Tribute by
Kofi Narh-Sam
“And when great souls die, after a period,
peace blooms, slowly and always irregularly.
Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed. We can be.
Be and be better. For they existed.”
Maya Angelou
I knew Mama, as I affectionately called her, when I went to work at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in the mid-1990s. By coincidence, her husband, Dr C K. Akwesi, of blessed memory, taught me at secondary school at Koforidua many years back. My house at UCC was opposite theirs. Mama and Dr Akwesi became my mentors during and after my stay at UCC. Their house was home to me and my children and we trooped in and out of that house at will. The house was always teeming with people, but Mama and the husband made everyone feel welcome with magnificent hospitality. They shared their space, their food and above all, their love with everyone that was in contact with them.
Mama had a charming personality. Those who knew her very well will attest to the fact that she was always forthright with her views, but she possessed a great sense of humour which she used to good effect to create laughter and keep everyone at ease, even during difficult moments. I look back with fondness to the many moments of good fun and laughter she shared with me and many gathered here today.
Mama showed by her life and achievements that no height was beyond reach and with hard work, determination, and the right mental attitude one could succeed. These attributes were clearly demonstrated by the fact that she achieved her Bachelor of Education degree at the mature age of almost 50 years. In her personal and professional life, she sought to achieve the best outcome in any task she undertook. She never settled for a ‘good enough’ result. Certainly, she was inspired by the attitude described in the quote by Norman Peale “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” Indeed, Mama went past the stars and succeeded in literally landing on the moon!
Mama, yes, ‘We can be. Be and be better’. We are better today because you existed. The family is in a better standing because you had been a successful and worthy trailblazer; the community has benefitted from your inspiration, leadership and diverse contributions to uplift it; and Ghana, has benefitted from your teaching profession. You have left the world a better place than you found it.
Mama, mo kɛ nyɛmi saminya – Fare Thee Well.