HONOURABLE LAWRENCE BANDASOA TABASE funeral brochure

PART I-VIGIL MASS AND WAKE
Friday, 24th May 2024; Tabase Family House,
Behind Paga Pio’s Palace, Paga @ 8:00 pm.
MAIN CELEBRANT: Rev. Fr. Joseph Aseyire
Tabase
INTRODUCTORY RITES
Opening Hymn
A word of Welcome by the Head of Family
Biography of Hon. Lawrence Bandasoa Tabase
Kyrie
Collect
LITURGY OF THE WORD
1st Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
Responsorial Psalm:
2nd Reading: 1 John 3:1-2
Gospel: 25:31-46
Homily- Rev. Fr. David Kudewura
Prayer of the Faithful
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Collection
Presentation of Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer
Pater Noster
Kiss of Peace
Agnus Dei
Communion
Prayer after Communion
CONCLUDING RITES
Benediction
Recession
Tributes
Announcements
PART II-BURIAL MASS
Saturday, 25th May 2024; 10.00 am at the St.
Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Paga.
MAIN CELEBRANT: Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta,
Catholic Bishop of Navrongo-Bolgatanga
Diocese
Orderof
Service
HON. LAWRENCE BANDASOA TABASE 1931-2024
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INTRODUCTORY RITES
Rite of Reception
A word of Welcome by the Head of Family
Biography of Hon. Lawrence Bandasoa
Tabase
Collect
LITURGY OF THE WORD
1st Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 22
2nd Reading: Revelation 14:13
Gospel: John 5:24-29
Homily- Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta
Prayer of the Faithful
LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Collection
Presentation of Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer
Pater Noster
Kiss of Peace
Agnus Dei
Communion
Prayer after Communion
CONCLUDING RITES
Solidarity Collection
Tributes by: Children, Kum Naveh Royal Clan
and Grandchildren
Announcements
Final Commendation
Procession to the Family House at Kakungu
for interment behind Paga Pio’s Palace
Traditional Royal War Dance and Drumming
(Lelaara) at Kakungu-Paga
PART III-THANKSGIVING MASS
Sunday, 26th May 2024; 9:30 am at St.
Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Paga.
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BIRTH
e was born to Mr. Tabase Awobong
Abiyara of the Kum-Naveh Royal Clan
of Paga and Madam Kaburu Danzua
Tabase of Sakaa-Paga all of blessed
memory circa 1931 at Kakungu-Paga.
He was the third born of his parents and the only
surviving child of his mother in a polygamous
family. He was born as a strong child,
courageous, and selfless. His name Bandasoa in
Kasem expression is “be baara da soa” ; which
literally means ‘gossip is not wisdom’. The name
influenced his personality to be forthright and
courageous with others.
EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Hon. Tabase commenced his elementary
education at the Government Primary Boarding
School in Chiana in the Upper East Region from
1943 to 1948, where he and his two cousins C. K.
Tedam of blessed memory and Lawyer A. A.
Lugutera were given the opportunity from the
Kum Naveh Royal Clan to attend. He continued to
the then Government Boarding Middle School
(now Tamasco), Tamale in the Northern Region
from 1949 to 1952 where he successfully
completed with Gold Coast Standard Seven
Certificate. In 1953, he gained admission into the
then Government Teacher Training College at
Pusiga as a Pioneer Teacher Trainee of the college
(now Gbewaa College of Education). He
completed successfully as a Professional Teacher
in 1955 with the West African Teacher Certificate
‘B’. From 1958 to 1960, he attended the
Government Teacher Training College (now
Bagabaga College of Education), Tamale in the
Hon.LawrenceBandasoaTabase
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BiographyOf

Northern Region and came out with West African
Teacher Certificate ‘A’. From 1961-1962, he attended
the Ghana Cooperative College in Accra and acquired
the Professional Advance Cooperative Certificate.
In 1964, he gained admission into the Kwame
Nkrumah Institute of Economic and Political Science
(known as Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute),
Winneba to pursue a 4 Year course in Advance
Diploma degree in Economics and Political Science,
but unfortunately this came to an end with the 1966
Coup d’etat. In 1968, he won a scholarship to pursue
a Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Science in
Cooperative Economic Development and
Management at the Prestigious Coady International
Institute of the St. Francis Xavier University, Novo
Scotia-Canada.
He completed successfully on 9th May, 1969
becoming the Third Best Student among 86 students
from 37 countries of the world. He futher acquired
other qualifications from the following institutions;
Credit Unions Hamilton-Ontario in Canada, Kenyan
Cooperative College in Langata, Marburg University,
Germany, and Moshi Cooperative College (now
Moshi Cooperative University) in Tanzania then
affiliated to the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
FAMILY LIFE
Hon. Tabase was a family man who really showed
compassion and love to everyone. His desire was that
everyone is educated and empowered. Against his
father’s will and other opposing persons in the family,
he ensured that those who were interested in
education were given the opportunity. His legacy for
the royal clan was that the succession program
should never be compromised but adhered to by
generations to come to ensure peace and unity in
Paga. That is why as a Kingmaker of the Kum-Naveh
Royal Clan, he ensured that what was inherited in the
enskinment of a Paga Pio was followed in 1972.
CHRISTIAN AND RELIGIOUS LIFE
Hon. Tabase’s Christian life was inculcated in him as
a child from the Naparese family of Saboro-Navrongo
where he lived with his maternal grandmother’s
relatives. Born to parents of African Traditional
Religion, his parents allowed him to be a catholic at
the tender age because of the influence of some
relatives of his maternal grandparents who were
Catholics. His unwavering faith was influenced by
Msgr. Joseph Apuri, Thomas Apuri, Daniel Amonzem
and Sr. Paula Amonzem all of blessed memory and
others in the family. This made him to be active in
church activities wherever he went as a staunch
Roman Catholic. He was a Parishioner of St. Peter
Basilica in Kumasi and an elder of the Kasena-Nankani
Catholic Union.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY AND WORKING LIFE
Upon completion of his Middle School education,
Hon. Tabase taught at Paga L/A Primary School as a
Pupil Teacher. After his professional training as a
Teacher, he took up these roles in the following
schools: Head Teacher, Balobia L/A (1956),
Headteacher, Natugnia L/A School (1957),
Headteacher, NavoroPungu L/A (1958), Assistant
Headmaster, Awe Middle School, (1960-1961).
Hon. Tabase was appointed as the Regional
Cooperative Officer for Northern Ghana in 1962,
(now Upper East, Upper West, Northern, Savana and
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North East Regions). He travelled across the region to
establish credit unions and other cooperative groups.
Due to the reforms of the sector, he was appointed
in 1963 as the Regional Cooperative Officer for the
then Upper Region. From 1967-1968, he was
appointed as Principal Cooperative Extension Officer
in charge of Damongo Agricultural Institute and
Settlement Farms in Norther Region. From 1970-
1971, he became the Head of Damongo Agricultural
Institute and Principal Extension Officer of Northern
Region.
From 1971-1972, he was appointed the Principal
Tutor of Ghana Cooperative College, Kumasi. In 1973,
he became the Vice-Principal of the college and later
as the Principal of the college from 1975 till 1978.
From 1979 to 1980, he was appointed Deputy
Minister of Interior, and in 1981, he was appointed
as Minister of the then Upper Region in the Third
Republic of Ghana by Dr. Hilla Liman of blessed
memory. After his return from exile in 1985, he was
appointed as Technical Advisor to the Ghana
Cooperative College, Kumasi and in 1988/89, he was
appointed as Vice-Principal of the college which he
petitioned and the matter was not resolved until his
compulsory retirement on 1st October, 1997.
POLITICAL LIFE AND IDEOLOGY
With the training he received from Dr. Kwame
Nkrumah Ideological Institute, Hon. Tabase was very
active in every election in Ghana. This made him to
become the Deputy Minister of Interior and Regional
Minister of the then Upper Region in the Third
Republic of Ghana.
When he returned from exile in Burkina Faso, he
remained loyal to his bossom friend and playmate,
Dr. Hilla Liman such that when Flt. Lt. Rawlings invited
him to be part of the PNDC government, he rejected
the offer in principle that he wants a democratic
government despite been persuaded by some of his
friends such as Justice D. F. Annan, Lionel Mobilla all
of blessed memory, among others on several
occasions.
AWARD
In 1969, he received an award as a ‘Member of
Honorary Citizen of Novo Scotia, Canada (founded in
1606). In 1980, he was awarded with Honorary
Citizen of the Golden Stool and adopted Son of the
Late Otumfuo Opoku Ware II with the stool name
Ohenaba Osei Akoto. This was reconnected and
reconfirmed in 2001 by the current Asantehene,
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
SOCIAL LIFE
Hon. Tabase is a social being who loves to really
socialize and take life easy despite the many things in
hand to do. He is above and beyond being frustrated
by any person or thing. He had many nicknames
which include ‘Iron, Kadera, Asebu, Abugabu, 4th
Gear, Teacher, etc. His hobbies were reading, writing,
gardening, rearing of animals, farming, and
journalism as well as photography. He was also
interested in fishing, scouting, camping, and playing
of Oware, Ludo, Draft and so on. Hon. Tabase was a
sports man in school and after school in football,
table and Lawn tenis, volley ball, handball, hunting
and walking. He loves to go for picnic and dancing.
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He met his wife Mrs. Agnes Tabase in a dancing
competition in Bolgatanga that resulted in their
marriage in September 1963 as they were the
best dancers in competitions.
CALL TO BEATIFIC VISION
On Easter Sunday, 31st March, 2024, he enjoyed
the Easter Lunch organized by his beloved
daughter (Niece), Mrs. Juliet Kwara Kaba and
her mother Mrs. Martha Kwara in their house
together with other relatives to celebrate the
resurrection of the Lord. His pronouncements
may be like the Nunc Dimittis of Simeon in Luke
2:29-32. He enjoyed it and was very glad
declaring to some family members that he is
happy within him and everyone should forgive
the other who has offended him or her.
He forgave anyone he has offended. On Easter
Monday, 1st April, 2024, he asked his caregiver,
Agnes Yawson to prepare one of his favourite
foods to enjoy. He was very joyful and happy on
his last day on earth. Later in the night, he
complained of chest pains and he was carried
to the hospital.
The nurses tried throughout the night to
stabilize the condition but every effort failed
until he passed on to eternity at 3 am
responding to the call of God.
May he now share in the light of glory that God
has prepared for us all and may his good deeds
lead him into this beatific vision we are all
striving to enjoy one day forever.

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“Our life is over like a sigh. Our Span is Seventy years or
Eighty for those who are strong (Psalm 90:10).
on. L. B. Tabase, was affectionately called
by us his children ‘Dad or Teacher’ in the
family. He was born as a strong child and
died as a strong Oldman over 90 years.
His exact date of birth is unknown by him
and the family. His death was sudden because he did
not show signs of weakness in his strong voice to us
in his last days.
Dad, you have left us to eternity without any warning
sign. We did not know it would be so soon after your
arrival about a year ago in Paga. Indeed, we are now
confronted with reality that this world is not our
permanent home and we are all just passing by no
matter how long we live in this world.
We are really hit again by your sudden departure in
less than a year of the passing to eternity of Madam,
our Mother Agnes Lamisi Tabase. You had a lot to
share with us in this life and your advice and legacy
to us will continue to be in our memories: n na tiga
di yire, gare di wone (“it is better to die with a good
name than with riches”). You emphasized every time
that it is better to die with integrity and dignity than
with riches. You told us that you could have been a
rich man if you had received the gold bars that were
stolen from the state rather the state was your riches,
when you were a Minister of State. When the
investors persuaded you to allow them build a house
for you and drive away the tenants at the Shoe
Factory about ten years ago, you rejected the bribe
and declared that it was a betrayal and unjust deed
in the eyes of God.
Your generosity to everyone is really a remarkable
charism you possessed like your patron Saint, St
Lawrence. You give all that you have to the poor and
the needy to the extent that we your children
complain how you give to others more than us. For
you, everyone is your child and a family member. You
taught us to be generous to everyone.
You will spend your monthly pension allowance by
giving to children and the needy. Dad, you showed us
that we should love each other as a family and
uphold affection at all times. You taught us to be
independent and always speak the truth and most
importantly that we should be kind and supportive
to others.
Dad, we remember the precious moments we spent
together, where you provided for us using all the
resources available to you and you fought for many
people and indeed your kindness and selflessness
touched a lot of people during your active life as a
teacher, a principal and a politician; as a Minister of
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State in the Liman government. You have played your
part to the best of your ability and we know your
good name is written in the sands of time and in the
history of Ghana and even beyond.
Dad, you were truly an admirable lion, strong,
independent, resilient, determined and a steadfast
pursuer who could go any length to fight for what is
right. You have always aimed for perfection in your
endeavors. As we grow older and started families of
our own, we got to appreciate and understood why
and how you tried to discipline us in that manner.
We really appreciate your strict nature as a father
who instilled discipline in his children.
Even though we never got the chance to live with
you, due to the fact that you were occupied with your
work and travels, exiled and thus compelled us to live
with your brothers and sisters, who showed great
love to us as you have done for us. Occasionally, we
visited you in Burkina Faso and we were not allowed
to be linked to you for security reasons even in
Ghana. Upon your return from exile in Burkina Faso
some of us in our teens, had the opportunity to live
with you in Kumasi, even though you had retired
from your public service. You provided our needs
even when you were constrained. You sacrificed at
that difficult period in your life to aid us further our
studies especially, Joseph, Paula and Lily who are your
little ones. Dad, we are grateful for every sacrifice.
In your final moments, you were constantly asking us
to be together as a family and left the task to your
son whom you call Oldman like your father Ase to do
so for you.
We take comfort in knowing that you have only
returned to the bosom of your Maker.
Rest well, our king, our victorious fighter, forever a
conqueror. Though you are gone your legacy lives
forever in our hearts Dad.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Angels of God
carry you to your true Home, Heaven.
Dad, Rest in peace! Dad, N Yi Lanyirane! Katogo Bu,
N peine zuri! Di Kwo Bandasoa Tabase W3 wo zuri
tiga O pam!
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he late Lawrence Bandasoa Tabase was
our hero, very charismatic and influential.
The mere mention of his name was
enough to open doors as well send shivers
of fear down the spines of many who were
not on the path of righteousness. This is the man we
are mourning today, one that we have been
privileged to have as a Family Head for decades. He
was a strong man by all standards and he died with
vigour by the grace of God; who would not hesitate
to put anyone right if the person refused to see
reason. He believed in justice and fairness for all.
He had a strong personality and believed discipline
was key in the upbringing of a child. He therefore, did
not miss the opportunity to correct anyone with the
aim of reforming the person. Many are those in the
family who have washed his dress repeatedly
because he believes it was not clean enough and
many are those who have ironed his dress repeatedly
because it was not straight enough. He loves
cleanliness around him and others as a charming man
who wants us all to be neat everywhere. Whilst
correcting and scolding you however, he had a way
of doing it with love. He was not the type who took
no for answer. He believed one must always try, show
effort and be ingenious in dealing with issues.
Anything short of these and he would classify you as
a lazy person and write you off his books. He hated
laziness because he was a hard-working person. He
had a way of saying or doing the difficult things
without any window-dressing.
He was mostly called Teacher by many because he
started off his working life as a teacher and through
that played a key role in getting most of the younger
ones in his generation to school. Many stories have
been told about the resistance he faced from parents
who felt he was denying them of the opportunity to
use their children as shepherds herding animals by
taking them to school. He never gave up but fought
on to ensure that these children had some education.
THEFAMILY
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“For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die,
we die for the Lord; So then, whether we live or die,
we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8)

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Beyond getting these children to school, he did not
only teach them but remained a mentor to them.
As the Family Head of the Aduayaru Family, he
brought about stability, focus and development to
the family although he was based in Kumasi for
most parts of his adult life. He had a way of
coordinating affairs from afar. He was on top of
issues and knew the minutest detail of whatever
that went on in the family. He was vigilant and
smart that no one take him for granted. To put it
mildly, he had a no-nonsense approach to life.
His deeds were not limited to the family only; he
was a true disciple of the Kassena-Nankana
community. He therefore extended his deeds to
people around him. He was influential in getting
most people into formal education and financially
supported others. He was generous to a fault and
believed that every person must be given capacity
to showcase what he is made up of. That is why his
desire is that scarce resources should be used in
educating the youth and the vulnerable in society
especially the orphans.
He impacted positively on a lot of people who
have gone on to do greater things for themselves.
Lawrence Bandasoa Tabase was born into a
traditional home but went on to become a staunch
Catholic, he remained in the Catholic faith until his
untimely demise. He held his faith highly but found
a way to lead the family which comprised of
Traditionalists, Christians and Muslims to the
satisfaction of all.
Today, we gather here to celebrate him and thank
God for gifting him to us. We would have loved to
be with him till eternity but that is not possible.
We can therefore only hold on to his legacies
which would continue to live in us.
Good Bye till we meet again to separate no more.
Di Kwo, N yi lanyirani.
Katogo Bu, N peine zuri! Di Kwo Bandasoa Tabase
W3 wo zuri tiga O pam!

ALHAJISULLEYABDULAI
ur dear father, Hon. L. B. Tabase you left
us in the cold morning filled with tears
and grief, a few weeks ago, when we were
then preparing to relocate you back to
your Bungalow No: 2 at the GIHOC
Footwear factory in Kumasi where you had lived for
several decades, and where you were agitating to
return.
I am however consoled that you have left children
and grand-children who will keep up your name and
memory. Indeed, l shall say perhaps, that you have
completed your mission in this transient world where
we all are visitors.
I have known you, Dad, since childhood but it was in
December, 1986 when l was posted to Kumasi to start
my career as a Customs and Excise Officer that l came
closer to you and indeed l should admit that I am one
of
the
SONIN-LAWS
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“A mighty tree tumbled over its side crossing the path to the stream.
The maidens are cut off the way ..
Behold, lamentations fill the air Where shall we get water?

beneficiaries of this close association to you,
since you immediately welcomed me to your
household as a ‘son’, nurturing and
counselling me with your vast experience. You
told me to uphold strong principles of
courage, fortitude and honesty and, be
truthful at all times.
Later, when I proposed to marry your
daughter, due to your st strong Christian
principles, you were a little reluctant to accept
it but, in the end, due to your love for me, you
endorsed it to the surprise of many people.
Being a man of principle again you supported
us (that is my wife and l) throughout.
Hon. L.B. Tabase, you were very kind,
generous and willing to help and support
everybody in distress. You indeed touched
many lives during your career as an
educationist, public servant and politician.
And you ensured that the North had its fair
share of the national cake when you were
made the Upper Regional Minister.
Unfortunately, your career in politics was cut
short with the overthrow of the Liman
Government which did not allow you to
realize all your dreams for this country as a
whole.
Fare Thee Well!
N Yi Lanyirane! De Kwo Rest ln Perfect Peace
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In tribute to my revered in-law, I celebrate a
paragon of discipline, yet softened by the tender
bonds of family closeness. His unwavering
commitment to tradition and familial values stands
as a testament to his character, embodying the
essence of what it means to cherish kinship.
Despite scarce resources, he selflessly sacrifices all
for the well-being of his loved ones, epitomizing the
true essence of family-oriented devotion. With
each action, he upholds the sanctity of our family
settings, nurturing and preserving the cherished
virtues that bind us together. Today, we honor not
just a strict disciplinarian, but a gentle soul whose
love and sacrifice enrich our lives immeasurably.
De Kwo Rest ln Peace
EnochDUGBATEYDUGBARTEY

our death has saddened us, because
you were always there to encourage
us to be resilient in our pursuit to
achieving our set goals. But we are
consoled by this scripture in
Romans 14: 8, "For if we live, we live to the Lord;
and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore,
whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
All Grandfathers always have stories to tell, but
we remember the uniqueness with which you
told yours, filled with fun and mixed with some
vigour.
Your political stories were mainly concerning
leadership, leadership that serves. You will
wittingly ask if leadership was all about amassing
wealth or rather influencing change in behavior
and attitude? When we answer, influencing lives,
you then will conclude "we should lead with
example when we are entrusted to lead even if
it is a small group".
It hurts to have lost you at this unseemly time but
your memories will remain with us, forever.
We love you so much grandpa, rest well. Till we
meet again in heaven.
GRANDCHILDREN
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hen Rev. Fr. Joseph Tabase broke the news of
your passing into eternity to us, we initially
did not get the import of his message until a
short while later. May be, it was your
characteristic way of teaching us your lessons.
Growing up, we knew you were from Paga, but we
noticed you spent more time in Saboro than in Paga. We
later got to know that your grandmother was Naparase’s
direct sister. You, therefore, shared bloodline and DNA
with the Naparase family. As such, you would stay in
Saboro for days, and while you were in Saboro, you did
not need permission to discipline us.
Your threats were surely a prelude to physical discipline.
It was as though you believed in an unwritten maxim that
“he or she who does not obey or hear, must be made to
feel pain”. You neither had favourites among us, nor
detested any of us. We were all treated with the same
measure of discipline. We, somehow, missed you when
you were not around, but when you came around, we
could not wait for you to leave. We hated to miss you,
but we also loved to miss you.
We grew up hearing your cousins from the Naparase
family call you “Kadera”, and we did not know whether
it was your real name or your nickname. We, however,
knew by intuition that, that name was not to be used by
us in reference to you. Your disciplinary disposition and
the name “Kadera”, somehow, rhymed with us, and we
would have loved to know the connection between the
name and your nature, but who were we supposed to
ask then, and who will we ask now?
In conversations with persons who knew you, we heard
your exploits in your working life both with awe and
admiration. While your no-nonsense attitude will
continue to inspire us, your never-yielding attitude will
continue to urge us on in life.
You loved your cousins on the Naparase side to the
extent that you named your only son after the late Rev.
Monsignor Joseph Barawura Apuri. Perhaps, you wanted
your son to succeed your cousin in the Catholic
priesthood but we understand, that when the reality
dawned on you, you hesitated. However, true to your
intentions in naming your son, he ended up being
ordained a Catholic Priest in the Navrongo-Bolgatanga
Diocese of the Catholic Church.
You named his younger sister, Adipare Tabase (now Mrs.
Paula Adipare Dugbartey) after the late Sr. Paula
Amonzem, SMI to express your gratitude to God for all
that he has done in your life and told the family that you
want her to become a nun like Sr. Paula Amonzem of
blessed memory whom you were closed to. God’s will is
not our will, so he chose your son Oldman, that you
aﬀectionately called to be a Catholic Priest.
The last time you came to Saboro in 2023, you wept
uncontrollably in a loud voice and lamented that your
cousins had all left you behind. As we gather to bid
NephewsandNieces
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farewell to your earthly existence, we have no doubt that
you are re-united with your cousins in the life hereafter.
There is a song, the lyrics of which states in part, that “in
heaven, there is no beer” but we guess the absence of
beer in heaven will not concern you and your cousins
because, you all preferred whiskey. Hopefully, there will
be whiskey in heaven for you and your cousins as you
meet to deliberate, in your usual fashion, general
matters of common concern. While we cannot hear your
intermittent loud laughter, we are sure it will feature
prominently in your discussions.
Fare thee well “Kadera”. Your commanding voice and
imposing presence will surely be missed.
May the angels welcome you into heaven.
May you be re-united with your cousins from the
Naparase family where there will be continued lively
discussions and laughter.
Bandasoa, N yi lanyirane!
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e are gathered here to celebrate a remarkable
journey, to pay tribute to a man whose life
epitomized dedicated service, forthrightness,
and fellow-feeling.
Beginning as a Teacher in the 1950s, he ignited minds
and nurtured the future, planting seeds of healthy
curiosity and knowledge that would flourish for
generations. My younger sister, Mrs. Patricia Akanlu (nee
Adongo, deceased) and my younger brother, Mr. Martin
Anthim Kasise (deceased) were his pupils in the Natugnia
Primary School and so I can attest, firsthand, to his
exceptional skills as a teacher.
Transitioning into politics, he embraced the call to serve
and to lead, navigating complexities with integrity and
vision. He rose to be the Deputy Minister of Interior and
Regional Minister of the then Upper Region of the Third
Republic and in that high position, he also distinguished
himself, as a veritable man of the people, with respect
for all and possessing of an uncommon zeal in bringing
development to the Upper Region and the nation as a
whole, treating each and every one with legendary
fairness.
Hon. Tabase’s path then led him to national duty even in
exile when he advocated for the reception and support
of all political Assylum Seekers in Burkina Faso in 1982
where his strong personality and commitment to
dialogue fostered understanding between our two
countries.
Through each role, he exemplified humility, empathy, and
a relentless dedication to bettering the common good of
the citizens.
As he gracefully aged, his wisdom deepened, and his
legacy continued to inspire. His life stands as a testament
to the power of education, the importance of public
service, and the enduring impact one individual can have
on his community and the world at large.
May his memory be cherished, his lessons remembered,
and his legacy celebrated for generations to come. And
may he rest in peace!
N yi lanyerani! Paa sunga!
MadameMelanieKasiseandfamily
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urs was a daughter and father
relationship built on a solid foundation of
pure love and trust. I am not your
biological daughter, but you took me as
such. My siblings and I got closer to you in
the mid 80's when you visited us often at home in
Accra. you played a major role before, during and
after my wedding. You were my unoﬃcial marriage
counselor, the Chairman at my wedding and my
Prayer Warrior and spiritual father.
I have lost count of the numerous calls you made to
me in South Africa. You would either say, you dreamt
about me or you and Madam are about to embark
on a spiritual journey, a novena and you would like
me to forward our special prayer intentions. You also
used to request for masses for your grandchildren on
their birthdays and for their major exams. Who will
be my Prayer Warrior and Spiritual Father? Who will
request masses for me and family? Who will embark
on a spiritual journey and novena for me and my
family? Hmmm, my heart aches now and the vacuum
created by your response to God’s call to glory
transcends me.
Mrs.JulietKwaraKaba
SouthAfrica
20
O
tributeby
Those we love do not go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen,
unheard but always near, still loved, still missed, and held so dear.
(Unknown)

I am eternally grateful to you for loving me
unconditionally and also for embracing my husband
and my children with open arms. I take consolation
in the fact that I got to spend some quality time with
you before your demise. You would usually send for
me if you didn't see me for three days. When I came,
you would say "I’ll sleep well tonight ". You said I
should not stay away for so long because seeing me
brought so much joy and hope, and to you 3 days was
too long for you.
On Holy Thursday, the 28th of March, 2024, I was in
Bolga and your son Fr. Joe that you affectionately call
Oldman since birth bought me some foodstuff for
you. Fr Joe and I on Good Friday, planned for the
Easter Sunday celebrations. You requested for rice
balls with groundnut soup. I arranged for you to be
picked up on Sunday for lunch at home with my
Mother Martha Saake Kwara and other family
members. You were in good mood and declared that
you are really happy within you and you have
forgiven anyone who has offended you. On Easter
Monday, I called you, and you were fine. For some
strange reason, Monday night was difficult for me. I
was aching allover and I couldn't sleep so I decided
to put my cellphone on silent to get some rest.
I woke up after 3 am and upon checking my phone,
there were missed calls from a strange number. So, I
assumed it was a fraudster at work and I did not
bother to return the call at that ungodly time at
about 3:30 am. Agnes, your caregiver came to wake
us up with the sad news. I am still in disbelieve that
my favorite uncle and sweetheart is no more. I did
not see this coming so you can imagine the confusion
that fateful Tuesday morning. Uncle, why didn't you
send for me like you used to do? I should have spent
the whole of Monday with you but there were no
signs. You were hearty and chatty the last days.
On Friday, when I visited you, you told me you were
happy. You were well fed and enjoyed the assorted
fruits and foodstuff that came from Bolga very much.
You also told me you were happy because you had a
lengthy conversation with aunty Kate Katuni (Hon.
Catherine Tedam). I told you I was equally happy to
know that you are happy. I encouraged you to be
happy at all times.
When I called Aggie on Monday, your last day on
earth, she said you had requested fufu with special
fresh fish light soup which you enjoyed so much. It is
comforting to know that you died a happy man and
had a peaceful death in your old age.
De Kwo, you are gone and I can cry that you are gone
but I choose to smile because you lived and you
touched my life in a special way. You left me with so
many priceless memories that I’ll forever hold dear. I
am heartbroken that I’ll not see you anytime soon
but my heart is full of the love that you shared. I’m
so blessed to have you my Prayer Warrior in heaven
to continue to pray for me and my family.
Kindly give my love to Madam and your brother
Abugidiyia Kwara. May you join hands with them and
ask our blessed Mother Mary to intercede for the
family that you left behind.
UNCLE N YI LANYERANI ! DE KWO W3 WO ZURI TIGA
O PAM!
21

t is with heavy heart that I write this
tribute. Hon. Lawrence Bandasoa
Tabase’s mother, Kaburu, was the ﬁrst
born of Mr. Danzuah and Madam Kagoo
of Paga-Sakaa. As the Head of Danzuah’s
family, I have the onerous responsibility to present
this tribute on behalf of the elders and people of
Sakaa. We heard the sad news of the sudden demise
of our Nephew in the morning of 2nd April 2024.
As a small boy, Hon. Tabase spent a lot of time with
his uncles and cousins. He often visited and stayed
for a few days. Honorable himself used to recount
how his mother’s brothers and father used to lavish
him with gifts during those visits. This continued into
the time we were children, and we witnessed the
kind of reception he had from the whole village
anytime he came around. Before returning home his
car was always loaded with guinea fowls, fowls,
tomatoes and other vegetables. He was the most
popular Nephew of the village.
The next chapter was when our generation went and
met him in Kumasi. The Sakaa young boys paid him
regular visits and he also made time to visit them at
their work places. He was generous and always
assisted, particularly in health matters. He also relied
on the boys for assistance in his house chores.
My relationship with Honorable Tabase became
closer when he went on retirement. I drove him
(sometimes with his wife) to visit several hospitals in
and outside Kumasi for medical treatment.
Honorable never hesitated to call me whenever he
was ill, even at midnight, knowing that I will always
come. I still remember the excitement with which he
always called Madam to inform her “Your son, Mark,
has arrived”. We also visited several Chiefs with Land
litigation issues. Honorable was a learned man with
great wisdom and I learnt a lot from him during those
trips.
We had a few misunderstandings though, but they
were always resolved amicably. The last
confrontation between us a year ago resulted in a
heated argument, and I thought I had overreacted
beyond pardon. But Honorable sent for me a few
minutes later, and after the normal reconciliatory
talks, he said “I am proud of you”. This is a statement
I will never forget.
When Honorable Tabase relocated to Paga a year ago
after the death of his wife, he still relied mainly on his
uncles’ daughters (my sisters), to prepare his daily
meals. He went to Sakaa to mourn the passing to
eternity of his relatives that he could not attend their
funerals for the past years.
De Kwo, we shall miss you greatly.
May the Almighty God grant you peaceful rest till
we meet.
MARK-DONALDWONJELIPWAWARI
FORTHEMATERNALUNCLESOFSAKAA-PAGA
tributeby
22
I

n 1971, Hon. L. B. Tabase was among other
experts in Cooperative Movement and
Development who established the Ghana
Cooperative College in Kumasi. In 1972,
Hon. Tabase was appointed as a Principal
Tutor of Ghana Cooperative College in Kumasi. He
subsequently became Vice Principal in 1973 to replace
Mr. J.A. Osei who was transferred to Department of
Cooperatives.
Hon. Tabase trained in cooperative movement and
development in Canada, Germany and East Africa
taught Cooperative Law (Principles and Practice),
Cooperative Credit Unions, Management Economics,
Sociology, Psychology, Co-operative Insurance, Group
Dynamics, Co-operative Banking, History of Co-
operative Development and among others. He was a
disciplinarian and knowledgeable in his field of study
and versatile in all cooperative subjects. He was really a
consultant and an expert in the cooperative movement
and development in Ghana and beyond representing
the country in various international and national
conferences.
His vision for the college was that it become a
Cooperative university in Ghana as in other parts of the
world. Hon. Tabase as one of the pioneer staff of the
college consulted Nana Atasomansohene and his elders
in 1973 to acquire 800 arces of land for the permanent
buildings of the college and cooperative activities for
the pioneering work of “Adikanfo Co-operative Society”
at Atasomanso since 1929. This dream has not yet been
realised and the land has been encroached that we are
sad and will really miss him for his great efforts and
pioneering role in the development of the college.
Between July, 1975 to August, 1976, Hon. L. B. Tabase
acted as the Principal of Ghana Cooperative College.
During his tenure as acting Principal, Dr. Hilla Liman
became the President of the Republic of Ghana and
invited Hon. L. B. Tabase to serve in his government
which he did as Deputy Minister of Interior and Regional
Minister of the then Upper Region.
When the Liman government was overthrown, he went
into exile and returned in 1985. After he was cleared by
the Upper East Regional Investigation Committee, he
applied to the Board of Directors of the College for
reinstatement which was granted. Hon. L. B. TABASE
returned to the Ghana Cooperative College to take over
his position as Principal. This did not go down well with
the then Principal, Dr. F. P. JANTUAH. This confrontation
led to both of them being asked to step aside by the
Hon. Minister of Employment and Social Welfare at the
time.
However, the Ghana Cooperative College continued to
pay Hon. L. B. Tabase until he finally retired on 1st
October, 1997.
From the Principal and staff of Ghana Cooperative
College, we wish our late Principal and father safe
journey to our Maker until we meet again at God’s feet.
Rest in Perfect Peace! Rest in Perfect Peace! Rest in
Perfect Peace!
GHANACO-OPERATIVECOLLEGE,KUMASI
23
I
tributeby

nd I heard a voice from heaven unto me,
write, blessed are the dead who die in the
lord from henceforth: yea, said the spirit,
that they may rest from their labours; and
their works shall follow them." (Rev. 14: 1)
We write this tribute in honour of our late and dear
Chairman/ President of GIHOC Footwear Tenants
Association for the many years we lived and worked
together with him as tenants.
We have had many ups and downs as tenants but he
bravely led us through many as our indomitable
Chairman.
The late Hon. L. B. Tabase was appointed as a Tutor of
Ghana Co- operative College in 1972, and in 1973, he
was appointed as the Vice- Principal of the college and
he replaced the substantive Principal, Mr. J. A. Osei who
was subsequently transferred to the Department of Co-
operatives. As the Principal of Co- operative College, he
was allocated a resident bungalow by the Management
of GIHOC Footwear Co. Ltd. upon request from the Co-
operative College from 1973.
After he retired from the Co- operative College, the
Late Hon. Tabase continued to live in the bungalow
paying his rent regularly as a tenant to GIHOC Footwear
Co. Ltd. He has since lived in his residence until his
untimely death.
At the time Hon. Tabase lived in the GIHOC Footwear
bungalow, there were three other duty- post
bungalows allocated to 3 oﬃcers working with N.V.T.I.,
Air Liquide, and Kumasi Glue Factory, a subsidiary of
GIHOC Footwear Co. Ltd.
In the 1990's, when some Footwear Company
employees retired and were allowed to live in their
bungalows as tenants, they followed Hon. Tabase to
form the GIHOC Footwear Tenants Association and he
served as the Chairman/ President for many years until
he passed away.
We owe him much gratitude for his leadership of the
Tenants Association.
But the song writer says:
"Now the labour's task is over,
Now the battle is past, now upon the father's store,
land the voyages at last......"
Fare thee well and rest well in your Maker's bosom.
Ayekoo ! Ayekoo ! !
DAMIRIFA DUE ! DAMIRIFA DUE ! ! DAMIRIFA DUE ! !
24
A
MEMBERSOFGIHOCFOOTWEAR
TENANTSASSOCIATION
tributeby
And I heard a voice from heaven unto me, write, blessed are the dead
who die in the lord from henceforth: yea, said the spirit, that they may
rest from their labours; and their works shall follow them." (Rev. 14: 1)

1931-2024
25
HON. LAWRENCE BANDASOA TABASE
Gallery
HON. TABASE AND SON (FR. TABASE)

26
Hon. Tabase with Mark Pwawari
Hon. Tabase with his cousin late Hon. C. K. Tedam
in Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Sakumono

27
Gallery
Hon. Tabase with daughters and grandson Albert
Hon. Tabase With Mr. Michael
Ataogye And Col. Kuseh
Hon. Tabase with Mr and Mrs Dugbartey and grandsons
Hon. Tabase with some family members

HONOURABLE LAWRENCE BANDASOA TABASE funeral brochure

HONOURABLE LAWRENCE BANDASOA TABASE funeral brochure

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