MRS ELIZABETH AFRIYIE MALDINI I remember my big sister with Presbyterian Hymn Number 791 - “Ohoho ne mamfrani na meye wo fam ha. M’asase mmen ha baabi, minni fi pa wo ha. Ohaw, obre, amane na yede tu ha kwan. Osoro ho na Nyame bema mahome sann.” I got to know my Big Sister, Obaa Yaa Afrifa at United Church, Teshie Nungua Estate as a woman who was full of love and affection to people she came in contact with irrespective of their status either in public life or as a church member. She was a Mother, full of love and compassion. As soon as she got to know I was married to a Swiss, she started calling me “Obroni Yere” a name she grew accustomed to as my second name. Because of my husband”s ancestral Italian name, she was full of fond memories of her time in Italy whenever my family paid a visit. Her bond and closeness to my family was such that she wouldn’t miss having us for lunch whenever my children were in Ghana. I, in return made sure I baked her birthday cake to remember my late husband, an act which became the norm especially when she found out she shared the same birthday/year with my late husband. Her gratitude was sometimes embarrassing as she called several times to make sure I knew she appreciated my “little gestures.” I’m glad that in collaboration with my “daughter” Nana Yaa Faakye, her 90th Birthday was celebrated with family members, few friends, present and past Ministers and members of the United church. In spite of her protests not to host a birthday party, she had a good time. We thank the good Lord for that. On 6th December 2025, I visited Mama Obaa Yaa with my elder daughter to bid her farewell as she was flying back to Switzerland that evening. As soon as we met her, she inquired about “her father” and asked her if she brought a letter to be delivered to her father. Again she insisted on taking a picture with my daughter and a Swiss lady guest who was apparently returning to Switzerland the same night but with a different flight. My daughter was sad and told me she believed it was their last encounter. Mama was gone twenty three days after the farewells. Mama Obaa Yaa, my children and I bid you fare well. We thank you for your love, friendship and kindness. Rest peacefully with your Maker till we meet to depart no more. “Damirifa due, due ne amanehunu” TRIBUTE W 40 A Loving Farewell 1934 MRS. OBAA YAA AFRIFA 2025
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