President Akufo-Addo, NPP stalwarts eulogise thelate Mrs Obetsebi-Lamptey

By
Godwill Arthur-Mensah, GNA

Accra, Jan. 24, GNA
– President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and some New Patriotic Party (NPP)
stalwarts Friday paid glowing tributes to Mrs Augustina Akuorko
Obetsebi-Lamptey(Nee Cofie), the widow of the national hero and political
stalwart, Emmanuel Odarqyaye Obetsebi-Lamptey of the ‘Big Six’ fame.

The late Mrs
Obetsebi-Lamptey was 95 years (1923-2019) and became Ghana’s first female
Ambassador to Liberia in 1970 and a teacher at the Accra Methodist Girls School
between 1947 and 1953.

She was a founding
member of the Gold Coast Women’s Association and performed a lot of charitable
works in the women’s prisons in the Greater Accra Region.

She died peacefully
at her residence in Accra on November 14, 2019.

At a solemn
pre-burial service at the Wesley Methodist Cathedral in Accra, some government
officials including; the First Lady Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr
Mahamudu Bawumia, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor and Speaker of
Parliament Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye were in attendance to pay their last
respects.

Other dignitaries
present were; Mr Ishmael Ashitey, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Alhaji
Mohammed Nii Adjei-Sowah, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive, Mr
Joseph Boahene Aidoo, the CEO of COCOBOD, Mr Hackman Owusu Agyemang, the Board
Chairman of COCOBOD, and Sammy Awuku, the National Organiser of the NPP, as
well as some traditional rulers, the Clergy and closed family members and
sympathizers of the deceased.

President
Akufo-Addo, in a tribute read on his behalf, described the late Mrs
Obetsebi-Lamptey as a fearless woman who stood behind her husband through thick
and thin during the country’s independence struggle and his incarceration by
his political opponents.

He said she became a
mother, not only for her biological children, but to all young boys and girls
in her vicinity.

“She fought a good
fight and deserves the Victor’s crown,” he added.

The President sent
his condolences to the children and the entire Obetsebi-Lamptey Family and
wished them well.

In a tribute by the
children, they described their late mother as an adorable and kind-hearted who
welcomed many other children to her home and cared for their needs.

Former President
Kufuor, in a tribute, eulogized the former diplomat, describing her as a
focused individual, diligent and humane person.

The former President
noted that the late Mrs Obetsebi-Lamptey was a strong pillar behind her famous
husband.

“In spite of the
cruel and regrettable circumstances her husband died, she didn’t allow that to
cloud her subsequent life, but rather resolutely carried herself with grace and
purpose to uphold his great name and historic contribution to the national
cause,” he said.

Right Reverend
Samuel Kofi Osabutey, Bishop of Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church, in a
sermon on the theme, ”Biblical Principles for a Fulfilled Life,” said death is
the experience for the living and every action undertaken by man has its
consequences.

He said those who
obeyed the sages of wisdom would enjoy a prosperous and fulfilled life, saying
that, it was imperative for everyone to trust in the Lord, rather than relying
on one’s wisdom.

“As individuals, we
should seek God’s wisdom and understanding in all our personal relationships.
In every aspect of our lives, we should be disciplined and maintain a
peacefully co-existence with our neighbours and agree to disagree,” Rt. Rev.
Osabutey advised the gathering.

The late Mrs
Augustina Akuorkor Obetsebi-Lamptey was born as the the younger of a set of
twins to Mr William Charles Cofie and Madam Irene Odarchoe, both of blessed
memory, in Accra on the 17th December, 1923.

She was baptised
into the Methodist Church at an early age and remained committed Christian
until her demise.

Her faith and love
for the things of the Lord kept her through difficult and painful episodes in
her life.

She left behind two
children-Nah-Ayele and Nii Lante, several grandchildren and a whole ensemble of
close family and friends.

She would be given a
private burial at the Osu Cemetery, Accra.

GNA