Seth Kwaku Addo Arjarquah

a life well lived

SETH KWAKU ADDO 71 years ARJARQUAH

A loving father like you, who can find?

A caring father like you, who would not want that?

Yet we were blessed enough to have you in our lives to share our young years under your feet as you taught us the sacred laws of life itself.

Your passion for peace opened our eyes to realize that the essence of life itself was love.

Daddy, You were proud of us because you made us, you tendered us and you cared for us!

If you toasted to our successes, it was because you were a solid foundation to it.

You led us on that narrow road to meet our Lord, the Savior of the world - that is by far the greatest gift you could ever have given us!

We love you dad and always will and though you’re gone, riding on the wings of angels, though we may not ever see you again, you remain embedded in the depths of our hearts never to be forgotten!

—TEE, AKO, NANA AMA, MAAME & NANA YAW

4

BURIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE MR. SETH ADDO ARJARQUAH

OFFICIATING MINISTERS

CATECHISTS

Rev. G. N. Odonkor

Cat. Esau Adepa

Rev. Esther Adjetey (Rtd.) Rev. Ebenezer Akrong Rev. T. V. Obuobi Rev. Winfred Tetteh Rev. Frank Kissi

Cat. Augustina Annie Cat. Endurance Ofosu (Rtd)

Call to Worship/Salutation. . . . . . . . Kwaku Owusu Odame Processional Hymn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PH 494 Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PH 551 (1-3) Scripture Sentences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kwaku Owusu Odame Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PH 555 (1-3) Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kwaku Owusu Odame Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family Member Tributes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Widow/ Children/ Church Scripture Reading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Psalm 121 Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PH 549 (1-3) Sermon/Prayer/Creed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Minister Prayer for the family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Minister Christian Charity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Singing Band Prayer of Dedication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Presbyter Announcement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clerk/Presbyter Benediction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Minister Recessional Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PH 518

GRAVESIDE Scripture Sentences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catechist Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PH 557 (1-2) Exhortation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catechist Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PH 824 (1-2) Committal/Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Minister Hymn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PH 805 (1-2) Vote of Thanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family Member Benediction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Minister

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

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B I O G R A P H Y

O F

T H E

L AT E

Mr. Seth Kwaku Addo Arjarquah "The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart, merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. He shall enter into

”

peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness” —Is 57:1-2

I

T is indeed a difficult task to read the biography of our

ladder, led him back to the country of his birth to pursue

brother, friend, cousin, father and uncle and refer to

a Marketing course; an educational discipline that was to

him, Kwaku, as late. His legacy still lives on though, as

serve as his breakthrough later on in life. He always joked

he has embedded in his family the ability to take and live

about how brilliant he was as a student and prided him-

life very simply, making everyone around him extremely

self in that gift as he saw it manifest in his offspring. Seth

comfortable and accepting life’s challenges with ease

was a firm believer of personal development, upgrade

and absolute faith in God.

and education as a whole. He therefore never stopped encouraging his daughters and all who came into contact

BIRTH

with him to endeavour to make beyond the skies their

Seth Kwaku Addo Arjarquah was born in Port Harcourt,

limit and never to dim the beacon of attaining higher

Nigeria on 15 July, 1950 to Mr. L. A. Arjarquah and Mrs.

heights.

Sophia Arjarquah, both from Gyakiti and both of blessed memory. He was the sixth of his father’s children and is

WORK LIFE

survived by five of his siblings, Leticia, Joseph, Christian,

As a young man, Seth worked with Ashanti Regional

Ebenezer and Kesia. Kwaku as affectionately called by his

House of Chiefs and Accra High Court as a Verbatim

siblings and members of the family, was always humor-

Reporter. After a few years of service in these institu-

ous and eloquent. He was a peacemaker who always

tions, he resigned and joined Stool Lands Boundaries

used his jokes to calm tempers at all times. He ensured

Settlement Commission at State House as a Reporter

that there was peace and harmony wherever he found

once again. While there, he saw the need to pursue

himself, regardless of the occasion, gathering, family cir-

further studies to enrich his personal growth and devel-

cles and amidst his working colleagues among others.

opment. He thus decided to move back to Nigeria where he pursued a course in Marketing. After his studies, he

EDUCATION

returned to Ghana to join DANAFCO, now Dannex Ayrton

As a child, Seth attended Banham Methodist School in

Starwin PLC as the Marketing Executive. Once again at

Nigeria. He later did and completed his middle school

DANAFCO, his passion for higher heights and entrepre-

at Akwamu West Boys Middle School at Akwamu in the

neurship was rekindled through his schedule. He thus

Eastern region, when his family relocated to Ghana. He

decided to venture into private practice by establishing

then proceeded to Benkum Secondary School, Larteh

his own business where he could explore his potentials

and then to Accra Polytechnic to study Administration.

fully. This giant step in his life saw the start of his business

Afterwards, his zeal to upgrade himself on the academic

as a Distributor of medical supplies after the collapse of DANAFCO. His business was across the country with

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

8

particular focus in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions.

Company (STC) driver who has plied the Tema-Kumasi or

The reason for the choice of these two regions for his

Accra Kumasi route for this long knows Kwaku. We are in-

private practice, is something that he never disclosed

deed grateful to God for the traveling mercies he blessed

but was deemed the best of the alternatives available to

him with for all these years.

him at the time. Nonetheless, we fathom that this major decision was made in the supreme interest of his nucle-

FAMILY LIFE

us and extended families, regardless of the fact that his

As one who belongs to a big family with many siblings

family was resident in Tema, coupled with the fact that

and cousins, family was very important to Seth. He

he loved family and always wanted to be a hands-on

understood the values, sacrifices and duties that come

husband and father.

with being a husband, father and sibling. These duties, he diligently and meticulously executed them seamlessly

Kwaku was an exceptionally hardworking man who ty-five years, he shuttled between Tema and Kumasi where he established an efficient distribution network across the middle belt of Ghana. He worked closely with pharmaceutical companies such as M&G, to distribute medicines to major and minor government hospitals and pharmacies across the middle belt of Ghana. In all these hustle and bustle, he never missed his routine of coming back to his family in Tema weekly; travelling to Tema every Thursday and going back to Kumasi every Sunday.

We are confident to say that every living State Transport

”

and selflessly to the glory of His Maker.

never relented in accomplishing tasks. For over thir-

Kwaku was an exceptionally hardworking man who never relented in accomplishing tasks

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

9

He understood the values, sacrifices and duties that come with being a husband, father and sibling.

”

and he was always ready to assist even if it inconvenienced him. He always put the needs of others before his and that was simply worth emulating INTERESTS Kwaku lived a simple life. Typically, he would wake up, update himself with newspapers and current affairs. His favourite meal is fufu and light soup, second favourite is banku and okro stew. These two delicacies he religiously had every weekend he spent with the family. It actually became a family tradition.

He was a football fanatic and a die-hard Kotoko fan. He enjoyed action movies and would usually spend time in bed enjoying these. A day would usually end with Kwaku sipping fanta in bed and saying ‘sweet after meals’. He would do this whilst listening to the evening news.

RELIGIOUS LIFE Seth was born and baptized into the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. He was a staunch Presbyterian who worshipped with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Grace Congregation, Community 11, Tema. Due to the nature of his work which involved being in Kumasi every Sunday, he was mostly able to fellowship with the congregation during special occasions such as Christmas, Good Friday and Easter celebrations among others. Sometimes when he took a few days off from work to rest, he also joined the brethren to worship.

Seth came on earth to pursue the charge assigned him

by God. He has accomplished his task and has gone back home to his Maker! We are grateful to all those who are here today to pay their last respects to this simple, extremely humorous, generous and outstanding human being. God bless you all and may his soul rest in perfect peace.

At the age of 27, Seth married an equally young and also beautiful young lady, Jane, who he affectionately called

Kwaku, mmo! Woaye ade! Da yie! Amen.

Awo, at Akosombo. He was often teased and praised for his choice of such a gracious and beautiful woman. For forty-five years, they built an enviable union blessed with five children and six grandchildren. Seth was indeed a father to everyone who met him. His helpful nature made all his siblings and cousins call on him in times of need

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

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T R I B U T E

T O

M Y

B E L O V E D

H U S B A N D

BY

Mrs. Janet Addo Arjarquah For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our

”

Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him —1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

T

he irony of grief and excruciating pain is that

the person that you need to talk to about how dreadful and lost you feel is the person who

is no longer with you and worst of all, lies before you

motionless. The beautiful soul of Seth, my beloved, has

departed and I stand here sad, scared, dejected, worried and unhappy with no one to confidently talk to and express how terrible I feel. I do not want to dwell on nega-

tive thoughts to injure my brain at this time that I need to brace myself up for the lonely and difficult journey ahead of me. And this is why I keep consoling myself with the first stanza of PH 508

was a good, selfless and understanding husband who cared for me and my children. We were not in want of anything. In all difficult times, he was there to support and comfort me. Indeed, I have lost a very dear friend, a brother and a husband. But to quote Vicki Harrison, "Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves ebbing and flowing.

Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim". In the coming days, months and years, I have to learn to continue this journey of life alone without you. But I have questions, several of them to which answers elude me and do not understand. I continue to ask why? Why you? Why me?

Why us? Why now? As human as we are, we can never

Nea Onyame yɛ n’eye! N’apɛde nam ne kwan mu; Na sɛnea ɔyɛ n’ade fa. Mepɛ, meyɛ komm wɔ mu.

Me Nyame a ogye me nkwa wɔ wiase amanem, Ɔno nko na mehwɛ no.

With this, I know that just as the stars become brighter when the night is darker, God will be closer to me in my deep grief. Aw! Awurade, ka me ho na boa me! M’anidaso ne wo Awurade nkutoo.

understand the ways of God. He only knows and has kept it a secret so I ask no more. However, I trust that the Lord will lead me through so I can weather all the storms.

I am grateful to God for protecting Seth by granting him traveling mercies for the past thirty-five years of shuttling between Tema and Kumasi. All these years, we were blessed with travel mercies until that fateful Tuesday, 22nd Feb, 2022 when I received a telephone call informing me of a motor accident you were involved in.

To choose someone to spend the rest of your life with can be a difficult task. I was fortunate to have received such a wonderful gift of a husband from God in the person of Mr. Seth Kwaku Addo Arjarquah, who I affectionately called Seth or occasionally whistled to him and then he would respond, ‘Awo’! We were married for 2 score and five years and I loved every moment of these years.

It was not all rosy though but we learned on the job and took every aspect of our lives together in our stride. Seth

Time froze for me. But I mustered all the courage I have and rushed to see you to ensure that you were safe and sound. At the hospital, watching you on the hospital bed, restless and fighting for your life left me disoriented. Nothing made sense anymore. I just stood by your bedside and looked on helplessly as my once bright and lovely candle slowly went off. I became numb, disorganized and confused. The days and nights afterwards have become long as well as short. Your passing has re-af-

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

12

firmed to me two things – that we all need to be ready,

that yours will be a divine reward that is even more

run the race and finish our work for the Maker can come

precious than the earthly benefits that are all considered

for any of us at any time. That our plans mean nothing if

vanity.

God is not in control. Efisɜ, oyi n’ani a na aseɜ!

Kwaku, I miss you dearly, your ‘Awo’ cannot cope without

Kwaku, you had a special way of worshiping your Maker.

your countless jokes. You have left a vacuum in our lives

He would wake up every morning between 5am – 6am,

and it will never be the same again. However, I am grate-

kneel beside the bed for about 30 mins to pray and he

ful to God for the love that we shared while you were still

would conclude by humming what seemed to be his

with us. The value you added to our lives, the smiles you

favourite hymn from MHB 878.

put on our faces even in difficult times and most of all your unconditional love and care to everyone around you,

O God our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast,

will forever be missed.

And our eternal home

tinue to live in spite of the fact that they have died. In

Some die without having really lived, while others con-

Afterwards, he would go for a cup of coffee and return to check up on me in bed. I miss all that now.

your case, you have just taken the lead and moved on.

Hence, I will not be tempted to say ‘fare thee well Kwaku’.

Instead, it is see you then, see you later my angel, my

Seth, you know that it has always been my prayer that together, we will support our children to do exploits. It was my resolve to toil and help you to give the best of educations to our children. To the glory of God, we were able to do that to that point where our lovely girls can continue by themselves. It therefore breaks my heart that you could not live longer to enjoy the fruits of your sweat.

Every word in God’s Word is true so I trust and believe

Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves ebbing and flowing.

Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.

”

beloved Seth. So, let the angels lead you on with PH 557 stanza 1.

Yesu, me Gyefo ne wo, mereba wo nwini mu; ɛpo as'rɔkye rebɔ na asɔre wɔ me so Fa me sie, m'Agenkwa kosi sɛ egyae huru; hwɛ me so wɔ m'asetenam, na sɛ to twa a, gye me kra I pray that the Almighty God, grants me guidance, shows me which way to turn at these crossroads and calms my anxious thoughts. He should strengthen me when my strength is failing and I feel weary. Lord grant me your mercies. Finally, I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Psalm 34:4-5 Seth my beloved, Rest in perfect peace, till we meet again.

Good night my dear. Amen!

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

“The value you added to our lives, the smiles you put on our faces even in difficult times and most of all your unconditional love and care to everyone around you, will forever be missed.

”

15

T R I B U T E

T O

D A D DY

BY

C H I L D R E N

Tina, Akos, Nana Ama, Maame & Nana Yaw "A father is neither an anchor to hold us back

God be with you till we meet again;

nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light

By his counsels guide, uphold you,

whose love shows us the way" — Unknown

With his sheep securely fold:

T

”

he news of your death came to us as a SHOCK!

We were in disbelief, as many wild thoughts run through our minds; Is it really true?, Is life this

meaningless?, Have the doctors triple checked?, Has Da given up on us already?, Where is our ever Faithful God?, … and many more. For us, it was a case of "Oh God, why has thou forsaken us!". Your death became more real to us on the weekend, when we did not have our usual “sitting” to enjoy Awo’s ( as you called mum) special fufu on Friday and banku on Saturday.

God be with you till we meet again.

”

content and live a principled life. He was our counsellor because he encouraged us to be open-minded, and

seek the face of God in all our dealings and above all he

thought us to live a life of integrity. He gave us pieces of advice at different stages of our lives. When times were tough, he would always refer us to Psalm 27; The Lord is our light and our Salvation, whom shall we fear. The Lord is the stronghold of our life, of whom shall we be afraid?”

He was indeed our HERO because we looked up to him in many ways such as keeping cordial relationships with people, raising our families, being charitable and always

The thoughts of us not going to enjoy your special “mpusu soup” on special occasions like Easter, birthdays, anniversaries, “weekend sittings” and many other memorable occasions, where you always brought life, love and light with your many jokes deeply saddens our hearts.

Indeed, we have lost our, friend, counsellor, comforter and dispute peace maker. But as you raised us in Christ, we are consoled that you are resting well with the Lord and one day we will meet again according to the will of God as the scripture teaches us in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Much as we want to live in denial of this whole development, the more we do, the more it becomes evident that Arjarquah, our invaluable gem has listened to the clarion call from the Lord Almighty. What is left for us now, is to celebrate you and cherish all the special moments we were blessed to share together. Arjarquah, we miss you sorely!

forgiving. Arjarquah, Ayekoo! Yɜda wo ase!

Growing up, Da was firm, yet loving. We thought he was the most difficult, never understanding dad. But today we cherish and appreciate all those life lessons because we have come to understand that to successfully raise four girls, definitely needed a lot more than just being a father. Da lived a simple content life and sacrificed a lot of himself for us, so we could achieve more in life than he did. He was simply astounding and an awesome father.

Arjarquah never wanted to see any of us troubled. Da never confronted any of his girls when he had misunderstandings with us. He would usually express them through Ma, something we never understood. We dared not breached his ‘rules’ and his resolve to nurture us to become responsible, self-reliant ladies and not become social misfits. We simply understood what every look he gave in social gatherings meant and we quickly aligned ourselves to avoid the consequences. Despite being

Our father, Da, was a man of many parts. He was a teacher because he taught us to be God fearing, resourceful,

strict, Da was always cheerful and fun to be with. Even on days that he was indisposed, he would make count-

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

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less jokes just so no one felt sorry for him. All our friends, even know how much of an entertaining, humorous and loving father you were. We told them about your countless funny tales and they laughed hard and felt better in their own down times. You taught us not to take life too seriously and to remain in good and hearty spirits always.

As you always said; Live is short, live it, enjoy and always make peace with your Maker. And so Da you lived! As humans, we would have loved to see you live some more, but only God knows best…

As you transition into the other world, we promise to keep the good values you thought us, and take care of your Awo, our loving ma, through Christ who strengthens us. We will keep the unity of the family that you always loved to see, and remain hard working as you thought us.

Memories of you will always live in our hearts even through our pain. We could not have asked for a better father and we are grateful to God for giving you to us.

We are proud of you da! We are broken but not shat-

Even though our hearts are broken, we choose to cherish all the good memories and move on so that we can fully accomplish all that you looked forward to in us

”

God to accomplish what God has planned for each of us.

Whenever we count all the good things in our lives, we will count you twice our HERO. It is our prayer that the good Lord will give you an eternal resting place in His vineyard till we meet again.

Arjarquah our HERO, fare thee well.

Da yie, Da! Da yie!

Till we meet again! Amen.

tered! We will forge on with the grace and protection of

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

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You were a teacher because you taught us to be pleasant, brave, walk elegantly, be content and be principled

”

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

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T R I B U T E

BY

The Presbyterian Church Of Ghana Grace Congregation, Community 11, Tema

”

‘Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom” —(Psalm 90: 12)

T

he sudden demise of our dear father came to

us as a shock. This was because we never heard of his ailment and little did we expect such sad

news from the family. The news was a bitter pill to swallow but we had to accept it like that.

The late Mr. Seth Arjarquah joined the church in the year 2000. Although he was not staying in Tema permanently, he made sure that he attended the Sunday forenoon services especially whenever he came back from trek.

Our late father paid his tithes diligently and made other financial commitments that were expected of him as a Presbyterian and for that matter a Christian. He also contributed his quota in other diverse ways to the physical and spiritual growth of the church.

Our late father’s desire and love for God’s work is exemplified in the manner in which almost all his children play active roles in the church.

”

Our late father’s desire and love for God’s work is exemplified in the manner in which almost all his children play active roles in the church.

Daddy, you have fought a good fight. Your reward awaits you with your Maker. We wished that you would have stayed a bit longer but the Lord needed you most. May the Lord keep your soul till we meet again.

Daddy, Due! Due!! Due!!!

Nantew yiye!

Amen.

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1957 - 2022

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T R I B U T E

BY

Siblings

Nea Onyame ye n’eye! N’apede nam ne kwan mu; Na senea oye n’ade fa. Mepe, meye komm wo mu.

Me Nyame a ogye me nkwa Wo wiase amanem, Ono nko na mehwe no — PHB 509, stanza 1

K

waku our dear brother was strong and hearty.

Nothing of this sort and of such magnitude

”

ever crossed our minds at this time of our lives.

Life here on earth is indeed short and inevitably ends suddenly. The tempest raged and our mighty oak tree has fallen.

We had been informed that you had been suddenly tak-

en ill and was seriously unwell. However, on 27th February, 2022, we were all shocked when we received the news of your sudden demise. It was indeed painful and

petty misunderstandings if they came up. Those mo-

unexpected. We know death comes when it wills but not

ments will forever be cherished and will remain in our

as suddenly as yours has been. We are indeed saddened

hearts for a very long time.

by this and our hearts ache because an important sprout We remember when several years ago, you assisted your

has been hacked off our family tree.

sister by taking care of her baby while she went to work.

Kwaku, your presence was felt whenever we got togeth-

You did this selflessly and cheerfully till she returned from

er for our family meetings and get-togethers. Your jokes

work on daily basis. You were ever ready to provide sup-

always brought smiles to our faces and quickly diffused

port in cash and kind for the family. One of such supports is when you recently represented the family at a funeral in Gyakiti. We were and are grateful for all these and

Your jokes always brought smiles to our faces and quickly diffused petty misunderstandings if they came up.

”

commend you exceptionally for being there for us.

You will no doubt be remembered for your positive attitude, compassion and generosity. Your memory will live in our hearts forever Kwaku.

We have indeed lost a dear brother and will never forget him in our lifetime. Kwaku sleep on. Your dear siblings wish you goodbye.

May God be with you till we meet again.

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

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T R I B U T E

BY

S O N S - I N - L AW

Cecil, Yaw and Sammy

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done —Philippians 4:6

D

a is how we all affectionately called you. You were such a God-fearing, loving, honest, straight forward and fun-loving father-in-law.

You welcomed us into your family with open arms and treated us like your own sons. We always looked forward to your return from Kumasi on Thursdays, but you did not return as usual on Thursday, 24 February 2022 because you could not and Ma had to follow up to ensure that you were safe. However hard she and the medical team tried, yet you slipped away and this has created a permanent void in our lives, especially our weekends; the cherished moments with you.

”

but we will do our best to make her tears dry out. Hence our fervent prayer is for our Lord God to continue to

replenish our efforts as He has promised all those who Give.

‘Give, and it will be given to you.

A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap.

For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you’—(Luke 6:38) You were so much more than a father in-law to us. You were a father figure to us and a loving grandfather to our children. You always spent quality time with your grand-

Christmas was always a special time when you would always prepare your special mutton or chicken Mpusu and invite us all over to spend time together as a family.

Non-family members wondered if we were actually your sons-in-law and not your biological sons. Some others even wondered if we were your mere friends. That is how close we were and how much we had gelled together over time. You always went the extra mile to ensure that the times we spent together were memorable, full of laughter and of such love that is inexplicable.

We are eternally grateful for giving us your beautiful and treasured daughters to marry. We will take care of them as you did and protect them with love and all of our substance. We will also take care of Ma and try to make

children when everyone else was busy and you showed them unconditional love. We shall hold on to all these memories to always remind us of how blessed we were to have you in our lives.

The love you showed us was heavenly and we will sorely miss this. We will also miss your jokes, laughter, and contagious smile. The emptiness your departure has left in our lives, cannot be filled. Your endless love will continue to bind us together as a family. One day we believe we will rejoice with you when we also embark on this journey home.

Rest well, Popi, rest peacefully in the bosom of God Almighty. Amen.

her feel special all the rest of her life. However, we know our determination cannot be as effective as yours would have been. We cannot make her laugh the way you did,

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1957 - 2022

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You were so much more than a father in-law to us.

You were a father figure to us and a loving grandfather to our children.

”

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022 SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1957 - 2022

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T R I B U T E

T O

D A D DY

BY

G R A N D C H I L D R E N

Dwayne, Alvin, Kofi, Afua, Kojo & Nana Adwoa For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

—John 3:16

P

oppie, Poppie, Poppie, we keep calling you and asking our parents and grandma where you are.

But all we hear is ‘these are difficult questions’.

But honestly! We have questions! When will Poppie come? We miss Poppie we have not seen Poppie! Is Poppie an angel now? Will we see him again? Poppie your grannies miss you. We miss you feeding us, playing with us and ensuring that none of us cried for long.

Your new name is Angel Poppie. Please, guide us, protect us and continue to find ways of making us smile. We love you Poppie

”

Poppie executed his grandpa duties with such diligence, elegance and class. He always wanted his grandchildren to be happy and have smiles on their faces. This, he did to a fault. No one had the right to tell us off.

The grandchildren want sweets and Poppie will be right there to provide them. He would quickly and sometimes sneakily give us what our parents have denied us, just to see and make us happy. He would carry us on his shoulders, put us to bed, and generally take care of us.

In his quest to see his grandchildren recuperate properly

”

Poppie, Dyawne, Ebo, Kofi, Afua (your name sake), Kojo and Adwoa (who you last blessed during her naming ceremony just three days before your incident) miss you dearly.

and quickly when any of us fell ill, he would give a tall list

Your new name is Angel Poppie. Please, guide us, protect

of medications and then our parents would ask him if he

us and continue to find ways of making us smile. We love

ever trained to become a medical officer. His resolve was

you Poppie.

to ensure that we will not be boggled with infirmities that make us uncomfortable and unhappy.

Poppie da yiye!

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T R I B U T E

BY

Nephews and Nieces

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort, we ourselves receive from God. —2 Corinthians 1:3-4

D

eath is inevitable, it is a journey that everyone must undertake. We often wish death wasn’t a part of life, we wish we would just stay alive

on earth with our close and dearly loved ones forever.

Unfortunately, we cannot because this is not the will of the Creator. Our prayer therefore is to be able to make our days on earth fulfilling and only depart when we are well advanced in age. We thus pray that the soul of our dear uncle will rest in perfect peace.

Daa Seth, we still cannot believe that we are writing a tribute in your honour because you have passed on.

Words cannot describe these difficult times, but if this is the last time we get to say goodbye then we know we will do so with the knowledge that we consider ourselves blessed to have lived this life as your nephews and nieces.

The news of your death came to us as a shock and as you sit in the arms of the Lord, your family, friends and loved ones mourn your death. Your body might be gone from this world but your spirit will live on in our hearts forever.

Our beloved Uncle had a great sense of humour and there was never a dull moment with him. He would make some of the silliest jokes that forced us to laugh or smile.

It does not matter how tough the times were for anyone, Uncle’s presence will bring back your grin.

We know that even though you are gone, you are still here with us, and thus hope to continue living our lives as best as we can, following your tenets, principles and teachings. These, we know will be treasured by many

”

Our beloved Uncle had a great sense of humour and there was never a dull moment with him. He would make some of the silliest jokes that forced us to laugh or smile.

”

in our family and the generations after us because you were and will always be an inspiration to the entire family and anyone who worked with you. You were always so lively, so warm and so loving that we just took your being around for granted. We will cherish the times that we spent with you and the amazing memories that you have left with us.

The Bible counsels us to give thanks in all things and we are indeed full of thanksgiving for the privilege of having had you in our lives. Your departure has left a void in the family that will be difficult to fill. Though we mourn today, we also take comfort in the fact that your mission on

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We know that even though you are gone, you are still here with us, and thus hope to continue living our lives as best as we can, following your tenets, principles and teachings.

”

earth has been fulfilled. We cannot see you, but we trust that you and us are still on the same side in the game of life. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same again. But we know that, as we all heed to the call of God in turns at the appointed times, this beautiful chain will be joined together again. We thank God for your life.

Daa Seth, Wofa Kwaku, may you rest in the bosom of the Lord till we meet again. Amen!

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

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T R I B U T E

BY

Nana Yaa Fosuaah

W

ofa Kwaku, as we affectionately call you, I still can’t believe I’m writing a tribute for your passing. Words cannot describe the awe and

the pain of this difficult time.

It took me back to when we were in Grade-School at Akosombo with Mama and Papa. You would visit with Wofa Osei and Wofa Kojo, and the excitement about it was that you always made sure that you gave us some pocket money before you left for Accra, which we cherished so much, because even at that tender age you demonstrated the love of family to me, and it helped shape who I am today and the value I place on my loved ones.

Your sense of humor and compassion was always evident at all times in all situations. I was fortunate to spend your last weekend with you, and as always it was filled with laughter, with all the jokes that you shared.

I remember when your family wanted you to retire, but you were always driven to do more. Your Independence, professional drive and hard work was evident in the way you raised your girls and took care of your family, ensuring that everyone had the educational foundation needed to be successful in their future endeavors.

You demonstrated the love of family to me, and it helped shape who I am today and the value I place on my loved ones

”

fact that your mission on earth has been fulfilled. We thank the Lord for your life and bid you farewell until we

Wofa, you were and will always be an inspiration to me,

meet again.

the entire family and anyone who worked with you. You have left a void in the family that will never be filled.

Damirifa Due Me Wofa Kwaku Papabi!!

Nante Yie!

While we mourn you today, we also take comfort in the

Nyame mfa wo kra nsie!

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T R I B U T E

BY

A

F R I E N D

George Augustine Sangah

There are three things my soul delights in, and which are delightful to God and to all people: harmony among brothers, friendship between neighbours, and a wife and husband who live happily together.

—Sirach 25:1.

(Seth Kwaku Addo Arjarquah embodied these sterling qualities in personal character and lived life to the full)

”

MEETING—In early 1970, I once went to meet some

friends, J. W. Arthur and Eric Dodoo at Adabraka in Accra.

We had planned to go and hang-out somewhere. Eric indicated that one Seth was coming to join us so we should wait for a while. Seth was a friend to Arthur and Dodoo, but I was yet to meet him for the first time. Seth showed up as expected but was accompanied by a young and beautiful girl he introduced as Jane. Almost simultaneously Arthur and Dodoo confronted him for bringing a girlfriend, and they indicated that the outing was supposed to be an all-male affair. That was my first meeting with Seth.

We never met again until in 1983. I was standing in front of my house in community 8 Tema, when I saw a young man pass by. He turned his head to look at me, not once but thrice, and then walked back to me. He said I looked

like somebody he knew, but I did not recognize him until he made reference to the Adabraka episode OPENING—Indeed, it is generally an up-hill task to talk

Everything fell in place immediately and I requested him

of a very dear departed friend, but it is a duty that cannot

to take me to his house because I wanted to know where

be shirked when the need arises. The news of the death

he lived. In the house, he introduced me to his wife Jane

of Seth Kwaku Addo Arjarquah (affectionately called

who happened to be the same Jane in the Adabraka

Kwaku by friends and me), reached me on Sunday, 27th

episode.

February 2022 with shock and disbelief. My plan to see him on Friday, 4th March 2022 was never to be, com-

FRIENDSHIP—My fond memories of Kwaku dates back

pletely aborted. How true and evident the saying ‘man

to when he introduced me to his family in 1983. I also

proposes but God disposes’ has become for me. Though

had the opportunity to introduce my family to him. The

death is inevitable, the occurrence can be difficult to

Sangahs then became good and close friends of the

comprehend, as well as hard to accept. And with Kwaku,

Arjarquahs, inviting each other for any big events in the

it is just excruciating.

respective families. Kwaku and I spent a lot of good times together. We bonded together so well through our love

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T R I B U T E

BY

A

F R I E N D

George Augustine Sangah

Kwaku was a family man and he loved his family

” for family, fondness for each other and regular consul-

turned sorrowful and painful for me because I cannot

tations on personal and family issues. Occasionally we

enjoy your hearty and warm company any more. What

would seek permission from Jane to go for ‘Board Meet-

an irreparable loss. Our surest hope of comfort is in our

ings’; meaning to hang-out somewhere to talk. Generally,

maker. May He receive you into His eternity.

we would talk about almost everything; personal, family, politics, finances and friends, among others. Indeed,

Rest in Peace my dear friend and brother.

Kwaku was a family man and he loved his family. Kwaku was also an expert in "mpusu" preparation. Occasionally he would invite friends to his house for an "mpusu" treat.

Kwaku, Easter just went by and I missed our usual sit down over your famous "mpusu" treat? Who will invite me for such treats going forward?

GOODBYE—Kwaku the memory of our meetings often breed joy and relief, but here and now, it has instead

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T R I B U T E

BY

Kwame Owusu Boateng, Bismark Kwadwo Asante, George Asare, Emmanuel Nyantakyi, Richard Darko Kankam “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” —John 11:25

B

lood ties are great. Heart ties are greater. The ties we had with Mr. Addo Arjarquah, who we called Da was by far, the greatest! Countless men,

many unnoticed, consider fathering a part of their daily duty; and many people whose lives they touched reaped lifetime benefits from their counsel. Some shared more than counsel: time, money, skills, and even their names with children who were not biologically theirs. These and many more of such benefits are what each of us enjoyed from Da from the time he warmly welcomed us into his home as friends to his lovely daughters. We undeniably had a very wonderful relationship with Da. He was a father to us all. How many proud fathers of four wonderful ladies will allow young men and women into his home without any reservations, especially the gentlemen? Da was unique in this respect. He took us the gentlemen as the sons he never had and the ladies as his own daughters. No wonder in due course he was able to bond very well with all his sons in-law. This is why we were

”

and are all distraught by the events on that fateful day, Tuesday, 22nd February 2022 which unfortunately led to the demise of our dear and charitable ‘father’ on Sunday, 27th February 2022.

Mr. Arjarquah was affable and kind. A visit to the family was always fun. He would sit with us in the compound and party with us at the least opportunity. Laughter was in abundance with his presence as he always had a way of addressing each one of us without making us feel told-off. He was unique in the sense that he had his own name for each of us and dealt with each of us uniquely.

The interesting bit was that he did not show any form of discrimination to any of us and accorded us the same space in his compound.

We will forever remember his special pepper soup (mpusuo) which he did himself and did not allow his daughters or dear wife to interfere with. You interfere

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We undeniably had a very wonderful relationship with Daa. He was a father to us all

at a risk as he will not hesitate to ‘scold’ you for your

”

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

intentions to spoil his soup. He offered his heart to us by buying us drinks for our small gatherings with the family.

We count ourselves lucky to have had the opportunity

Who will be there to prepare us the ‘mpusuo’ oh Daa?

to be associated with a wonderful father like you, whose

You also did not show us the recipe enable us prepare it.

zest for life and capacity to live life to the full was so in-

Oh death, you have taken away our generous and won-

spiring. More importantly, let us be prepared as Matthew

derful father and uncle.

24:44 cautions, “For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not

As the renowned American poet Maya Angelou once

think He will.”

said, “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made

Finally, our words of consolation to the widow, children,

them feel”. This certainly was clearly reflected in our rela-

family and friends and all of us could be found in John

tionship and engagements with Da, very cordial, warm,

14:1-3 “Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in

and very impactful. For some of us, he was a teacher, for

God; believe also in me. My father’s house has many

others he was an uncle, and yet for some others, he was a

rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am

father. Many learnt under his feet, and his impressive and

going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and

beautiful spirit has benefitted all and sundry that encoun-

prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to

tered him in one way or another.

be with me that you may also be where I am”.

Who would have thought Da will leave us at such a

May these assuring and comforting words of Jesus Christ

time when he was planning to end his career and take a

comfort us all.

rest? A step that would have offered us the opportunity to spend more time with him and enjoy this beautiful soul as much as we could. Where are we going to take the customary drinks we used to buy for him? Who will

Daa, Da yie, Mr. Arjarquah, Onyame mfa wo nsie ne kokom!

Rest in perfect Peace in the bosom of the good Lord

crack those jokes about what we had eaten or drank in his compound? We will also not be able to leave out his occasional grilled fish he brought home for us to enjoy with kenkey and shitto! We have indeed lost one of a kind. However, we are consoled by 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that admonishes us to “Give thanks in all circumstances;

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T R I B U T E

BY

Mrs. Wendy Lamisi Buah Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

”

—2 Corinthians 1:3-4

M

y heart is heavy and I still cannot believe that I am writing this tribute to you, Da.

You were always such a warm and welcom-

ing man, and always made me feel like I was part of the family. Whenever there was a get-together at home, you made sure without fail that Tina would stock up on my favourite drink.

Your sense of humour will be greatly missed Da! I remember how you would always fill the room with laughter without effort. I am so privileged that I got to experience that side of you that not many people knew of.

I will miss all your witty remarks. I will never forget how you would call me out whenever I was late to a family event and we would all burst out laughing.

Oh Da, you were such a joy to be around!

The memories I have of you will forever be cherished.

I know you are with God now.

Rest In Perfect Peace Da.

You were always such a warm and welcoming man, and always made me feel like I was part of the family”

”

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T R I B U T E

BY

Kwasi Yirenkyi and Family

“Every phase in our life is bound to teach us something valuable, but it depends on us whether we analyse the lessons or just turn the pages” —Unknown

”

Presbyterians and became even closer when we joined the Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Community Eleven, Grace Congregation and found that they were already members.

Their house was full of females, with the exception being Mr. Arjarquah, so naturally he and I became close. The girls (now women), Tina, Akos, Nana Ama and Maame became very close to my kids as well and I became like a big brother to them, offering professional advice and guidance whenever necessary. Our friendship was strengthened further when I moved from the banking industry into the pharmaceutical industry, where he had been working for decades. We would talk for hours on end about the sector. We had common interests.

Recently, Big Man’s and mine routine has been a ten to twenty minutes’ chat on Saturday mornings when I’d catch him in the shop after my morning walk. And then,

H

e called me Yirenkyi and I called him Big Man! He would tell Yaw and Ernest, whenever we would have our “mpuso” soup moment that, as

for Yirenkyi, he would come ooo, but he’ll come late.

I was deeply saddened when I was told that my good friend and neighbour has passed. Truly sorry.

My family has known the Arjarquahs since the year 2000 when we moved into the same neighbourhood at

that news came in! These days, every time I pass by the shop I look in to see if he’s in there for us to talk but I always find another face or an empty shop. I miss him dearly and I know I will miss him sorely in the coming days, weeks, months and years.

I pray for God’s guidance and protection for Maa and the ladies.

Sleep on, Big Man! Sleep well my good friend.

Amen

Community 11, in Tema. They were already living there.

We became close when we found out that they were

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Gallery One Week Celebration

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Gallery A life Story

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IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane.

We would walk right up to Heaven and bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken, No time to say “Goodbye”.

You were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.

Our hearts still ache with sadness, and secret tears still flow.

What it meant to love you — No one can ever know.

But now we know you want us to mourn for you no more; To remember all the happy times life still has much in store.

Since you’ll never be forgotten, We pledge to you today A hollowed place within our hearts is where you’ll always stay.

SETH KWAKU ADDO ARJARQUAH · 1950 - 2022

Thank You

“

The widow, children and entire Arjarquah family wish to express their sincere appreciation to everyone who supported them during this difficult period of bereavement. We are eternally grateful for your prayers, words of encouragement and donations.

”

© 2022 A VIZAURA PRODUCTION / 0262 172 880

May God bless and reward you abundantly according to his riches in glory