Princess Sophia Returns Home

Kyebi paid final tribute to Princess Sophia Afia Kyerewah Ofori-Atta over the weekend with a funeral and laid her to rest, a well deserved rest after a lifetime poured out for others, at Akakom, in the Eastern Region.

The private burial followed a church service at the St Mark's Anglican Church and later the final funeral ceremony held at the forecourt of the Okyehene's palace that displayed all the pomp and ceremony that only royalty can muster.

Vice President John Dramani Mahama, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, 2008 NPP Presidential Candidate Nana Akufo-Addo, renowned former diplomat K.B Asante, former Chief of Staff Kwadwo Mpiani, former NPP Presidential Aspirant Alan Kyerematen, Members of Parliament from both sides of the political divide were among the many dignitaries and friends that thronged Kyebi over the weekend to mourn with the family of Princess Sophia Ofor-Atta as well as pay their final respects.

The first stage of ceremonies leading to Princess Sophia's funeral began on Friday with the procession of her coffin to her residence for the lying in state.

Princess Sophia Ofori-Atta, late mother of the former editor-in-chief of the Statesman and currently Executive Director of the Danquah Institute, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, made her last journey through Kyebi, her hometown, on Saturday, first to the St. Mark's Anglican Church where a church ceremony was held and subsequently to the forecourt of the Okyehene's palace where the final funeral ceremony was performed.

A crowd of at least 1,000 gathered at the forecourt of the Okyehene's palace for a last public tribute to Princess Sophia. This included family members and relatives, friends and well-wishers as well as prominent Ghanaian politicians from both sides of the political divide.

“She'd be very proud to see all out here paying a final respect and tribute to her family. This was a fitting tribute to the life of Princess Sophia. Sophia is an icon, to us, Sophia is family. And she will forever live in all of our hearts,” a family member told this paper.

Princess Sophia's burial took place at Akakom where she was laid to rest among family and friends during a private ceremony.

Speaking again to the Statesman after the traditional service of thanksgiving held the following day (Sunday) at the St. Mark's Anglican Church, the family expressed their deepest thanks to all who mourned with the family as well those who in diverse ways contributed to success of the funeral ceremony.

Princess Sophia Ofori-Atta was survived by five (5) children, thirteen (13) grand children, 31 nephews and nieces, all sons, daughters and grandchildren of the Ofori Panin Stool.

May her Soul Rest in Perfect Peace!!

Originating at www.thestatesmanonline.com