Staff of the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly (ONMA) in the Greater Accra Region over the weekend joined hundreds of mourners to bid farewell to Honourable Osongor Naa Ayele I, the Queenmother of Abeka. Honourable Naa Ayele affectionately called Manyɛ until her demise was a member of the Social Services; Security and Justice Sub-Committees of the Assembly. Honourable Boye Laryea, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) led a delegation of staff and Assembly Members to the funeral which saw on display Ga culture and tradition. In a sermon at the harvest Chapel International Church, Rev. Fitzgerald Odonkor said life is a passing shadow and a gift from God which must appreciated and lived to the glory of God. Rev. Odonkor urged Christians not to shun chieftaincy because God in his wisdom created Kings, Rulers and Paramouncies for his glory adding that “salvation is in no other name than Jesus…” In a tribute, the church indicated that it was a blessing to have the late Queenmother as a member of the church who during her 15 years stay had special relationship with the church. “She was involved in the activities of the church and was instrumental in resolving the challenges of the church” the church stated. The church was optimistic the relationships will continue even after the death the Queenmother. ONMA in a tribute said death has depraved the Assembly a genuinely warm individual, more importantly a patient loving mother and a precious gift from God. It said “While we mourn the loss of our mother, we pay tribute and celebrate the life that was well lived, a life committed to the cause and service of all humanity. Life can be fleeting, but a life lived to the fullest stays in fond memories.” Touching on her virtues, the Assembly ‘noted that the deceased was a perfect example of a leader, a mother, an advisor, unifier, peacemaker, and an honest woman who executed all her duties with much attention and circumspection. “You were so involving in the activities of the Assembly in a manner that your contributions were so valuable and spurred us on to greater heights. “Manye” was always readily available to settle misunderstandings between members. It further noted: “‘Our Mother’ always advised and encouraged us to be patient in our dealings with each other because we are all pursuing the common interest of the country. “Manye”, you have left a great vacuum in the Assembly, no one can fill the void your death has created.” “ONMA has lost a gem, you played your part on the stage of the Assembly and played it well; you have left an indelible foot print in the sands of time and in the memory of the Assembly. ONMA will forever salute you! You have been all that this infant Assembly needed and you never disappointed us!” Other tributes from the family, children, nieces, nephews, the Greater Accra Regional Queenmother Association among others extolled her great virtues.
