Online Memorial Tribute

Our father led a full and fulfilling life; and was so full of life. We know our father wasn't perfect but he was special to us and we want to let you know a little of the man you may not have known.

To his children and friends of his children, he was "Dada", to his peers, he was known as O’Gha; and everybody else, both young and old, called him Uncle Kobina. In later years, some of us children would call him ‘O’Gha’ whenever we wanted to be on his good side and he would respond heartily, hello there! He also enjoyed being Grandpa and was excited about each new arrival.

Dada was witty and sharp at the same time. We all joked about how he always knew how to respond to every comment and innuendo. We often wondered aloud amongst ourselves if he would ever grow old or wane, especially in his reasoning. The Dada some of us knew in our infant years was the same Dada thirty-plus years later. He had a good memory and could tell stories of things that happened yesterday or 50 years ago. He never minced his words, which sometimes did not sit well with people, family and outsiders alike but we learned to live with it.

During his last days he was telling us he was blessed to have had us. Actually, we are rather blessed to have had him as a father.

He did his best to see to our physical and educational needs, and even to our spiritual needs. He taught us to read and helped us with our English compositions while we were growing up. Even now (degrees and all) he was still a force to reckon with when it came to the Queen’s language. I (Grace) remember while in Secondary Form One, he ‘caught’ me reading the magazine of the day, "Joy Ride"; he reprimanded me and demanded to know if that would help me to pass my O’Level Exam. Gosh, the Exam was 4 years away! That was how serious he was with education. He used to say; "reading maketh man". No wonder he was such an avid reader and would read anything he could find. He would also spend hours picking out a Bible verse or other quotes especially suitable for us and inscribed them on every available window or door sill in the house. He also ‘forced’ us to have dawn devotions. We did not hate the devotions as much as the timing of the devotions. Some of us slept through it most of the time, but he made sure we were there.

Dada liked sports and would stay awake to watch every major local or international boxing or soccer match. He also kept abreast with current affairs and politics by listening to and reading the news; a habit he never gave up until he took his last breadth.

To us, Dada was special because he made us feel special. To him, his children were the best of the best. Do you blame him; he was just being a father. Dada took great pride in his family. In fact, we find it hard to believe he is gone because we felt that Dada would always be there.

Dada's greatest concern was the welfare of his family, which he voiced again during his last days. Our calls or visits of comfort to him turned out to be that we were the ones being comforted. He would say, "Don’t worry, what is meant to be will be."

Yes, we grieve, but with a joyous hope. Please join us to celebrate the culmination and crowning achievement of his life – Dada’s Home going.

To God be the glory

Oh, and did we say he also liked liked to sing? Yes, he did. He had a beautiful voice and sang with multiple melodies sometimes.

Below is one of Dad's favorite hymns:

1. Whosoever heareth," shout, shout the sound!
Spread the blessed tidings all the world around;
Spread the joyful news wherever man is found;
"Whosoever will may come."

2. Whosoever cometh need not delay,
Now the door is open, enter while you may;
Jesus is the true, the only Living Way;
"Whosoever will may come."

3. "Whosoever will," the promise secure,
"Whosoever will," forever must endure;
"Whosoever will," ’tis life forevermore:
"Whosoever will may come."

Dada, we will never forget your wit, sharpness, and the fact that you saw humor in everything, good or bad.

Dada, we love you and we are going to miss you. Christmas Day will never be the same for us.

Damrifa Due. Nyame m'fa wo n'sie. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

All go to the same place;
All come from dust, and to dust all return (Ecclesiastes 3:20)