Family
Tribute from the Royal Family of Prah Agyensaim
Some called her Adjoa Maanan , some called her Sister Maanan , while others knew her as Aunty Georgina or simply Aunty Maanan . She was the fourth daughter of the late Papa Alex Quist and the late Georgina Aikins, affectionately known as Efua Akyinba , a royal of the Aduana Pra Agyensaim Family of Assin Kushea . Aunty Maanan was therefore a proud princess of the Royal Pra Agyensaim Family, and she carried herself with the dignity and pride of her heritage throughout her life. In fact, had she not declined the opportunity when the stool became vacant many years ago, she could have ascended the stool. That was way back in the 1960s. Aunty Georgina was blessed with five children—four boys and a girl. Four of them, three boys and a girl, are still with us today. But her motherly care extended far beyond her biological children. She helped raise many children from her immediate and extended family, as well as some boys and girls from our beloved town of Kushea. To many, therefore, she was much more than an aunt or grandmother; she was a mother and caregiver. In the latter part of the 1960s, following the Aliens Compliance Order, which saw many Nigerians —popularly referred to at the time as Alata or Yoruba traders—leaving Ghana, some sold their businesses to her. Aunty Georgina seized the opportunity and took up trading seriously. She already had a strong foundation in business from her grandmother, Naana Aba Nyarkoa , and her mother, Maame Cousin , both of whom were successful traders at Obuasi Apata Kɛse . After some time, when business was no longer flourishing as it once had, she relocated to Accra and ventured into the clothing trade. Her spouse was later employed by the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation (AGC) , and the family returned to Obuasi. By then, however, her children had begun having children of their own. Aunty Georgina gradually put aside her trading activities and devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren. Her loving nature did not stop there; she also helped care for the babies and young children of neighbours. Caring for others came naturally to her. Aunty Georgina was born into the Methodist faith and remained devoted to her Christian upbringing. She was very active in the church until advancing age and declining health made it difficult for her to continue as before. She had a deep love for singing, especially hymns from the Christian Asɔre Nnwom (CAN) . Her memory for music was remarkable—she could sing countless hymns and traditional songs from memory. Singing brought her great joy and remained an important part of her life. Aunty Georgina never abandoned her family or her family responsibilities. She was present at family gatherings, funerals, get-togethers and festivals held here in Kushea. In the good old days, whenever we all gathered at the old palace, which was also the family house, Aunty Maanan was often our caterer. She made sure that everyone was well fed. The little ones especially loved being in her company. She would gather them around her, tell them stories, teach them rhymes and even give some of them English names. She had a special gift for bringing the family together. She would call to find out how you were doing, inquire about your health and encourage you to visit Kushea. She wanted us to remain connected—not only to one another, but also to our family home and heritage. In the family, I regarded her as a first-class Kusheani—a true number-one citizen of Kushea . Her love for Kushea never faded. Even when old age made travelling difficult, she was always looking for an opportunity to return home. About two years ago, an opportunity came for us to spend the Easter holidays in Kushea. She travelled from Accra to join us, and despite her age, she was full of enthusiasm. That very afternoon, we visited Sir Sam's place for lunch, and I could see how genuinely happy she was to be home. She even expressed the desire to remain in Kushea for a few more days. However, considering her health at the time, her daughter, Dr Gladys Fordjour , decided it would be better to take her back to Accra and bring her again on another occasion. Sadly, that opportunity never came. Her health continued to deteriorate, but her desire to return to Kushea remained strong. Whenever you told her you had been to Kushea, she would immediately express how much she wished she could have come with you. Aunty Maanan also loved to dance. She particularly enjoyed dancing to Kete and Adowa , as well as good old highlife music. Whenever the music played, you could see the joy it brought her. Aunty Maanan, we planned that one day you would come back to Kushea with your daughter or with anyone who could bring you home. Sadly, that day never came as we had hoped. But today, you are finally here in your beloved Kushea. This time, you will not have to return to Accra or Obuasi. You have come home to rest among your people, in the place you loved so dearly and always longed to return to. Today, with heavy hearts but with gratitude for the life you shared with us, we say goodbye. We will remember your love for the family, your kindness to children, your beautiful songs, your dancing, your generosity and, above all, your unwavering love for Kushea. Farewell, Aunty Georgina. Farewell, Aunty Maanan. Rest peacefully in your beloved Kushea. God be with you till we meet again. Now enjoy your favorite hymn and especially favorite stanza for the last time. MHB 73, Christian Asor Ndwom(CAN) 73 stanza 6 Egya bi nny Ɛ d ɔ d ɛ ɔ wo Nna bi nndwe d ɛ ɔ wo Wonnyi abotar d ɛ mbrɛ ewɔ n Emi babɔn yi ho Amen
September 5, 2026
