Council of State Chairperson’s mother joins ancestors

Mrs Joana Bennett, mother of Mrs Cecilia Johnson, Chair of the Council of State was on Friday buried at the Awua-Domase royal cemetery in the Sunyani West District of Brong-Ahafo Region.

The late Mrs Bennett, also known as Obaapanin Yaa Twenewaa, a matriarch, who died at the age of 98, died on Saturday, May 9, at the Regional Hospital in Sunyani after a protracted illness.

President John Dramani Mahama, accompanied by his wife, Lordina Mahama, some members of the Council of State, national executive members of National Democratic Congress including Mrs Kofi Portuphy, Chairman of the party, and Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, General Secretary as well as current and former ministers of state.

Reverend Kwadwo Owusu Sarpong, Presbytery Chairman, Sunyani in a sermon praised Mrs Bennett for devoting her entire life as Christian.

He eulogised her industriousness and exemplary lifestyle, which portrayed her as a model for women, both old and young in the church.

He said since mankind is accountable to the creator of the universe after death, it is incumbent on everyone to avoid vices and practice virtues in order to promote peace and unity to attain a just society.

Rev Sarpong therefore admonished Ghanaians to endeavour to lead responsible lives, pleasing to God.

Sir Daniel Charles Gyimah, a son and former Managing Director of National Investment Bank, said the late Mrs Bennett was described as a businesswoman, a farmer, a Christian and head of her maternal family.

Ms Grace Sheila Bennett, a daughter and an entrepreneur in Sunyani who read the tribute by the children said their mother was a strict woman and a disciplinarian by all standards due to the good upbringing she had during her stay with a Presbyterian Missionary.

Mrs Bennett was survived by 10 out of 12 children, 39 grandchildren and 25 great-grand children.