In 1969, Obaa Yaa transitioned from political life to a new chapter in the United States. A true trailblazer, she worked at Howard Johnson’s restaurant and hotel as an office clerk. Ever committed to family, she facilitated the imigration of one brother within a year and later supported three more brothers, as well as arranging for her mother to visit. Returning to Ghana in 1974, she embraced her role as a caregiver, taking in her first nephew at just two years old, a gesture that would grow into a lifelong pattern of generosity. After a second stay in the U.S., she returned permanently in 1978 and resumed teaching at Teshie 5 & 6 Basic School. In 1984, driven by her responsibilities and desire to support her extended family, Obaa Yaa traveled to Italy with the help of a close friend. Despite language barriers and the stark contrast to her former status as a First Lady, she humbly worked as a maidservant. She spoke of this period with pride, using it as a lesson in dignity, resilience, and the value of hard work. Returning to Ghana in 1987, she fully embraced her role as family matriarch. At her brother’s request, she brought his children from Asafo to Accra to provide them with a strong educational foundation. She never turned away a child in need. Her affectionate nickname for her nieces and nephews “nkrofuomma,” reflected her humor and her boundless capacity to love children who were not biologically her own but became hers in every meaningful way. During her final decades in Ghana, Obaa Yaa’s political convictions resurfaced. She became an active member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), supporting the maiden 1992 flagbearer, Professor Albert Adu Boahen. Her hard work, commitment and dedication to public service is marked by her rise to the position of National Women’s Organizer during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor. Her leadership extended into corporate governance and advisory roles, where she served as a Board Member of the State Housing Corporation and as a member of the Council of Elders. Within her local community, she remained a dedicated pillar of support as a Patron for the Krowor constituency. Her strategic importance to the party was perhaps most evident during President Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo’s 2007–2008 campaign. Obaa Yaa was one of the twelve women to accompany former First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca “Aunty Becky” Akufo-Addo, on the campaign trail. During these travels, she served as a vital cultural and linguistic bridge, engaging Ewe-speaking communities and ensuring the campaign’s message was conveyed with clarity, respect, and deep understanding. Beyond her formal titles, Obaa Yaa is defined by her remarkable character; she possesses a natural gift for lifting spirits and providing a sense of hope and encouragement to everyone she encounters. Parallel to her political life, her faith remained her anchor. She was a foundational member of what is now the United Church in Teshie-Nungua. From its humble beginnings on a member’s porch, she served tirelessly cleaning the sanctuary with her children, supporting church activities, and embodying a spirit of service until her final days. 1934 MRS. OBAA YAA AFRIFA 2025 9 A Life well lived
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