At the final funeral rites of the late statesman, ET Mensah, held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra on January 5, many tributes were read.
One that evokes much emotions is that which was authored by his last son (Last baby), Solomon Nartey Mensah. In his tribute, Solomon, who must be in his early teens, described the relationship between him and his late dad as a partnership.
Mr ET Mensah died aged 77. He was burried in his hometown Prampram on Friday.
Please read on:
In the vast tapestry of life, there are relationships that stand out, bonds that are unbreakable, and connections that transcend the ordinary.
My relationship with my Daddy, was one such bond. It wasn’t just a father-son relationship; it was a partnership, a friendship, and a mentorship all rolled into one. From the moment I was born, Daddy was my guiding star.
He wasn’t just a father; he was my teacher, my confidant, and my biggest cheerleader. He taught me the difference between right and wrong, not just with words but with actions. He corrected me when I erred, and in the true spirit of our unique bond, he allowed me to correct him too.
Our relationship was built on mutual respect and understanding. Daddy introduced me to the world, taking me to places, showing me the vastness and beauty of life. As I grew older, I began to understand him more, to see the man behind the father. I learned about his likes, his dislikes, and could even predict his actions.
It was a bond so deep that words often fell short. One of the things I’ll miss the most are his lectures. They weren’t just lectures; they were life lessons. He had a way of making me see the world through his eyes, of making me understand the complexities of life. He instilled in me a love for knowledge, making me watch the news, and encouraging me to read.
I’ll always cherish the memory of reading “Peter Pan,” a book he introduced me to, which became my favorite. Daddy had a way of surprising me, of making ordinary moments extraordinary. I remember my ninth birthday, when he gifted me an iPhone 13, a MacBook, and an Apple Watch. It wasn’t just about the gifts; it was about the thought behind them, the love that came with them.
He had a way of making me feel special, of making every moment count. There are countless memories that I hold close to my heart – from the unexpected rides after his council meetings to the times he helped me with my homework. But more than the memories, it’s the lessons he taught me that I’ll carry forward. He always told me to fly high, to reach for the stars, and to be the best version of myself. And I promise to do just that.
In the wake of my father’s passing, a moment etched with profound sorrow, I was informed of this life-altering news in a manner most unexpected. My mother, understanding the deep bond I shared with my dad, chose a gentle approach to convey this heart-wrenching message. She initiated a video call, a familiar medium that always brought joy to our conversations.
Amidst this call, she encouraged me to sing one of the hymns that my father and I often sang together, a hymn that resonated with our shared moments of happiness. The hymn, “This Is My Story,” had become a symbol of our bond, echoing in our car rides and family gatherings.
As I sang, holding onto the innocence of the moment, my mother interwove the hymn’s narrative with the painful truth. She asked me an upsetting question, likening my beloved bread, a simple yet significant part of my daily life, to something much greater. She inquired if I would offer the freshly baked bread I was eating at that moment to God if He asked for it.
My innocent response, unaware of the gravity of her metaphor, was a willing ‘why not?’ It was then that she revealed the stark reality: God had taken the ‘bread’ from us, a metaphorical reference to my father’s departure from this world.
The revelation shattered the serenity of the moment. Overwhelmed with grief, I couldn’t bear to continue the conversation. My mother, sensing my despair, gave me space to process the news, only reaching out later with a voice message. In her message, she reminded me of a profound conversation where my father had expressed his wish for me to be the pillar of strength for her in his absence.
This reminder, although painful, ignited a sense of responsibility within me. I vowed to be the man my father wanted me to be, to support my mother, and to uphold his legacy with pride and strength. In a testament to the resilience that my father had instilled in me, I soon found comfort in the normalcy of life, requesting my usual meal.
I even managed to share a picture of my meal with my mother, reassuring her of my strength and presence. In this challenging time, I promised to be her rock, just as my father had wished, ensuring her that I was there for her, ready to face the future with the courage he had bestowed upon me. Daddy, you were more than a father to me.
You were my hero, my guide, and my best friend. As I navigate the journey of life, I’ll carry your teachings, your memories, and your love with me. You may not be here in person, but your spirit will always guide me. I’ll make you proud, Daddy! Fly high, and watch over me!