MAAME KANHA
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away
(Ecclesiastes 3:1–6)
Affectionately known as Maame Kanha, Madam Theresa Akubah Kofie was a remarkable woman whose life reflected resilience, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to her family. She made lasting contributions that continue to echo through generations.
Early Life
Maame Akubah Kanha was born on Wednesday, 10th March 1929, at Aboso, to Opanyin Adiabah Kofie and Obaapanyin Maame Manza, both of blessed memory. She was the second-born among her siblings and was named after her paternal grandmother.
She spent part of her early years in Bakanta, a coastal village in the Ellembelle Municipality, living with her grandmother. She later moved to Prestea, where she stayed with her aunties, including Nana Bedjoe.
While in Prestea, she engaged in household duties and petty trading. Though she had no formal education, her intelligence, discipline, and sharp business sense distinguished her early in life.
Later, she returned to Aboso to live with her biological parents. Her mother, a textile dealer, trained her in cloth trading, where she excelled and became well known among cloth sellers in Aboso and Tarkwa.
Marriage and Family Life
In the early 1950s, she met Mr. Kweku Appiah, whom she later married. They were blessed with six children—four sons and two daughters.
Following the passing of her husband in the early 1990s, Maame Kanha demonstrated extraordinary strength. As a widow, she single-handedly nurtured and supported her children to adulthood, ensuring they were well cared for and established in life.
Character and Legacy
Maame Kanha was a hardworking, intelligent, and kind-hearted woman. She became a guardian and source of support to many who crossed her path in need.
She was a devoted Christian and an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and other Catholic fraternities. Lovingly called “Maame” by her children, she was humble, compassionate, and nurturing—making her children feel deeply secure and cared for.
Indeed, Maame Kanha left behind a legacy more precious than gold.
Final Days
About eight months ago, Maame Kanha traveled to Accra at the invitation of her granddaughter, Manza, and her husband. She spent nearly three months there in good health.
However, about a month prior to her passing, she began to feel unwell. Medical attention was sought, but it was clear that her time on earth was drawing to a peaceful close, according to God’s divine will.
She peacefully departed this life at her residence in Accra on Sunday, 15th March.
Tribute
The family expresses deep and heartfelt gratitude to all who supported her throughout her journey of life.
Maame Kanha fought a good fight, finished her race, and kept the faith. Our prayer is that the Almighty Lord receives her into His eternal rest until we meet again, where there shall be no tears.
Tia boɛ Da boɛ