“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, make full proof of thy ministry… I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there’s laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim 4:5,7-8, KJV)
The late Very Rev. Prof Joshua Narteh Kudadjie, was born on 30th May 1938. He was one person that the Lord lifted up in the Kudadjie family as an inspirer, unifier and a standard example who projected our family name far and wide. As the plan of God was for his life, we believe he was called and ordained as a priest before he was born. As stated in the bible, the Lord told Jeremiah “Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou comest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee and I ordained thee a Prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5).
Also, like King David in the bible, the late Very Rev. Joshua Narteh Kudadjie was the youngest male among his siblings. He was gentle, humble, hardworking, obedient, very respectful and God fearing. He was a principled man as well. Through his humility and obedience God preserved his life, delivering him from many dangers.
He worked hard in his school days and did not give up in his school challenges. He was determined from his rural background to make it through academic achievements. From the Accra Technical Institute, through Accra Workers' College to the University of Ghana, he became a lecturer at the University after further studies overseas and a star for the family.
As a lecturer at the University of Ghana, he was of immense help to many family members by way of counselling, guidance, motivating many to higher height. He was hospitable to some family members in times of need in his home. His work at Bible House as the General Secretary and as a lecturer and later a Professor at the University of Ghana sent him to many countries such as Cyprus, South Africa, Kenya, The Netherlands and the more frequent ones of the UK and USA on missions of conferences, visiting lecturer and sabbaticals. In these places, he carried, and by his character advertised, the good name of the Kudadjie family.
His Christian virtues were exemplary. His ordination as a Methodist Priest made us more proud, having got a man of God in our family to direct our thoughts unto our Creator. He was a Christian whose lifestyle was exemplary and challenging. He desired and exhorted that we (members of the family) would accept Jesus as our saviour and Lord, yet he would not force anyone. Osorfo Prof Kudadjie was a person who was always willing to help and willing to play any role if nobody was ready to. At a point the late Mr. Michael S. K. Siameh advised that Osorfo Prof be relieved of certain family duties making a remark that " you don't ride a willing horse to death." This was because Osorfo was so willing to carry out any duty such that if care was not taken it could affect his health.
His marriage brought in a woman the whole family cherishes and adores. The way he trained his unit family in unity and freedom was worth learning from. Mad. Miriam Kudadjie, his wife, supported him to the core. At her first visit to meet her father in-law at Ada-Foah, she displayed a unique character of humility and service, like her husband, which won the hearts of the family members, the women especially. The next morning after their arrival, when her father in-law was going to his farm, she quickly changed into a working gear, took a basket and a cutlass/matchet and followed him to the farm (a quality like Ruth in the bible). The women in the house couldn’t believe their eyes seeing a lady from the city following her father in-law to the farm. They exclaimed “we have got a good wife for our son and brother;” she has proved this over the years in honour of her husband.
The late Rev. Prof Joshua Kudadjie, Tseko Joshua or Osorfo Joshua as we call him, was a family unifier. He never attended family meetings without his wife who saw herself as a Kudadjie. This training is seen in his son John Katey Kudadjie and wife Phyllis, this is leadership by example. He was determined to unite all sub family groups. He was in contact with all, and at meetings he did well to know all members of the extended family and especially their newly born and young children.
He aimed at building a family Tree which he completed in 2019 for all members to connect to the Kudadjie Tree. Another way of bringing us together was the annual family gathering at Ada. We postponed that of 2019 not knowing he would not be part of any future ones again.
Osorfo Joshua was like an Oak/Cedar tree in the family. We all looked up to him as a source of inspiration, a mentor and our pride. We knew he had some health challenges associated with old age but since 2018 he had been very active organising us and being part of our meetings. Even in the early part of this year January 2020, he was arranging for his sister’s funeral which took place a week before his burial (14th March at Ada-Foah).
So, the news of his demise on 21st January, 2020 was a shock to many of us. Looking however, at the peaceful way he left us, we have to accept the fact that He who called him into ministry in this world is saying he has finished his course, having fought a good fight. He has therefore called him home for his crown of righteousness.
A great tree has indeed fallen in the Kudadjie family but with our trust in Jesus Christ we believe the Lord will raise another tree to keep the fire of the Lord through Osorfo Joshua burning. His departure is a challenge to those of behind and alive to work the works of the Lord during the day time. We shall dearly miss you.
Tseko Osorfo Joshua Narteh Kudadjie, we ku o ke mo ya wo nge wa nyomtse Yesu hedzomi mi.
The family says rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus. Amen.