Ayeboafoh thankful to all

On July 1, 2017, my mother was buried and the funeral rites were very successful thanks to the support I received from a large section of people. In such situations, it becomes difficult to show appreciation to all those who sacrificed to be there to mourn with me. However, in every situation there are exceptions. It is on this basis that I want to single out certain individuals for mention. There may be some who did far better than those I have named but if I had not named you, it does not mean that I did not appreciate your sacrifices.

I would like to give the pride of place to Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor who walked with me to the cemetery and Mr Albert Kan Dapaah who sat through the thanksgiving service with me. Their presence gave me a sense of recognition. I will never forget the singular honour done me.

To show that the teacher’s reward is not only in heaven but could be received on earth were Mr Justice Anthony Oppong of the High Court and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Afigya Kwabre North, Nana Marfo Amaniampong, who I taught together with Kwasi Berchie (Agya Berchie) at the Tetrem Secondary School. There was also Ms Diana Heyman Adu of the Ghana Institute of Journalism and Ben Annoon, Mrs Oteng Agyei and Mrs Kankam of the Grace Baptist Church, Sakumono and  Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission Alex Bannerman, Kwame Nyamekye of KN & Associates and many others. There were members of the Afigya Kwabre District Assembly who followed the District Chief Executive, Kwasi Karikari Achamfuor, to the funeral. I owe them a debt of gratitude.

The St Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Kumasi overwhelmed me because although I have been attending church there with my wife, who has always been an Anglican, I have not as yet transferred to that church. Indeed, it was a delight seeing that four of the reverend ministers and a host of church members were at Boamang-Maase to mourn with me although there were other church activities. What is more, the registrar of the church Lawyer Kwame Asiedu  Basoah, was at the funeral. Indeed, but for Lawyer Basoah, I might not have taken in anything that Saturday. I am grateful to all of them for their invaluable contribution.

To the clergy and laity of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Boamang Baptist Church and  the headmaster  and staff of the Prang Senior High School, all that I can say is that the Lord Almighty God will reward you for being such a support during the funeral.   

I am equally indebted to the management and staff of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), especially the Director of Finance, Kwabena Baah-Adade, Strategy Manager John Tagoe, Medical Officer Dr Jacqui Barnes, Daily Graphic Editor Ransford Tetteh, Public Affairs Manager Emmanuel Agyei Arthur and  Mr Albert Sam, formerly of GCGL, and other workers who were at Boamang Maase to give my mother a fitting burial.

To Mrs Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, I owe utmost appreciation for her support. To my children and in-laws, uncles and cousins who helped at the funeral, I can only say that my mother, Akua Akyere, aka Akua Forkuo, is grateful to you for playing your part as a family and clan.

However, the biggest appreciation and gratitude must go to my wife, Mrs Stella Ayeboafoh, and her family members, particularly my brothers-in-law Ike and Dan Lartey, who were so selfless that things went on smoothly. Stella in particular personally took charge of the service that everyone who attended the funeral was served. What is more, I spent more money on food and drinks during the funeral of my father in 2012 than that of my mother although I received more guests at my mother’s funeral than at my father’s funeral. I cannot thank Stella enough but pray that the good Lord who sees all things will replenish her both spiritually and materially such that like the widow who provided food for the prophet, her pot will never be dry of oil.