Saturday 24th January Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Mamfe.
Order Of Service PART ONE: PRE-BURIAL SERVICE AT 4:00AM PROMPT PART TWO AT THE CHAPEL AT 9:30 AM PROMPT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Call to Worship .................................................. Catechist Processional Hymn ............. PH 518 (1-3) Salutation .............................................................. Catechist Hymn .......................................................................PH 850 (1-2) Scripture Sentence .......................................... Catechist Hymn .......................................................................PH 545 (1-4) Prayer ....................................................................... Catechist Hymn/Song ......................................................... PH 667(1-5) Biography .............................................................. Family Member Hymn ................................................................... PH 791(1-3) Tributes (Not More Than (2) Two) ........ Panel 1st Offering ........................................................... Church Band Bible Readings: (a) . 2Cor 4:8-18 Presbyter (b) . Rev 21: 1-4 Presbyter Hymn .............................PH 844 (1-3) Sermon/Creed ................................................... Minister Prayer of Thanksgiving ................................. Catechist Christian Charity ............................................... Church Band Prayer of Dedication ...................................... Presbyter Announcement ................................................ Catechist Closing Hymn .................................................... PH 810 (1-2) Benediction ......................................................... Minister Recessional Hymn .......................................... PH 557(1-3)
PART THREE AT THE GRAVESIDE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Scripture Sentences ....................................... Catechist Hymn .......................................................................PH 647 (1-2) Exhortation ...........................................................Catechist Prayer ....................................................................... Minister Commital .............................................................. Minister Hymn .......................................................................PH 805 (1) Vote of thanks .................................................... Family Member Benediction ......................................................... Minister
THANKSGIVING SERVICE ON SUNDAY 1. 2. 3. 4.
Scripture Sentence .......................................... Catechist Hymn .......................................................................PH 555 (1-3) Prayer ....................................................................... Catechist Minute Silence . . Catechist
For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them. Ecclesiastes 9:12
K
wame Agyei, or Agyei Francis, as he was known during his childhood, was born on the 23rd of January 1943, at Mamfe-Akuapem to Lawrence Dartey Koranteng and Theodora Afi Bekoe, both of blessed memory. He started his primary education at Anakwa memorial School, a private preparatory school at Mamfe in 1949. Unfortunately, following the death of the proprietor, the school was closed down and so Kwame continued at Mamfe Presbyterian Primary School. In 1954, following his parents' divorce, he joined his mother, together with his sister, at Chiraa, near Sunyani in the Brong-Ahafo Region.
Biography Of The Late Lawyer Francis Ampofo-Bekoe (Aka LAW 4)
Kwame was a very bright pupil and he passed the Common Entrance Examination easily, however, his sister had also passed, and their mother could not afford to pay the fees for the education of two children in secondary school. She counselled Kwame wisely, that a boy could always further his education, but a girl on the other hand, could easily become a d ro p - o u t . U p o n Kw a m e ' s acceptance of his mother's counsel, she decided to send his sister to secondary school, while Kwame went on to complete his Middle School education.
Several years later, by dint of hard work, determination and God's Grace, Kwame proved his mother right when he studied privately, and passed his 'O' and 'A' Level examinations. U p o n c o m pl e t i n g M i d d l e School, Kwame came down south to his cousin, Sisi Janet and her husband, Mr. E. W. O. Ankrah, a Senior Agricultural Officer at Tafo-Akyem. He was recruited into the Agric Office as a messenger, however, he rose to the position of a clerk and was posted to Bosuso where his first child, Ama Obiaku was born. From Bosuso, he was transferred to Nsawam, where he started attending evening classes and gained admission to St. Andrews Teacher Training College at Asante-Mampong. Whilst at St. Andrews, he took up photography to pay his way through college. He sailed through easily, and in 1968, he was posted to 5 Garrison Education Unit and taught at the Air Force Middle School at Burma Camp, Accra. In 1970, he married his longtime girlfriend Beatrice Odame and together they had four children, two boys and two girls; Nana Ampofo, Nana Afi, Owuraku, and Awurabena. Kwame also had two other children; Abena Afi and Nana Date. Continually ambitious and competitive, Kwame attended evening classes at Accra Workers College where he obtained his 'O' and 'A' Level Certificates, whilst still teaching. He left the teaching profession and joined the newly established Social Security and National Insurance Trust, SSNIT, as an inspector in 1976. Whilst working at SSNIT he gained
admission to the University of Ghana, as a Long Distance Student, and proceeded to read Law, after passing his First University Exam, FUE. He graduated in 1988, and was called to the bar in 1990. After earning a Law degree, he moved to the Legal Department at SSNIT where he was promoted to a Managerial position. He was posted to Sunyani, and then to Techiman from where he eventually retired. He settled at Mamfe and went into private practice. He was a highly revered and much sought-after lawyer on the Akuapem Ridge, and was a member of Afisem Chambers at Koforidua.
Kwame was a staunch Presbyterian and held on to his faith right up to the end. H e n e ve r fo rg o t to re m i t h i s contributions to the Saturday-Born Mini and Annual Harvests. He was looking forward to the conversion of one of the entrances to the Presbyterian Church into a wheelchair-friendly entrance so that he could resume church attendance. But that was not meant to be. He is survived by his widow, seven children and five grandchildren. Kwame Agyei, Agyei Francis, Ahoofe Bekoe, Lawyer Ampofo-Bekoe, Law 4, may your path be smooth. Damrifa Due, Due ne Amanehunu!
The last ten years of his life were difficult times indeed, interspersed with automobile accidents, strokes and other personal problems. However, his spirit was never broken, and though he was wheelchair-bound for most of the time, he continued to represent his many clients at courts at Koforidua, Mampong, Akropong, Somanya, Krobo Odumase and even occasionally Accra. He loved his profession and true to form, he died in harness. On the morning of October 23rd, he went to court at Akropong, had an attack and was rushed to the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital, where he finally lost the battle in the late afternoon of Friday, October 24.
TRIBUTE BY WIFE Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:8
I
met Frank in 1970 when I was a student at the Presbyterian Training College, Akropong, now known as the Presbyterian College of Education, PCE. We got married soon after I completed my course.
I am thankful to God for His grace, favor, blessing and also the privilege he gave me in having four lovely children with you; two boys and two girls, all of whom we both cherish greatly. I labored side by side with you, over a period of several years, in bringing
up the children to the place they are presently. It is written in the Holy Book that, There is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season. There is a time to be born and a time to die. A time to cry and a time to
laugh; a time to hug and a time not to hug; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate. During your time on earth, you laughed, loved and hugged, you also spoke and were at times silent. Now your time on earth has come to an end. May the Good God have mercy upon you and give you a place in His bosom until the last trumpet sounds. Amen.
TRIBUTE BY SONS Nana Ampofo, Owuraku and Nana Dartey
As sand pass through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives.
O
ur hearts are broken, our minds are turning and our spirits are down. The heart of the house is gone, and the sign of authority is missing. Your death is an irreparable loss to us and the entire family. Words are not enough to describe what we feel in our hearts, minds and souls; this is because Law 4 as we affectionately called him, was everything to us. He was our life, director, guide, mentor and the greatest of all fathers.
Law 4 was a very intelligent, strong-willed man, blessed with deep insight into several things. You only had to mention a problem or issue and straightaway he would start planning and implementing the solution. We are indeed blessed and lucky to have had such a wonderful gentleman like you, Law 4. Our father set high standards for us. He toiled extensively to make sure we lacked nothing, and to also secure a promising future for us. Dada, we thank the Almighty for your life. You have left a lasting legacy. You will remain in our hearts for eternity. We are grateful to you, and proud of your efforts in giving us the opportunities, resources, and advice that enabled us to transform and improve our lives to where we are today. We are glad that you served as an example worthy of emulation; an example we will inculcate and encourage in your grandchildren. We pray that the Good Lord who gave you to us to be our father, shields you in His presence till we meet again. Daa, da yie!!!
TRIBUTE BY DAUGHTERS By Susana Obiaku Bekoe
Nana Ampofo
The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Isaiah 57:1
D
Nana Dartey
addy, I used to receive calls about your ill-health and would rush down to see, converse and pray with you, on your sick-bed at the hospital. You would eventually recover, and be discharged and we would bring you home happy and grateful. This time around, Daddy why? I came to see your lifeless body at the hospital. Only the Good Lord knows the answer to this question. Daddy, you were caring, hardworking, dedicated, determined and tenderhearted, and had no room for boredom. The affectionate way you called me, Ama Obiaku always put a smile on my face and a feeling of security in my life. I never felt like somebody who had earlier on lost her mother.
Owuraku
By Nana Afi, Abenaa Afi and Awurabenaa
Daddy, you left at a time that your plans and intentions for me were about coming to fulfilment. Though you are no more, I know that the Almighty God will make them come to pass. Now that you are no more, I will miss you; your loving face; your hearty laughter, your stories, jokes, funny moments, the secrets we shared, the way you would answer every question I asked, and the advice you would give. Indeed, death has snatched from me a father, friend, teacher and role-model. Although it is hard to b e l i e v e a n d a c c e p t , fo n d memories of you will forever remain in my heart. Law 4 , indeed you were a father of fathers! Till we meet again in greater joy, love and peace, may your soul find eternal rest in the creator's bosom. Damrifa due, Damrifa due. Da yie, Da yie.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
I
f it is true that a parent's worst fear is losing a child, then a child's worst fear is losing a parent, and ours has come to pass.
Our father was a very special man, it hurts very much to pay tribute to him. But he's gone now, and what more can we say or do. Our father was our first hero, he was our first love who went to every length to see to the wellbeing of his daughters. The joy in his eyes every time we visited him with our kids was clear to see. On such occasions, his joy knew no bounds. We remember his last words to us when we were leaving after a visit, Nana Afi, me da mo ase wai. When we were kids, our 'Dada', as we called him, would never take his bath without us. Even during periods of water crisis, he would use the little water meant for him, to bath all of us, and that showed that he was ready to share everything with us, no matter the available quantity or situation. We thank our mothers' for giving us such a loving father. He worked very hard at being a good father and a trusted friend. Dad, on earth you toiled, but in heaven you will rest. As we mourn him today, we are proud to say, he lived a fulfilled life. Our father was the prince of princes' and now it is time to say Good night, sweet prince. Let angels take thee to thy rest. We miss you already and will love you forever. You never said I'm leaving; You never said goodbye; You were gone before we knew it; And only God knows why. Rest in peace, Daddy!
Susana
TRIBUTE BY MARY AHWIRENG TO A FATHER WHO'S WISDOM WILL CONTINUE TO SHINE FOREVER
And he said, Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21
Abenaa Afi
T
here comes a time when people laugh, there also comes a time when people struggle, and there comes a time when people get tired, yet, in the midst of all this, we never lose hope in the Lord. Dada, I grew up under your tutelage and protection because of my Auntie, your wife, whom we all refer to affectionately as Sister Bea.
Nana Afi
I remember vividly in the 70's when we lived at Larteh, that immediately after you arrived from Accra to spend your weekends with us, the first words you always uttered were, Where is Akos? The way you cherished and directed me has made me what I am today. Your encouragement, advice and support has turned me into a very vigilant and strong person. Your death has shown me how wicked and thoughtless death truly is. I know how valiant you were; a father who was strong, and who firmly believed in his opinions. I really believe in the saying that, There is time for everything. A special smile, a special face, an irreplaceable father; you filled a space no one will ever occupy.
Awurabena
May the good Lord be your guard in death. Rest in peace.
TRIBUTE BY SISTERS Also the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Ezekiel 24:15-16
By Comfort Adwoa Ayaw
K
wame was my younger brother. I was very young when my mother died, and my father married Kwame and Sisi Gloria's mother, Auntie Fio. Auntie Fio was like a mother to me, I lived with her for a while, and then later I went to Akropong to live with my Aunt. Kwame was a warm, kind, familyoriented person who loved his close and extended family members dearly. Two incidents clearly show his love for family. The first was the fact that unknown to several members of our family, our father had another child at Akropong called Akua Adubea. When I told Kwame about her, he wasted no time and went with me to Akropong to introduce ourselves to her. He brought her into the family and ensured that we all lived together as a close-knit family. The second was his reaction after I
went to live and work in Accra at Food Production. I used to come home to Mamfe on holidays. However, Kwame advised me not to live alone in Accra, but rather come home and live at Mamfe, together with other members of our family. I moved to Mamfe and enjoyed a good relationship with Kwame and his family. I lived with his wife and children at the house of the late Inspector Twumasi, and after he built his house, I moved there together with his wife and children. Over the years, I and my two sisters, and their families, and Kwame's family enjoyed a close, long-lasting relationship. On October 23, Kwame suffered a brief illness and died the following day, leaving behind his three sisters, his wife and children. I pray that the Good Lord will keep his soul in peace.y!
By Sisi (Mrs. Gloria Koram)
K
wame was my third and last brother and we were very close. We were the two siblings who were brought up together by our mother during our childhood. Like all close siblings, we had numerous quarrels, often triggered by petty issues, which sometimes developed into full-scale fights. We would then give each other the cold treatment for some time. But the beauty of it was that we always made up and continued from there. He would help me in difficult times and I stood by him in his trials and tribulations. In effect, we had each other's back. Kwame was a very strong presence in the lives of my children. They were proud of his achievements and he was equally proud of them.
Kwame had a passion for buying things and it would be a lucky vendor who passed by when he was sitting in his porch with his wallet by his side. He would be sure to buy something whether he needed it or not. What he hated was an empty wallet, and that was why he insisted on going to court right up to the very end.
By Akua Adubea
In his last few years, when he was confined to a wheelchair, he couldn't come to me so I always made it a point to visit at least every other day. On such occasions more often than not, I would be greeted thus, Sisi, I went to Koforidua and I brought you a gallon of palm oil.
He was there for us, and we could always count on him for support. He gave advice freely, be it legal or ordinary, worldly advice. He was very generous to me and was always buying me things cloth, fruits, or anything that caught his fancy.
I visited him on Wednesday 22nd October. True to form he had bought me some okra because an okra seller passed by and he knew I like okra. We chatted for an unusually long time not knowing it was to be our last time together. The Lord saw he was getting tired and called him home on the 24th of October, 2014.
I
discovered this brother or rather he found me not so many years ago, but then what a brother he turned out to be. He took me and my children so completely into his heart and his life.
The children were very proud of their uncle the lawyer, and my first son, Oduro has named a son, Nana Bekoe, after him. I visited him not long before his death, and there was no hint of death about him. We are devastated, but I take consolation in the fact that after years of struggles and pain, he is resting peacefully in the arms of his Maker. Dear Brother, may the Good Lord keep your soul in Perfect Peace. Amen!
There is this saying: Goodbyes are the Law of earth; Reunions are the Law of heaven. Kwame, my brother, what a Grand Reunion we shall have on that day!
Comfort Adwoa Ayaw
Akua Adubea
Sisi (Mrs. Gloria Koram)
TRIBUTE BY GRANDCHILDREN
O
ur lifetime is 70 years, or if we are strong, 80 years. But the years are full of hard work and pain. They pass by quickly and then they are gone. Grandpa as we affectionately called him, was a virtuous man. He was a very loving and caring grandfather who endeared himself to all our friends who came into contact with him. Grandpa, the attributes you exhibited; kindness, caring, fairness, protector, encourager and counsellor have become seeds that will go on to bear fruits for generations to come. Grandpa was a hardworking, generous, and tenderhearted person who enjoyed singing, talking and eating with great passion. He showered all of us with his love, time and advice. He did not show any favoritism among his grandchildren. Grandpa, when your other grandchildren grow up, they will hear and learn a lot about you. May your soul rest in perfect peace. AMEN!! YB, Nana Yaa, Nana-Poh, Adwoa Adubea, and Kwasi Odame say, Bye Bye Granpa
YB
Nana Poh
Nana Bekoe
Adwoa Adubea
Nana Yaa
Nana Odame
TRIBUTE BY IN-LAWS Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
O
ur father-in-law was a man of strength, fortitude, conviction and d e te r m i n a t i o n . T h e s e a re qualities he did not hesitate to put on display to anyone who encountered him. From the very first time we encountered him, he advised that we refer to him as Dada , just like his children. He was determined to dissolve any barriers that might impede close relationship with his in-laws. Thus it was, that from the very beginning, he set the stage for an open, intimate and warm relationship with him that was to last until the day of his death.
His was an impressive and accomplished life. From what we know of him, what we heard and what we learnt during conversations with him, his life was a long, continuous journey towards success and achievement. It was clear from speaking with him, that he believed with certainty, that he could achieve the things he planned, and meticulously set out to do, no matter the obstacles he encountered. How else do you explain his transition from a trained teacher, who studied on his own and secured a job at SSNIT, where he worked for several years, and while at SSNIT, studied to become a lawyer, at the University of Ghana, and the Ghana Law School, and was eventually called to the Ghana Bar in October 1990. His journey, from trained teacher to lawyer, is made all the more impressive and inspiring by the fact that he bypassed the traditional secondary school to university route, when he elected to let his younger sister precede him to secondary school, due to his mother's inability to support both of them in secondary school at the same time. This was a singular act of selflessness on his part. Then together with his mother, he worked to support his sister's secondary school education, whilst he patiently bided his time.
Later, at an age more advanced than his contemporaries, he studied privately and passed his Ordinary and Advanced Level examinations. Indeed when he was studying at Legon, and at the Ghana Law School, he was far older than most of his peers. His determination and grit was further illustrated later in his life, especially during the trying periods, after he suffered a stroke and automobile accident. He still put in regular appearances at court to defend clients, secure new business, looked after himself and his family, and proceed to build a second house, all the while confined to a wheelchair. Law 4 was an avid sportsman and footballer who played active soccer in teams including the renowned Mamfe Black Bombers for several years. He loved and enjoyed life, right up to the end. He was a courageous individual who fought through illness, automobile accidents and associated injuries to achieve the goals he set for himself. He loved his grandchildren and doted on them, often showering them
Kwamena-Poh
with gifts. He was interested in their welfare and was constantly inquiring about them. Today, we mourn the loss of our father-in-law, a man who treasured life. Yet at the same time, we give praise to the good Lord who lent him to us for a time. We are assured that the Almighty will comfort his family, as we also comfort those who mourn with us, and are as troubled by his death, as we are. Indeed we know and say with the Psalmist that; God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
Yaw Aidoo
So as we grieve the passing of Law 4, we are comforted by the words of the Psalmist and know that God is indeed our refuge and strength, and therefore we will not fear. He is also in our midst during these trying times, and He will give us the fortitude to withstand this loss. We also know that God is with our family as we go through this sad period; and we are convinced that He is with our father-in-law, in heaven; and finally, we are assured that He is with him in peace and quiet. Law 4, rest in perfect peace until we meet again. Asew Pa, Damrifa Due, Due Ne Amanehunu! Asew Pa, Da Yie!
Rosy
TRIBUTE BY YAW ASANTE, A FRIEND AND A BROTHER No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Mark 13:32-33
I
n 1991, I was walking through a path when I saw a stoutly built gentleman working seriously on a building. I greeted him and he engaged me in a long conversation. I liked him instantly and we became very good friends onwards. Kwame Agyei as I affectionately called him was frank, forthright and sometimes to a fault. He would always and immediately verbally retaliate if you do not speak to him properly. He was a very outspoken person on very occasion and whenever there was an argument, Kwame was right in the center of it In fact he was most often the initiator of all our heated discussions and arguments. Kwame was very insightful and had a lot of foresight which at times made it somewhat difficult for his peers to understand him. He had a very good sense of humor, even in the heat of deliberations and would make a remark to throw a meeting into uncontrollable laughter. Kwame was devout Christian and a staunch Presbyterian and he served the Church very well. Kwame, the good Lord knows every heart and knows that you have fought a good fight served your time very well on this planet. You have kept the faith till the end. On behalf of my wife, children and my own behalf, we say, rest peacefully in the bossom of the Lord DAMMRIFA DUE
TRIBUTE BY NEPHEWS
O
ne of the highlights of the year for us as kids was the annual vacation in Mamfe. It was the only time of the year when we were allowed to roam the streets, A welcome break from all the protection we were subjected to in Tema. The moment we got out of our dad's famous Datsun 120Y we would embark on that lung bursting run to our Uncle's house to meet his family. From tricks packaged as magic from his famous dwarfs who he could command to go and hide toffees in the pockets of clothes on the drying line and his numerous tales of his difficult upbringing with our mum from Mamfe to Chiraa in the Brong Ahafo Region there was never a chance of a boring time with him and we will return to Tema to recount our experiences to jealous classmates whose faces gave them away as kids who will part with anything to have such a n u n c l e Wofa Kwame tutored us in folklore and i can still recall when he woke us up at dawn to go witness the outdooring of the new yam in Mamfe and carefully explaining the significance of it all. He took us to our ancestral family house in Akropong during Odwira and
explained all those ceremonies to us. He would always answer our questions and ask us questions too. He encouraged us at a very early age to save money. He would visit us in Tema, and exchange all our savings in coins for crisp 2 cedi notes and handsomely top up whatever we had s a v e d . When the family moved permanently to Mamfe in 1988, seeing him became a daily affair enabling us to get a better understanding of the man. He taught us among other things how to slaughter pigs, goats sheep and believe it or not a cow as it was an annual feature of his to slaughter these animals and store their meat in his freezer and prepare delicacies for us throughout the year. It's thanks to him that we never contemplated becoming vegetarians. On the rare occasions when you'd catch him of guard at home with his meat stock depleted all it took was for you to express the desire to have either fried pork or soup and he'd tap into his extensive database of all the piggeries on the Akuapem Ridge and before you know you'd be on a ride in his famous Opel Record to any of the piggeries to take delivery of a freshly slaughtered pig. To our friends who marvel at our love for pork you have to blame the man who unfortunately i s n o l o n g e r w i t h u s .
Sammy
Amos
Kwaku
Yaw B
Kudjo
Edwin Tejay
Time spent with him in 1991 whiles he supervised the construction of his first house in Mamfe equipped us with priceless knowledge of construction at such an early age. Something that will prove handy for us in various ways later in life Yaw Koram
Even when a combination of accidents and stroke confined him to a wheel chair in the latter stages of his life, his memory and knowledge of the law and numerous other subjects remained intact ensuring that his doors remained open to all right u n t i l h i s p a s s i n g LAW 4 DA YIYE WOFA KWAME NANTEW YIYE
Mama
Words of inspiration from Nieces
D
eath is nothing at all
I have only slipped into the next room I am I, you are you. Whatever we were to each other that we still are Call me by my old familiar name, Speak to me in the easy way which you always used Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word, that it always was, let it be spoken without effect, Without the trace of shadow on it, Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you from an interval, Somewhere very near, just around the corner
Joyce
Sisi Awuradwoa
Mama Obiaku
All is well DA YIE WOFA KWAME
Aretha
TRIBUTE BY THE FAMILY It is finished
I
John 19:30
t is with a feeling of profound sorrow that we pay this tribute on the solemn occasion of the Burial Service for the late Lawyer Francis Ampofo-Bekoe. His demise and his passing into history not only signify on epoch but constitute an irreparable loss to all who knew and loved him. Kwame, Wofa Kwame, Lawyer or Law 4 in all he did or attempted during his life, he was imbued with a sense of dedication. The richness of his personality and diversity of his interests and his accomplishment as a family member will forever be cherished by posterity. His readiness to understand and sympathize with other people's shortcomings endeared him to all those who were close to him. His open mind, frank and energetic readiness and willingness to serve his fellow men, his patriotism made him one of the outstanding members of the Akropong and Mamfe 'Adum' families. Our late brother was a 'father' who cared for his off springs and relations with tender love, sympathy and devotion and was therefore much endeared to the hearts of all. Kwame did not always receive gratitude; but he never lost heart or faith, and the smile of patience and tolerance seldom left his face. In a small, inadequate, but sincere way, we are trying by what we do here to honour his memory. He was not only erudite in our culture; he shared our ancestral faith that there is a life beyond death; that there is a realm of being beyond space and time where our loved ones survive, and yet still link with us the
living. 'Onua' Francis is dead. We mourn his death. His past services to our dear Adum families of Akropong and Mamfe will always remain fresh in our minds and will continue to serve as a constant guide as well as an inspiration to generations yet unborn. Kwame, fare thee well, 'It Is Finished' John 19:30. A long farewell to all your greatness Sleep on good brother; Sleep on and rest in perfect peace.
Kwaku Bekoe & Barima Owusu Akyem
Kwame Safo
Sisi Baby Sammy & Akosua
TRIBUTE BY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA, EMMANUEL CONGREGATION MAMFE AKWAPIM
For none of us have a life to himself and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord: and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lords. (Romans 14:708) NKJV.
L
awyer Francis Ampofo-Bekoe, popularly known in the church as Lawyer Ampofo joined the church when he was very young. He was someone who did not joke with his Sunday service and contributed his quota a very dedicated member of the church. As a devoted Presbyterian, he made sure he performed all his obligations by paying his monthly tithes, attending church service and also contributed greatly in forenoon bible studies. As a Saturday born, he helped his group to do well in day born activities all the time. He voluntarily gave himself up as a patron of the singing band in 1992 and it's was through his support with that of Nana Oforiwaa Amanfo (Enyiresi Hemea of Mamfe), Mr. Daniel Anim Ayeko and Mrs. Oforiwaa Ankrah that have seen the survival and growth of the singing band up to date. Lawyer was eloquent and did not hesitate to bring the church back on track when he had reservations about certain activities. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the widow, children and the entire family. We pray that the good Lord continues to take through this storm. Lawyer Ampofo, Emmanuel congregation is very grateful to God for your immense contribution to the church. May the good Lord grant you peaceful rest until we meet again on the day of resurrection. KWAME, ASOMDWEE MU NA KODA