By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Essikado (WR), Oct. 13, GNA – Obaapanyin Anna Budu-Arthur, the centenarian and Matriarch of the Essikado Traditional Area has been interred after a solemn ceremony.
She was the mother of Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Omanhene of the Essikado Traditional Area.
The burial service at the Railway ground near the Western Regional Coordinating Council saw many strong, mighty, and noble clad in red and black seated under the red and black canopies interspersed with beautiful array of photographs to bid her a final farewell to the land beyond.
The Bethany Methodist Church at Essikado earlier hosted her mortal remains as a staunch Methodist amidst hymnal such as: “Nearer, My God to thee” , “Captain of Israel Host”, “In Heavenly Love Abiding” and “Begone Unbelief” among other songs to remind the living that life indeed had expiration and must be carefully thronged through.
Portions of Tribute by children of Nana Kobina Nketsia IV read: “Our Aunty taught us many valuable lessons for which we are forever grateful.”
That of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang said, “You have blessed the earth and are blessed of a woman.”
Mrs. Amissah Arthur shared how the old woman would call and, “Tilly bra na me’ngya m’ekyiri nma wo. …,” her “nkate and achomo.”
The Diaspora Community said the Matriarch Obaapanyin was one of the special spirits kept by God to witness the return of sons and daughters to their soil.
Born on July 8, 1922, Anna Budu-Arthur, the Matriarch of Essikado Traditional Area became the fulcrum on which many activities revolved particularly during the struggle for independence.
She was Instrumental in the establishment of the Department of African Studies in the University of Ghana.
In 1955, while in Oxford, England, she became a central figure in the Ghanaian community and her home was the toast of African intellectuals, diplomat, and political activists.
She abhorred discrimination and unfairness and so stood her grounds against such.
In the year 1960, when Maya Angelou entered her home, they formed a special bond that transcended cultures and Maya dedicated some of her works to Aunty Anna.
The Ghanaian community in London during the 50th anniversary celebration, honoured the Matriarch with a lifetime recognition by the Ghanaian youth in London as, “Mother Africa Matriarch Extraordinaire “… (Lifetime Mame Award) for commitment to motherhood and building communities.
The Mother of Mothers, compassionate and exceptional Matriarch was survived by her family and the Amangyina Ebiradze family of Essikado.
GNA