Chiefs, elders, and the people of Kpalime came together in solemn unity to bid farewell to Mama Victoria Okanta, the late mother of Togbega Atikpladza Agbi Yao VIII, Paramount Chief of the Kpalime Traditional Area. Her funeral rites drew a large gathering as mourners paid their final respects to a woman affectionately known as “Mama Dede” or “Money Woman.”
Mama Victoria Okanta passed away on April 21, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, service, and devotion to both family and community. Her burial ceremony, held with full traditional honors, was a touching celebration of a life well lived.
A Life Rooted in Virtue and Resilience
Born on May 20, 1938, at Akum Korfe near Dodi Papase in the Oti Region, Mama Dede was the third child of Togbe Okanta Yao of Toh Kpalime and Madam Janet Abena Akedenu Atsu of Kpalime-Duga—both of blessed memory. She was described as a woman of honesty, humility, kindness, and unwavering respect for others.
Her early education took place at Kpalime-Duga Presby Primary and later L/A Middle School, where she completed her studies in 1958. After school, she moved to Accra to live with her elder sister and learn a trade.
A Devoted Wife, Mother, and Entrepreneur
In 1958, Mama Dede married Togbe Kwame Osae Agbi Yao V, then Chief of Kpalime-Duga. Their union was blessed with six children—four girls and two boys.
She was a pillar of support not only to her immediate family but also to her husband’s extended family and the community at large.
Known for her entrepreneurial spirit, Mama Dede engaged in a variety of trades to support her household. She specialized in producing and selling gari, akakle, corn and cassava dough, ebro ne enkatia, and most notably, “abolo with corn”, a skill she acquired in Dzemeni. Her hardworking nature earned her the nickname "Abolo Wura" in Boso, where she was a well-known and respected figure in the local market.
Despite her rigorous daily routines—which included farming even after selling in the market—Mama Dede remained committed to her duties with grace and strength.
She was also known to supply bulk gari to communities as far as Peki Blengo.
A Woman of Faith and Service
In 1959, she joined the Musama Disco Christo Church (MDCC) with her husband and remained a loyal and active member until her passing. She used her melodious voice to worship, served as an advisor to women in the church, and was known for her devotion, generosity, and moral guidance.
Her life of service to God and humanity was fondly remembered during the funeral rites.
A Tribute from Her Children
Her children, including Togbega Atikpladza Agbi Yao VIII, paid emotional tribute to their late mother, calling her a role model, a source of inspiration, and a woman of immeasurable strength.
“You were a lovely mother who never discriminated amongst the children under your care. After the demise of our father, you played the double role as mother and father. You were a pillar, a mentor, and a counselor,” the tribute read.
They praised her for the values she instilled in them and acknowledged the profound impact she had on their lives, stating, “You may be gone from this earth, but we know your spirit will always be with us and continue to live on.”
A Life Celebrated
As the Kpalime community mourns her loss, Mama Victoria Okanta’s legacy continues to live on in the lives she touched. Her memory remains a beacon of resilience, faith, and community spirit.
Rest in peace, Mama Dede — the “Money Woman” whose worth was far beyond wealth.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama; Togbe Akudomepey XI,
Paramount Chief Kpeve, Kyidomhene Ahunabobrim Akuamoah Kwao II of Boso-Gua Traditional Area as well as several traditional leaders graced the occasion.
Indigenes of Kpalime from far and near also turned up in their numbers to bid Mama a befitting farewell.
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