Essikado: Obaapanyin Anna Budu-Arthur, the respected Matriarch of the Essikado Traditional Area and mother of Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Omanhene of Essikado, has been interred following a solemn burial ceremony. The event, marked by deep cultural reverence and attended by numerous dignitaries and community members, took place at the Railway ground near the Western Regional Coordinating Council, where attendees in red and black paid their last respects. According to Ghana News Agency, the ceremony showcased a profound display of grief and respect, with mourners seated under canopies adorned in the traditional colors of mourning, interspersed with a beautiful array of photographs commemorating the life of the Matriarch. The Bethany Methodist Church in Essikado hosted the service, reflecting her strong Methodist faith with hymns like "Nearer, My God, to Thee" and "In Heavenly Love Abiding," which underscored the ephemeral nature of life. Tributes poured in from various quarters, highlighting her impact and le gacy. Her children described her as a teacher of many valuable life lessons, while Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang praised her as a blessed woman. The Diaspora Community recognized her as a special spirit who played a significant role in reconnecting Ghanaians abroad with their roots. Born on July 8, 1922, Obaapanyin Budu-Arthur was instrumental in many societal contributions, especially during Ghana's struggle for independence. She was pivotal in establishing the Department of African Studies at the University of Ghana and became a notable figure among African intellectuals and activists while residing in Oxford, England, in 1955. Her commitment to fairness and equality made her a beloved figure, and her friendship with Maya Angelou highlighted her influence across cultures. The Ghanaian community in London, during its 50th anniversary, honored her with the "Mother Africa Matriarch Extraordinaire" award for her dedication to motherhood and community building. Obaapanyin Anna Budu-Arthur is survived by her family and the Amangyina Ebiradze family of Essikado, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and leadership.
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