Our acquaintance with Papa Osofo Joshua Narteh Kudadjie spans over a decade. As an elderly person, we sought many a counsel from  him in our personal and corporate lives on various issues. His wise counsel always proved to be the best options for us to take. In the lives of our children, Papa Osofo Kudadjie was intensely involved in providing practical advice when called upon.

We also benefited from his deep sense of commitment to the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. From our ministerial call, formation,  commissioning, ordination and induction into Offices of the Church, Papa Osofo Kudadjie would take personal interest in how we   prepared for each stage of ministry. For example, prior to our induction as Bishop, he demanded of us a time of personal retreat. For this, he suggested passages to be read and the liturgy to follow. He called this, “Spiritual Preparation for Leadership” (SPL).

Papa Osofo Kudadjie keenly followed our public speeches, especially on special occasions, and offered useful advice to improve upon our diction or delivery. As a man who cared for the best of everything, Papa Osofo Kudadjie helped us in our writing ministry by giving time to painstakingly edit our work.

Despite being our elder Brother, Papa Osofo would always defer to us when it came to officiating at functions. He would always respond when invited to either pray or share a word that “You are my senior in rank, so do it; I will prayerfully support you.” This display of humility sometimes embarrassed us, but we learned the lessons of respect for those in authority over us in spite of their age, or years of ministry. With this attitude, Papa Osofo Kudadjie was able to associate with all persons of all ages.

As we recall his life of diligence, and commitment to godly Christian living and service, we are reminded of the words of St. Paul quoted as preamble for this tribute. Papa Osofo Kudadjie, in all his dealing with us and others stood for the truth, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely, the admirable.Indeed, he lived a life of excellence that is praiseworthy, and worthy of emulation.

We pray for strength for Maame Miriam Kudadjie and the children and the larger family, as we bid farewell to Papa Osofo Kudadjie.

May His Soul Rest Peacefully In The Lord.