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His Life

Biography of the late Emmanuel Oko Mensah

October 20, 2011

 

Aged 86

ALIAS E.O., PAAPA, PAPA OKO, OTEE FAASEE

A retired Accounts Manager of U.A.C. Ltd., Accra.

A retired Accountant of PASICO GHANA Ltd., Accra and

A retired Financial Controller of EDERICK Ltd., Osu Accra

“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” AMEN. Revelations 21:4.

On the 3rd of December, 1924, twin babies were born at Nsawam to Mr. Alfred Shamo Mensah of La Abetse-we and Mrs. Sarah Korkoi Mensah of Big Ada-Alata; both of blessed memory. The male twin who was also the 8th child of the ten (10) siblings was the late Papa Emmanuel Oko Mensah who lies before us and whose life we are celebrating today.

Paapa was baptized a Presbyterian in 1924 at Nsawam where his father was the Post-master of the Gold Coast Post and Telecommunication. Long before he started school, his father was transferred to Saltpond where he started his education at the Equals Methodiest Primary School. A few years later his family moved to Tarkwa and then to Winnieba at which places he continued his Primary Education. Finally, his family was transferred to Koforidua where his father was the District Post-Master for several years and later retired from active service in 1939.

Papa continued his education at Koforidua Methodist and Catholic Schools and successfully passed out in 1944. A year later in 1945, he was employed by the U.A.C. Ltd. (i.e. United African Company Ltd.) at Koforidua as a young Accountant Clerk. Papa was a young diligent worker who was fully committed and attached to his job. He loved his work and his vision was to develop himself academically and professionally in order to rise to the top some day, God willing. He strongly desired to an efficient worker. In 1948, a peaceful strike labeled Positive Action was led by Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah. Papa’s colleagues who participated in the strike action and refused to report for work were all fired the following day. Fortunately, Papa reported ill at the Koforidua Government Hospital upon his father’s advice and therefore escaped losing his job.

In 1950, Paapa took a firm decision in realizing his dream. His dream of enrolling as an Accountancy student with the Bernard College of Accountancy which was a British University College in London. He took courses in Accountancy and other related courses. He took his studies seriously and passed out successfully some years later. Early in 1950 Papa Oko was transferred from Koforidua to Kumasi where he had the opportunity to audit branch offices at Sunyani Konongo, Bekwai, Sekondi, Takoradi and Akim Oda. He was soon recognized for his hard work and devotion. He soon found himself working at Akim Oda where he worked tirelessly to the admiration of his superior officers. Finally, Paapa was transferred from Akim Oda to the Accra Office where he worked harder for several years as the Accounts Manager until his voluntary retirement in 1979. He was then 55.

In 1980, a year after his retirement, he was offered an accountant position with PASICO Ghana Ltd. He worked devotedly with the company for fourteen (14) years until his voluntary retirement in 1994. He was then seventy (70). In spite of his age, he was mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy full of vigor and very much experienced in his job as an Accountant. Before long, he joined EDERICK GHANA Ltd., Osu Accra as Chief Accountant and later as Financial Controller during which he showed much commitment. Paapa worked with the company for ten years. He retired from active service in December 2004 at the age of 80.

Throughout his career life, he readily accepted responsibilities and fulfilled them. He faced many challenges but turned them into advantages and opportunities. He loved to work and so loved his job as an Accountant. He tirelessly tackled tasks with efficiency and zeal and tried as much as possible to meet deadlines and work through tight schedules.Being diligent and efficient was his goal but, he was also co-operative and related pleasantly with his co-workers and all those he came into contact with. Paapa was a family man who was close to his devoted wife and loving children. He was generous, affable and very supportive. He worked hard to care for his family and educated his children well to the highest level that their God given potentials and capabilities would allow them to attain. He related pleasantly with everybody.

His family and close relations affectionately called him Paapa. His friends called him E.O. Others called him Otee FaaseeDespite his agreeable nature, he had no tolerance for liars. His interests were varied. He loved life to the fullest and also loved nature. He grew flowers and kept pets. He loved to dance, to read, and to listen to music. He also loved to play football (soccer) and run.In his youthful days he once won second position in a National High Life Competition in 1957.

Papa will always be fondly remembered by his family and friends. On 24th September, 2011, Papa peacefully rested in the Lord. He was 86 years old. May GOD’S name be blessed.

Paapa was survived by his wife Madam. Mary Akunorbea Adadey, six (6) children.Godwin, Alfred, Martin, Gilbert, Emmanuel and Mary Mensah and fifteen (15) grandchildren and four (4) great grand children.Today Paapa is no more. Eternal rest grants to his soul O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest in Perfect Peace. AMEN.

Compiled by the late Nicholina Mensimah Amissah in 2004 and approved by Papa Oko himself.