Professional Documents
Culture Documents
In Loving Memory: of The
In Loving Memory: of The
In Loving Memory: of The
OF THE
SUNRISE
th
SUNSET
7 September 1916 2 September 2019
nd
A G E D
103
THE GALLERY - 43
HYMNS - 47
MINISTERS IN ATTENDANCE
APOSTLE MRS LYANNE KOFFI (THE LORD'S GARDEN MINISTRY)
REV DR DAVID QUANSAH (MID COUNTRY CHARPEL)
PROPHET KOFI ODURO (ALABASTER INTERNATIONAL)
REV DZIGBORDI AMEKUDZI (FATHER'S HOUSE COMMUNITY CHAPEL)
APOSTLE ISAAC ANTWI (CHRIST CARE MINISTRY)
PROPHET ELIJAH D. KLOMEGA (REDEEM CHRISTIAN CHURCH)
REVEREND EDITH OPOKU (REDEEM CHRISTIAN CHURCH)
REVEREND JOHN OPOKU (DOMINION CHURCH ACCRA)
PASTOR DELA OPOKU (DOMINION CHURCH ACCRA)
PASTOR GEORGE MINGLE (APOSTOLIC CHURCH NORTH KANESHIE)
REV DAVID NENYI AMPAH BENNIN
REV PASTOR VINCENT K. PARKER
PART ONE
CALL TO WORSHIP - REV. S. O. KITCHER
PROCESSIONAL HYMN - P. H 557
OPENING HYMN - P. H 152 (1-4)
SCRIPTURE SENTENCE - REV. S. O. KITCHER
HYMN - P. H 205 ( 1-4)
PRAYER - MINISTER
PRAISES - BASEL MELODIES
BIOGRAPHY - FAMILY
ANTHEM - CHURCH CHOIR
TRIBUTES - PANEL
1ST OFFERTORY - BASEL MELODIES
SCRIPTURE READING - PANEL
HYMN - P. H 545 (1-2)
SERMON - REV. G. K. ANATO-OCANSEY
CHRISTIAN CHARITY - SINGING BAND
DEDICATION OF OFFERTORY - MINISTER
ANNOUNCEMENT - CLERK
PRAYER FOR FAMILY - DR. LAWRENCE TETTEH
CLOSING HYMN - P. H 518 (1-3)
BENEDICTION - MINISTER
PART TWO
SCRIPTURE SENTENCE - REV. S. B. LAWERTEH
HYMN - P. H 841 (1-4)
EXHORTATION -
HYMN - P. H 791 (1-3)
UNVEILING OF BUST - REV. JAMES A. ADJOKATSE
VOTE OF THANKS - FAMILY MEMBER
HYMN - P. H 508 (1-3)
BENEDICTION - MINISTER
Exactly a year after he was born, calamity struck Old Ningo, when the town, including
the chief’s Palace was set ablaze as a result of chieftaincy disputes in the Royal Family.
This internal strife spread to several surrounding Ningo settlements, including WG’s
hometown of Lekpogunor, leading his father, Numo Tettehwayo Korley to move his
family eastwards; first to Anyanam, then to Ocansey Korpey and finally to Ada Foah.
Upon settling at Anyanam, his father, along with his brothers and cousins, acquired
three canoes to start a fishing business, which quickly became very successful. With an
astute and wealthy fisherman for a father, and a mother who was well respected in the
community as a queen mother and a successful trader, WG and his siblings grew up in
a happy and well-respected home.
In 1936, the family relocated their thriving fishing business from Ada Foah back to
Lekpongunor. His father who by then had acquired six canoes, trained his children to
follow in his footsteps. Like his siblings, Wilson was drafted into the family fishing
business, where his main duty was to bail water for the canoe on their fishing
expeditions. As much as he respected his father, WG did not want to follow in his
footsteps and become a fisherman.
He knew that he had many other talents and he was determined to explore them. Even
at the young age of 20, his interests were much more business oriented. He preferred
to help his mother in her trading business than to go to sea with his father and brothers.
At a minimum, he thought he could be a fishing clerk, handling the purchase of fishing
nets and other supplies, and possibly managing the cash from the sale of fish from his
father’s canoes.
With the assistance of Mr. Addotey Akpey, a native from Ada, and Mr. Sika Nartey a timber
merchant from New Ningo, WG left for Takoradi to look for a job. He quickly found a job with
Messrs Elder Dempster, a construction firm at the Takoradi Harbor. Working as a time keeper
and tally Clerk, Wilson was a dedicated worker, always punctual, smartly dressed, and so
efficient in carrying out his duties that his manager greatly relied on him. Unfortunately, just
two years later, the company finished their existing contract and had to re-locate to Nigeria.
To avoid moving too far away from his mother, WG turned down an offer to relocate with the
company to Nigeria.
Entrepreneurship
Many who are familiar with WG know him as an
extraordinary entrepreneur. That journey into
entrepreneurship started in 1951. After saving
enough money, he begun to invest in others by
offering small business loans at a reasonable
interest rate. He also made a deposit on five
Austin (1 ½ ton) trucks from the British Merchants,
UAC which he resold to close friends and
relatives at a profit.
He provided a building complex to house the main officers of the District Assembly, which to
date is used by the Ningo Traditional Council as administrative HQ of the Ningo Traditional
Area. Parts of the complex, including a rest house and others are still lying idle, awaiting the full
realization of his dreams. Had Mr. Nartey succeeded in implementing his dreams, Ningo would
today be counted among the major cities of Ghana. But as it is said, one sows, and another
waters. May the seeds he has sown continue to be watered.
• 1964: masterminded the offering of 8,000 acres of land for the planned construction of
Ghana’s 2nd international Airport on Ningo land.
• 1965: constructed a complete Police station with barracks for the Ningo community on
the private land offered to him and his brothers by Nene Teye Doku Aguda.
• 1967: established Ghana’s 2nd largest salt factory at Old Ningo (Modern Salt Industry) to
provide employment for the community.
• 1968: engineered the re-design of the Ningo Township, providing appropriate layouts and
proper land use. In the same year, constructed the 1st Community Clinic for the town. He
also provided street lights for the town from a generator installed on his own private
residence. He later spearheaded the full electrification of the town.
• 1969: gave Ningo a facelift by constructing the community one and two bungalows, to
provide housing for 28 families. In the same year, he established Star Chemicals Industries,
a salt factory in Koluedor to create jobs for the area.
• 1969: with a passion for creating jobs for the youth, he started Star Fisheries Ltd in Tema
• 1972: initiated and funded the supply of tap water to the Ningo Communities, which was
commissioned by Gen J.A. Ankrah, Head of State of Ghana (1966-1969).
• 1974: started the construction of a caustic Soda Factory off the Old Ningo Ahwiam Road,
which unfortunately was never completed due to political instability in the country.
• 1976: inspired by his own past experience in education, decided to help Ningo children
hampered by financial challenges, with access to secondary School education. Thus, the
Ningo Secondary /Technical School was established with 8 students. The first classroom,
dorms and teachers’ housing were all housed within the walls of his private residence. The
school now has a student and staff population of around 1,800. His vision for the school
was to develop it into an Agricultural /Technical University.
• 1979 and 1981: political instability and coups during this time had a devastating effect on Mr.
Nartey and his businesses. His detractors, competitors and other opportunists took advantage
of the instabilities to damage his reputation and destroy all the investments he had made in
his beloved Ningo. The situation was so dire that he had to flee into exile to save his life.
• 1984: after return from exile, Mr. Nartey, established Modern Warehousing and Shipping
Services Ltd in Tema, the Hohoe and Sawla Stone Quarries. He also revamped Modern Ghana
Builders into mainly Road construction. Around this time, he teamed up with some business
friends to establish the Dangme Rural bank. For several years he continued to be a strong pillar
in its administration and on at least two occasions rescued the bank from financial collapse.
He remained the Technical Adviser to the Bank for many more years.
• 1989: The government awarded Mr. Nartey a contract to resurface several of the Cape Coast
school campuses with asphalt. These included University of Cape Coast, Mfanstipim School,
Wesley Girls' High School, Holy Child School, St. Augustine College, Adisadel College, and Ghana
National College.
• 2003: in his role as then treasurer of the United Nations Association of Ghana (UNAG), Mr.
Nartey donated a three-square mile land for a proposed Kofi Annan University in Great Ningo.
Beyond Ningo, Mr. Nartey was unmatched in philanthropy. He gave freely and regularly even in
his old age. He supported every worthwhile cause that was brought to his attention. He built
church auditoriums, schools and community centers. He helped many widows take care of
their children.
It is not surprising that his great generosity also came with trouble and criticism from both his
own people and outsiders. But he was never perturbed! He would always say: “No Fears! Who
am I? I am nobody! Whatever I do, it is the Man up there who gives me power and ability to do
it.” He gave not to receive the accolades of men, but humbly knowing that all his blessings
came from God.
While having a big family came with its own challenges and sometimes criticisms, it is clear
that WG was proud of his family. He always had a few pictures of his children or grandchildren
under his glass desk, as if to remind him of what is important in life.
WG took great pride in his children’s accomplishments and supported their ambitions to the
best of his abilities. In the interest of instilling the value of hard work, a few of his children and
nephews had the opportunity to work with him in the business directly under his tutelage. He
emphasized discipline and hard work and wanted all his children to be raised with similar
values. To this end, he built a huge house in Accra with the intent of housing all his children to
keep them closer to him. He wanted them to achieve more than he did, while avoiding his
mistakes.
A visionary, counselor, educator and a lifeline to many in need. Yet, in all these, Mr. Nartey
remained humble and unassuming in faith, often saying “you have to try and do a little good
to somebody every day” while you “learn to labor and learn to wait”. He lived by these beliefs.
It is with a heavy heart but also with great gratitude to God for his long life that we say
goodbye to the one and only WG Nartey. He was wise, smart, funny, and hard working. He
was generous to a fault but also enjoyed the finer things in life - architecture, travel, and cars.
He was blessed with family, friends, and work that he loved. Rarely will one meet a man who
overcame so many adversities, but still managed to live life to the fullest.
WG was the definition of a self-made man, yet he would be the first to acknowledge the
contributions of so many hundreds of people who have been part of his journey on this earth.
His legacy lives on in the many who called him father, husband, grandfather, uncle, mentor,
and friend.
Tseko Wuda – you were the undeclared, unannounced Emperor of the Nartey Family in
Ghana and Abroad. Your life and achievements are beyond measure. So, although we mourn
your departure, we also celebrate a long and historic life well lived!
We celebrate the achievements of this illustrious son of Ghana and Ningo; Wilson Gbli Nartey,
Tseko Wuda, Manager, Kokotako: AYEKOOO!!!
You have done well, you have helped people, saved lives, played your part in Nation building
and done more than a hundred sons could do. Many sons have done well but you surpass
them all. The good intention of a person, in the interest of mankind is not immediately
known until it is vanished.
You have left us quite a legacy. Your shoes can not be filled.
Tseko, ya woo saminya.
You wanted us to be a big family, helping each other and being there for one another. In our
limited understanding, we sometimes felt as though you did more for strangers than you
did for us. In hindsight, we see a little more clearly that it was your way of shaping our
character and instilling resilience in us. You were preparing us for a world that rewards hard
work, perseverance and humility. You wanted us to be achievers, and trained us to be bold,
brave, tough, and persistent. You also taught us to be humble and respectful to all. You
acknowledged God as the source of your blessings and wanted us to do the same.
We remember the many anecdotes and lessons you shared with us. One of your favorite
sayings was “Even Jesus Christ was rejected by his own people, so why do I complain?”
Because of this conviction, you never worried about your detractors. Now that we are
adults, we look back in amazement at how you handled your many responsibilities with so
little stress and worry. You loved to sing and we remember your AWA songs, "olekulema"
and "ye bi ke omagba mo ko gba nye maase." At the end of your songs, you would smile
and say: “noko nye dzen” or “gbikole soha"
Tseko Wuda, through the good times and even the challenging ones, it remains our distinct
honor to call you father, our very own King Solomon! We are proud to be the children of
such a kind hearted, wise, and visionary man. You spent your life in service of others and like
Cornelius, your good works have already gone ahead of you.
Few can boast of 103 years of a life well lived. We Praise God for giving you to us for such a
long time. You will never be forgotten! Our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
will hear of your good works; and your memory will live on in our hearts till we meet again in
Paradise. Sleep in PERFECT PEACE - Mo ya wo saminya
Your departure from this side of heaven has been difficult to say the least, but we take
comfort in knowing that you lived a full life, and have gone to be with your Lord, father and
friend, Jesus.
It was impressed on us at an early age that although you were ours, you also belonged to
your extended family, and to a very large community of people who were also dependent on
you.
We pay tribute to you today for all the fond memories we shared with you. For some of us, our
most memorable times with you were times when we would gather around you on Sundays
and braid your hair while you told us stories of your encounters travelling around Ghana and
overseas. Tales that were so fascinating, that some of us decided we had to go and see those
places for ourselves. We remember trips to the airport to watch the airplanes. We also
remember the simple joys of going on drives with you; drives which always ended at Dans Bar
for ice-cream and milkshakes.
Oh, and those Christmas Day parties for all the children and the Watch Night dance
competitions for the adults. You would dance the night away at those parties; it was obvious
how much you loved to have fun.
As we became adults, we cherished the long conversations we had with you whenever you
visited our homes. On those occasions, whoever you visited, had the priviledge of listening to
your words of wisdom - words that continue to guide us today.
Dad, it is well known that you were a great entrepreneur and a very busy one at that. This
meant that we did not have as much of you as we would have wanted, a challenge that
many of us had to grapple with over the years. But to your credit, you would try to make up for
it in your own way. As we mature, we begin to more fully accept that just as we are not
perfect, neither were you. But even in your imperfections, you were our special gift from God.
Not a perfect person, but ours nonetheless.
You couldn’t attend all the special occasions in our lives but you were ours. You couldn’t be
everything we wanted you to be, but you were ours. You have left us the richest of all people
because the one thing that we were uncomfortable with - your many children, has turned out
to be a blessing. You have left us with the gift of brothers and sisters all over the world - a gift
that money cannot buy. We are richly surrounded by love, and will never lack for a listening
ear or a helping hand. It has been said that wealth is not measured in possessions, but in the
abundance of things that money cannot buy. Indeed, you have left us an inheritance that
money cannot buy.
He was one of a kind; an incredible father who provided for his family and made sure
that his children had the guidance they needed. He was jovial and always made us
laugh. Even until his final breath, he remained in good spirits. There isn’t a day that goes
by that I don't think of him and smile.
My Dad was my best friend, and my hero. He was the most courageous and resourceful
man I have ever known – my greatest role model and inspiration. He taught me that
time is money, but above all else, to live freely, and to not take myself, or life too
seriously.
He was my biggest fan and I never doubted his love and care for me because he made
it so obvious. I miss Dad every day. I can still hear him asking me to make him his tea; he
didn’t play with his tea! I feel his presence sometimes, spurring me on in this thing called
life, and it is comforting. I am forever grateful for his life and the impact he made in
mine.
Tseko, life has been different without you, but I am grateful I got to call you, my father.
You are gone, but never forgotten. I will continue to carry your light.
Everyone has their own special memories of you, but to me you were above all else, a gentle,
caring, thoughtful, and grateful soul. Watching you go about your day gave me a deep
understanding of life. You instilled in me a spirit of doggedness, courage, self-discipline, hard
work, perseverance, humanity, optimism and forthrightness. I remember you saying to me
“what I, your father, cannot do for you, and you cannot do for yourself, never expect anyone
else to do for you.”
Tseko, you played many roles in my life in ways both subtle and profound. You taught me to
avoid the temptation of taking short cuts in life. I also recall your passion for education in the
way you constantly motivated me towards academic excellence; encouraging me to
remain steadfast in all my pursuits. To you, education was the key; and you were successful
in imparting that same passion to me and my siblings. I appreciate how you modeled the
habit and importance of reading.
A good dad is a kid’s most devoted supporter and you were my biggest fan – always
supporting my passions. When I started to show promise as an athlete, you would proudly
display a medal or certificate in your office. You called me an “international athlete” and I
believed you. Your words, and actions gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, even
in the midst of trying times. Nothing mattered to me as much as the pride I saw in your eyes. I
miss how you showered me with prayers and blessings each time I came home from an
athletic event.
Tseko, you were my strength throughout college. I knew I could count on your words of
wisdom through the dark times. You were not only a teacher to me, but most importantly,
you always had time for me. Whenever I would face a dilemma during those difficult years in
college, I would call you, and you never failed to lend an ear. You always had the perfect
words to help clear my head and to keep me moving forward.
In business, you taught me how to embrace the chaos of being an entrepreneur; and how to
remain chill and calm in the face of tremendous pressure. I carry this attitude with me today.
I am able to do what I do today because of your example. I truly miss your consistent
encouragement and sympathetic support.
Whenever I think of you, it brings a smile to my face. You will remain eternally in my heart, and
I will always celebrate being your son. It has been an honor.
May your soul find peace in the Lord. Adieu, Tseko, my hero.
On this solemn day, we knock on your door, but this time we will not be greeted with the
usual “M3n3 M3iii ng3lejor” (Who are those there?)
Tseko, although we came from different mothers; your love, and special connection with
each one of us has bound us together forever. Rest in the Lord, Mr. WG Nartey.
I had just left your bedside for a short trip to London when the news of your demise came.
The same day as your grandson's wedding anniversary. It was unexpected! Good old Tseko,
the visionary, gone but never forgotten! Difficult to call him by any other name. I owe Tseko
and posterity a duty to honour his memory of the qualities I knew and learned to admire in
my adult years. Old fashioned and strict as a father yet a stark contrast to how he was
perceived. His way of bringing up children was not to indulge them in material things. Many a
time I thought he was mean, but as I started my own adult life journey, I began to understand
that was his style and his choice. I stopped being judgmental and also stopped trying to find
reasons for many things. I learned valuable life lessons from his style. I learnt to persevere in
the face of difficulties. I learnt to ignore hate and embrace love. I learnt to be selfless and
altruistic. I learnt that the choices I make in life will make or unmake me. His business
acumen was on a different level, difficult at times to follow but ultimately yielding results. As
he entered his twilight, he would not accept he had to slow down. Each morning would find
him dressed for work. Charitable deeds were always a priority and as a business, we had to
ingeniously find a way to curb the expenses. His employees were part of his family, and he
couldn't bear the thought of letting them go when things became tough. He treasured
loyalty and was full of praises for employees and persons who stayed loyal to him. He
abhorred jealousy and envy and will say that no one with those traits lives long. For him, one
must love like Jesus loved. One must give freely because the reason why God makes a man
rich is so that he can help the poor, the weak and less fortunate. Tseko thus did everything for
strangers and extended family. Even when he couldn't satisfy one's request, he was hopeful
that come tomorrow that request will be satisfied. He was full of appreciation and grateful
for the little gifts he got with the statement, “Even rain falls into the sea that has so much
water”.
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
In life, we were always together and, in your departure, you will remain forever in my
heart. You were my first true love. We were a team doing many activities together –
family, business, and social. Together we travelled the length and breadth of this
beautiful country enjoying the scenery. In business we interacted with countless
dignitaries. Socially, we attended numerous functions, dancing, laughing and holding
hands. For family matters I stood by you and supported you, attended many weddings,
engagements, bereavements, church activities and countless others. I would fuss over
what you wore and made sure you were impeccably dressed. You were a very clean
person, conscious of your physical health and having a safe and hygienic
environment.
You were kind and generous to a fault. You were a comical person and your
storytelling, coupled with your infectious laughter is one of the many things I will
forever miss. But I am grateful for the many lovely memories created over the years.
You have taught me many life lessons including how to survive challenges, the
importance of respecting humanity, eating healthy for longevity, and nurturing and
cultivating one’s relationships To crown it all, you taught me how to love and enjoy our
relationship.
You were fond of quotes. Many of your quotes will remain impressed on my heart,
never to be forgotten. Quotes like the latin:
"laborare ac discere exspectare" ( learn to work hard and learn to wait).
"My success is The Lords ordinance" and
" noko nye djemi" ("This world is filled with major uncertainties").
These and many more will continue to be etched in my memory till we meet in the
heavens where I believe like Cornelius your great deeds have earned you a place.
What a joy, what a revelation what kind of songs will we sing and dance together once
again when the kingdom of God prevails.
In the mean time, rest peacefully "ye huno kpakpa omana mi ekohu.!!!
The pain of your absence cannot be described. Words fail to express the emotional
turmoil we go through each day. You were a great listener and had a way to allay
one's fears, worries and also solve issues.
You were a good father to our children making sure they got the best of education;
fees were paid and basic necessities provided for. You were a strict disciplinarian
and our pillar of strength. As head of a very large family, you had a lot of issues to
deal with. And yet your devotion to family responsibilities was unparalleled and you
made sure that you fulfilled them to the best of your abilities.
You were always conscious of your health and would not indulge in the excesses of
gluttonous eating. You always made sure that you ate healthy. You were a very
jovial person and when in a happy mood will sing your favorite Awa songs with
your own weird twists which will send us into fits of laughter! You were to us our
best friend, confidant and a good provider.
Love, Dearest, no amount of words can express sorrow, my feelings and desire for
your companionship. When sickness overtook you, we never stopped hoping and
praying that you will recover. It was a difficult and hard time but you will forever be
in our heart.
We were a team doing many activities together, social, family and business.
Together we travelled the length and breadth of this beautiful country enjoying the
scenery. In business we interacted together with countless dignitaries.
You were a person loved and cherished by many. You assisted many and would
also recount how others assisted you. You had a magical balancing act for every
situation which can never be duplicated.
You were fond of quotes. Most of your quotes has left excellent impressions on me,
never to be forgotten. Quotes like:
"laborare ac discere exspectare" (learn to work hard and learn to wait).
"My success is The Lords ordinance" and
We say Ayekoo Manager for all your toil for us and your presence in our lives. Rest in
perfect peace. Mo ya wo Saminya.
I still remember the deep conversations we had during those rides and some of the
interesting references to and lessons learned from your many business trips overseas.
These discussions left me with an image of a man who was industrious, confident, old
school, a crafty businessman and top negotiator who was totally conversant with all the
coping mechanisms on how to survive in any context.
Dad, you left us with a sense of a man who was deeply proud of his huge family. This is
why it became so difficult during the advanced stages of your illness when you could no
longer recognize me anymore and would often ask what is your name, who are you, when
are you going back, etc, etc. Despite the fast pace deterioration of your memory, you were
ready and eager to engage in one form of conversation or another.
I always enjoyed being around you and gleaning from your many trail blazer stories
ranging from the era of the Gold Coast to modern Ghana. Thank you for all the good times
we had together and for leaving us with the noteworthy legacy in our memory bank, that
failure is never an option. We are thankful to God for giving you such a long and vibrant
life.
The secret to your strength, stamina and longevity is still super interesting, a mystery to us
and a potential subject of enquiry into a movie that could inspire many . You lived well.
You lived the life you wanted and desired. Its now time to rest in eternal peace
When the history books are written, long after we are all departed, your name
will be listed among those who were sent by God to make a difference in this
world. As a pioneer, you left behind deep footprints in places that no one else
had walked before. I am certain that your footprints will remain in the sands of
time.
While I did not have the opportunity to spend as much time with you as I would
have liked, my interactions with you made a lasting impression on me. In you, I
saw a man unafraid to march to the beat of his own drum, a man comfortable
with himself, a man who was spiritual but not dogmatic, a man who was serious
but also warm and humorous, a man who was generous to a fault, a man who
achieved much but remained humble, a man gifted with long life and vitality,
who honored that gift by living a healthy lifestyle, a steadying force in difficult
times, and a man who valued family and community.
It is said that the highest tribute to those who have left us is not grief, but
gratitude. So today I stand grateful for your life and your example. As you are
now safely with your senior brother Jesus Christ, may you Rest In Peace knowing
that those of us who remain will pick up the baton to continue to run the good
race you started. May the great Nartey name continue to be a blessing in the
mouths of generations yet to come.
Grandpa, you were our Oak Tree, our mentor, and our pillar of support. With
a cheerful smile, and a warm handshake, you always made us feel
welcomed. Our ears tingled as we listened to you recount exciting tales
from your life of adventure. So strong and steady was your hand in
showing us the way that we assumed, in our innocence, that every
grandfather was like you. Little did we know how unique you were, and how
blessed we were to call you our own.
Grandpa was a busy man, and although we didn’t get to spend a lot of
time with him, whenever we did visit him, he would sit us on his lap, and tell
us what he thought we would be when we grew up. As we grew older, he
made it a point to always ask what our future career aspirations were. It
became a joke among us that the quickest way to get cash from Grandpa
was to delight him with careers such as Doctor, Engineer, Teacher or Nurse.
We would cheerfully hang out with him, secretly hoping that the career
question would pop up. We would often leave his presence a little wiser, a
little happier, and sometimes a little richer!
Grandpa, we pray that each of us will live lives that honor you and make
you proud. We will strive to become a Grand Oak tree, just like you were to
us.
We will meet again in heaven someday
Well! Such is life. We knew that you were there & we could always come to see you. But
now we’re told you have left us. Your departure has created a huge vacuum in the family.
We remember your gentle voice, encouraging us to be our best versions. We have been
told that you were very hard working , compassionate, love Jesus & all people. Hopefully
we have inherited those good character traits.
Goodbye great grandpa!!! May you Rest In Peace!!
You lived a decent life filled with dignity, prestige and wisdom. As you
imparted discipline and wisdom to your own children, little did you
know that your nephews and nieces were also listening. While you
were alive, we silently listened as you spoke about decency, honesty,
hard work, godliness, and unity. From beyond, we continue to hear
your exhortations for peace, tranquility and progress.
You were relentless in your efforts to hold together and protect the
Nartey family. You spent valuable time, money and resources to
ensure the wellbeing of all your siblings and their offspring. You
advanced their goals and dreams, and even created the fisheries in
Tema to propel them into their own wealth. You motivated and
encouraged them to own their own properties and extended the
same lessons to us. You helped us to soar high, reminding us that we
were not limited in any endeavor we set our minds to.
Your passing came as a big shock to us because you were a special human, created by God to
help mankind. You were a pillar to your family, both maternal, paternal and even strangers. You
supported each person in diverse ways, particularly in the area of education. You were very
accommodating, humble, kind, patient and disciplined. Our office was filled with so much
warmth and love because you welcomed everyone with open arms.
Our relationship with you was special. We talked about anything and everything under the sun
and no one could understand us. We had special terms we used when a third person was
present. You encouraged us; always letting us know how much you appreciated all the good
works that we were doing for you. You blessed us, asking the all-powerful God to bless us with
riches and gold. You kept telling us that even when you die, you would give power to your
lawyer daughter, who you famously called, “I put it to you," to take good care of us because we
were your loyal people.
Manager, you were one in a million and you still are. We believe you are happy with your Lord
and personal Savior, Jesus Christ. But how we wish, we could wake up one of these days and say:
“oh it was just a dream, our boss is alive." We will remember you fondly.
GO
EMM
Church of Ghana at Dodowa on 16th June, 1940 by
Rev. Agbedza Osabutey when he was a student at
NIN
AN
the then Gold Coast College, now Ghanata Senior UE L
D
High School. He joined the Emmanuel LC ,O
ONG N
Congregation, Old Ningo in September 1950, REGATIO
Seventy-two years ago.
Mr. Nartey was very supportive of the church and even extended his benevolence to other
churches. During harvest occasions, he alone would buy half of the items on the list, and
later share with needy members of the congregation. At a point in time, he provided
robes for the church choir. This he did not only for Emmanuel congregation but for other
districts in the Dangme-Tongu Presbytery. He also provided transportation to the church
as needed and also chaired occasions when he was invited.
The late Mr. Nartey’s busy business schedule normally kept him out of town but he always
responded whenever the church needed his services. When he became indisposed and
weak, the church visited him at his residence at Old Ningo and later in Accra when he
settled there.
One profound statement he would often make when giving to the church is, “Jesus is my
brother, and so I am proud to support His work.” Even on his sick bed, he would send his
wife, Mrs. Eugenia Doyoe Nartey, to represent him on occasions. Mr. Gbli Nartey was a
father, brother, friend and a counselor.
Mr. Nartey, we will always remember your good works. May the Almighty Lord grant you a
peaceful rest in His bosom till we meet again in Paradise. Amen
When most of the Ga-Adangme towns were boasting of Second Cycle Schools in their respective
communities, the name Great Ningo could be traced on the educational map as having Second
Cycle Institution. Those who completed the then Elementary
schools (Middle School Form Four) and were willing to further
their education to Secondary Schools, had to travel outside Great
Ningo to do so. It took a visionary leader like the Mr. WG Nartey,
affectionately called MANAGER to put Great Ningo where it
belonged on the Second Cycle Institutional platform.
On hearing of his demise, we were overwhelmed with uncontrollable tears. But we took solace in
the fact that, it is the Lord that gives and takes away. He gave to Great Ningo society and has
taken back.
May his soul rest in peace.
Today, the voice that beautifies the Campus of Ningo Senior High can be heard
no more. The beautiful-spirited hero who single-handedly founded our beloved
school has moved on into eternity. Mr. Nartey, we will forever cherish you; and
your affable personality will never fade from our memories.
"Someone has to plant for others to benefit” was his philosophy of life, and his
word of admonition. When your story is being told, people gaze at us and wonder
how one man could obtain a vast piece of land and use it for a school with
hopes of establishing an agricultural University to benefit society.
The mention of your name during orientation programs for first-year students
always invoked in us a spirit of patriotism, selflessness and volunteerism. Ningo
Senior High School Board of Governors, Headmistress, management, staff, and
students, both old and present will forever be grateful to you and thankful to God
Almighty for gifting you to us.
All those who devote themselves to the cognitive, emotional, and skills
redemption therapy of mankind will enjoy a heavenly mansion of gold, rubies,
and diamonds. You will not be an exception.
Adieu, "Our F cube". Our founder, our friend, and our father.
Rest in perfect peace
Mr. W.G. Nartey, who we all knew and called Mr. Wuda was more than an asset and a
treasure to the Great Ningo State. He had the heart and engine of growth. His vision,
enthusiasm and experience were incomparable. He was a great and powerful man,
both socially and financially.
He was a pioneer in the formation of the Ningo Traditional Council in the 1960’s. He
was an inspiration to both young, and old, but especially to us in the NTC and other
traditional councils in the Greater Accra Region. The Ningo Traditional Council,
between the 1960s and 1970s, held meetings under a mango tree called Manguanor.
Mr. Nartey, being unhappy with this state of affairs, built the current NTC building
complex whilst it waited for the establishment of a future District Assembly. He was a
great leader and a team player.
Ningo was a village with nothing much to boast of until Mr. Nartey came on the
scene. We had no light, no water, no good road, no health facility, no basic school,
and no security. Mr. Nartey’s first act was to create employment opportunities for our
people especially, the youth by establishing a Salt factory. This led to the Star
Chemicals Industries Ltd, now Modern Salt Industries.
His next initiative was to build a basic school. Today we can boast of having the only
D/A Basic School in Old Ningo. He did not stop there. He quickly followed that with a
Caustic Soda Factory and today we have a huge structure standing by the Ahwiam
road waiting for completion. The Council is proud to have been a great support to Mr.
Nartey in these initiatives knowing the immerse benefits to Greater Ningo and the
surrounding towns.
In the middle of 1970’s, Ningo was desperate for a Secondary School. The Council
approached Mr. Nartey and the Ningo Senior High and Technical School was formed.
Today we have the Ningo Senior High and Technical School functioning as one of the
best schools in the country.
Mr. Nartey was a great philanthropist who helped individuals, groups, and communities. He
gave out truckloads of cement to citizens to upgrade their buildings, constructed irrigation
dams for our cattle ranches, bought outboard motors for our fishermen, and established
premix fuel depots to help the fishing industry in Ningo.
Time will not permit us to say more, however, like the Akan adage, “Onipa beyee bi, na
W’ambeye nyinaa”. Mr. Nartey was a gift to the world, and Ningo in particular. To us in Ningo,
he was incomparable, and we shall always remember him. He accomplished a lot but there
is more to be done. His vision is still burning.
All we can say now is Mr. Wilison Gbli Nartey, Numo Wuda, and Kokotako, the Chiefs,
Asafoatseme and the citizens of Ningo are saying THANK YOU, YOU HAVE DONE YOUR PART,
YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED YOUR MISSION, AND THE RESULTS OF YOUR LABOUR WILL LINGER ON.”