Sankofaonline News Desk | November 30 2025.
ROMEOVILLE, ILLINOIS — In a moving ceremony filled with reverence and gratitude, the Mmrantie Association marked its 25th anniversary thanksgiving service at Calvary Baptist Church with a presentation that captured both history and humanity.
On behalf of the association, President Edward Owusu presented a portrait of Mr. Sampson Akotuah, a longtime supporter and adviser , whose wisdom and generosity have shaped the organization for decades. Surrounded by elders and members, Mr. Owusu’s words carried the weight of communal appreciation: a prayer for long life, a blessing for continued strength, and a heartfelt acknowledgment of Mr. Akotuah’s enduring counsel and his recent generosity toward the association’s anniversary dinner dance.
The portrait, a dignified image of Mr. Akotuah himself, symbolized more than recognition. It was a testament to the living bond between one man’s devotion and the collective spirit of an organization that has thrived on his guidance.
In response, Mr. Akotuah spoke with humility and candor. Acknowledging his age, he declared that the time had come to hand the baton to the younger, vibrant members of Mmrantie Kuo. Yet his words were not of farewell but of gratitude. He credited the association with keeping him active and engaged, saying that without its fellowship and purpose, his life might have ended long ago. “I would have been gone by now if it wasn’t for them,” he reflected, attributing his longevity to the community that has embraced him as family.
The moment was both poignant and celebratory. It underscored the essence of Mmrantie Kuo: a brotherhood built not only on tradition but on compassion, where elders are honored and youth are empowered to carry forward the tradition and legacy of their forefathers. The thanksgiving service became more than an anniversary, it was a living reminder that the strength of a community lies in its ability to honor the past while preparing the future.
As the portrait was unveiled, it stood as a symbol of continuity: a face that has guided, a heart that has given, and a spirit that has endured. For Mmrantie Kuo, the portrait of Sampson Akotuah is not just an image, it is a story of resilience, gratitude, and the unbreakable ties of communal life.
Pictures : Credit Paa Kwasi Sam
Thank you so much SankofaOnline and thanks to Mmrantie Kuo for honoring my Uncle Akotuah