“Let not your hearts be troubled, in my father’s house are many mansions. I will go and prepare a place for. I will come again to receive you to myself and where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:1-3).”
Mrs Emma Sampomaa Okrah was born at Abetifi-Kwahu in the Eastern Region on 3rd March, 1920 to the late Opanyin Jacob Oboye of Tena Abusua and the late Beatrice Kwobuaa of Bretuo Abusua all of Abetifi. She was the second of the eleven children.
The daughter of a senior presbyter, Antie Emma was baptized into the Presby Church during her early childhood days and later confirmed into the Presbyterian faith. She started her early education at the Abetifi but had to drop out to assist her parent in caring for the younger siblings and to assist her parents who were also into cocoa farming.
With her good moral and religious background through hard work, she met and was married to the late Sampson Kojo Okrah. They moved from Abetifi to Odumasi where they started their business career as general merchants trading in local beads, plastic goods and hardware. They later moved to Accra Central - Okaishie where the trading was expanded. Her early upbringing enabled her take very good care of her home, an increase in her family size and business.
By the grace of God, they were able to acquire properties at Abetifi, Accra Taifa and at Kokomlemle; which was the Russian Embassy Information Centre and currently Horak Hotel (formally Adonten Hotel).
Due to her early residence at Okaishie, she was a committed member of the Presby Church at Accra central near the High Court. She was a committed member of the Women’s Class and Fellowship. As a committed church member, her dedication never ceased whenever she travelled to her hometown of Abetifi where she continued her work and service to the church.
She moved to Kokomlemle during the late seventies and continuously expressed her love and dedication for the Church which made her one of the early members of the Kokomlemle Presby (Faith Congregation) where she worshipped conscientiously for over twenty years.
She respected and loved her family, friends and anyone that came in contact with her and gave up her best to all. I believe we all have fond and rich memories of her. We all know how strong and healthy she lived however she was attacked with mild stroke 2-years ago and battled with it together with old age until she was called to glory on 27th April 2012.
She was blessed with 8-children, (2 predeceased her), 17 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
We all testify that Maame Emma’s life has been a life well lived for God and community. She will always be remembered for her kindness and support she gave to all who she knew and interacted with. We are all happy and blessed to have come in contact with her in one way or the other. We know and are thankful to God for her life. We have no doubt and know she’s resting with her maker.