shocking of Regional Economic Cooperation and Inte- West Africa; Prof ’s own fascinating Autobiogra- passing into glory of Auntie Jane recently in April gration in Africa with his proli c writings, advi- phy – No Road Signs, No Manuals: My Journey 2021. sory services and a series of lectures, seminars through Life; and, among others, some Board of and training workshops at the Institute for par- Trustees Meetings in GIMPA of the Center for May the souls of our dearly beloved Prof & ticipants who were senior Government o cials Regional Integration in Africa (CRIA), which he Auntie Jane repose in eternal peace in the from all parts of Africa. founded. We continue to cherish fond memories bosom of our Lord. With his a able, pleasant, and genial de- meanor, it was not di cult ge ing a racted to Prof who turned out to become my mentor and role model, for which I’m most privileged and honored. Whenever he was on mission to the Institute, my residence was his home over the weekends as we shared valuable time together. My family considered Prof very special, especial- ly my li le daughter at the time, who was all over him, o en sat on his lap, and engaged him in un- limited conversation to the delight of us all. Dur- ing the period, as well, any time I was on mission to the ECA in Addis Ababa, both Prof and his be- loved Auntie Jane always took the trouble to wel- come me home and gave me very warm recep- tion. ese memories I will forever cherish and can never forget. And we were much honored to have Prof and Auntie Jane grace our wedding ceremony at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, here in Accra, followed by the reception at the National eatre. Prof was our Guest Speaker, and he de- livered his gracious and glowing keynote address 93 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR S.K.B AND played an important role in my preparation MRS. JANE ASANTE towards the Common Entrance Examination and continued to guide me throughout every BY KOJO KWAKYE AND FAMILY stage of my life. Akua and I were blessed to have two sets of parents. Later on in life, it Never in my wildest dreams did and “me nua baa” was what he called them. was Auntie Jane who introduced me to my I ever imagine that a day would In fact, Prof had a name for everyone. My wonderful wife Akosua. So there’s no doubt come when I would write a brother Kwame was “Obroni” and my daugh- in my mind that they have had a positive im- tribute to both Prof and Auntie ter MaAfua was “my classmate”. pact on every facet of my life. Jane on the same sheet of paper. As di cult as it is to bid them farewell in this manner, Many years ago Prof. would occasion- Akosua, her family and our children we can all be comforted by the fact that they ally wear a ring with a large stone on it. My thank you. e Kwakye family will forev- were inseparable in life and have now gone parents said it was a diamond and from then er owe you a debt of gratitude, not only for home to heaven together. onwards started to refer to him as “Your the many years of friendship and memora- Rich Uncle”. In 1976 when our parents had ble moments spent together including your Indeed, they had so much in common, to move to Benin, my sister Akua and I went frequent visits to Auntie Aggie once she de- their last names were both Asante to live with Prof and his family on campus at veloped dementia but also for welcoming us their love for the Lord number 17 Lower Hill in order to continue into your home as your children. the importance they placed on family and our schooling. I went to University Primary friends school with Abena and Kwame while Akua We take inspiration from the words of went to Aburi Girls Secondary School and the poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow eir unbelievable sense of humour spent part of her holidays at Legon. Kwabena “Lives of great men all remind us and the fact that they were both indefatigable and Yaa were also in Secondary school. We can make our lives sublime, educators who molded, inspired and trans- And, departing, leave behind us formed the lives of thousands of young stu- Auntie Jane, the disciplinarian was my Footprints on the sands of time;” dents here in Ghana and across the world. class six (6) teacher and within a year had transformed me from a mediocre student to While they have le a huge void in our ey met our parents in the late ies one who aspired to be at the top. ey both lives, we encourage Kwabena, Yaa, Abena at the University of Ghana, Legon. “Akonta” and Kwame to be comforted by exemplary lives they lived and to be inspired by the lega- cy they have le us. ey were academic giants, proud cit- izens of Akyem as well as trail blazers who held the red, gold and green ag of Ghana high. You have fought a good ght, You have nished your course, You have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give you at that day: and not to you only, but unto all them also that love his appear- ing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 We thank God for giving them to us. May they rest in Perfect Peace. 94 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR S.K.B. ASANTE discussing the historical and current issues AND MRS. JANE ASANTE of Africa including the Africa quest for free BY DR. AND MRS. E. KUMAH trade in the region, and the human challenges confronting this endeavor. Like myself, Prof Someday a loving Hand will be laid upon our shoulder and this brief message will be given: “Come home. o en showed his exasperation with the slow Billy Graham process of continental economic integration, but show his determination to contribute his It is with a deep sense of sorrow and bond closely and visited and comforted one personal professional e orts to this noble en- pain that I have summoned this cour- another. Sometimes we went out to lunch deavor. No wonder that he was recognized age to talk about my friend and mentor and dinner at some of the nice hotels in Ac- worldwide for his expertise and contribu- “prof ” as I used to call him and “auntie cra and prof and Jane enjoyed these outings tion. I know that there are other people more Jane” in past tense. Whenever I called him, his tremendously. Prof o en regarded me as his quali ed to describe prof ’s academic prowess huge and somewhat manly voice responded personal banking advisor and so he referred than I, but what amazed me was prof ’s hu- “chairman” (knowing and appreciating my most of his nancial ma ers to me for advice. manity to assist all colleagues and friends to role as chairman of the board of SCB Ghana I dutifully obliged and took pains to explain improve their education, self and scholarship. PLC), and I knew that we could con de in and advise him as prof being very smart and each other and discuss many subjects and intelligent, o en came back with rejoinders ough not an economist, prof took time to myriad of issues. We had many dinners and that required further explanations. I also per- scan through the nal dra of my book and lunches together prepared deliciously by sonally regarded prof as my senior brother o er suggestions for improvement. is Jane or by my wife Esther and we had deep and advisor on political, historical and social shows his humanity and loyalty. Anytime I conversations that went on into the night. issues on Africa. Given his wide experience go out with him, he was o en accosted in the Our closeness also made Jane and Esther on African Union, we spent many hours street by many of his past students showing appreciation and gratitude. But there is no quality of “prof ” that endeared him more to me than his profound and unalloyed love to Jane. To prof, Jane was one and only love and I cannot forget how many times he told me of the beginnings of their love story, sometimes forge ing that any recounting brought new embellishments to the story from “Akyem Soabe”. I did not mind as he enjoyed retelling this tale. It is quite ironic that prof and Jane died around the same time perhaps reinforc- ing the view they cannot be separated either in life or death. I am certainly very sad about their passing but I am truly comforted that they are together now. Rest in perfect `peace my dear friends and neighbor! 95 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

TRIBUTE TO PROF. AND MRS. SKB ASANTE er to encourage and motivate me to keep BY EVELYN B KOA AMOAKO ( AKYIRE) soaring higher in my academic and personal excellence pursuit. He constantly used him- The light in our lighthouse has and my great grand- self and his family as examples to illustrate gone o . A beacon of hope and mother were neigh- the fact that no ma er an individual’s back- inspiration has reverted to his bours. He grew up ground, you could make it in life. I remem- creator. Aow Grandpa, it’s me with my grandmoth- ber Prof ’s emotional and inspiring address Kaakyire calling you. Haven’t you seen my er and her siblings. at the launch of his autobiography, when he missed calls? When will you call back? Don’t We realized he was a clari ed the connotation of the title “no road you know you have been missed? Oh Death, very good friend of signs, no manuals”. From his well lived life you have taken a priceless blessing from us. my late Grand uncle and legacy, it can be said that even though For those who may not know me, I’m Eve- Oppong Kyekyeku, he went through life with no road signs, no lyn Brakoa Amoako, an adopted and cher- the Amankrado of manuals, no coaching, and no guidance, he ished granddaughter of Professor and Mrs. Akyem Wenchi. Con- became a banner, signpost, GPS and light- SKB Asante. We met at an event at Akyem sequently, family ties house for many in the quest of unearthing Wenchi and discovered that Prof ’s mother were established. We their potential and nding their way home. became inseparable For that we say, well done! And thank you. at the University of My last two (2) visits to Grandpa and grand- Ghana with me as ma with my family were so memorable. We a student Geologist spoke about his life growing up, his years and he a professor working for the UN, his countless travels, at Legon Centre for and his instrumental role in connecting So- International A airs abe to the National Electricity grid. He then and Diplomacy (LE- autographed a copy of his autobiography for CIAD). my personal library and blessed us. Li le did Professor SKB As- we know he was biding us farewell. ante was a mentor and source of inspiration Helen Keller, an American author, politi- to many. He was so knowledgeable in history, cal activist and lecturer said “What we have diplomacy, and international relations. Most once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we of us present today would testify to Prof. and love deeply becomes a part of us”. Grandpa Maa Jane’s unparalleled passion for education and grandma, you have served humanity to especially with respect to the girl child. ey the best of your ability. Your legacy will for- o ered the less privileged in the Akyem rail- ever remain in our hearts and minds. You are way communities the opportunity of a be er gone, but not forgo en. life and future. Whenever they identi ed a student who was focused and serious with Professor SKB Asante and Maa Jane As- her academic work, she instantly became the ante, May God give you rest until we meet apple of their eyes. again. Prof. used every bit of our time spent togeth- 96 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

A TRIBUTE TO UNCLE AND AUNTY SKB ASANTE TRIBUTE BY FROM THE PUNI FAMILY (AMPONSAH, NANE E FENTENG YENKYIMADU, ANOKYE, ASOMO AND BREMPOMAA) ARYEE This tune by Jim Reeves used to be one of the favorites of our daddy Michael Grandpa as I fondly referred to Kweku Tufuor Puni. At a time like this, this song seems so apt when we him was a dear one to me and think of Uncle and Aunty being no more with us. am eternally grateful to my Un- Our early recollection of Uncle and Aunty is always a fun and memorable cles and Auntie’s for allowing one, we could almost picture it. Anytime Uncle and Aunty came to visit us in Akim Oda, me space to pay tribute to my Grandpa. Uncle would sing as he climbed up the stairs with Aunty smiling broadly behind him. Uncle had strung our middle names together in a song. When he got to the top of the ough I did not see much of you early stairs, he would hug us one by one excitedly. He always called us by our middle names. enough, it was such terri c countless happy Such visits were joyous occasions as there was lots of jokes and laughter between the moments the few years I got closer to you. adults with the children si ing around giggling at their jokes and banter. You showed me so much love and a ection of which everyone around at the time real- We got to know Uncle and Aunty more a er mummy and daddy passed into eter- ized I was special to you. You made me ‘swol- nity in the 90s’. Any time they came back home to Ghana, they would check on us. len headed’ anytime I was around you. We were therefore frequent visitors to their home in Tesano and Jane Villa. We would spend time reminiscing about the good old days and Uncle would tell us endless stories You opened your doors widely to me and my especially of daddy during their days in Achimota school. We got to know more about siblings during the organization of our Dad’s Daddy through Uncle. Uncle loved to tease and tell funny stories so we always had good funeral rites at Soabe. We are forever grateful times when we got together. We would live with these cherished memories forever. Grandpa. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal” Your pleasant and humorous personality Uncle, when you called Amponsah to come see you and kept saying “I am going to never changed till your departure, I recall the meet Kwaku, your daddy”, we had hoped it would not be so soon. Mummy had always very last moments of your stay on earth when said God knows best so we should trust in Him. at’s what we would do because we I visited, though you were very sick, you believe that you are in a be er place where there’s joy and happiness. could make me out by mentioning the nick- name ‘MD’ you conferred on me. We both It is so di cult to say and hard to believe Uncle and Aunty are no longer with us. smiled together as always. Li le did I know ey lled the void when we lost our parents. ey made sure we did not feel our loss that I was going to meet your lifeless body on in the best way they could. ey cared for us in a way parents care for their children. my next visit just a day a er. Always asking about each and every one of us whenever the opportunity arose. Death is really a necessary end. It will come, We would miss you dearly. You were family to us, giving us cherished memories when it will come, as the saying goes. about our parents. We cannot pick a phone to call you any longer or we de nitely will miss your calls. ere is no painless way to say goodbye especially without tears. Our Fare thee well Grandpa. Rest peacefully consolation however lies in the fact there may be one big get together in heaven as there in the bosom of the Lord. used to be in Akim Oda full of jokes and laughter. “For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity” (William Penn) Rest Well In e Warm Bosom Of the Almighty Father, Uncle SKB and Aunty Jane .. Till We Meet Again. 97 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

I have a certainty about eternity that is a wonderful thing, and I thank God for giving me that certainty. I do not fear death. I may fear a little bit about the process, but not death itself, because the moment that my spirit leaves this body, I will be in the presence of the Lord. Billy Graham 98 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE

Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you Until we meet again! 134 BURIAL & THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR THE LATE PROFESSOR S.K.B ASANTE AND THE LATE MRS. JANE BOTWE ASANTE