By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, Dec. 8, GNA – The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) in Accra, led by the Founder and Head of Mission, Ambassador Dr Erieka Bennett, has organised a solemn memorial ceremony for the late Queen Mother Viola Ford Fletcher.
The programme was to celebrate the life, legacy, and enduring impact of the American woman, a revered centenarian and global symbol of resilience.
Queen Mother Fletcher, born on May 5, 1914, lived through one of the most difficult chapters in African-American history.
Despite the weight of that experience, she transformed pain into purpose, becoming an advocate for justice, unity, and the reconnection of the global African family.
Nana Kyere Agyeman, the Deputy Director, Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, emphasised Queen Fletcher’s unwavering love for Ghana and her persistent call for a stronger bridge reconnecting the African diaspora with the continent.
He described her vision as one rooted in spiritual, mental, and physical unity, a vision Ghana must continue to champion, saying her role was as a symbol of reparations, resilience, and togetherness.
“We stand here on the soil of her second home. Ghana, the spiritual home of Pan-Africanism, to pay tribute to a life that transformed history and inspired generations,” Nana Agyeman said.
“We must know that her memory will be a blessing to us all, and her message of love and unity will echo through generations.”
Dr Toni Luck, Representative, Office of Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, said: “Queen Mother Fletcher embodied extraordinary strength, resilience, and grace.”
“The former President considers it profoundly meaningful that she journeyed back to Africa, returned to Ghana, and was joyfully welcomed as a Ghanaian citizen before her transition.”
“Her life reminds us that history can wound, but it can also heal, and the ties between Africa and its Diaspora remain unbreakable.”
Mr Rocky Dawuni, a Global musician and Humanitarian, described Queen Mother Fletcher as “a woman whose courage, spirit, and legacy have left an indelible mark on our shared global African story.”
He highlighted her resilience, noting that she carried her painful history “not as a burden, but as a lantern,” guiding others towards truth and justice.
Mr Dawuni affirmed Queen Fletcher’s role as a vital link between Africa and its diaspora.
“She was a bridge between memory and hope. Her courage and unwavering commitment to justice have touched hearts worldwide.”
“I extended condolences to the family and urged all to honour her by upholding the values she stood for: unity, remembrance, and the strengthening of the global African bond.”
“Rest in peace, Queen Mother Fletcher. Your life will forever be a beacon of hope and inspiration.”
Mr Ike Howard, Grandson of Mother Fletcher, representing the family at the ceremony, presented her book entitled; “Don’t let them bury my story” to both Presidents.
Ambassador Bennet commended Ghanaians and the diaspora who joined in honoring Queen Mother Fletcher’s legacy, saying the Embassy looks forward to continuous work in strengthening ties between Africa and its Diaspora.
“Let us all reflect and renew our commitments to uphold Queen Mother Fletcher’s message of justice, unity, and remembrance, a legacy that continues to inspire across generations and continents,” she said.
To immortalise her legacy, a commemorative plaque was unveiled and placed on the Sankofa Wall, symbolising her lasting connection to Ghana and the global African family.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe