New Yorkers defy rain to mourn Pankrono Obaahemaa

Unconditional love for Oheneba Maame Dufie of Bronx New York and Akua Afriyie Gbedemah (Alias Mrs Anane Adjei) of London, UK was on full display when New Yorkers defy torrential rainfall to mourn the death of their mother Nana Ama Serwaah Ampim. The large turn-out of members of Mampong Kontokyi Association was a great reminder of the influence of all powerful chief of Mampong, Nana Atakora Amaniapong. The thunderous outbursts from the numerous members of AshTown Club of USA made their claim that Nana Ama Serwaah Ampim was born in AshTown undisputable.

Asanteman Association presence was felt with Nana Anane Amponsah dancing to the tune of Asanteman Kete group. Dichemsohene Nana Osei Adu Agyeman III wonderful display of traditional dance rightly made Asantes proud. The milling crowd was expected due to the prominent family members? decision to pay the final respect of their mother in New York as the friends of ex-Kotoko player Tuffick Shadrack (Dallas), Helena Anokye (UK Barrister at law), Nana Yaw Antobre (New Jersey); Mrs Anane Adjei (Akua Afriyie Gbedemah ? UK), Oheneba Akwasi Amoako (Dallas) and Ohenenana Yaw Ayim (Dallas) proved unstoppable in the face of rain. The turn-out was exemplary considering a similar large turn-out two weeks ago in the London funeral of Nana Am! a Serwah Ampim hosted by Mr. Anane Adjei, the husband of Akua Gbedemah. The solemnity of the loss was brought to bear as Oheneba Maame Dufie eulogy was read by Nana Adu Tutu Mensah.

Below is the text;

Unalterable fates moved history as some are born to be great and Obaahemaa Berhene Amma Serwaah Ampim was no exception. In the midst of World War I and misery came a shining star, Agnes Amma Duah on January 20, 1918 to the family of the late Oheneba John Kwaku Duah Snr and Odeshie Akua Afriyie at Ashanti New Town, Kumasi. She began her colorful education at Roman Catholic School in Asante Bekwai. Her classmates transformed her name Agnes Duah to ?Sweet Aggie? because she was very smart, courtly, kind, loving and considerate. Even at an early age, Nana Amma Serwaah carried herself with decency and attention to small kindnesses that also defined her good life. She was never known to slight or embarrass others but very honest in her opinions. Nana Amma Serwaah loved everybody! and she was really loved!!! Obaahemaa was greatly appreciated.

Eloquence, brilliance, and beauty coupled with her high reputation marked the blessed life of Nana Amma Serwaah Ampim, who was swept off her feet by all powerful chief of Asante Mampong, Nana Atakora Amaniapong to beget Oheneba Maame Dufie. This marriage brought the Pankrono Oyoko royal family in union with Bretuo royal family of Mampong Kontokyi. The Ghana?s first Republic Finance Minister, Mr. K. A. Gbedemah could not take his eyes off the black star of the time and accorded the royal beauty a ministerial wedding befitting Pankrono Obaahemaa. The marriage led to the birth of Mrs. Anane Adjei (Akua Gbedemah) of London and the ecstatic Finance Minister took Nana Amma Serwaah Berhene Ampim round the globe. She traveled extensively to Germany, Holland, USA and England, where Obaahemaa had the opportunity to visit Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace.

Gripped with compassion, love and patriotism, Obaahemaa labored to advance opportunities for young kids to triumph in life. Nana Serwaah assiduously and faithfully assisted the development projects particularly the building of the Pankrono Local Market. Her royalness established a school that was named after her friend, mentor and relative Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the Asantehene as Opoku Ware International School at Asokwa Residential Area of Kumasi. Her leadership qualities were exemplary in her performance as Afotuhemaa of Akwamu Traditional Area and Obaahemaa of Pankrono.

August 12, 2004 at Nyaho Clinic, Obaahemaa Nana Amma Serwaah Berhene Ampim solemnly turn her face away from consoling Oheneba Maame Dufie at her bedside to sigh into the arms of Almighty God. Now she sees her Savior face to face. She left behind 11 children and 42 grandchildren and 9 great grand children. In view of completeness of her great work and eighty-five (85) blessed years of life coupled with resting peacefully in heaven, joy must take the place of grief.

Obaahemaa Nana Amma Serwaah Ampim, Rest in Perfect Peace!! Damirefa Due!!!