As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering …..
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us …..
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.

I am grateful to have had you as my father. I am thankful for the wonderful life you gave me and our family, but sad you are no longer with us. I will miss your generosity, love of family and kindness.

My father was an old teacher who believed every child should have access to education and no child was too stupid to learn. Whenever he went to Bole and saw children walking around because their parents could not afford to buy school uniforms to send them to school, he would buy the uniforms and send them off to school and continue with the uniform supply until they finished school. When I completed my secondary education and expressed interest in studying in America, he willingly paid my tuition and arranged for me to live with a family in San Francisco, California through his Valco contacts. He ignored the naysayers who said he was wasting his money sending a girl to study abroad. He used to tell me there was no end to education. You can become whoever you want regardless of how you started.

My father became a serial entrepreneur after retiring from Valco. He founded Bolex Ltd. and became a manufacturers’ representative in Ghana for companies in the US, UK and Japan. He won the hearts of his business partners with his work ethic and honesty to the point that his region was expanded to include all of West Africa. Due to his hard work and success with the UK company, the company wanted to give back by sponsoring a child in Ghana. My father referred them to Afisah Talon and her grandmother. When Talon’s grandmother heard about my father’s passing, she said in Ga, “Naka nuele, nygbon a tro le” – as for that man, God bless him.

My father made sure we knew where we came from by making sure we spoke Gonja at home and we fondly called him “ntoh”.  Four of his five children were born in Bole and he made sure we spent our holidays visiting with family in Bole. It was his love of family and sense of duty that led him to become a chief. As the elder of the Jaga Gate, he settled a Chieftaincy dispute by becoming the chief of Kiape to avoid conflict within the Gate.

When my father had money we all knew it, he would jokingly say “he is financial”. And that was the time he was most generous and likely to start one of his endless renovations. He did not only provide for his wife and children, he took care of the extended family and anyone who told a sad story. When we asked him to be frugal with his limited funds in his retirement, he reminded us that his middle name “Walle” in Gonja appellation means “wuru alele nie baasa ebaa saa foo” (do good and people will like you) and as such, he cannot stop helping.

My father was as fair as he was generous. When we were growing up my mother would sometimes reserve our punishment until my father came home from work when she was busy to do it  herself. When she asked my father to punish us, My father would calmly ask the culprit their side of the story which of course always annoyed my mother.

In early September this year, I was visiting my daughter in New York when I received a call from my father that he would like to come to America for medical treatment and I should hurry up with the ticket. I knew he was not well but nothing prepared me for his skeletal frame that I met at the airport and still marvel at how he made the trip.

His condition was too far gone for any medical help and he was given up to 6 months to live and I chose in-home Hospice for him in our home with attending medical help with emphasis on his comfort. With him being an eternal optimist, he somehow believed something could be done. Unfortunately, his time was up this time. During the last few weeks, I sadly watched his fast detoriation and felt helpless. I thank God that he was not in pain and passed peacefully with his children and grandson around him. He even raised his hand to wave us good-bye before his last breadth. I have lost my best friend. I will no longer be able to call him and stay on the phone for hours chatting and listening to his stories and jokes.

I learned how to be a parent from my parents. My husband tells me that I inherited my father’s work ethic, optimism and fairness. Both my parents passed away the same day, January 2, fifteen years apart. May God keep them together and give them eternal peace

..."I picture him in heaven in his all white shirt and shorts with his favorite hat on sitting down lacing his tennis shoes and getting ready to get on the court just like he always did" ... Charles Techie-Menson (Issah)

   I know l don’t speak for myself alone but for a lot of people. I was very fortunate to be raised and influenced by Daniel Yahaya. I could not have asked for a better Grandfather and a mentor. He treated all my friends and classmates as if they were all his grand kids. I can’t say I know anybody who is more selfless, honest, very well respected and admired by his peers, colleagues and the community at large. He is always ready enthusiastic and willing to go out of his way to help everybody even to his own detriment sometimes. After all I put him through he still showed me unconditional love and support by spending his time energy and financial resources to help make sure I had a chance to make it.

   Who else can show you the ropes better than he did? I know this first hand because I was his part time driver on weekends and also when I was on vacation from school. I run errands and made a lot of calls, copies and filed documents for his business (Bolex) in Tema. I drove him to the ministries in Accra on a number of occasions and he talked to the security, at the gate and the receptionist with the same respect he talked to the Ministers. He thought me how to be a man not by words but also by actions, in his day to day interactions with family, friends, and strangers. He was a very organized individual and run his business with laser focused precision and dedication.

   One of the traits I admired about him was that he always seemed to know what was going on around him but he will just sit back like he doesn't and just as you thought he does not have a clue he will surprise you. This happened to me when I sneaked his car out one night I woke up the next morning feeling good that my plan was well executed only to be surprised a week later when I was driving with him and he abruptly asked me where I took the car a week ago. I was dumfounded and speechless I tried to play it off but he gave me every single detail including the time and date accurate to the minute and how I tiptoed and opened the gate to get the car out of the house. Having being confronted with the details I had no choice but to confess. He gently explained how dangerous it is to drive at that time of the night alone being a teenager and all the problems I could encounter on the road. We had a laugh about it after, and that is one of the things I like about him instead of being angry about it he told me to open up and ask him for permission if I wanted to use anything in the house and that turned it into a good situation and a teachable moment for me. 

   I also had the opportunity to work with him around the house with his numerous renovation/remodeling projects he always had somebody at the house doing some plumbing, carpentry or masonry work he always dreamt out these  ideas about home improvement. He will start out with a plan, but before the work is completed he will change everything around and the old idea will turn into his next project. I will always cherish how proud he was when all this work was completed around the house he will be sitting underneath his mango tree on the compound with a big smile on his face telling me how good the completed garage roofing went etc. The lessons learnt and the joyful memories I had with my Grandfather are endless I thank God he blessed him with a very a long, and a good life. I don't think this is time for us to be sad but to celebrate a wonderful life and a very good upstanding human being who did things out of the kindness of his heart and not for what benefits he was going to get from it.
    What I take from my experiences with him and the best tribute I can pay him is to strive to be a better man and a better person take responsibility for my actions treat family, friends and strangers with respect and be of help in my community whenever I am called upon and just like the way education was high on his priorities I will continue educating myself be it in the classroom or outside the classroom just like he wanted me to.

      He taught me that being a gentleman will never go out of style he was always patient even when he was teaching me how to tie a necktie in his room at my aunt Afisah’s house in San Jose he continuously kept on trying different tricks till I finally perfected the technique. The manner he maintained a neutral position when he was involved with conflict resolution is to be admired he stood as a giant but with a very peaceful and loving demeanor. We have lost the patriarch of the family but there is no need to panic why? Because he has done all the hard work and the heavy lifting by giving us all the tools we need to succeed so it's up to us now to carry on the legacy and make an even greater impact than he could have ever imagined. I picture him in heaven in his all white shirt and shorts with his favorite hat on sitting down lacing his tennis shoes and getting ready to get on the court just like he always did. Rest in peace (Nana Gbongbon) you will always be in our hearts. We cannot thank you enough, a good job well done sir 

Dad, you were warm, caring, easygoing, kind and humble person one could have as a dad. For every part you played in our lives, you were not just the father to us but to all others and also a friend even in your old age and failing health. As you return to the bosom of the lord, we your children say "Asanekusun ntoh"

Thanks for your counselling and your parting advice. Your generosity always showed by your visit with friends, helping the needy and women who lost husbands. Dad, know that you have completed your task here on earth and have not gone alone because part of us will be with you and you will always be in our hearts

Wali may your soul rest peaceful in the arms of the lord. We miss you so much.

My dad was such a kind person and really nice. He worked really hard to take care of us. I am really lucky to have had him as my father. I put him through so much with my addiction to alcohol and drugs. He loved me unconditionally. I was his last baby so he spoiled me. He died January 2 the same day 15 years ago when my mom died. I will miss him. I remember the good times we had playing tennis. I am so grateful to have been clean and sober for 8 years - he saw me sober and that really means a lot to me may he rest in peace, some day I hope to see him and my mother in heaven.

My fondest memories of Grandpa were the days when we would play games of Scrabble for hours, back to back, pretty much every day.  No one in my family was really much of a game person, so having an eager and willing participant to challenge me with British-English Triple Words Scores that I had to verify in the dictionary was great. Not growing up in Ghana, not being able to speak Twi, or any of the other Ghanaian languages created a barrier when it came to getting to know and getting close with most relatives in Ghana. With Grandpa, that was not the case. He was the only grandparent that I could communicate with, and he was here often enough to see us through various stages of our lives. We shared words on and off the Scrabble game board, and I only wish I had asked him to tell me more stories and to share more words outside of the game, because I feel like there is so much I did not ask.

Most of his stays in the US were short and so were our visits to Ghana. Regrettably these discontinuities did not afford time for more sustained sharing. We were obviously at different stages each time we met but Grandpa seemed to remain the same, a very gentle and patient man who became a Scrabble buddy. Five years ago when I traveled to Ghana for the first time solo I stayed with him and bought him his own Scrabble set. Being in Ghana, meant going to see Grandpa’s. Ghana without grandpa will be different and I will miss him.

It was very hard to see him in these last few months. He was always very vibrant, and in a great mood but it was different this time. Although frail, his voice was still strong and was smart-alecky and pleasant until the end. I will miss my grandpa

I remember meeting Grandpa in Ghana when I was just four years old (above picture). Ghana was loud and intimidating. Not to mention, I didn’t know any of the regional dialects. Because of the language barrier, I felt like relatives and family friends were fussing over me and talking at me but never speaking directly to me. However when Grandpa spoke, I understood. He made me feel comfortable and welcome. When I was younger, I attributed this to the fact that we were able to communicate in English. But looking back as an adult, I realize that was Grandpa’s naturally warm and welcoming nature.

Over the years, Grandpa would come to California to come visit us and we would go to Ghana to visit him and the rest of our relatives. Grandpa and his house are the foundation of my childhood memories of trips to Ghana. After our plane touched down at Kotoka International Airport, his house in Tema was always the first stop. In fact, I never paused to think what it would be like to travel to Ghana and not have him there to welcome us with his deep, yet kind voice. It’s definitely the end of an era.

Grandpa was funny and warm all the way through his last days. I remember he would always tell me to take rest when I got home and came to his bedside to greet him. There are so many things I wish I would have done with him from debating politics to recording his oral history. It was painful to watch him in his last days but I’m grateful that I got the chance to see him and spend more time with him. I will always remember him as my tall, strong and loving Grandpa

Feb 21st 2016:Tema, C2 Ghapo Club House - Odontor Drive,
Dan's residence in Tema was the scene of the 40th Day Ardua prayers. After the prayers the event moved to the nearby GHAPO Club house on Odontor Dr. where guests were hosted in a tastefully decorated setting for lunch and refreshments and traditional Gonja 'damba' dancing - with performances provided by the Bole Association Cultural band of Tema. 
Above picture shows a portrait of Dan franked by some of the immediate family members present at the event. From left, Mahama Yahaya (grandson), Adizah Eghan (grand-daughter), Charles Techie-Menson (grandson), Memuna Yahaya (daughter), John Yahaya (son), Mariama Eghan (grand-daughter), and Alfreda Eghan (daughter).

“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” Antoine Francois 

Dad, you are, were, and still will forever be the greatest father to me, my brothers and sisters and our dear mother, Adisah Yahaya. I miss your charm and gentle way of doing things. You were kind and heartless with people and us. “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Rev. Theodore Hesburgh.   I will have good memories of you all the time. You were exceptional and caring to all that you met. Your strengths and affection for people were boundless. This made you the father of all the young people that chanced to have met you. You grace your environment with warmth and good deeds. Oh Dad, we miss you dearly. “Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father.” Lydia M.Child   Your memory will live forever for me. I will have fond memories of the times we shared together from childhood to now and beyond. You were my coach, mentor, friend, father and partner. You thought me how to play tennis and be a good disciplined sportsman. Your guidance and gentle love was unquestionable. I remember the father and son doubles team that were the champions and you the singles champion at Valco Club. Daddy, you were a good tennis player and a pioneer of the game in Tema. You started at Community One Tennis court through Valco, Parkinson Howard Club, and finally TDC Tennis Club in Tema.   Daddy, I am thankful to your guidance and teachings in life. I am very proud of who you were in life. You were a people’s man. You were there for me all through life, and I did my best to stand by you too. You were a man of distinguished character and very simple Father, this tribute of yours, is for the celebration of your long life. Your exemplary life is a joy to honor.   Daniel Wallie Yahaya, Kiapewura, your memory will leave for a long time. Your guiding hand on my shoulder and many more people you have met and help will remain with me forever. You lived a good and long life with happiness. Socially, you were the toast of many dances at Valco Supervisors’ Club. You were a good dancer and a wonderful Ballroom dancer. The achievements are long lasting memories to cherish and uphold. Little wonder that I love to dance too. It must be in the DNA.

Your journey in life was triumphant.
From the savannah of Bole was a child
born with the land as the engine of life
Slowly, life became an adventure and
a challenge you pursued. Hamattan after
the other, life opened up, you stayed focus  
to grow, and grow. North to South you lived
and matured to be a well planted tree that
bore fruits and humus of the soil for generations to...

Daddy, I will miss you physically but not mentally and spiritually. You live on, so long as I live. “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” William Shakespeare. May the Almighty Father of us all welcome you with warm hands. May the rest of your journey be smooth and full of blessings. Take care of Mommy. I love you Daddy!

My father-in-law Daniel Wali Yahaya was a kind and very generous man. His gentle and graceful mannerism always reminded me of Nelson Mandela. I always appreciated the easy and loving interactions we had. He was good to me and showed sensitivity to whatever I needed, beginning with our first meeting in 1986. Alfreda and I had arrived in Ghana for our “meet the parents” visit. At my father-in-law’s house the emotional welcome celebration turned into tears of joy and goose-bump inducing ululation. Perhaps to him I must have looked like a deer caught in headlights. As I stood awkwardly trying to imagine what they were saying, it was my father-in-law in that moment who noticed how I was left out of that family celebration and came to my rescue to make me feel part of the occasion. In the course of the evening as things calmed down he welcomed me to his home and graciously gave his consent to the marriage, and became a supportive father-in-law and loving grandfather to our children.

                        Over the years he would visit us in the US several times. In the earlier visits we did all the obligatory tourist and shopping sites in the San Francisco area with yours truly as the tour guide and driver and I am proud to say he always commended my driving.  Dan was used to being served three square meals a day and he was particular about it. Whenever he visited there was always good Ghanaian food in the house. He was a “no-men-in-the kitchen” type gentleman, who could hardly be trusted to boil an egg. Usually by the end of his visits with us we have managed to get him to at least use the microwave to get a lunch heated. Of course most of these “skills” – completely useless for a chief - will be gone by the next visit. On this last visit we made no such demands on him, and indeed even gave him a bell to summon for help if no one was with him.

Dan showed genuine interest in me and my opinion on various issues – often interrupting my wife to allow him “to hear Abu’s opinion”. His interest extended to my family as well, and my mother always remembers the hospitality and assistance “Mr. Yahaya” gave her on her trip to the US in the 90s. I was most impressed in 2014 when Dan, despite a role he was playing in a friend’s funeral in Accra, found time to travel to Asokore to be part of my mother’s 90th birthday festivities. This tall majestic man stood out on the occasion in his flowing white gown and matching white hat as he sat at the head table. My siblings and I will always be grateful to him for gracing the occasion with his presence.

He was full of business ideas and saw the business angle in almost every activity. Take him to visit a library, a senior center, tourist site, a home depot and he sees a business that can be started in Ghana from that exposure. If only Ghana had a venture capital culture and resource we will be looking at a serial entrepreneur. Even on his death bed as nurses came in and out of his room to provide care, his mind was working overtime on ventures that could be started – seeing the in-home care as a viable business activity in Ghana. In the end, time was not on his side.

His death was not unexpected since we had known about it and had time to internalize it. It was still devastating as we buried him to think that was it for the man. Dan, we will miss you. But even in the midst of this terrible grief, we are grateful for the wonderful times we had over the years and in particular for the reflections in the last few months you spent in our home. We thank you for the friends, dignitaries and personalities we have known because of you. And, as you rest in peace, you should know as we kept promising you that your life was meaningful to us. Your good nature, gentle manner, your decency, your generosity, and your love will live on in us – especially in your grandchildren. More than that, you will live on forever in the hearts of all of us blessed enough to have known you