(1964 – 2012)
She served God with wholehearted devotion and selfless love. By the power of her voice, she edified the saints, and reached many with the gospel. Driven by a deep thirst for knowledge, she pursued education to the highest levels, overcame uncommon obstacles along the way, and excelled at every stage. Inspired by her belief in the power of education to liberate the mind and empower people for success, she chose Teaching as her preferred vehicle to serve society. This is the life story of Adelaide Ruth Afi Boadi.
Mama, as she was affectionately called, was born in Asiakwa in the Eastern Region of Ghana on December 16, 1964, to Mr. James Mills Boadi and Madam Beatrice Amankwaa, both of blessed memory. Being the only girl among his children, her father proudly named her after his own mother, Ruth, and together with his wife, nurtured her with tenderness and love. Thanks to her parents, she was exposed to the Christian faith early on, and loved to sing in Church; a passion she displayed to the very end.
Mama had her primary and middle school education at the Asiakwa Presbyterian School from 1970 – 1978. From there, she attended St. Stephens Secondary School and later Abuakwa State College, Kibi, also in the Eastern Region, where she completed the General Certificate of Education (GCE ‘Ordinary’ Level) examination. In 1985, she enrolled at the Presbyterian Training College (PTC), Akropong Akuapem, and completed the Teachers Certificate ‘A’ (Post Secondary) course in 1987. Following her graduation from PTC, Mama was posted to the University Primary School, Cape Coast, where she taught from 1987- 1993. In September, 1993 she gained admission to the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to study for a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology and a Diploma in Education. By dint of hard work, she graduated in May 1998 with first class honours; an exceptional achievement that made us all proud!
Mama served in many leadership positions. At PTC, she served as Compound Prefect and did so admirably. As a teacher at University Primary School, Cape Coast, she championed many extra-curricular activities and devoted herself to her students’ education, in a way that endeared her to both faculty and parents. While studying at UCC, she got involved in student government, serving as President of the prestigious Adehye Hall (aka Hall of Royals). But it was in the Christian arena that Mama’s heart for service really shone. She played very active roles in Pentifel and in the Ghana Fellowship of Evangelical Students (Ghafes), particularly, in its musical wing, Echoes of Calvary, and mobilized her peers for rural evangelistic outreach. While joggling all these responsibilities on campus, Mama never disconnected from her local Church, the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Cape Coast, where she was a pioneering member and served for many years as the Worship and Choir leader. In 1997, she launched her maiden album, Adehye Mogya (the precious bloold) and shortly thereafter, she relocated to Accra, where she joined the faculty of Central University College (CUC) and served as Worship leader at the Christ Temple, ICGC Accra.
Mama had a big heart for people, especially members of her family. She invested in the welfare of her brothers, even taking the two younger ones to live with her in Cape Coast and sacrificing everything she could to ensure their well-being. She seized every opportunity to remit her family, even while on a meagre student budget, sending presents to nephews and nieces whenever she could. Her devotion to the family never wavered and in fact, continued even while on her sick bed. To her brothers, Mama was not just a sister, but their mum. Their problems were hers, and their welfare, her priority.
In August 2001, Mama left Ghana for the United States of America for graduate studies. After completing a Master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania, she later enrolled at Drew University, New Jersey, as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) candidate. Through it all, she continued to labour in the Church, leading God’s people in worship, on platforms big and small, and preaching the gospel. Her abundant talent culminated in the release of two more albums – ‘Aseda Nkoaa’ (Thanksgiving) and ‘You Are So Beautiful’. Mama was scheduled to graduate with her Ph.D in May, 2012. Unfortunately, she fell sick around February and never made it to the finish line. Though we prayed earnestly for her healing and recovery, that was not to be. On Tuesday, September 11, 2012, the all-wise God called her to eternal glory and rest. Her work on earth was done.
Mama, you have left a huge void in our hearts! We will sorely miss you - your laughter, your acts of kindness and your can-do attitude. You inspired us by your abiding faith in the Lord, your faithful service in His kingdom and the example of your character. Though our hearts hurt badly, we take comfort in the fact that absence from the body, is to be present with the Lord. Rest peacefully in the presence of the God you worshipped. Mo ne adwuma pa! Dammrifa due! Mama, Nyame mfa wo nsie. Da yie.