Kwame Botchway - Program

Order of Celebration Prelude…………………………………………………………………………………………..……........................... Choir Viewing and Visitation The Lord’s Prayer…………………………………………………………………………………........ Kortney Siggers Invocation ………………………………………………………………………………………......….... Dr Kito D. March Old Testament Reading……………………………………………………………………….. Jeremiah Triplett, Sr. New Testament Reading………………………………………………………….........…………… Drew Sargeant Musical Selection………………………………………………………………………….....……… Minister Nii Addo Acknowledgments and Resolutions …………………………………….......……………….. Dione Alexander Family Tribute………………………………………………………………………........………………. Jacob Alhassan Reflections Family of Kwame Botchway Mark, Malik, & Ayande Joseph Elena Stachew Sampson Oboh Reading of Obituary ……………………………………………………………………..……..Rachel Williams-Eke Song of Comfort……………………………………………………………………………...………..Minister Nii Addo Eulogy…………………………………………………………………………….........……….. Pastor A. Charles Ligon New Jerusalem MBC, Cleveland, Ohio Recessional ……..........………………………………………......……………………………......Family and Friends

Pallbearers:

Flowerbearers:

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Brian Siggers

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Alana Garrett-Ferguson

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Doni Urbassik

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Lily Botsyoe

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Luca Bucci

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Philena Seldon

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Bryson Rhodes

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Olabisi Oladapo

•

Jacob Alhassan

•

Anastasia McIntosh

•

Christian Mintah

•

Elodie Nonguierma

Edmund Mawuli Kwame Botchway “None of us can hold our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle.”

Ecclesiastes 8:8 Born on April 27, 1991, in Tamale, Ghana, Edmund Mawuli Kwame Botchway, affectionately as Kwame, was the beloved son of Kwesi Botchway Akuamoah from Aveme and Janet Esi Afenyo from Kpando, both of the Volta Region of Ghana. His early years were shaped by the love and wisdom of his grandparents, the late Raphael Afenyo and Eugenia Asimenu, and his aunt Aku, who was like a second mother to him. Kwame was raised in the coastal town of Keta and was from the Ewe tribe.

His journey of learning and leadership began at the Prison Officers International School in Tamale and continued at Dzelukofe R.C Boys’ Basic School in Keta. His academic prowess led him to Bishop Herman College in Kpando, where he excelled in General Arts. Kwame’s thirst for knowledge then took him to the University of Ghana, where he earned a degree in Geography and Natural Resources Development.

It was during his time at the University of Ghana that he crossed paths with Dr. Mark Joseph, a pivotal encounter that would shape his future. Under the mentorship of Mark and Me’lani Joseph, who became parental figures in his American journey,

Kwame matriculated at Case Western Reserve University, where he earned joint Master’s degrees in Science of Social Administration and Non-Profit Organization in 2019 and distinguished himself as a Mandel Leadership Fellow.

From his early days as President of the Accra City Leo Club to his roles as a Teaching Research Assistant at the University of Ghana and a Broadcast Journalist at Citi 97.3 FM, Kwame’s professional life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to social justice and community development.

In Cleveland, Kwame brought his skills, passion, and vision for social change to his work as Director of Community Impact and Innovation at Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and at Citadel Impact Consulting, a firm that he operated with friend and business partner, Elena Stachew. Kwame was a member of numerous civic and professional organizations to include Global Shapers (World Economic Forum), RE:Source Cleveland, Plastic Punch Ghana, and Afro P.A.C.T. which he co-founded with Crystal Bryant Agyemang. He was a regular and sought- after speaker at various forums devoted to equity, economic opportunity, and liberation.

He was a renaissance man - a philosopher, a writer, and a dancer with moves that were the life of every party. His love for his Ewe culture was evident in his passion for Ghanaian cuisine, as he often delighted friends with his perfectly crafted “premium jollof” and hearty groundnut stew.

Kwame lived by two guiding principles: “Keep your head up always”, and, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

Kwame is survived by his parents, Kwesi Botchway Akuamoah and Janet Esi Afenyo his sister, Lily Kafui Botchway, his grandmother Eugenia Asimenu, his aunt, Aku, his brothers, Aaron and Jeffrey Kweku-Duah, a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many others that had the privilege of calling him “friend.” May his soul find eternal rest in the bosom of his Maker, and may his memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew him.

a Loving

Tribute

As I gather my thoughts to honor you, my heart overflows with memories of our shared journey. Your presence in my life has been a constant source of strength, laughter, and love. From the days of our youth, filled with mischief and joy, to the moments of maturity where your wisdom and guidance shaped my path, you have been my rock.

You always find ways and means to figure out whom or whatever troubles me; you hate to see me sad no matter the situation. As you even traveled to the US, you still had people to monitor me to know if I’m okay. As soon as you would see my calls or messages, you would immediately say, “Are you ok? Is anyone troubling you? Who is he/ she? Lily, always know that you are my only sister and I love you so much. I always want to see you happy.”

Your kindness, humor, and unwavering support have been the foundation upon which I’ve built my life. The bond we share transcends time and space, living on in the cherished memories we’ve created together. Your spirit, filled with warmth and love, will forever resonate within me.

Though you may have departed this world, your essence lingers in the echoes of our laughter, the echoes of our conversations, and the whispers of the wind. Your legacy of love and light will continue to guide me through life’s journey, reminding me of the incredible brother you were.

Rest peacefully, dear brother. Your memory will forever be etched in my heart, a beacon of love and strength that will never fade.

With eternal love and gratitude, Your loving sister - Lily Botchway

“We hold you close, within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again.

So rest in peace Dear loved one, And thanks for all you’ve done, We pray that God has given you, The crown you’ve truly won.”

The family of Kwame Botchway wishes to thank everyone for their heartfelt prayers, kind words, and compassionate deeds in the passing of our loved one.

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Interment: 1:30 PM

Repast: 2:30 PM

Lake View Cemetery

Linsalata Alumni Center

12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106

11310 Juniper Road, Cleveland, OH 44106

Services entrusted to Gaines Funeral Home 5386 Lee Rd, Maple Heights, OH 44137