By Sankofaonline Editorial Team
In a stirring display of reverence and cultural pride, the Ghanaian community of Chicago gathered on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Blessed Maria Parish, 2248 West Washington Boulevard, to honor the life and legacy of Obaapanin Adwoa Benewaa. She passed away in Ghana after 101 remarkable years, a century marked by quiet strength, maternal wisdom, and enduring faith.
As President of the Bono Ahafo Association and Vice President of the Ghanaian Community Church of Chicago, Benjamin Kodom-Ayensu stood not only as a grieving son but as a cultural steward, ensuring that his mother’s farewell reflected the depth of her legacy and the richness of Ghanaian tradition.
The memorial service, moderated with grace by Rosemary Amegashie, opened the day with spiritual depth. Reverend Emmanuel Betson delivered a powerful eulogy under the theme “The Promise of Long Life,” drawing from Psalm 91 to illuminate the divine covenant of longevity and salvation.
Reverend Betson’s message was both a tribute and a spiritual call to action. He urged the audience to make the Lord their refuge, emphasizing that long life is not merely a biological gift but a spiritual inheritance for those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High.
“God should be your protector, your provider, your everything,” he preached. “You have to make the Lord your secret place. You have to make the Lord your rest.”
He spoke candidly about the trials of aging, sickness, adversity, and spiritual disconnect, and reminded attendees that faith is the shield that guards against life’s storms. “If you haven’t made the Lord your refuge,” he declared, “today is the day for you.”
Dr. Eunice Cromwell, Vice President of the Ghana National Council and a poised contender for its presidency, graced the memorial with soul, stirring hymns on the piano,her hands translating reverence into melody, her presence a quiet testament to leadership rooted in service and spirit.
Lady Bee’s vocal ministry transcended performance, delivering songs that stirred not only the hearts of attendees but their spiritual foundations. Through melodies that spoke of divine calm, total surrender, and the hidden work of transformation. She reminded the audience that when God speaks, storms are silenced; when we yield, He acts; and before revelation comes, there is sacred preparation. Her music became a mirror of faith, inviting each soul to trust, wait, and be made whole.
As is customary, Chicago’s Ghanaian chiefs , queens and their entourage were ushered in with regal flair, each group announced by music tailored to their lineage. The sanctuary transformed into a vibrant cultural mosaic, where ancestral pride met contemporary rhythm.
Emcee Nana Daasebere Kwame (NKD) brought levity and charisma to the proceedings, allowing his signature words “less talk, more music” approach to energize the room. DJ Odikro’s highlife and Afrobeats selections were more than entertainment, they were cultural affirmations curated to enthusiastic revelers.
One unforgettable moment came when NKD playfully dubbed Benjamin Kodom-Ayensu’s first dance “a Chinese dance,” prompting a second round that had the crowd roaring with laughter and admiration. The emcee’s antics, far from superfluous, were a balm , reminding all that even in grief, there is room for joy.
The evening reached its emotional peak when Mr. Osahene of OsaheneMusic fame took the mic. His rendition of “When a Loss Is a Gain” was not merely sung , it was ministered. The lyrics pierced hearts, transforming sorrow into spiritual reflection. It was a moment of communal healing, where music became prayer and grief gave way to grace.
Obaapanin Adwoa Benewaa’s farewell was not just a funeral, it was a festival of faith, a celebration of culture, and a testament to the power of legacy. In honoring her, the Ghanaian community of Chicago reminded the world that death is not the end, it is a passage, and when walked with dignity, it becomes a bridge between generations.
The following Sunday, Benjamin Kodom-Ayensu brought the weekend’s commemorations to a graceful close with a heartfelt thanksgiving service at the Church of the Ghanaian Community in Chicago, a moment of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal that crowned a legacy of love with praise.
May her soul rest in perfect peace. Yɛda wo ase, da yie Obaapanin Adwoa Benewaa.
Thank you Dr. Hadzide for taking time out of your busy schedule to give us report from the community. We appreciate your service and commitment to humanity.