Saturday, the remains of the widow of the former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, were interred at the Military Cemetery in Tseadoo, Accra.
Saturday prior to the ceremonial burial of Major Alberta Boatemaa Oquaye, née Asafu-Adjaye, funeral services were held at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre.
The casket of Major Oquaye, draped in national colors and beautiful flowers, was deposited at the Dome, where people from all walks of life paid their respects.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his wife, Rebecca, as well as Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira, were among the prominent figures who paid their respects.
Former Speakers of Parliament Ebenezer Sakyi-Hughes and Joyce Bamford-Addo, a former Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood, the Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei Owusu, and the Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako were among those in attendance.
The remainder were members of parliament, including the leader of the majority, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; ministers of state, a Supreme Court justice, Yonny Kulendi; the inspector general of police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare; and the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa.
Also in attendance were a member of the Council of State, Samuel Okudzeto; Alan Kyerematen and his wife, Patricia, heads of security agencies, chief executives of private and public institutions, the Adontenhene of the Asantehene, Nana Adu Gyamfi, who is also a cousin of Major Oquaye, traditional rulers, the clergy, members of the diplomatic community as well as old students of Presbyterian Boys' Senior High, Aburi Girls' Senior High and Achimota Senior High schools.
'My wife comprehended me best'
As soon as the dignitaries and general public had passed the body, tributes were read on behalf of the widower, Professor Oquaye, the children, and the Ghana Armed Forces.
In a tribute read by his oldest son, Professor Oquaye described the agony of writing about "my one and only Alberta" in the past tense as excruciating.
Over the course of four decades, he characterized himself as fortunate to have shared his life with a woman who understood him best and was always willing to stand by his side through what he called "the changing scenes of life."
He was ecstatic about his wife's unparalleled fervor and sacrificial spirit in working in the Lord's vineyard and raising their six children.
"My wife taught in the children's Sunday school and participated fully in the women's fellowship in the most unobtrusive manner," he said, recalling her support for his rise in pastoral, academic, diplomatic, and political life.
"I thank God for blessing me with such an amazing woman.
What a warrior! She assisted me throughout my term as Speaker's spouse.
Prof. Oquaye said adoringly of his wife, "She was naturally suited for the role, as was evident in all state functions, including when her husband served as President."
Sermon
Pastor Samuel Mohenu, Head Pastor of the Baptist Church at Dzorwulu in Accra, preached a sermon titled "Have hope in Jesus Christ" and encouraged the family and loved ones not to be troubled because "our mother put her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."
As the Lord did not permit his people to perish, he stated that Major Mrs. Oquaye "is just sleeping."
"Christians slumber because only those who are asleep will hear a person screaming at the top of his lungs.
Christians are sleeping because they will hear the archangel's herald when the Lord Jesus Christ returns the second time to take us home to live with him eternally.
"Christ's Beloved, are you among those who will sleep when their time arrives to die?
Can it be said of you that you are asleep as it is said of our mother today?
Who was Oquaye, the major?
On Saturday, March 4, 2023, Major Mrs. Oquaye (retired) passed away peacefully at her residence in Haatso, Accra.
She joined the Ghana Army as a nurse (GH 767) following training as a nurse/midwife in the United Kingdom and at the Ghana Military Academy.
She served the nation in Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale, and Accra, and her extensive training as a nurse in England had a positive influence on her performance.
She ended her tenure as the head of the department of midwifery at the 37th Military Hospital, where she had previously worked in the operating room.
In command of the Special Officers Ward, where each head of state has a reserved suite at all times.
She was awarded The Outstanding Military Nightingale Award on August 2, 2013, during a special military ceremony, for her service to the nation and the military.