Volta Region, July 12th-18th, 2024 The final funeral rites, burial, and celebration of the late Gerhard Kokuga Degborvia, who lived an impressive 107 years, took place in Honuta, Volta Region. The commemorative events spanned seven days, drawing an average of 3,000 attendees daily.
Key Highlights: Motorcade Escort: On Friday, July 12th, the mortal remains of GK Degborvia were solemnly escorted from Leshibi Funeral Home in Accra. Family and close friends led the procession, joined by Knights and Ladies Auxiliaries of St. John International, Knights and Ladies of Marshall, the Sacred Heart Brass Band from Kpehe (Accra), and the Military Brass Band from the 66 Artillery Regiment in Ho.
Laying to Rest: The following day, the late GK Degborvia was laid to rest in a poignant ceremony. Distinguished Attendees: The event attracted numerous dignitaries, including Rev. Father Dr. Perry Azah, Monsignor Anthony Kornu, Hon. Emmanual Bedzrah (MP for Ho West), Hon. Kofi Attor, Hon. Nii Djanmah Vanderpuye, Torgbuiga Dorglo Anumah (Paramount Chief of Avenor Traditional Area), Torgbui Agbelorm (Chief of Salo), and Lawyer Chris Ackumey.
Memorable Performances: Torgbui Olokodjoko, EveryDay, and Joe Capitol graced the celebration with their performances. Efo Steve of CEANA Media and Authentic Mama of TopFM and Top Radio 103.5, along with Apostle Winston MC, ensured a fitting farewell.
Global Gathering: Friends and family from around the world joined Mad Vivian Newman and the entire Degborvia family to honor the remarkable life of their beloved father.
In this celebration of longevity and legacy, the late GK Degborvia’s memory lives on, echoing the sentiment: “Good One There.”
Today, July 24, 2024, marks the 12th anniversary of the passing of Professor Evans Atta-Mills, the third President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. As the nation remembers this remarkable leader, tributes pour in from across the country, honoring his memory and legacy.
Professor Atta-Mills, affectionately known as “Asomdwee Hene” (King of Peace), left an indelible mark on Ghana’s history. His presidency was marked by a commitment to peace, stability, and development. He championed the cause of education, healthcare, and economic growth, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the nation’s progress.
As Ghanaians reflect on his life and times, they recall his humility, integrity, and dedication to public service. His leadership style, characterized by inclusiveness and consensus-building, earned him respect and admiration from both home and abroad.
To commemorate this anniversary, the Atta-Mills Institute, a think tank established in his honor, is organizing a series of events, including a memorial lecture, a wreath-laying ceremony, and a symposium on his legacy. These events aim to celebrate his life, reflect on his achievements, and rekindle the values he embodied.
As Ghana remembers Professor Atta-Mills, the nation renews its commitment to the ideals he stood for: peace, unity, and progress. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the country towards a brighter future.
I have been avoiding writing this tribute until Uncle Ernest asked me if I was not going to write a tribute to my sister. I told myself that writing the tribute means I admit she is gone. I didn’t think it would meet her approval and standard.
There’s no one I know in my life who could write or rewrite a poorly written speech, as fast as she did. There’s no better strategist I know in my life than my younger sister, Mawuena.
There were different sides to my sister. Each of us in the family, school mates, corporate circles, religious or faith circles, political landscape, business environment, etc, know something extraordinary about Mawuena. To me, she was my cousin, friend and role model. The first time I saw Uncle Ernest and his family was on the compound of this same Holy Spirit Cathedral in the 80s. Mama had brought me here for a 5J Junior Marshallan event. When Mama said, “There’s your Uncle Ernest, let’s go greet them,” I refused, saying, “they are like ameyibor yevu o, and I am a barracks girl.”
She was slim and tall and stood there like she knew everything. I was intimidated by her posture. Mama found that amusing, considering I was bold and fearless at that age. She left me standing there. I took cover behind a car, watching as she exchanged pleasantries with them.
Many years later, when the bond of sisterhood tightened, I told Mawuena the story, and she laughed her heart out. I admitted to myself and to her that I needed to learn from her; and I did. She was strong-willed, but also soft at heart. She cared for people and was often taken advantage of, sadly. She gave her heart to people who didn’t protect it and make it flourish. She was bruised but endured it with stoic silence. Life indeed, pummelled her soul but life was also kind to her.
She was my partner in strategically avoiding the landmines in the political terrain. Those who didn’t know that we were family and snitched about me to her were the butt of our jokes. We promised each other to keep up the appearance of “all is well and it SHALL be well.” She will exclaim “eeeiiii mama, this politics is dirty.” I would respond with our clarion call, “we are LAMADU GIRLS.” In Ewe, “lamadu” means MEAT THAT YOU CANNOT CHEW.
Mawuena stood by me when I became the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts. She was the GIPC boss and I stood by her as many things took her by surprise in that political appointment.
She wished things were more structured. She wanted us to be more strategic than spontaneous, deliberate than wishful. She would send me messages on what she thought was wrong and how it could be solved for the betterment of our party and country. I fell in love with her brain.
We went on trips outside of Ghana to ‘breathe’ as we put it. It was our time to share sweet gossip about her father, my beloved Uncle Ernest, H. E John Drama Daramani Mahama, men and many other things in life. We planned our future. She would look at her daughter and say, for her sake, we have to keep pushing.” “We need our own war chest, mama. We are the Lamau Girls.”
When I contested the primaries in 2019, she spent time with Martin and I to ensure everything went as planned. At some point in the wee hours of the morning of the elections, she looked at the number of people gathered in the house and asked, “Did our parents send us to school for this?.” I said, YES. We won but sadly, our party lost.
I love cooking and she loved eating my food. Mawuena, Dogbeda, her daughter and I had fun in my kitchen eating, laughing and dancing. My sister loved borborbor! Lord!
She supported me emotionally and spiritually. When Martin fell ill, we shared our fears and leaned on each other for strength to deal with the situation. She stood by me till he left. When my son was getting married she played her “daadia” (small mother in the Ewe language) role beautifully. Mawuena was a very compassionate person.
In January this year, she was certain the breakthrough was finally here when she came back from a trip abroad. Mawuena, you gave me so much hope. Yet, I wish you weren’t so strong about the things that troubled your heart and mind, Mawuena. I wish you had shown your vulnerability, too. I wish you had the courage to confront the demons that stole your joy, peace of mind and everything else.
I wish, o how I wish, I had the courage to speak about the things that made your heart ache, sister mine.
My heart aches. I am devastated. I am shattered. O Lord, please receive her soul and welcome her into your bosom. Lord, reward her for all she did that pleased you and forgive her for her iniquities. Keep her safe until we meet again.
Mawuena, dzudzor lè nutifafa mè na hè dè nyuie norvinye.
The death is announced of Mrs. Berta Dzifa Agbotui, following a short illness. She was the wife of Col. Joshua Agbotui (rtd). Her demise has left a void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
Mrs. Agbotui was a kind-hearted and gentle soul who will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love and support for her husband and family were unwavering, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to, the Agbotui and the Acolatse and allied families during this difficult time. May the loving memories of Mrs. Agbotui bring comfort and strength to those who mourn her loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
In a somber announcement that has reverberated throughout the Ewe community, we mourn the passing of Mr. Derrick Glymin, an unwavering supporter of the One Volta Group (OVG). His legacy as a community leader, advocate, and friend will forever be etched in our hearts.
Mr. Glymin’s commitment to the Ewe cause was unwavering. From the early days of OVG, he stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow community members, championing unity, cultural preservation, and progress. His passion for fostering connections and empowering others made him a beloved figure within CEANA and beyond.
As we grapple with this loss, our thoughts and prayers are with the Glymin family. May they find solace in the memories of a man who dedicated his life to uplifting others. The Ewe Association of Colorado, where Mr. Glymin was an integral part, mourns alongside them.
Details regarding Mr. Glymin’s funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. Let us come together as a community to honor his memory and bid farewell to a remarkable soul.
Mr Glymin with the leadership of the One Volta Group back in 2022 at Dr Abotchie’s residence in Houston, TX.
The photograph of Mr. Glymin alongside the OVG leadership in 2022, taken at Dr. Abotchie’s residence in Houston, TX, captures the essence of his commitment. It serves as a poignant reminder of the bonds that tie us together and the impact one individual can have on an entire community.
Cornelius Ackumey, President of the Ewe Association of Colorado issued a statement saying “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our esteemed senior member and founding member of our association, Mr. Derrick Glymin. Funeral arrangements will be communicated at a later time. Let us keep the Glymin family and the Ewe Association of Colorado in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.Thank you”.
Former CEANA President, Dr. Abotchie , expressed his shock and devastation upon hearing the news. His heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Glymin’s family and the Ewe Association of Colorado. May the good Lord welcome Mr. Glymin into eternal rest.
As we reflect on Mr. Glymin’s legacy, let us continue to build upon the foundation he laid—a legacy of unity, service, and compassion. Farewell, dear friend. Your light will forever guide us. Rest well , Mr. Derrick Glymin.
