A LIFE WELL LIVED
ALBERTA ADWOA AMPONSAA ANNANG N E E N YA R K O
1949 - 2023
C E L E B R AT I N G T H E L I F E O F
MRS ALBERTA ADWOA AMPONSAA ANNANG
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Called to Higher Service
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ORDER OF
SERVICE PART I: BURIAL SERVICE
OFFICIATING MINISTERS Rev. Sowah Ablorh Rev. Ebenezer Amo-Adade Rev. Gideon Mensah Mamah
In attendance Rev Akosua Boatemaa Otu Rev Florence Simpson Rev Kwasi Owusu Oduro Rev. Kweku Ofori-Dadzie Rev Samuel Ankomah Rev Isaac N. Ackah
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Call to Worship Processional Hymn Scripture Sentences Hymn Prayer Biography Requiem Tributes
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Anthem (I saw a new Heaven) Bible Reading: (Psalm 46:1-3) Hymn Sermon Prayer Expression of Christian Charity
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Announcement Closing Hymn Benediction Recessional Hymn
Rev. Ebenezer Amo-Adade PH 518 Rev. Ebenezer Amo-Adade PH 791(1-4) Rev. Ebenezer Amo-Adade Family Member Choir / Regimental Band Children/Grandchildren /Church Church Choir PH. 557 Rev. Gideon Mensah Mamah “ Songs by Singing Band/ Regimental Band Session Clerk/Family PH 832 (1-4) Rev. Sowah Ablorh PH 824(1-4)
Bishop (C/Isnp) John Brahene
Also featuring Victory Presby Church Choir/Adentan Fafraha Security Services Regimental Bands
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PART II: AT THE GRAVE SIDE • • • • • • •
Scripture Sentence Hymn Exhortation Committal Prayer Hymn Benediction
Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
Minister PH 789 Rev. Gideon Mensah Mamah Rev. Sowah Ablorh -doPH 805 Rev. Sowah Ablorh
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Death is not extinguishing the light. It is pu ing out the lamp because the dawn has come.
Rabindranath Tagore
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Biography of the Late
MRS ALBERTA ADWOA AMPONSAA ANNANG N E E N YA R KO
Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works will follow them” (Rev. 14:13).
Sunrise Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang (Nee Nyarko), affectionately called Adwoa Amponsaa was born on November 7, 1949, to Mr. James Edward Kwesi Nyarko and Madam Kate Frimpomaa Afosah (both of blessed memory) at Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana. Adwoa Amponsaa was named after her paternal grandmother (Mad. Efua Amponsaa of blessed memory) from Kintampo. She was the second child of eight (8) children. She was baptized into the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Takoradi in 1949. Adwoa Amponsaa was a kind-hearted, calm, very loving and caring person, who always welcomed everyone who came into contact with her with a broad smile.
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Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
Educational Background Adwoa Amponsaa started her primary school education at the Accra Road Methodist Primary School, and her elementary school at John Sarbah Memorial Middle School, both in Takoradi (from 1955 to 1964. After elementary school, she gained admission to Takoradi Secondary School in 1964, where she did her secondary school education. At that time, her father was an employee of the Ghana Post & Telecommunications Corporation (P & T) at Takoradi, while her mother was a full-time housewife and a petty trader in Takoradi. While in school she loved mathematics, music, cooking, and sports. She was an excellent netball player and she used to captain her school team in inter-schools’ matches. In August 1969, after her parents separated, her father was transferred from Takoradi to Axim, and together with her first daughter (Jennifer, who was still a baby), and her younger brother, Eugene Nyarko, they relocated to Axim with their father. After about a year in Axim, her father sent her back to Takoradi to live with one of her aunties (i.e., Sisi Serwah, of blessed memory) to continue her schooling. Career Life In 1973 she relocated from Takoradi to Accra to live with her mother (Mad. Kate Afosah) and elder sister (Ms. Angelina Nyarko). A few years afterwards, Adwoa
Amponsaa started her first job with a privately owned pharmaceutical company called ICAP Pharmaceuticals Company Limited, located at Osu, as a medicines packaging technician. This company was later acquired by the Ghana Industrial Holdings Company (GIHOC) and renamed, GIHOC Pharmaceuticals Limited. She continued to work with GIHOC Pharmaceuticals and rose through the ranks to the position of Senior Supervisor. In 1979, upon the advice of her husband, she resigned from GIHOC Pharmaceuticals Limited to play a full-time role as a wife and mother, as her family had grown bigger. Married/Family Life Adwoa Amponsaa met her darling husband, Mr. Wilfred Nii Tawiah Annang in Accra in the late 1970s, and they tied the knot on 3rd October 1981. Their marriage is blessed with seven (7) children (four females and three males). Their love story was so unique to the extent that Mr. Annang boldly inscribed at the back of his car: “I LOVE MY WIFE” and in front: “I LOVE MY HUSBAND”.
grandchildren, two (2) great-grandchildren, five (5) siblings, six (6) in-laws and many family members to mourn her. Adwoa! Amponsaa, you have fought a good fight. You fought with all your strength, mind, heart, soul, and body. We thank God for giving you to us for these 74 years, and we know you are resting in peacefully in the bosom of your Maker. Adwoa, we love you dearly, but God loves you most. Amponsaa, fare thee well!!! Nyame nfa wo kra nsie yie, yen dofo pa!!! Due ne yare!!! Da yie!!! May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen
As fate would have it, on 2nd May 2000 the “lovebirds” were separated with the sudden demise of Mr. Wilfred Nii Tawiah Annang. Religious Life Mrs. Alberta Annang was a Christian who used to worship at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Osu North Congregation with her husband and children. She was an ardent member of the Women’s Fellowship and the Bible Study and Prayer Group. After the death of her husband, she moved to Adenta in the year 2002 with her children and started worshiping at the Victory Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Fafraha-Adenta. In the year 2015, Mrs. Annang fell ill, hence, was unable to attend Church activities. She, however, remained a member of the Victory Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana until her call to glory.
She understood the values, sacrifices and duties that come with being a Wife, Mother and Sibling.
Sunset On Thursday, 3rd August 2023, Adwoa Amponsaa’s health started deteriorating and was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital, Accra for treatment but sadly died on Wednesday, 20th September 2023. She is survived by seven (7) children, eighteen (18)
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A birth certificate shows she was born.
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A death certificate shows she died.
Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
Pictures show she lived!
Children
Siblings
Grandchildren
Victory Presby Church
Great Grandchildren
Victory Presby Women's
In-laws
Fellowship 07
CHILDREN A GOOD
moTHER
Now the laborer’s task is over Now the ba le day is past Now upon the farther shore Lands the voyager at last (MHB 526)
M
aa, Sansaa, Adwoa Amponsaa, Bertha and the well-known whistle dad you used to call you…these were how we used to address our mum. Expressing our grief as "heartbroken" hardly captures the depth of our sorrow. Accepting that you are no longer with us remains incredibly challenging. Truly, our hearts ache. Dearest Maa, we never expected to be writing a tribute so soon. We were eagerly anticipating your birthday this November and celebrating the joy of the Christmas season with you. Ma possessed a serene and affectionate nature, always welcoming family and friends into her home, seamlessly embracing them as her own, and harmoniously coexisting with everyone. Adwoa Amponsaa was a passionate admirer of flowers, she cultivated and cared for various varieties, with the most remarkable ones being the queen of the night, lady of the night, velvet, and rose. We fondly recall her inviting us to witness the rare and enchanting blossoming of the queen of the night, which occurred only occasionally, making it an unforgettable sight. As a devoted Christian mother, she nurtured our faith in Christ and encouraged active participation in church activities. As a chorister in her youthful days, she showcased her deep love for music, particularly from Methodist and Presbyterian hymns, as well as chorales. She frequently sang hymns and chorales with us and radiated with pride and joy whenever her children ministered in church. In her capacity as our mother, she taught us numerous songs. Even during her illness, she made an effort to sing along when we sang hymns by her bed side. Although her ability to vocalize words was limited, we could perceive the tranquility that enveloped her when we sang. Ma occasionally shared her own childhood and youthful experiences with us. With her
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Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
beautifully crafted appearance and graceful calves, she earned the nickname "anantu deeboos" from her school mates. We listened with admiration as she recounted these memories, reminiscing about her youthful days. One unforgettable characteristic was her passion for reading. She was an avid reader, particularly fond of Mills and Boons stories during her school years. She encouraged us to develop a love for reading as well. Twenty-three years ago, our father departed, leaving her as our sole mother and father. She embraced this challenging role and, with the help of God, fulfilled it admirably. Under her guidance, she nurtured unity and harmony among her children. How can we ever erase the memory of our cherished Sunday tradition - the kenkey and pepper breakfast? On Sundays, all of us (Maa and children) gathered around the dining table, sharing from a single large bowl and plate, relishing the delicious hot kenkey and pepper with its accompaniments before
heading to church. This ritual not only delighted our taste buds but also deepened the family bonds. We laughed, engaged in heartfelt conversations before we hurried to church. Looking back, we can say we had a great time! We sincerely appreciate your role in promoting this unity by allowing us to partake from the same bowl as you did. We also hold fond recollections of the traditional Christmas cakes she lovingly baked on the 24th of December and the carol services we attended as a family, celebrating the festive season with cheerfulness. Last year, during the Christmas season, we gathered at home with our families to sing numerous Christmas carols and hymns that brought her immense joy. It brings us comfort to know that even though she couldn't make it to a church carol service, she still reveled in the joy of the season at home. We are immensely grateful that we did not postpone this gathering, as it marked her final Christmas with us on Earth.
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Maa instilled in us a myriad of virtues, including love, humility, peace, and hard work. Despite her role as a homemaker, she had a keen eye for identifying business opportunities in her surroundings. Maa engaged in various entrepreneurial endeavors to stay active and financially stable, ensuring that our household always had an adequate food supply. On days we came home hungry, we called out to her from a distance in Twi, saying, "Ma, ek)m di me" (Ma, I am hungry), her response was often a humorous "k)m na di," to wit "perform magic and eat.” On other occasions, when we inquired, "Maa y3 be di d3n?" (What food are we eating?), her playful response was "ye be di beela," meaning "we shall eat rat." Another enduring virtue was her response to her baby last/handbag's discomfort with an unclean environment. She would advise Mavis, "Anytime you see uncleanliness all around you, use your hands to make it clean." This principle has remained a guiding light for all of us. Additionally, she encouraged us as parents to be physically present and financially supportive in our homes. Maa, although your physical presence is no longer with us, we are keenly aware that you've left an indelible mark on our hearts. We hold deep affection for you, and we're grateful for the chance we had to openly express our love during your final days in the hospital. We stood by your side, affirming our love and pledging to preserve the harmony you built with dad, even in your absence. We longed for more time with you, yet we witnessed the pain you endured in your final days. Mornings, afternoons and evenings we were with you at the hospital. Sister Yaa and Sister Effia were there every dawn to bath and feed you. We remember Sister Yaa’s sweet and affectionate names she addressed you with just to lure you into eating your meals. It was tough for you and so was it for us. The evening before her passing, we all gathered around her and to our surprise, she opened both eyes to see us at the mention of her name. Something she had not done in a long while. On that fateful Tuesday evening, we filled the hospital room with the melodies of many hymns. We sang from the depths of our hearts, and we have no doubt that you cherished the sounds that guided you to your eternal home with your Heavenly Father. We are grateful to God for granting us the grace to facilitate a smooth transition. Saying goodbye is undeniably
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Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
difficult, but we draw solace from the belief that the same God who consoles those in sorrow will provide us with comfort and strength. You assured us of your inner peace, and as the Scriptures say, we won't grieve as those who have no hope. We carry your memory with us, and the void you've left will forever remind us of your presence. Many years ago, you made a specific request that we sing one of your favorite hymns at your burial. We often wondered why you chose a hymn typically associated with funerals as your favorite. We now realize that your understanding transcended the earthly realm, and the time has come for us to solemnly sing this cherished hymn, knowing that you'll still find joy in it, even though you're no longer with us in the physical sense. We are grateful for all the love and support you offered us. We love you Maa. We are pained, we are heartbroken, we will miss you! Our Maa, Sansaa, Adwoa Amponsaa, due, due ne yarie, Due ne amanehunu Nyame mfa wo kra nsie Till we meet again, Maa, rest in perfect peace.
Grandchildren
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GRAND CHILDREN
It was like an arrow piercing through our hearts when we were made known about your departure. Even as it saddens our heart, there is nothing we can say or do about it but we can only keep the memories you made with each and every one of us in our hearts for as long as we live. And we can only say that may the good Lord put you under His wings, may He protect you and keep your soul for all eternity. Ever since our time of birth you cared for us, you loved, you treated us like fragile glass, you adored us, you pampered us like princes and princesses and for that we will forever be grateful. We will forever remember the times you sat us down to
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advise us, talk about life both good and bad times. You would always advise us to obey our superiors while we sing your favorite: Trust and Obey. Even as such, we pray that may the Most High send your soul to His heavenly abode, May He keep you and guide you. We will forever miss you and cherish you. We will forever keep you in our hearts. As you journey to the afterlife. We love you but God loves you more. May your sweet soul rest in perfect peace.
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She is resting in peace with the highest hope that someday we shall all surely unite in God's Kingdom
Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
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O
ur beloved grandma, most cherished, beautiful and gracious. As the saying goes “it is God who gives and it is the same God who takes”.
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t and childn We will truly miss you, but we believe the good Lord will continue to water the love that you shared with us deep in our hearts.
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Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
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IN-LAWS
M
aa, as we affectionately called you. How is it that we never saw your wings when you were here with us. When you closed your eyes on that ill-fated day and soared to the heavens we could hear the faint flutter of your wings as you left. How we desired to celebrate your birthday with you but the short time you spent with us will forever remain in our heart. You always treated us as your sons and daughters. Thank you Maa for all that you have done. You took care of your grandchildren and loved us from the very first day with your warm, kind and loving heart. You ensured that your grandchildren are given the very best in life. You were so selfless in all the things you did for us and you clothed yourself with compassion which was rare. While you were unwell, you always responded from a depth of love when we came to visit you. When you become speechless, you nodded with your head and
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Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
maintained a deep sense of connection with your winking eyelid while your eyes were closed most of the time we were with you. Your love for choral songs and hymns was an integral part of you and this will forever remain with us. Your last day was filled with breath taking moments as you opened your eyes and gazed into our eyes at the sound of your name calling, little did we know that you were saying good bye. We are afflicted, we are broken and dismayed, but we know our Lord God Almighty still reigns supreme. “One short sleep past, we awake eternally and death shall be no more.” May the light of our best memories guide you on your way. Through heaven you will travel until we all meet someday. Rest Well Maa. May God keep you till we meet again.
SIBLINGS “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” - 1 Corinthians 15:55
D
eath has indeed deprived us of our beloved sister, but we are comforted that she has at last found eternal rest from the often-harsh travails of this life and is resting peacefully with her maker. Our dear Sister Amponsaa, as we affectionately used to call her, was a calm, kind-hearted and peace-loving person. While we were growing up in the city of Takoradi in the Western Region, she had a bubbly personality and loved school and sports. She was an ardent netball player right from elementary school in the 1960s, and she often captained her school’s team both in elementary school (John Sarbah memorial Middle School) and in secondary school (Takoradi Secondary School – Tadisco) and won a few awards. Her sports teachers used to describe her as the “best shooter” in the netball team. At home she was usually a quiet but very hardworking person and loved cooking. At school she was also very hardworking and was good at mathematics, singing and needlework. When there were disputes or heated arguments among some of us, she would always play the peace-maker role. When Sister Amponsaa relocated from Takoradi to Accra in the early 1970s and started working, she followed what our parents had taught us during our childhood days, to be there for each other, and she created opportunities for some of us to find vacation jobs when we had our long school vacation. In the early 1980s, when she got married to the late Mr. Wilfred Nii Tawiah Annang, her home at Nyaniba Estates
in Osu became a regular meeting place for her siblings and other close relatives, especially on weekends. And whenever we visited her, she would always make sure there was food and drinks available for all. For those of us who were still in school, she would always make sure you went back to school with provisions to last you for at least half the school term. In 2002, when Sister Amponsaa lost her husband and relocated from Osu to Adenta with her children, she opened her home to accommodate our mother (Mad. Kate Afosah) who was at that time recovering from a chronic illness. She thus played a good host to our mother from that time till her demise in 2007. During family funerals and other functions, she often made time to accompany some of us to attend. With such a warm and accommodating heart, she was a sister we loved and were proud of and would have wished she continued to stay with us for as long as possible. However, over the last eight years, sickness did not allow her to exercise her social and other family functions freely and effectively, and with deteriorating health, the good Lord found it fit to call her home for an eternal rest. Sister Amponsaa, we thank God for giving you to us for the past 74 years. We cherish and will always remember the good family times we shared, and we will dearly miss your calm and affable personality that always brightened the corner wherever you were. May God grant you a peaceful rest till we meet again!! Da yie Sister Amponsaa!!
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70th Birthday Anniversary
VICTORY CONGREGATION “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, nor crying neither shall there be any pain; for the former things are passed away.” Rev. 21:4
P
arting comes and hearts are broken, loved ones go with words unspoken.
Sister Alberta Amponsaa Annang whose mortal remains lie before us joined the Victory Congregation from Osu North when the entire family relocated to South Fafraha near Adenta in 2002. It was during the developmental stages of the church project. As a businesswoman, she contributed financially through the various fund-raising activities especially her day born group, Monday. As a devout Christian, she made sure at least to perform her Christian obligations such as attending Church
Services, paying her tithes and attending the Holy Communion. Unfortunately, in 2015, Sister Alberta suddenly fell sick and that took her out from all church programmes and activities. Despite all the sufferings she went through, she strongly held unto her faith in Christ Jesus until the end of her life. This reminds us of a prayer written many years ago by Theodore Parker Ferris; “Teach me, O Lord, not to hold on to life too tightly. Teach me to hold it lightly, not carelessly, but light, easily. Teach me to take it as a gift, to enjoy, cherish while I have it and let it go gracefully and thankfully when the time comes. The gift is great, but the Giver is greater still. Thou, O God art the Giver and in thee is the life that never dies”. To her beloved and cherished children and family, Victory Congregation says look to God for strength and have faith that He will give you the love and comfort you at this bereavement period. Finally, we will wait patiently for that blessed day when we all will meet again together to stay, to reign in paradise our eternal home with our Heavenly Father in His glorious throne. Fare thee well! Rest In Perfect Peace. Amen!
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VICTORY CONGREGATION WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP “But those who die in the Lord will live, their bodies will rise again.’’ (Isa. 26:19a)
Congregation. Sister Alberta was a gem to the Group. She contributed physically, spiritually and financially during developmental period of the Women’s Fellowship. She belonged to the Ruth sub-group. We are grateful to you for your selfless services you provided in the Lord’s Vineyard through the Women’s Fellowship. May the righteous Lord reward you abundantly. As an active member of the Group, she at least met all her obligations.
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“Lives of great men reminds us, we can make our lives sublime and departing, leave behind footprints on the sands of time”- Longfellow. No doubt Sister Alberta played her role as a committed child of God though for a short period, our Lord will count each role she played as a step to His Kingdom. Therefore, as we celebrate her home call, we encourage her children and the entire family to continue trusting the Lord Jesus Christ because He is a friend so faithful who will share their sorrows and only in His arms, He is ever ready to take and shield them so that they can find a solace there.
hat else could explain the sad event of that fateful Wednesday, when the incredible news of the death of our sister Alberta Amponsaa Annang reached us though she had been sick for a very long time; God, all – knowing, must have need of her in the yonder and have ensured that she had accomplished His purpose for her on this earth where moth and termite do cause decay. Again, it was indeed a shock to us; yet in all this, we continue to believe in you our most faithful, Omnipotent, Omniscient God. We agree with the Psalmist in Ps.116:15: “Precious in the sight of Lord is the death of His saints” indeed those who are redeemed with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ remain precious to Him even in death. Though Sister Alberta Amponsaa Annang joined Victory Congregation in 2002, she was admitted into Victory Women’s Fellowship in April 2005 from PCG – Osu North
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Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
Sister Alberta, you have run the race, you have fought the good fight; your crown awaits you in the celestial palace of our Creator. Rest in perfect peace, our dear sister in the bosom of the Father, the one who loves you best, till we meet again on the resurrection morning where death shall be no more. Yehowa nni w’akyi
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ONE WEEK O B S E R VAT I O N 1949- 2023
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Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
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Hymns PH 518
PH 518
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2.
2.
3. 3.
2.
4. 4.
3.
PH 832 PH 791
PH 518
1.
1. 1.
2.
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Rest well Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang
3.
PH 789
2.
1.
4.
2. 3. 3.
PH 824
4. 4.
1. 5.
2. 6.
3.
PH 805 1.
4.
Home At
Last Life was but a shadow that was soon cast aside Around the throne with my Father is where I will abide Where joy is eternal one I will never have to forsake A promise that was made that no one can ever take This earthly tabernacle was only meant for a while A heavenly home made ready for His beloved child No more se ing of the sun all of life's fears are gone Will live with Him forever and never to be le alone Some days were dark and dreary had some happy days too If it wasn't for His mercy I could never have made it through Dreams have since vanished and memories a thing of the past My Father and I are now one; home at last, home at last - Patricia Grantham
appreciation The Family of the Late
Mrs. Alberta Adwoa Amponsaa Annang would like to thank you sincerely for your kind expression of sympathy, Support and thoughtfulness.
God Richly Bless You D&P: CDM - 0276 434817 / 0244 866 076
