Mrs. Christiana Okanorkor Akwesi
Our Sister, Mother and Grandmother
“Those who walk uprightly enter into peace;
they find rest as they lie in death”
(Isaiah 57:2)
Mrs. Christiana Okanorkor Akwesi was born at La, Accra on Tuesday, 21st November 1950 to Mr. Henry Adjei Okorley, from Nii Adjei Nkpa We (Clan) and Madam Beatrice Kutorkor Nsiah of Nikoi Tse We, both of La, and now of blessed memory. Mrs. Christiana Akwesi, affectionately called Sister Korkor or Mrs. Akwesi was the second of ten children of her mother, though she had other siblings from her father. As fate would have it, the first child of her parents passed on before she was born, so she was seen by the siblings as the leader of the squad.
“Those who walk uprightly enter into peace;
they find rest as they lie in death”
(Isaiah 57:2)
Mrs. Christiana Okanorkor Akwesi was born at La, Accra on Tuesday, 21st November 1950 to Mr. Henry Adjei Okorley, from Nii Adjei Nkpa We (Clan) and Madam Beatrice Kutorkor Nsiah of Nikoi Tse We, both of La, and now of blessed memory. Mrs. Christiana Akwesi, affectionately called Sister Korkor or Mrs. Akwesi was the second of ten children of her mother, though she had other siblings from her father. As fate would have it, the first child of her parents passed on before she was born, so she was seen by the siblings as the leader of the squad.
She had her elementary education at Kedjebi L/A Primary School in the Volta Region and at La Enobal Middle School in Accra from 1956 to 1966. She started her secondary education at Ada Secondary School, changed to Osu Presbyterian Secondary School after a year, then to Nungua Secondary School which she completed in 1971. She proceeded to the Presbyterian Training College (PTC), Akropong-Akwapim now Presbyterian College of Education, to be trained as a professional teacher, and completed in 1973. Later, in 1993, Mrs. Akwesi gained admission to the University of Cape Coast as a mature student and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in Psychology and a Diploma in Religious Studies concurrently in 1998.
As the eldest daughter of her hardworking mother, who was a general trader in food and household goods, Sister Korkor learned the craft alongside her schooling from her mother and mentor, thus supported her with the business. She was industrious and had gifted hands, so she also ventured into many areas including dressmaking, hairdressing, baking and catering after graduating from the Teacher Training College and during her professional career as a teacher.
Mrs. Akwesi enjoyed a successful career as a professional teacher. Her first post as a teacher was the Pantang Presbyterian Primary School at Abokobi, then a rural community in Accra, in 1974. After a year at Abokobi, she was transferred to Teshie Aboma Presbyterian Primary School, and later to Emmause Presbyterian Primary School at La, her hometown in Accra.
She married Dr. Christian K. Akwesi, of blessed memory, in 1975 and accompanied him to Cape Coast, specifically, the University of Cape Coast, where he had taken up an appointment as a lecturer in 1979. This is where she settled with the husband and worked for the greater part of her life. In Cape Coast, she started with the Kwaprow Basic School and taught for four years (1979 -1983), then joined the University Primary School where she taught from 1983 to 1993. After a 5-year study leave at the University of Cape Coast for a bachelor’s degree, Mrs. Akwesi was transferred to the University Junior High School in 1998 and remained there until her retirement in 2011. Many children passed through her hands as a teacher and have become successful professionals and citizens.
Mrs. Akwesi became a committed Christian during her days at PTC. It was during this period that she joined The Church in Accra and devoted her life to Christ and preaching the Word of God. Upon joining the husband in Cape Coast, she continued her dedicated Christian life by joining the University Residents’ Church (URC), now the University Interdenominational Church (UIC). She also joined the Church in Cape Coast in 1987 and spent a significant part of her life with them in the service of the Lord. Later in life when her mobility was restricted, she remained with the UIC at the University of Cape Coast. She devoted most of her time promoting Christian values to her friends, the church and her family.
As leader of her siblings, she devoted time to helping her parents to raise the family. She took keen interest in their education and discipline to make them responsible members of the family. Her wise counsel and support for education, discipline and life in general, was also to the extended family. She honoured her obligations to the extended family both paternal, maternal and matrimonial. She offered emotional support, provided financial assistance, was instrumental in the planning and execution of family events and she maintained strong relationships with family members. She raised many children who passed through her home. She was firm when she needed to be firm, and her pieces of advice were invaluable. Undoubtedly, she played a significant role in the training and education of many people in the family and beyond.
She loved sharing what she had with others. She shared her wealth and knowledge about life and God to encourage friends and family. Mrs. Akwesi was hospitable, full of laughter and joy, and her home was always filled with people. Beside English, she spoke seven local languages fluently and was therefore, able to connect easily with people. Not only that, but she was such a simple, humble, honest and loving person; a constant and trusted companion in all things. She has left an indelible print on our minds with footprints in gold, as a disciplinarian, devoted Christian and teacher who inculcated strong Christian beliefs, values and training in others.
Sister Korkor by and large, enjoyed good health throughout her life until the latter part of 2023 when she lost her mobility due to waist and knee joint problems. The children and family did what was possible medically and by prayers, to get her to recover, but God knows what is best for her.
She was called peacefully to eternity from home at 12.40 am on Wednesday, 31st January 2024. She left behind several children, four of whom are biological, together with grandchildren and a host of loving members of the extended family.
Sister Korkor, Mrs Akwesi,
Yaawɔ Ojogban yɛ Nuntsɔ le hejɔle mli
- Tribute by Brothers and Sisters
- Tribute by Children
- Tribute by In-Laws: Madeline Thompson
- Tribute by In-Laws: Akuyo Akwesi
- Tribute by In-Laws: Daad Akwesi
- Tribute by In-Laws: Adelaide Akwesi
- Tribute by In-Laws: Nene Plahar
- Tribute by Sister-In-Law: Edna Okorley
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Esther Baah
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Christine-Rene Akwesi
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Jason Tetteh-Baah Akwesi
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Ryan Akwesi
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Lorraine, Curtis-Christian, Cainan and Caleb Akwesi
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Areli Adinorki Plahar
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Narkie Siako Akwesi
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Narkwor Siako Akwesi
- Tribute by Grandchildren: Joseph, Priscilla, Shirley and Rosemond
- Tribute by Cousins (Abroad): Amanda Assah (UK),Kate Nartey-Quaye (USA), David Nartey (USA)
- Tribute by The University Interdenominational Church, UCC
- Tribute by The Church in Cape Coast
- Tribute by University Junior High School, Cape Coast
- Tribute by University of Cape Coast, Ladies’ Club
- Tribute by Mrs. Grace Yankson (Special Friend)
- Tribute by Mrs. Mary Lanquaye-Tetteh
- Tribute by The Dadsons
- Tribute by Kofi Narh-Sam