Burial and Memorial Service Keta, Volta Region 8th October, 2022 1 9 4 3 - 2 0 2 2 ( N e e D o v l o ) A Loving Farewell Agnes Adzovi Okudzeto 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 3 A Loving Farewell
BURIAL AND MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE MRS AGNES OKUDZETO OFFICIATING MINISTERS Brother Jerry Okine - The church in Tema Brother Caleb Lanquaye-Tetteh - The church in Cape Coast Brother Seth Adusu - The church in Accra Brother Daniel Nunoo - The church in Accra Brother James Dodoo - The church in Accra Brother Sam Atimpo - The church in Accra Brother John Oteng-Nyame - The church in Accra Brother Joseph Oppong Ofori - The church in Kumasi Brother Thomas Quaye - The church in Kintampo Brother Little Roberts Agbanyo - The church in Nkwanta Rev. Kenneth Dzotepe - E. P. Church, Ho OTHER MINISTERS (All Ministers of the Word of God, and Servants of the Lord here present, are duly acknowledged) FUNCTIONARIES 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 4 A Loving Farewell
PART I ARRIVAL OF GUESTS (08:00HRS-10:00HRS) PART II FUNERAL SERVICE (10:00HRS-12:30HRS) Order of Service 8:00am 8:30am 8:50am 9:20am 9:40am 10:00am 10:00am 10:05am 10:10am 10:15am Hymns/song Ministration (The Church Music Team) Tributes (In-laws) Hymns/Song Ministration (Ewe) Adidome E.P. Church Good News Choir Tributes (Grandchildren, Nephews and Nieces, Siblings) Hymn #6&7 Thou my everlasting Portion/ Begone, unbelief (Bethel Choir) End of File Past/ Casket Closed Family Opening Prayer Rev. Kenneth Dzotepe Hymn #1 It Is Well With My Soul (Bethel Choir) Scripture Reading Matthew 28:1-15; Romans 1:20-21 (Minister) Hymn #2 In the Mighty Name of Jesus (TCIA Music /All) 10:20am 10:30am 10:35am 11:00am 11:05am 11:45am 12:00pm 12:10pm Biography Family Representative Hymn #3 Blessed Assurance (Adidome E.P. Church Good News Choir) Word of Exhortation (Theme- She Chose to Believe) Brother Jerry Okine Hymn #5 My hope is built on nothing less (Bethel Choir/All) Tributes Family Church Children Song Ministration/interlude – Piano Recitals (Mr. Brent Nartey) The New Patriotic Party -NPP The Vice President - H.E. Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia The President - H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Offertory Choruses (Bethel Choir/E.P. Good News Choir) Prayer for the Bereaved Family Ministers Hymn #8 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 5 A Loving Farewell
PRIVATE BURIAL Family Scripture Reading Job 14:7-9 Hymn #9 Thy Way Not Mine O Lord Hymn #10 There is hope for a tree Committal & Laying Of Wreaths Minister Closing Prayer Minister Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it! (TCIA Music Team/All) Announcements Family Hymn #4 O God, our help in ages past (Bethel Choir) Closing Prayer Rev. Mike Noagbewonu Vote of Thanks Family Rep. 12:15pm 12:20pm 12:25pm 12:45pm PART III AT THE GRAVE SIDE (1:00HRS-1:30HRS) 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 6 A Loving Farewell
"Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left on our hearts.” – Dorothy Ferguson 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 7 A Loving Farewell
BIOGRAPHY O F T H E L A T E AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO (NEE DOVLO) 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 8 A Loving Farewell
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MY WAY ‘‘And now the end is here And so I face that final curtain My friend I'll make it clear I'll state my case, of which I'm certain I've lived a life that's full I travelled each and every highway And more, much more I did it, I did it my way Regrets, I've had a few But then again too few to mention I did what I had to do I saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much, much more I did it, I did it my way…’’ Song by Frank Sinatra The year 1943, marked a turning point in the second World War. Also, it was a year of various inventions that changed the world. One of the most infamous inventions of that year was the atomic bomb. While the atomic bomb stands out for its devastating impact, there were many other nonlethal innovations during the war in the fields of medicine and technology that have drastically reshaped the world. Here are six significant 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 11 A Loving Farewell
things that came out of that developmental surge in 1943: The flu vaccine, Penicillin, Jet engines, Blood Plasma Transfusion, Electronic Computers and the birth of Agnes! On August 16, 1943 God giftedMr. Johannes Anani Aba Dovlo andMargaret Ami Ahadzi their golden daughter Agnes Adzovi Dovlo at Tettehkope a suburb of Keta. She did not enter the world with the fanfare and impact of the other inventions and developments in 1943 which had far reaching impact on the world, she entered the world silently but grew up to play an important and beneficial role in the lives of her family, the community and the politics of this country. She was the idol of her grandmother, Mama Kotoko Dziafe who was a strict disciplinarian. During her childhood she was baptized by her uncle, the late Rt. Rev. C.K. Dovlo, who became MP for Keta and then Moderator of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). Her preparation for the roles she was to play in her life began from Dzelukope where she obtained her middle school leaving certificate in 1960. Thereafter she enrolled at Nelko Business Commercial College at Vodza where she completed her secretarial education in 1963. In that era girl child education was frowned upon and therefore, pioneers were referred to as “Sukutor”. Between 1963 and 1966 she joined another uncle the late Rev R.B.K Dovlo who was the district pastor at Adidome in the now Central Tongu District. During those years she was employed by the Ghana Commercial Bank where she trained as a banker. At Adidome she was introduced to her husband C.P.K Okudzeto by her cousins Vida Tay and Victoria Dovlo. In 1966 they had their customarymarriage at Tettehkope . She joined her husband who had returned to Sweden the previous year for further studies and in 1968 they had their wedding in a simple and colorful ceremony in Esbjerg, Denmark. They were blessed with their eldest child, Jennifer Okudzeto in 1970. While in Sweden, Agnes Okudzeto continued her education by attending Swedish Language School at Malmo, after which in 1967-1969 she studied Home Economics/Science at the Malmo State Polytechnic. Thereafter, she worked at the University of Lund Teaching Hospital as a nutritionist. While in Sweden she lost her mother in 1968 and became the surrogate mother for her siblings and other relations who she generously supported both morally and financially. In 1971 she returned to Ghana with her husband and settled in Adidome where he was employed as the farm manager of Gbedemah Farms and she as a nutritionist at the Adidome E.P ChurchHospital. At Adidome themulti-talented couple engaged in several business ventures including transportation, a super market, bulk distributors and retail agents of GNTC, PZ and Kwapaco. They were the reference point in Adidome in the historic era of essential commodities. They also ventured into huge commercial farming in crops and cattle ranching when they set up the farm known and called JENNICO FARMS. The following year in 1972, they welcomed their second child Jerry in Accra. In 1977, when her father was taken very ill, she took some time off work and went back home to Tettekope and served her father until his demise that same year. Incidentally she was pregnant at the time and in 1978 she gave birth to Perry who bore a striking resemblance to her father who had just passed. At Adidome, her home was open to all, it became a hospitality center for people from all walks of life. In 1982, she gave birth to 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 12 A Loving Farewell
Percy, her last child. This was a period shortly after the 1981 coup d’état, when a control price regime was instituted which led to scarcity of essential goods and unending queues. This was the challenge the couple had to deal with in their shops at the time. The early 80s were difficult times for our country but they kept pushing amidst harassment from the military administration with dawn raids to search their home for hoarding but nothing was ever found. She helped establish The Church in Adidome, and moved from the EP Church. She was a devout Christian, a prayerful, steadfast and an honest believer in God. This was the source of her spiritual and principled nature. She served her maker and dedicated her life to His work. She was an active member of the church in Adidome, Keta and Accra over the years. She carried herself with dignity and never abandoned her maker. Her faith was extraordinary. Agnes Okudzeto and her husband also took interest in, and supported an NGO called International Needs Ghana, whose main focus was the eradication of the Trokosi System where young virgins served in servitude in atonement of infractions alleged to have been committed by their relatives. These young virgins served as sex slaves to the high priests of the various shrines dotted around the Volta Region. Most of these young virgins had no formal education or vocation of their own. International Needs Ghana identified that in order to make the liberation of the Trokosi Girls a total package, the young liberated ladies needed some vocation of their own in order to survive independently from family support. As such, Agnes Okudzeto was very instrumental in the establishment of a vocational training center in Adidome where the liberated young ladies 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 13 A Loving Farewell
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from various shines were housed and trained in various life changing vocational skills including but not limited to the likes of dress making, soap making, textiles (tie and dye), bead making and baking. She became the first principal of the vocational training center. When the ban on party politics was lifted by the supreme military council government in 1979, Lawyer Timothy Amesimeku, the doyen of UP tradition in the Tongu constituency, and a close friend of the Agnes and her husband, convinced them to join the Popular Front Party led by Mr. Victor Owusu which they gladly did. Unfortunately, the PFP lost the elections to the Nkrumahist Party, the PNP. On December 31, 1981 the ruling PNP was overthrown by the PNDC - a military junta led by Flt.Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. In 1991 the PNDC lifted the ban on party politics and the couple who earlier joined the Danquah/Busia Club which culminated in the formation of the NPP, together with their political mentor Lawyer Amesimeku, reentered party politics. The couple hosted many of the prominent big wigs like Former President J.A Kufuor, Prof Adu Boahene among others. She became the first treasurer of the party in the then North Tongu constituency which includes the current North and Central Tongu constituencies. The Volta Region, and by parity of reasoning, the North Tongu constituency was a very hostile constituency for the NPP. So hostile was the region that anyone who belonged to the NPP was viewed as an iconoclast. Party supporters were either ostracized and/or attacked physically. Sometimes NPP flags that they hoisted in front of their residence and other strategic places would disappear mysteriously. They never gave up, but with blinding speed they hoisted fresh flags as soon as the previous ones disappeared. Mrs. Agnes Okudzeto advised the NPP supporters in the constituency to build bridges and not walls. Supporters did as advised by embarking on house to house campaigns. They campaigned from village to village and carried their campaign to almost the entire Volta region by collaborating with other supporters of the party in different constituencies. During the 2000 elections she was made the coordinator of the party in the southern part of the Volta region. During this period, she hosted and deployed tertiary students from the universities as polling agents. Her vigilance on polling day during the elections is a folklore that is still recited in southern Volta. Jake Otanka ObetsebiLamptey, of blessed memory, found her dedication and honesty very outstanding. Her residence became the heartbeat of the party and she put all her resources at the disposal of the party. She never missed party conferences at the constituency, regional and national levels. In 2001 in recognition of her meritorious and dedicated service to the party, former President J.A. Kufuor encouraged her to play a more prominent role. Backed by a solid team from the Volta region led by Tommy Amematekpor including Kenwuud Nuworsu, Kofi Boateng andKofiDzamasi amongothers, she contested thepositionof national vice chairperson of the NPP and was elected second national vice chairperson. In 2005 she again contested the position of vice chair and was re-elected as second national vice chairperson. She served on several national council committees of the party including but not limited to the vetting committee and the constitutional review committee. Before her demise, she was the chairperson of the Volta resource group and a member of the national council of elders. From 2005 to 2008 she was a board member of Export Development and Investment Fund (EDIF) now EXIM bank from 2005 to 2008. She also served as a member of the North Tongu District Assembly on two different occasions. On July 15, 2022 after a short illness, she crossed the finish line of life at the University of Ghana Medical Centre and thus ended a colourful and meritorious life which started from the small village of Tettekope but which like the biblical mustard seed impacted the whole country 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 16 A Loving Farewell
and the world. She is survived by her husband Torgbui Agbotadua C.P.K Okudzeto, four children - Jennifer, Jerry, Perry, Percy and five grandchildren. Her name and voice have become the song in the daily lives of many people who crossed her path.. For it is written ‘‘Sometimes when one person is absent, the whole world seems depopulated’’ Alphonse de Lamarting ‘ ‘The death of a beloved is an amputation’ ’ C.S Lewis It is with these words of wisdomwhich capture eloquently and in great detail our inner feelings operating on our collective minds that we bid you farewell until that great divine reunion. 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 17 A Loving Farewell
Tributes “A life well lived is a precious gift Of hope and strength and grace, From someone who has made our world. A brighter, better place. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, With friendships formed and good times shared and laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory Our grateful hearts will treasure” - AUTHOR UNKNOWN 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 18 A Loving Farewell
“The journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take.” – J.R.R. Tolkien 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 19 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 AGBOTADUA C.P.K. OKUDZETO (HUSBAND) ‘ ‘Beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of introduction’ ’ - ARISTOTLE ‘ ‘Life is not about the journey but who you travel with’ ’ -UNKNOWN ‘ ‘Great minds have great purpose. Little minds have wishes. Little minds are tamed by adversity and misfortune. Great minds rise above them and excel’ ’ -WASHINGTON IRVING October 1963 was a very special year for me. I had returned from Denmark after my studies and I was posted to the Adidome State Farm as a livestock specialist in charge of cattle and dairy. I informed my niece Vida Tay of blessed memory and her friend Victoria Dovlo that I intended to return to Sweden for further studies and because of the loneliness and racism I experienced in Scandinavia in my previous studies there, I would like to marry before returning. However, I had not found any woman with the qualities that I wanted in a wife. A few months later they informed me they found a woman who had just been posted to the Adidome branch of the Ghana Commercial Bank, their childhood friend and cousin, who they thought would be a perfect fit. I ignored them with plenty of laughter. They, however, persisted by telling me I had nothing to lose and that if I was not impressed by the lady, they found me, I was free to move on. Eventually I bowed to their pressure and in October 1963 I was introduced to my late wife Agnes Adzovi Dovlo. The saidmeeting and introduction by the two ladies tomy late wife marked a very magical, special and spiritual moment in my life. It was love at first sight and I also discovered that my search for a wife was permanently over. Onmeeting her she was full of laughter and she took me off guard and she asked me ‘‘Vida and Victoria say that you wanted to see me, please what is the problem’’ I was not expecting the said question but in a knee jerk reaction I replied ‘‘I am part of your destiny and if you reject me, you will regret it for the rest of your life because all your voyages through life will be filled with misery.’’ A few weeks later with the encouragement of my niece Vida and her friend Victoria we started dating as they always laid ambush around the bank premises before the end of the banking hours and escorted her to my residence. This was the beginning of my magical journey through life with my late wife. 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 20 A Loving Farewell
In April 1965, I won a Swedish Rotary Scholarship for further studies in Agriculture in Sweden. On reaching Sweden it became clear to me after sober reflection that my late wife was a ‘‘thief ’’ for she had stolen my heart and being a gentleman, I decided to allow her to keep it. I also discovered that if loving her was a crime then I was a recidivist because I came to the realization that I had irredeemably mortgaged my heart to her with a lifetime interest. It is against the above background that in 1966 I instructed my late brotherin-law Lutterodt Kofiloto to lead a delegation comprising my elder sister Paulina Quist, her husband and my cousin Vida Tay’s mother, Aworvi Penu to go to her parents and ask for her hand in marriage for me. They discharged their duty with distinction and later informed me that they were impressed with her beauty and humility. I later informed her family that I would be grateful if they could grant her the permission to joinme in Sweden. The said permission was granted. Thereafter, her late Uncle C.K. Dovlo, the then MP for Keta who later on became the moderator of the E.P. Church of Ghana procured her a passport and a visa with the help of my late brother-in-law Lutterodt Kofiloto and Agnes joined me in Sweden. Her presence in Sweden was psychologically uplifting because I experienced a new zest for life and a friendship which culminated in our wedding at Esbjerg, Denmark. Thereafter we bought a car and embarked on a honey moon by touring the whole of Europe for one and a half month. This period also marked the continuation of our magical journey through life which began in Adidome in 1963 with stop overs in other parts of the world namely Sweden, Denmark, France, Holland, Germany, Switzerland among others. It was also the period that we were blessed with our daughter Jennifer in Sweden in 1970. We decided to return home in 1971 by sea after I turned down an FAO appointment to Tanzania. We came home by the Blackstar line ship called Brenya River on a trip that lasted six weeks accompanied by our year-old daughter Jennifer after stopovers in Rotterdam, Las Palmas, Freetown and finally home when we landed at the Tema Harbour. In Ghana we settled in Adidome where I was employed as the farm manager of one of the largest poultry farms in British West Africa owned by Ghana’s first finance Minister Mr Kobla Agbeli Gbedema. Adidome marked a very important turning point in our marriage both political and social for wewere the opinion leaders and power couple of the town and sorrow infuses my recollection of those magical moments in our married life. There were many good and a few bad times but through it all on the wings of love we sailed through because our love conquered all. It is difficult to pause and take stock at this moment of sorrow but I will try. For it is written ‘‘A poet never takes note. No one ever takes notes in a love affair’’ ROBERT FROST 1874- 1963. Beloware a fewmilestones in our relocation to Ghana and Adidome to be precise. In Adidome we were blessed with three additional children Jerry, Perry and Percy Okudzeto. In 1974 I was invited by the Acheampong Government as an interpreter in the Commission of Enquiry into the nefarious activities of RT BRISCOE a Danish Company situated in Accra who were the sole distributors of Mercedes Benz because of my fluency in the Danish language. The said committeewas headed by the late Joe Appiah, one of the doyens of Ghana politics. He took a special liking for me and we became great friends. Under his tutelage, he schooled me in the UP Tradition and why a government led by the 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 21 A Loving Farewell
UP tradition was the only road map that will take Ghana to the promised land. That was when my never-ending love affair with the Danquah/Busia/Dombo tradition began. In Adidome, lawyer Amesimeku, a native of the soil and an unrepentant Danquah/Busia/Dombo advocate, became my very good friend and he continued to school and indoctrinate me in the history and relevance of the Danquah/Busia/Dombo tradition as the one and only tradition that could pave the way for Ghana’s developmental agenda. No wonder when the ban on party politics was lifted in 1978 my wife and I declared our support and joined the Popular Front Party (PFP), the flagship of the UP tradition. The PFP lost the election to the PNP led by Dr Hilla Liman. On December 31, 1981 the PNP government was overthrown by a military junta led by Flt.Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. In 1991 the PNDC government lifted the ban on party politics and once again my wife and I joined the NPP. My wife became the first treasurer of the party in the North Tongu constituency and played a key role in both the campaign and the elections. In the early 2000s when the NPP won the election, President J.A. Kufuor whom we had hosted countless times in his previous campaigns to be the flag bearer of the party, in recognition of our hard work and support for the party and whose advice my wife and I found irresistible, encouraged my wife to play a more prominent role in the party. She later contested an executive position and was elected the second National Vice Chairperson. My wife in her life time swore to make the Volta Region the world bank instead of the rural bank of the NPP. It’s not been easy for the NPP in the Volta Region. Although the going is tough, the future is bright. It is my fervent hope that the recent victory of the NPP in the parliamentary elections in Hohoe is a sign of good things to come. Following from the above, it is clear that I have suffered a tragic loss because I have lost my alter ego who coloured my life in the brightest colours and who was also the wind beneath my wings who taught me to fly as high as possible. Her love and affection made my journey through life worthwhile Agnes, I hate to say good bye but I have to. I do not know what the future holds for me without you but I know who holds the future for it is written ‘‘We cannot always see where the road leads but God promises there is something better ahead’’ Unforgettable; that is what you are and will ever be to me. Till we meet again and take off where we left off as we always do, you will always be in my heart and mind and this is where you will always stay. For it is written ‘‘Death takes the body, God takes the soul, our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again’’ Fare thee well my dearest wife and thanks for the joys you brought me through those wonderful years, till we meet again on God’s appointed day for that great and everlasting reunion. Huge hugs and kisses. Your place in heaven is assured. 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 22 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 Mama, you are a portrait of a godly mother and I am proud to be your daughter. You introduced Christ to me and my brothers in our early age and you are the epitome of what the scripture says as Christ is so are we in this world, you lived the Christ life to the end. You were the bravest, kindest and strongest being to grace this universe, you go where people are afraid to go. You are one of a kind, wow what a mother, a blessing to the core, I will choose you to be my mother again and again. Mama, my mind still talks to you, my heart still looks for you. My soul knows you are at peace. No words can describe my feelings when I realize you are no more, it’s a feeling like no other, you left a legacy worth much more than money and not a day goes by where you are not missed. I thought losing you would get easier as time went on but it doesn’t. You were my support through thick and thin. You got along easily with our friends we brought home and any of them that called me asked of you first. You raised a lot of people. Our home was always full of fun with your culinary skills, and your Swedish dishes were always sumptuous. Mama, you are very special, rest well till we meet to part no more. Xede nyuie dzudzor le nutifafa me. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain Phil. 1:21 “A mother’s love is always with her children. Losing a mother is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know. But her goodness, her caring nature, and her wisdom lives on like a legacy of love that will always be with you. May that love surround you now and bring you peace.” MRS. JENNIFER AKU OKUDZETO-ATSAKPO (DAUGHTER) 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 24 A Loving Farewell
JERRY KOFI OKUDZETO (SON) 2 T R I BUT E Let me start by saying that now I know someone is truly watching over me. That child-like belief that when Christ’s chosen people die, they stand behind this big screen with God, watching over the earth and all our dealings is even more real now. For once I find myself asking “What will Mama think” even in this mid-life of mine. At last, Mama, I am finally mindful of your reproach (smile) Death truly is FINAL!! Does it mean that I won’t see you in this physical realm again? For a moment I thought watching you in pain on your sick bed was hard to bear, but your death has truly hit me the hardest. With each of your children you fostered a unique relationship and ours was certainly one for the books. Oh, I may have caused you a few palpitations here and there, but I am grateful for how you raised us. You were full of advice, and I promise not even one fell on deaf ears. You were true and real to me, and I am thankful for that. You were truly there for me and would go above and beyond to push for my success. You will bend over backwards to ensure that the right doors were opening for me, while telling me that the rest was up to me. I remember the conversations we usually had on our way to Keta or Adidome for an event, as you rode co-pilot in my car. After long hours of chit-chatting, you’ll gently nod away to my choicest music – Bob Marley. You were full of wisdom! You taught me love, patience and endurance. You reminded me to always live within my means! I am glad we deliberately nourished our relationship before you finally said goodbye. I’ll cherish the final moments we got to share with you in your bedroom. Priceless! You calledmywife and I everymorning to check on us and constantly asked about Setutsi. Unfortunately, Tutsi wouldn’t grow to see and know you, but we will ensure your memory stays with her. As for Sedina, she bears your name and will never forget you. Thank you, Mama. You were a fighter in every aspect of your life. You fought for your children, you fought for your country, and you finally fought for your life! Fight no more! Be at peace knowing that you did your best for each one of us. The rest truly is left to us. I love you Mama – Wholeheartedly. Mama Xede nyuie ! 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 25 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 CURTIS PERRY KWABLA OKUDZETO (SON) “If I was asked to define motherhood, I would have defined it as love in its purest form. Unconditional love.” Revathi SankaranYou called me Father because you said I took after your father. You said I was born months after his demise and I looked just like him. ou and I, we had that special bond. I know we did. Can that bond be replaced? – No. Can anything fill the void you have left in my heart? – No. Will I truly be able tomove on? – No, but you taught me a lot of things as I went through life’s bumpy journey. You taught me to be honest, steadfast and content and these are the lessons that will give me the strength to carry on even if I can’t truly move on. You were the true definition of a responsible parent. You spent your last dime to see me and my siblings succeed. My entire political career today, I owe to you. You held my hand and took me places, places I could never have imagined. Many have spoken and will continue to speak about the many trails you have blazed in your political life. What makes me proud the most of you mum is that, even with the many things you achieved, you have always been touted as respectful and loyal, and your name continues to resonate with reverence. Nothing makes me prouder to have had the privilege of being called your son and being able to have shared time and space with you. I am fulfilled, though, that we achieved many goals together in your last few years on earth. I knowwe had plans of doingmore but God had plans of his own. I know you are resting eternally because you served your maker diligently, no doubt. My heart aches because I know my backup is no more. It’s time for me to face the world without you being there. What a vacuum? Hmmm. I will always love you, Mum. Intercede for us wherever you are. Till we meet again. “Children and mothers never truly part. They are bound by the beating of each other’s heart.” – UnknownRest In Peace Mum. Forever in my heart. 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 26 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 PERCY KWAKU OKUDZETO (SON) Mummy was a beautiful, wonderful, courageous, brave and amazing woman who graced this planet, she lived an inspirational life. I never imagined a time will come so soon when I’ll be writing a tribute for your funeral. Mummy, you sacrificed your time and dedicated it to working hard so we could have a comfortable home. You made sure I never lacked anything and never gave up on education no matter how many times I failed at it with all the troubles I had. You made sure I had the best education. You took me to church and brought me closer to God and taught me how to be prayerful and you led by example. Our quarrels as I was growing up was about attending church and you will never take no for an answer no matter what. You will always insist I go to church with you. I became your Sunday driver after completing secondary school because you wanted me to be in church and you made sure I was there. You paid for me to join the church to attend a church conference in Nigeria and was so keen on letting me get closer to God. There was no day that we didn’t have morning devotion in our house. Any time you called me to check on me when I left home, you will ask if I had prayed. The last time I saw you before leaving for my tour of duty in UAE, you asked in tears and hugs if this was the last time we are seeing each other ‘Vinye ziemamle ya me wo kporm a, mekukuge hafi nagbor lo’ I became teary when you said this but I had to leave with the hope of you getting well and this keeps ringing in my mind from the day I was called and informed of your demise. Mum, why did you leave at a time like this? What about all our discussions, you promised to be here much longer and you promised we will celebrate your 80th birthday at my new post but you didn’t wait for all these. You didn’t wait long enough to enjoy what you struggled and helped me achieve. You taught me love, respect and service. I am all I am today because you chose to be an exceptional mother. I will miss you so much my heroine mother. You are a super mother, so loving and very caring. Mummy, you were the truest and dearest, you were more than a mother to me. You were a friend, sister, brother and also a dad. You stood by us through the years and only God knows the inner strength you had. The strongest woman I’ve ever known. A mother who took responsibility for her children and excelled at it so well. Mum was always there for all who came to her with their troubles. Her homewas open to everyone, andher hospitalitymade themfeel important. She was the most loving, humble, compassionate, understanding, familyorientated woman and one of the most beautiful souls one could ever meet. Mummy, may your beautiful soul rest in perfect peace Mummy Xede Nyuie Dzidzor Le Nutifafa me 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 27 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 MS. EDITH J. A. DOVLO (SISTER) Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassion never fails” Lamentations 3:22 “You caused my friends and loved ones to leave me, now darkness is my closest friend” Even in our darkest days, Gods great faithfulness shines through. Psalm 88:18 On the early morning of July 16th 2022, the children came home to announce your demise to me, even though I was sick, I got up in tears. Sister! you were dear to me and I will miss you greatly. May my tears cease that I may take care of the children. Sister (as we affectionately called you), you became our third mother after our mother and elder sister died when you returned home from Sweden. All the children called you Dagaa (big aunty). You cared for all of them as they spent their holidays with you in Adidome. You gave them what they needed at school and even paid their school fees often when the need arose. You cared deeply for people and took care of many people even outside the family. The last time you called me, you said, “my sister, I want to see you”, I rushed to your house, we ate together, and you told me to take care of the children especially Jennifer and her children. Sister, I promise to do as you have told me and the Lord will help me to do so. Sister, I ambroken and sad but I know you are resting peacefully with the Lord! I am consoled by that fact that we will meet again one day with the saints. With Christ, I am not alone, so I believe I will survive this great void you left in my heart in Jesus’s name. “Teach us how short our lives are so that we can become wise” Psalm 90: 12 Till we meet again, Sukuto, rest in perfect peace with your maker! Sister Adzovi, xede nyuie Dzudzo le nutifafa me! 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 28 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 MRS. FRANCES AJAVON-OKUDZETO (DAUGHTER-IN LAW) My other loving mother, you were simply a different kind of mother-in-law. I remember the first day I had to meet you; I had so many thoughts running through my mind. I just was not sure what to expect. Another woman entering your son’s life? Mothers and their sons have a bond that is jealously guarded. Would she like me? Was there anything extra that I had to do? Did I need to wear any specific type of clothing? What if she didn’t like me; what would I do, then? All my anxiety faded after Perry had introduced me to you. I could feel our hearts connect – youand I. Yougaveme thatwarmembrace that lingered on for a while and you said to me - "me xↄwo kple alↄ ve" meaning “I receive you with both hands.” Over the years I got to fully understand what you really meant by that expression - you found me precious and made me feel appreciated. You made me an important part of your family. You extended the deep love that you had for me to my elder sister and her family as well. You would constantly call to check on them, and to pray for them. Other times, it would simply be just a call, requesting for your favourite food - grilled grouper with abolo or amadetsi with abolo; and you would always want to know when she was coming over to see you, because you had missed her and her children. You were a woman who possessed a strong character, and who would not tolerate any nonsense. Yet, you were never a meddling mother-in-law and I respected you very much for that. When Seli was born, I witnessed the tears of joy that filled your eyes when you finally held her in your arms. You wore only white clothing throughout the first week after her birth! I absolutely understood your joy! You loved your God and would always join the dawn prayer programme on Citi FM, to pray for us all. Your heart overflowed with care and tenderness, for you loved to have people in your home. You always wanted us to be around you and anytime we 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 29 A Loving Farewell
visited, you would insist that we eat eworkple with akpakalami and freshly ground pepper before we left your home. You were fun to be with and you had so many stories to tell. There was truly never a dull moment, with you. You fought valiantly until the very end. Two days before you passed on, I missed a call from you. I returned the call a couple of times but you never picked up. I keep wondering if it was just your usual effort to check up on us, even though you were very ill at the time, or if you were calling to say a final good bye. I am unhappy that I missed that final call from you, but I know there is absolutely nothing that I can ever do about it, so for now I say thank you for entrusting me with a piece of your heart; your son, Perry. It is golden for me to have been loved wholeheartedly by you. Today and beyond, I shall not see you anymore, but you live on in my memory and in my heart. I'll forever be grateful, for the way in which you welcomed me with your warm and loving heart. You have been my other mother and forever shall you be; For just as much as I was a part of you, you will always be a part of me. I pray for a peaceful repose of your soul. Please give my love to my dad, when you meet him. Journey on, my other mother… Love always, Your dearest Frances. 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 30 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 ING. (MRS.) YAA OKUDZETO (DAUGHTER-IN LAW) To memorialize you in words is unfamiliar to me. I write this tribute not only fromme, but on behalf of an entire family. Although I became your daughter in-law, your relationship with my family started with my father. He opened the window to your life and character even before I met you. He had made prior acquaintances with you by way of politics and will always refer to you as his “Sister”. In 2009 when I met Jerry, I had not connected the dots. When he first introduced me to you, I couldn’t help but admit that you were someone so strong in faith, firm in character and conservative by nature. You took keen interest in all your in-laws and will proudly tell the world about us. My office was a usual stop-over whenever you visited the party office, so I got to spend some intimate time with you. You had a soft spot for my siblings and will always unapologetically refer to them in the Ewe version of their names; Ablah and Kodjo. You were present at every important event and when it was physically impossible to do so you ensured that your presence was felt. On Setutsi’s first birthday, you called filled with tearful words that were heartbreaking to hear at the time but understandable now; because you knew time may not always be on your side. In some of my toughest moments you were present; especially when my mother was critically ill. You were the first to show up at Korle Bu. Thank Youmama – those are the moments I will forever cherish There are so many memories that I hold dear but would like to keep private, therefore my tribute is a thanksgiving to God: Thank God that I got the opportunity to meet and know you. Thank God for your faith and silent prayers. There were times when the usual marital woes will lurk into our home and just in the nick of time you’ll unknowingly call. Your first question will be “How is Jerry?” Although simplistic, it was an open-ended question; Simply those were words from God speaking through you. It was not necessarily asking about Jerry but rather saying ‘I see it and I know it But BE STILL’. I wish you knew how those little and almost meaningless conversations brought me peace. Thank God for gifting us with Setutsi in your last year. We hear stories of in-law feuds stemming from such situations, yet you were patient and prayerful in waiting with us. Thank you and I am glad you got to meet her! Finally, thank God that I got to spend your last few hours on earth by your bedside. You were tired mama! And I know you have found rest. I know and believe you have transitioned to that place of peace, joy, and unending praise. Continue to intercede on our behalf! Life has to end, Love doesn’t! See you later! 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 31 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 GRANDCHILDREN We pay this tribute to the life of a wonderful woman who was not only our grandmother but also a mother, our confidant, our inspiration and our friend. She was a gracious gift to the family and everyone around her. Her personal wealth on earth was her kindness and pure heartedness. It's hard not to miss the good times we shared when we came by the house. The love of a grandmother is unique. God must have given grandmothers to us to liven up our lives, to make our lives more complete, to make us well rounded and better human beings. She taught us a lot about love, the meaning of family and most importantly putting God first in all situations be it good or bad. Still, we can’t believe our lovely Grandma was taken away from us. We will miss our Grandmother, but her spirit and strength lives on in each of us and in the lives that she touched by the love, strength, conviction, wisdom, and beauty of her soul. Love you grandma – You truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories would always live on within us. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love and everything that you have done for us. Wherever you are, we know you are in a much better place. We will be forever grateful and thankful that you are our ‘grandmother’. You were a fighter and in the end you reigned victorious. Fare thee well Grandma. We will never forget you and will always love and cherish you forever. -Efanam Dotse-Atsakpo and Etorli Dotse-Atsakpo Grandma, I shall always remember your voice and how you affectionately touch my arms whenever I visit. Even though we didn’t get enough time to bond, I will cherish your memories forever. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and your concerns. Grandma, I’m sorry you couldn’t wait for me to become a doctor to take care of you. I remember when you told me there are too many lawyers but not enough doctors in the family and was waiting for me to become a doctor so I could treat all your ailments. I’m sad your wish wasn’t fulfilled but I’m positive you are in a better place 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 32 A Loving Farewell
where you won’t be in pain or go through any anguish and suffering. Grandma whom I resemble so much, rest now ever so peaceful in the heavens above. I will be forever grateful and thankful that you are my grandmother. God grant you eternal rest. Sleep well Grandma. - Sedina Okudzeto My grandma loved me and I loved her very much in return. I had a wonderful grandma whose heart was solid gold. She was a very special woman. She took interest in me, she would call my parents all the time to speak with me. Grandma was always monitoring me, and would always ask mummy for photos and videos when she couldn't visit. I would always be excited and be of good behavior anytime I was told we were going to visit grandma. She was happy with my achievements in school and the young lady I was becoming. I will miss her visits and gifts especially on my birthdays and during Christmas. I promise I will always make you proud grandma. I wish that you didn't have to leave me now but only God knows why. Watch over us always please. I know you are in a good place. I will always remember you in my prayers and I am asking God to keep you safe for me till I see you again some day. Love you forever. - Seli Okudzeto 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 33 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 NIECES AND NEPHEWS “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear”. Dagaa, Dadia, Ete, Your departure to be with the Lord has indeed created a great vacuum in our hearts and our physical world. Each day we remember you not to weep for pain but to savour the wonderful memories you left in our hearts. Though now in the bosom of the Lord and unseen by us, your love, affection and concern for us stays deeply rooted in our hearts and is very precious to us. You were an epitome of kindness, hospitality, unconditional love and unity for us your nieces and nephews. As children, our greatest expectation was vacations, where we got to spend our holidays in Adidome and enjoy all your warmth and hospitality. You opened your home to us and received us and our friends even without notice. You exemplified to us the saying that SHARING IS CARING. You shared your life with us! Food never ran out at home any time we are on holidays; the fetri detsi and ebor, pig feet and jollof rice, blolo detsi and akpa detsi, the salads and all the delicacies, we relish. You were indeed a mother to us. You shared so deeply in our lives’ journeys and kept a special love for each one of us. You never failed to partake in all our ceremonies whether in joy or sorrow; our marriage ceremonies, outdooring, graduations and more. During our marriage ceremonies you always adorned us – your nieces with gold, depicting how precious the journey was for us. You will make time to call each and every one of us even when you were on your sick bed - to check on us and ask about our families. None was least for you. You showed great love for our spouses and children; the little peps – biscuits, juices and drinks anytime we visited grandma Okudzeto’s house will be missed! You had an unshakable faith in the finished work of Christ! Your life has taught us to love and trust absolutely in God, even in the toughest times. You woke up each day to pray for us; making sure to mention our names one after the other. You will call us all to join you in prayer, if any one of us was in need or sick. Every visit was a joyous one to sing hymns and spiritual songs with you. You gave us God and taught us to trust Him through our lives’ journeys. Your greatest desire was for us to stay united and loving one 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 34 A Loving Farewell
another. Even during your moments of illness, you will call each one of us to check on us and say “Mi lebe na mia daa Jennifer a nam lo”, mi lebe na deviawo lo. You will always make time to visit Dzigbordi with food and clothing and spend time with her occasionally. How do we tell Dzigbordi, her dadia will not visit her again? None of us was least for you! You said good bye to us several times, but the Lord preserved you for us until that fateful Friday when He, the almighty God called you to be with Him. We arefilledwith tears; not tears of sorrow, but of great joy, remembering thewonderfulmoments you shared with us on this earth, the great mark you left in our lives and hearts. Yet, greater still is that we will see you again on that glorious day, together with all the saints. For “Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint your footprints have left in our hearts”- Dorothy Einstien But as the Bible says; We do not want to be ignorant concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest we sorrow as others who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus! (1Thes. 4:13-14). Mama, You loved the Lord Jesus to the very end. This gives us great hope and joy. Till we meet again at the sounding of the trumpet, Rest Peacefully in the Bosom of the Lord. Daadia, xede nyuie! Daaga, Dzudzor le nutifafa me! Ete, afetor ne dawo de fafe pe! 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 35 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 THE OKUDZETO FAMILY “And giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:12 The news of Sister Aggie’s passing came as a shock to the Okudzeto family. Sister Aggie arrived in Adidome in the mid-60s to work with Ghana Commercial Bank. She was pretty and no wonder she caught the eye of our brother Mr. C.P.K. Okudzeto. Later, they got married and our brother left for Sweden and Sister Aggie joined him later. Their marriage was blessed with four children. Sister Aggie was very kind, and many members of the Okudzeto family can attest to that. Later, Sister Aggie joined the New Patriotic Party and rose through the ranks to become a member of the Council of Elders. Through this position, she put the family name on the political landscape of Ghana. As a God-fearing woman, we believe that the Father has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. We are grateful to you for everything you have done for us. Though you are physically gone, your memories are fresh in our minds. Your children and grand-children are with us to continue the Okudzeto lineage. We love you and we wish we could have you with us longer, but the Lord knows best. We are grateful to God for a life well-lived and worth celebrating. Sister Aggie,may your soul rest peacefully in thebosomof Abraham. Amen!!! 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 36 A Loving Farewell
T R I BUT E 2 MR. STEPHEN K. OKUDZETO (BROTHER-IN-LAW) “There is time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 The news of the demise of my Sister-in-Law Mrs. Agnes Okudzeto came to me as a shock. I first met Sister Aggie in the 60s in my hometown Adidome when she came to take up an appointment at the Ghana Commercial Bank, Adidome Branch. I was then managing my father’s shop in the town. Sister Aggie was pretty and had an imposing personality. She later got married to my big brother, Mr. C.P.K. Okudzeto. My big brother left for Sweden not long after and Sister Aggie joined him later. Sister Aggie was kind and God-fearing. She was very instrumental in my going to Sweden in 1969. Sister Aggie was kind to me during my stay in Sweden, and I owe her a debt of gratitude. Sister Aggie, you have indeed fought a good fight, you have finished your race and you have kept the faith. What is left is a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to you on that day. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8. Sister Aggie, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Mawu nanor anyi kpliwo miaga kpe. Xede nyuie. Amen!!! 1943 AGNES ADZOVI OKUDZETO 2022 37 A Loving Farewell
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