The United States’ striving Oti community, especially members from the Buem enclave, gathered in New York on Saturday, March 6th, amid social distancing to pay tribute and bid farewell to one of their own. Mr. Alfred Kwame Otempong affectionately referred to as Wofa Kwame, and originally from Okadjakrom, Buem, a-pillar in the community, passed away after a short illness. The 67-year-old father of three retired about four years ago after working as an auditor for New York City for over 24 years.
Bereaved Family
Wofa Kwame was widely known for his generosity and willingness to help members of the US-based Buem community. He was an esteemed and committed son of Buem. He contributed financially to the cause of Buem in various ways and helped galvanize fundraising efforts in the quest to create the Oti Region.
He was especially helpful to new community members when they first arrive in New York through his guidance and support in navigating their new lives in the city. In some cases providing their first winter coat to help them withstand the harsh New York winter weather.
As the chairman of the Great Oti Association Of USA Constitution Committee, he was instrumental in drafting a constitution that reflects the culturally diverse community’s hopes and aspirations for the newly formed region in Ghana. He was busy helping with the arrangement for the funeral and transportation of another Beum native back home before the sudden illness that led to his untimely departure.
Family and friends showcasing the gifts presented to bereaved daughter
Before burial at the Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York, an inspirational and soul searching service took place at the University Heights Presbyterian Church Bronx, New York. Tributes from his children read by his elder daughter Rita described a lovely father devoted to his family. One of the most tear-jerking moments is to hear his young granddaughter Kezia recall the memorable summers spent with him and how much she was going to miss their times together.
During the service at the church, Reverend William Adjei-Darko reminded mourners about how preciouses life was. With Job’s story in the Bible as the backdrop, the Reverend reminded mourners that while it might be easy to replace material possessions, the loss of life is forever. He advised us to emulate the departed brother’s example for his endless devotion to his family and friends by loving our brothers and sisters and supporting each other.
Dancing at the cultural funeral to celebrate his life.
After the burial, a small cultural funeral took place at the Hampton Inn in Elmsford, New York. Activities at the Inn included a ceremonial presentation of gifts to the bereaved eldest daughter Rita by her husband and a contribution from the Great Oti Association Of USA’s members by the Association’s leadership. The Association formed in 2018 is working to build a sense of community among natives and friends of Oti living across the United States while working together to help develop the newly created Oti Region. Covid restrictions limited the number of people in the Inn to about 60 at a given time.
The gathered mourners enjoyed a blend of fantastic Ghanaian music and a brilliant display of funeral celebratory aspects of the Ghanaian culture. The prevailing sentiment among all who knew him is that Wofa Kwame has left a void in the community that will be hard to fill.
MAY HE REST IN PERFECT PEACE
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