Gladys Ama Darkoa Nyarko was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, in-law, and friend to many, and a pillar of strength in our family. She was born at Larteh in the Eastern Region to the Danquah family on 26th May 1968. She started school at Okrase in the Eastern Region, then continued at the Military School at Burma Camp in Accra. She lived a life filled with patience, kindness, and dedication to those around her.

She is remembered for her patience, kindness, dedication, and generous spirit. Her love for politics, volleyball, football, and wrestling brought joy to all who knew her. Most importantly, she cherished her role as a mother and grandmother and will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

In February 2025, she fell ill and fought hard to recover, but things turned for the worse, and she responded peacefully to the call of her Maker on 22nd July 2025.

She is survived by three children and four grandchildren.

“Your life is a beautiful memory,

Your absence is a silent grief.”

May the good Lord welcome you

to His bosom till we meet again.

Rest peacefully,

Gladys Ama Darkoa Nyarko

“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”

It took some time to write this tribute, my dear Ama Darkoa, because this is not something I do every day. In fact, words cannot express the deep emotional pain within me — the pain I have felt since 22nd July 2025, my last day of seeing and talking to you, Oh Ama Darkoa.

I met my beloved wife, Ama Darkoa, at age 18 in the year 1986. We exchanged a few words, and the rest is history. Ama Darkoa showed immeasurable love to me and the children — so much that our hearts could not comprehend. Who will I chat and argue with, as we normally did as a couple?

Ama Darkoa, your demise has created a hole so great within my heart that no one can fill. We had good and bad times together, yet you never discouraged me. You were a lady of few words, but whenever you spoke, your words and demeanour exuded confidence and reassurance. You were very intuitive, generous, and considerate — not just with me but with everyone around you.

Indeed, you were God-sent, and indeed, a heavy wind has blown. My heart bleeds and yearns for you, my dear Ama Darkoa — the name I love to mention so much. It is my sincere prayer that the Lord God, the Almighty, the All-Knowing God, grants you a place in His bosom.

Ama Darkoa, my dear one, may your gentle soul rest in absolute peace.

Nante yie, me dofo pa. Da yie, Ama Darkoa.

“Nea Onyame yɛ na eye, na pɛ de nam ne kwan so. Ɔyɛ ade a ɔyɛ no pɛpɛɛpɛ; yɛbɛyɛ komm a yɛhwɛ no.”

The sudden death of our mother has brought us to understand what Paul says in Philippians 1:21 — “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

We pay tribute to the life of a woman who was not only a mother to us but also a mother to many others.

Tabitha – “Ama Darkoa” was how I usually called her. Mummy would call every night to check up on me or her grandchildren. On rainy days, she could call a million times to confirm we were all home. She called me “Mi Tabi” on her good days and when she wanted support. If I had known that the last day you called me “Mi Tabi” would be the last time I’d hear your voice, I would have stayed with you through the night. I can still hear her excitement whenever I told her how successful an event went. Ama, I will do my very best, and your teachings will always be in my heart.

Rhoda-Jessica – While I wish I had more time with Mummy, I’m here today with a heart full of gratitude for the moments we shared together — for the lessons she taught me, the discipline she instilled in me, and the positive impact she had on everyone who knew her. I am proud to call her my mother and to be called her daughter.

Mom, thank you for being my teacher and my best friend. I am super thankful for the way I was raised. Thank you for the love, the scolding, the laughter, and the life lessons that have shaped me into the woman I am today. Life without you is hard; everything has changed. You always made me know I had a mother who cared, believed in me, and was there for me no matter what. I will carry these memories with me throughout my remaining years on earth. I will strive to honour you in all I do.

Gladisa – God gave me a wonderful mother — a constant source of love, wisdom, and encouragement. From childhood through adulthood, Mummy and I shared a very special bond and so many wonderful memories. Like the times I would put my head on your lap, crying, and you would comfort me by playing with my hair. All those stories you shared with me in the dark on your bed — we would laugh together. You would mix up our names, but every time you mentioned my English name, Gladisa, I knew there was trouble.

If flowers grow in heaven, Lord, pick a bunch for us, then place them in our mother’s arms and tell her they’re from us. Mama, we miss you every day, but we know your spirit will always be with us. There are not enough words to describe just how important our mother was to us and what a powerful influence she continues to be.

You are always in our hearts, Mummy. We love you, Mom.

Gladys Ama Darkoa Nyarko,

Your name alone stirs memories too deep for words to explain. You were the third flower among four blooming sisters, planted in the rich soils of Akwapim Larteh, nurtured in Okorase, Accra, and Kyebi — each place adding a colour and fragrance to the woman you became.

In Accra, under Auntie Melody’s care, you were shaped, polished, and refined — a lady of grace, yet firm in character; a lady par excellence.

In Kyebi, your hands never rested. You worked, and you worked well — so much so that you became our stepmother’s favourite. Not because you were the youngest, but because your heart was tireless in service.

At every family gathering, at every event, you were there — serving, helping, smiling.

Though younger, you were our anchor. You held the siblings together and were our bridge to home.

Your voice would light up when you spoke of those you loved — especially your dear husband, Mr. Nyarko.

You were assertive, bold, and forthright — a rare spirit in a fragile world.

And now… Baby and I stand in the shadow of your absence, shattered by the void you have left. The silence you leave behind is heavy. The gap — unfillable.

Ama, we will miss you beyond words, beyond time, beyond measure.

Damirifa due… due ne amanehunu.

Rest, our beloved sister.

Rest in the bosom of your Maker.

Today, we celebrate the life of Ama Gladys — a woman whose love and care touched not only her children and grandchildren but countless others who had the blessing of crossing her path. To my four children, she was more than a grandmother; she was a constant source of warmth, guidance, and laughter. She gave of herself freely, always finding ways to nurture and uplift those around her. Her presence in our lives was steady and filled with grace.

I remember her voice so clearly — calling me to “dress up and look the part,” never quite understanding why I favoured casual clothes while working remotely. It was her way of reminding me to carry myself with dignity in all things. When she came to help after the birth of our first child, she would rise at 1 a.m., knocking on our door to pray. At the time, it seemed inconvenient, but now I see it for what it was — her lasting gift: the reminder to always seek God first.

Ama Gladys leaves us with love, lessons, and a legacy that will never fade.

Ama — you will forever live in our hearts and memories.

Ama Gladys — Rest in Peace.

Ama Gladys — Da yie.

To our incredible Grandma,

“Oh Grandma, God looked around His garden and found an empty space. Then He looked down upon the earth and saw your tired but beautiful face. Then He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.”

Today, with heavy hearts, we bid you farewell. Hmm…

We love you more than words can say. Your kindness, teachings, and love will be remembered forever.

Grandma would teach us Twi during vacations, play Ludo, and teach us how to play cards. We would worry her just to hear her scream, “Ayeyi!”, “Kukua!”, or “Papa!” She would mix up our names, and we would laugh about it. The Milo drinks before bed will be missed. Her scolding was funny to us because of how she said things. Oh, who will we plan our vacation with now?

We know you are with the Lord. Father, protect our grandmother for us and give her rest. We are blessed to have met you and to have enjoyed being with you. Thank you for being a great grandmother.

Grandma, Rest in Peace. Grandma, Da yie!

With all our love, Naomi, Ayeyi, Nyametease, and Gibrine.

Fate smiled upon us the day you became our sister-in-law. From the very beginning, we felt at home whenever any of us visited you, and we knew that we would grow closer through the years.

Today, as we write this tribute, words fail us. Indeed, a bright light has gone out of our lives, yet its glow remains in our hearts.

Our dear in-law, Mrs. Gladys Ama Nyarko, was warm, thoughtful, and compassionate. We affectionately called her “Ama Gladys,” and she would respond with a gentle smile. She had a unique way of making us feel loved, even in her quiet and reserved nature. Her kindness touched our hearts deeply.

When we heard about your ill health, we took turns by your side, caring for you with love. We lifted you up in prayer, trusting that the Lord would perfect your healing and restore you to us. However, the Almighty God, who loves you more than we do and knows what is best, has called you home.

Ama Gladys, your departure has left a void that words cannot fill. We are deeply pained, yet we take comfort in knowing that you now rest in the loving arms of God.

Your memory will forever remain in our hearts.

May you find eternal rest in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Da yie, Ama Gladys.

Damirifa due!

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labours, and their works follow them.’” — Revelation 14:13

It is with heavy hearts that we pay this tribute to the memory of our dearest Gladys Ama Darkoa Nyarko, whom some of us affectionately called Ama Darkoa.

You were such a role model to us. Your faith in God was unwavering. You taught us to be truthful in our dealings and never to lose hope. You were kind and honest, humble and sympathetic. These principles you held to the end.

Ama, your dedication to your family was exemplary. You acted as a mother and supported us in all our endeavours.

We were all concerned the moment we heard that you had been taken ill. We visited you at the hospital, and when you came home, we paid another visit and prayed with you for a speedy recovery.

How is it that, just a brief moment later, before any of us could say “Jack,” you had left us? It feels like a dream from which we have not yet recovered.

We can only ask the Lord to teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

We will forever be grateful to God for your life.

May you rest in peace and rise in glory, knowing well that we will meet again on the resurrection day.

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room —

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long,

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that once we shared —

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the Master’s plan —

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,

Go to the friends we know.

Laugh at all the things we used to do —

Miss me, but let me go.