The Mortal remains of the
Former First Lady Mrs. Emily Akuffo will be going home this weekend on the 2nd
of July in Akropong Akwapim. The late Former First Lady, Mrs. Emily Akuffo was
the wife of, late Gen F W K Akuffo. Emily Akuffo, widely known as Ceci Amma
Oduraa passed on at the age of 88 on Friday, April 8, 2022.
Mrs. Emily’s husband Gen. Akuffo was head of state and Chairman of the Supreme
Military Council in Ghana from 1978 until his overthrow by Jerry John Rawlings
on June 4, 1979.
And was executed at the Military Shooting Range in Teshie along with other
senior military officers on June 26 that same year.
Mrs. Emily Akuffo was the First Lady of Ghana during that period.
Following the execution of her husband, Mrs. Akuffo spent the rest of her years
at Akropong in the Eastern Region quietly.
She was a teacher by profession and was a humble woman of substance who left an
indelible impression on many young women/men in Ghana. The late Amma Oduraa was
from the Nketiaa /Adum family of Akropong Akwapim and the Anum Royal family of
Anum Nkorkubiew.
The Humanitarian actions of late Emily Akuffo are the visible effects of her
deep commitment to improving the human condition,” especially the generosity of
a woman attentive to vulnerabilities and pain of humanity. She is a woman who
has got strength, vision and foresight. She was highly innovative and never
slacked in pursuing her mission in fulfilling her set goals.
She was a very good example of the woman in Proverbs 31:10-30. She was known to
be a woman of virtue and modesty who was the strength behind her late husband,
former President of Ghana F W k Akuffo. Fondly named ‘Ceci Amma Oduraa’. She
was a loving mother and a devoted trained Presbyterian wife who wanted very
much to live an ordinary life.
There are two types of people who populate Ghana, those who make themselves and
those who make history. History-making individuals are rare to come by. That is
what Mrs. Emily Akuffo stood for.
They are dominated by the desire to fulfill a noble goal. They think less about
personal comforts. They reflect more on the common goal. Profit in worldly
pursuits does not appeal to them. She embraced everybody.
The moment I received the news of her ascendance, my world caved in. My heart
was torn into two, one was filled with heartache and pain, and the other died
with you. Sleep still eludes me.
I am however honored and delighted to be able to share a few words about this
great and profoundly good woman who is not only a former First Lady of Ghana
but also a great patriot and nationalist and an outstanding elder stateswoman.
Ghana has Lost an Epitome of Integrity, late Emily Akuffu - was an “icon of
transparency and an epitome of integrity who lived an incorruptible life.”
Mama, you demonstrated passion for unity, “Indeed we’ve lost a great woman, a
patriot, and a shining star.
The people of Akropong will tell you She is one of those that has stood firmly
on her principles, displayed great fidelity and commitment to her cause and
shown that there are women of courage that are consistent, true to their word
and loyal to their Maker.
There are very few of women in this category. Some come like a comet, only to
fizzle out like the foam from a detergent, some like a temporary whirlwind,
Ceci Amma Oduruaa.
I keep wake at nights when the world is fast asleep, through the stillness of
the dark; alone I take a walk down memory lane with tear filled in my eyes When
my late mother Sussana Obeng Darko her maternal Cousin passed on she took me as
a son consistently guiding my path and shaped me the more.
OKuapeman will miss you. It would be the greatest ever story told of a kind and
warm hearted woman, a loving, caring and a consummate professional who had a
generous heart of gold. Diction fails in providing the right words that would
correctly describe your sterling qualities.
I could write a million pages yet unable to say just how much you gave
yourself, your love, your resources, your everything; how dedicated you were to
caring for your children and others around you to the admiration of all.
You have left behind a legacy of a detribalized Mother, and a soil that was fertile
enough to grow trees whose shade you would never enjoy.
I always say Society sets certain standards by which people are measured and it
is the conviction of every Ghanaian that if the nation cannot bequeath anything
to Ghanaians at all, it must at least bequeath to them, a Ghanaian with a high
sense of morality, uprightness and humility.
That was Mrs. Emily Akuffo. Your demise is a great loss not only to the people
of Okuapeman but to the entire nation. Ghana has Lost an Educational Compass'
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not
depart from it'. She trained as a teacher and impacted a lot of knowledge into
the future generation.
Mama, you have fought a good fight and has run the full course of the race as
far as Education in Ghana is concerned.
Your soul would be delighted that, what you sought to achieve in life was
accomplished - achievement evidenced by the number of persons who mentored and
tutored. following your path as an educationist and a mother.
Notably your children; Barbara, Henry, Sylvia and Fred and all other students
you shepherded as a teacher and a mother says thank you Da Yie Maa.
Your contribution to the educational development of this country is inscribed
on a marble, inerasable and available for generations yet unborn to admire.
Ceci Amma Oduraa, yòu were a role model who inspired many to rethink their
nonchalance about education at a time when it was not fashionable and
attractive pastime to many, especially among parents.
I personally reinvigorated together with others when the names of Mrs. Emily
Akuffo is mentioned. You were full of Smile consistently.
A Royal of the Nketiaa /Adum / families of Akropong and Anum Nkorkubiew Royal
Family.
She was one of the trail blazers who had impacted positively on the lives of
many internally and beyond the shores of Ghana, being an educationist and a
mother, she always had time for the youth and advised them to have excellent
results, live morally upright lives and contribute meaningfully to the development
of Ghana. She was also an advocate for the respect for Traditions and customs.
“Amane ne Amamree" I write this to attest of her Leadership', in
recognition of the principles of discipline, commitment, truth and service that
I have benefited from as a Journalist.
When word spread about your demise , I was soaked in disbelief because I
recently visited you although your health was failing. Ceci Amma Oduraa was an
example of a good and disciplined teacher who motivated others.
Excellence was her hallmark, and had a common personality trait of a good
mother pivoted on Trustworthy, Confidence, Intuition and proactiveness.
She is resting in the bosom of her Maker - a transition which amplifies the
dictum 'to dust thou shall return'. Man proposes but his Maker disposes.
She had served well. She has served her nation and humanity so let’s celebrate
her.
Source: Maxwell Okamafo Addo