BIOGRAPHY OF THE LATE MRS AGNES ARABA APIAWAA HOPE
(A.K.A ATTA MAAME)
Take my life and let it be , consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

The late Agnes Araba Appiawaa Hope (with maiden name as Agnes Araba Appiawaa Acquah) was born on the 9th June, 1940 at Abura- Abaka in the Central Region of Ghana to Mr Andrews Yaw Acquah of Nsona clan, Abura Abaka and Obaapanyin Theresa Efua Mbiriwa of Aboredze Ebusua of Abura Edumfa, both of blessed memory.
She was baptised and confirmed into the Catholic Church but knew no limits of worshipping God no matter where she found herself with the children of God. She was later in adulthood married to Mr Thomas Yaw Bentsiefi Hope of Abura Abaka in the Central region of Ghana and were blessed with Eight Children; namely Matthew Opoku Amoah (Deceased), Theresa Ama Hope, Juliana Ama Hope, Matthew Kobina Tawiah Hope, Anna Ewura Ama Hope, Victoria Nana Adwoa Hope, Alexander Kobina Hope and Isaac Kwesi Nyamekye Hope.
She moved after marriage to join her husband in Takoradi at a suburb called "Type C" where she begun petty trading.
In 1973, they moved to Bolgatanga when Dad was transferred to the Upper East Region of Ghana. Her zeal to serve and worship the Lord never ended. This was evident in her active services to the Sacred Heart Cathedral Church in Bolga as an usher, an active member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement, Christian Mother's Association and the Akan community in Bolga, doing so with the fear of the Lord and dedication. Mama was widely known and called as "Atta Maame" due to her twin daughters- Theresa and Juliana.
They were later transferred back to Takoradi and then to Bonsa near Tarkwa in the Western region of Ghana and she again joined the church and actively participated in the Catholic Charismatic renewal movement. In the year 2000, Dad was retired on pension from the then Ghana Water and Sewerage Corporation (now Ghana Water Company). They resettled at Abura Abaka in the Central Region of Ghana where they lived until her demist. At Abura Abaka, they oversaw a large orange Orchard as their retirement activity.
Mama, as we affectionately and lovingly called her was loving, caring, selfless, humble and above all endeavoured to obey the words of scripture by demonstrating to live at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). This, Mama instilled in us in all ways and always served as a strong support and encouragement; always praying for us, blessing us whenever we saw, met or even spoke to her over the telephone lines across the Oceans.
Although Mama had no formal education hence a housewife. Spending her last penny towards our education was most important to her and would go all lengths to ensure our educational needs are met. Mama attended our P.T.A (Parent Teachers Association) meetings without fail and cherished those moments and took keen interest in our school work, home learning and even towards extra classes/ vacation classes whenever these were available. She loved the Lord dearly and had all her trust in the Lord leading her to bringing us up in the Lord and teaching us to admire and demonstrate Christian virtues. Although Mama could neither read nor write, she always made her children read the Holy Bible to her and prayed with us
Mama combined her housewife duties with trading in various items and the selling of "Fante Kenkey"coupled with the making of pastries just to help boost the family's income. You loved us equally and also brought us up in love to love each other.
Mum was to us an oasis of calm, a collection of precious stones and a snippet of truth.
“Mama you have carved your name deeply on our hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of us and all those who knew you and the stories they share about you.”
It’s been said that a mother’s heart is the child’s classroom; but as for you, Mama, you heart is not just a classroom; it was a playroom, a dining room, a bathroom, a bedroom and most importantly a hospital bed where you laid us and fervently sat praying to God to touch and heal us. We thank God for all that our mum, Mrs. Agnes Araba Apiawaa Hope has taught us through the years. She is a portrait of a godly mother whom we will always be thankful to God for. Nothing can replace your place in our hearts Mama.
Mum you taught us how to endure. You told us to never give up—no matter what; this has led us to also learn to endure whilst growing up, which we still hold till date. We endured some hard times when we were all children growing up in your love, but through my your example of endurance, we learned to keep going even in the hard times.
We believe Mama did not live long enough to fully enjoy the fruit of her labour. Old age and sickness occasionally led her to the doctors; but in the last three years of her life she battled with sickness as a result underwent several diagnosis with very little information from the Doctors. By the grace of the good Lord, Mama was back to her feet again bringing us back our name (HOPE); she rose to help all her children as much as she could with childcare and every needed support.
During the latter part of 2016, mum went for her routine check up and was scheduled for several tests and review on January 17th 2017. On review, we were then informed that Mama had cervical cancer and needed treatment. We instructed treatment to commence same day with hope that the Lord's will will previal. Unfortunately, on the 25th January 2017Mama as always faithfully and courageously answered her call to God to go into eternal rest at exactly 12:15pm at the Korlebu Teaching Hospital.
Despite your unexpected departure Mama, we have taken consolation that it was the Lord's will and as such we are strengthened. Our love for you will not want us see you suffer under the cruelty of such a disease, neither did your maker want you to go through such unnecessary pain. Yes he could have healed you, but His will is always perfect as he says in His word, "All things work for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:29)
Mama as she was affectionately called by loved ones, in-laws, husband and children will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was survived by her husband, Mr Thomas Yaw Bentsiefi Hope, seven (7) children, twenty- two (22) grandchildren, two great grandchildren and two sisters.

Sleep in the bossom of your father Mama!
Da bi yebe hyia mu bio. We still love you!