Ghanaians hold funeral to pay last respect to a community leader in Connecticut

The Ghanaian Community in Connecticut, East Connecticut was gripped with shock at the death of a community leader and a man endeared with so much love and commitment to the cause of community development in East Hartford.

Hundreds of Ghanaians from all over the United States thronged to the State of Maryland to bid a farewell to the late Henry Kwasi Agyeman Weeks affectionately known as “ Onua on Saturday, January 20, 2018.

The atmosphere was one likened to a durbar rather than a funeral. The word on everyone’s lips was that this was the biggest funeral ever for a Ghanaian in the entire United States.

The Consular General of Ghana in the United States His Excellency Professor Samuel Amoako led a high powered delegation from the Ghana Mission to represent the Government of the Republic of Ghana.

The huge auditorium of St. Isaac Jogues Ghanaian Roman Catholic Church Parish in East Hartford could not contain the number of mourners who had travelled to the city to pay their last respect to “ONUA”

Rev. Father John Kyere the Parish priest of the Ghanaian Roman Catholic during the funeral mass eulogized ONUA for his sense of advocacy and service to the community.

He said, “The late Henry Kwasi Agyeman Weeks led a worthy life of emulation and his commitment to the youth was unparalleled in the community”.

He, therefore, urged the community to carry the baton and keep the dream alive from where “Onua “left off to complete the race to enable his dreams fulfilled.

He went on "Onua had an infectious smile and the ease at which he related to everyone endeared him to be a community leader most people looked up to. “

Miss Ashley Weeks aka Frema Onua’s daughter choked with tears as she read a tribute to her father.

In her words “ I have not only lost a father but a very dear friend, counselor, brother, and mentor.

I have lost someone whose sole aim has been to see me attaining the highest level in my educational career and to fulfil my ambition of being a senator to enable me make an impact on the undeserved communities.'

She concluded her tribute with the message “" Daddy Onua we will always miss you as we walk around wishing for just one more kiss from you, we always love you and we are trying to be strong, we walk around like nothing is wrong with us but as night falls the tears begin to flow with sadness.”

Miss Edina Boateng aka sister Edina has this to say about ‘Onua “ " Death is wicked as it has laid its icy hands on Onua without a last word from him.

Words cannot fill the great vacuum which has been created as such we will not forget in a hurry".

Mrs Adowa Pomaah Pinamang testified that " Onua was a gentleman, a man of decorum, love, affordable who operated an open door policy.

In fact he is irreplaceable to me and all those who came his way;

In his tribute Mr. Charles Ampofo of Windsor Lock, East Hartford disclosed that, Onua's main objective was to bring people closer to share his rich experience and wide knowledge of things, and he gave relevant advice to anyone he came across.

Mr. Flint Opoku described the death of Onua as very big blow to the family and it was unbelievable that such a man of wisdom in the East Hartford community has gone too soon,"

The family's tribute to their beloved and industrious son, cousin, nephew, brother, uncle said " No amount of words can describe how sad our family has been with the sudden passing of Onua, since he was above all the aforementioned titles.

"He was selfless and he possessed the un-cunning ability to bring himself to the level of any family member he interacted with. In a way he made the family members feel comfortable and at ease to walk with him."

The family of the late Henry Kwasi Agyeman Weeks, Onua as he was affectionately called expressed their profound gratitude to the well wishes for their love, prayers, unflinching support and words of comfort, " we say God richly bless you all".

Various friends and business associates offered diverse tributes including; Kofi Edusei aka Bosswaikriki and Mr. Charles N. Ntiamoah-Mensah aka Mr. CNN, 3G Media CEO who presented a portrait of Onua to his bereaved family.

The moment was all about celebrating Onua's life as FSR VDJs; Prince Paul, Kojak and DJ Junior provided a musical tribute which sent mourners to the dance floor.

Okokyeredom Tieku Acheampong, the Asantefuohene of New York and the President of Asanteman of North America , (ANA) led a powerful delegation including Nana Kwabena Amakye - Krontihene of Asanteman Association of New York , Barima Kwaku Duah - the Nifahene of Asanteman of New York, Nana Attakora Ammaniapong - Saanahene of Asanteman Association of New York, Nana Kwame Asamoah - Kyidomhene of Asanteman of New York and Obaa Payin of Asanteman Association of New York. Their presence added and exhibited the color of Tradition and Culture.