Wa Methodists bid farewell to Graphic reporter
Emotions took the better part of a congregation at Wa last Sunday as the group bid farewell to Daily Graphic’s George Folley Quaye and his family.
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Congregants at the Paul Adu Cathedral in the Upper Mission Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, could not hold back their tears as Mr Folley Quaye and his wife addressed the church for the last time.
Mr Folley Quaye is on transfer to Koforidua in the Eastern Region after 12 years in the Upper West Region as the regional correspondent of the Daily Graphic and sister newspapers, and his departure drew from the young and old, male and female alike tears as the church went through the ritual of a send-off event.
“There is little I can say; I am overwhelmed by the show of friendship, love and all the virtues one can think of in this physical life,” Mr Folley Quaye said during the service.
“We are grateful to all who made our stay in the region comfortable and worthwhile. We will never forget the positive impact all of you have had on our lives,” he added as a crowd swelled around him, everyone giving a last embrace in the rather sombre atmosphere.
Individuals and groups within the church ‘competed’ in showering gifts and praises on the family.
Rev. Francis Andoh, the circuit minister, called on the congregation to learn from the lives of Mr Folley Quaye and his family, noting that the many tributes from individuals and organisations within the church were testimonies of virtuous living.
The tributes to the family could be confused for the customary praise singing at a local funeral, but that the family had maintained a dignified and humble life was a common feature in the many speeches.
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Mr Folley Quaye had taken up the role of sole usher at the Rev. Paul Adu Cathedral, and for three years rendered such service to both regular and new congregants until others joined the ushering group.
What was supposed to be a two-year mandate as president of the Men’s Fellowship ran into a full third year for him before a successor was elected.
“If there are virtues in the kind of relationship this family shared with us, we must all embrace them also,” Rev. Andoh said.