Tribute to Mr. Kodwo Hayford
By Ambassador Kwabena Osei-Danquah, Friend
Mr. Hayford, Kodwo, Yessir, Mayor of Tema…the different names for Kodwo Hayford, reflecting the many incredible sides to the man Kodwo Hayford. Friend, brother, mate, intimate.
Yessir, you were a true human being…dependable, witty, caring, gracious and naughty. You brought us together. You have left us, leaving a deep void in our lives.
You played an important part in my life, and became a part of my life. The many times we spent at my place in Community 10, the Mankoadze Company Guest House, and various spots around Tema and Accra. The story of my life from my Sixth Form days is intrinsically linked to yours. “Take me home, AA, take me home” was one of the episodes in my life that cracked us all up at the height of a friendship that brought together the late David Akiti, yourself Kofi Djan and me, the baby among you. My sense of the happy life I learnt from you three.
You were the source of much of the humour, the witticisms, the jokes, the stories and even gossip that animated our company. Yessir, I thank God for making you who you were. And I thank you for your life. Imagine the many times thoughts of you have brought a smile to my face and a chuckle. Always. You have left us but you will always be with us. You were a great man.
Kodwo, your generosity was unparalleled. My friend, Sharpy, never forgets that you kept me supplied with cartons of canned Tuna, produced by Mankoadze, during my University years from 1980-1984 ( yes, we go way back but always stayed and looked youthful) when food shortages and inflation made life hard on many. Sharpy, who was on his way to becoming a Professor, could cook a delicious meal and made our dinners truly memorable. The many times I visited you, the lunches with friends. I would never forget that you always arranged for my favorite ampesi dish. Your family became as familiar with my preferences as you were. Your home felt as much as home as any of my homes.
I saw the children grow up and become adults-each of them blessed with your gentle spirit, generous, friendly and sweet. You were always so proud of them, as I am too. Your generosity of spirit is what I saw each time you asked about my kids, including the aftermath of illness they may have experienced.
Kodwo, Yessir, friend, brother, family, you were a rock and the link to my happy existence. We were blessed to have you in our lives. As we weep your departure, we mourn a life that will never be the same, without you.
God keep you and give you eternal rest.