PAUL KWABENA OPOKU Brochure

3. 03
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
Officiating Clergy
Rev. Fr. Col Anthony Courage Kofi Kemetse
Rev Fr Lt Peter Dery
Part One
0630 hrs Reception of the Mortal Remains
0700-0830hrs Filing Past & Paying Of Last Respects
Reading of Tributes
0840 hrs Filing Past by Military Hierarchy, Clergy
Closing of Casket
Reading of Biography
Tribute by GAF
Tribute by Wife
Tribute by Children
Tribute by Siblings
Part Two:
0900 hrs Entrance Hymn:
Introit : Yes I Shall Arise
Penitential Rite
Collect
Liturgy of the word
First Reading
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia
Gospel
Homily
Prayer of the Faithful
Collection (Medley of Songs)
Holy
Mass
Order
Of
t
h
e

4. 04
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of Gifts
Prayer over the Gifts
Sanctus
Sign of Peace:
Agnus Dei
Communion Hymns
Post Communion Hymn:
Prayer after Communion
Announcements
Final Commendation
Invitation to Prayer
Blessing
Prayer of Commendation
Benediction
Recession
Part Three
At The Grave side
Procession
Opening Hymn
Blessing of grave/committal
Gun Salute
Last Post
Two-Minute Silence
Reveille
Laying of wreath
Presentation of Insigna
Vote of Thanks
Closing Hymn
Benediction
All depart
Holy Mass
OrderOf the

5. 05
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
T
he late Brigadier General Paul Kwabena
Opoku (Rtd) was born on 23rd day of
May 1950 to the Late Mathias Yaw
Opoku and Susanna Mintah at Nkonya-
Wurupong, a town in the Biakoye District of the
Oti region. He was the 3rd born amongst his
siblings. As an infant he was baptised on the
23rd of July, 1950 into the Roman Catholic
Church, which faith he held till his death.
He had his primary and middle school
education at the Nkonya-Wurupong R.C
School. In Form 2, he passed the Common
Entrance Examination in the 1963/64
academic year and proceeded to Achimota
School where he obtained both the O and A
level.
At Achimota School he developed a keen
interest in Hockey and Cross-Country running.
Brigadier General Paul Kwabena Opoku, after
successfully attaining the West African School
Certificate (Ordinary and Advanced Levels)
was enlisted into the Ghana Military Academy,
Teshie in January, 1971. Owing to his
outstanding performance and intelligence, then
O/Cdt Opoku was selected to continue his
basic military training at the Royal Military
Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom. He was
commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on 15th
December, 1972 as part of Regular Career
Course 14 and was initially posted to the 6
Infantry Battalion. At 6 Bn, he begun to serve
mother Ghana professionally and loyally as a
Platoon Commander. Some months after, he
Brigadier General
Paul Kwabena Opoku
(GH/1426)
Biographyof

6. 06
was posted to the Field
Engineers Regiment as a
Troop Commander. The
General’s yearn for higher
education after commission
led to the successful award
of a Bachelor of Science
Degree in Applied Science
from the Royal Military
College of Science, United
Kingdom in 1976. As part of
his professional
development, Brigadier
General Opoku participated
and excelled in several
military courses notably, 28
Young Officers’ Degree
Course in the United
Kingdom, Young Officers’
and Company
Commanders’ Courses at
the Military Academy and
Training Schools, Public and Non-Public
Funds Course at the Forces Pay Office and
Combat Engineer Officers’ Course at Fort
Belvoir, Virginia, United States of America.
He is also a graduate of the Ghana Armed
Forces Staff College, Teshie and the
National Defence College, Stockholm,
Sweden.
Throughout his illustrious and distinguished
career, Brigadier General Opoku held
several notable military appointments and
inspired many. Some military appointments
he held include Troop Commander,
Mechanical Transport Officer and Officer
Commanding Headquarters Squadron at
the Field Engineers Regiment,
Deputy Assistant Adjutant and
Quartermaster General at the
Headquarters 1 Infantry Brigade,
Directing Staff at the Ghana
Armed Forces Command and
Staff College and Administrative
Officer at the Military Hospital. He
also served as a Directing Staff at
the Command and Staff College
in Jaji-Kaduna, Nigeria.
Notable command appointments
held by the late General included
Acting Commanding Officer Army
Combat Training School from
February 1998 - February 1999
and in substantive capacity from
February 1999 – September 2000
and Commander Headquarters
Support Services Brigade from
December 2005 – May 2009. He
also held the appointment of Director
General, Training at the General
Headquarters from September 2001 –
January 2004 and was Ghana’s Military
Advisor at Ghana’s Permanent Mission in
New York, United States of America from
May 2009 – December 2013.
General Opoku possessed colossal
experience in the area of peacekeeping
where he served in prominent appointments
in several United Nations and ECOWAS
Peacekeeping Operations. Some notable
appointments included Squadron
Commander, Engineer Detachment, Ghana
Battalion 10, United Nations Emergency
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

7. 07
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
Force in Egypt from September 1978 – April
1979, Engineer Detachment Commander
Ghana Battalion 21, United Nations Interim
Force in Lebanon from November 1983 –
July 1984, Officer Commanding Engineer
Company, Ghana Battalion 30, United
Nations Interim Force in Lebanon from May
– December 1988 and Combat Engineer
operations Staff Officer, United Nations
Interim Force in Lebanon from September
1990 – March 1991. Other key command
appointments held by the General included
Deputy Force Commander, ECOWAS
Mission in Cote D’Ivoire from January –
March 2004, Deputy Force Commander,
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone from
March 2004 – September 2005 and Force
Commander, United Nations Mission in
Sierra Leone from September – December
2005. General Opoku is a proud recipient of
the Long Service and Efficiency Medal for
Officer and was honourably released on 10
September 2014 after over 40 years of
service.
Brig. Gen Opoku was a staunch member of
St John Mary Vianney Catholic Church in
Nkonya Wurupong where he paid his dues
up to date.
His observant and neat nature led him to
donate a mower to the church to keep the
church premises neat and well-kempt. He
also donated a coffin trolley to the church
and all these donations he did secretly. In
Accra, he fellowshipped with St Ignatius of
lolola, Baatsonaa until his passing.
Brig. Gen Opoku met his beautiful wife Mary
Arthur Opoku at 37 military hospital in the
1970’s. They dated for about two (2) years
and got married in 1978 at Cape Coast.
They are blessed with two children Jerry
and Lynda. He was a man of quiet
demeanor but gregarious.
His visits to his hometown never ended
without a sitting with a group of his family
and friends. He loved all, respected all and
so was well known in his hometown.
Brig. Gen Opoku passed into glory on 29th
November, 2023 after a short illness at the
37 Military hospital.
He will be fondly remembered by all.

8. 08
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

9. 09
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
O
Lord, you gave Brigadier General
Paul Komla Opoku to the Opoku
family of Nkonya - Wurupong in
the now Oti Region. As a young man, you
assigned him his destined profession. His
was to protect and defend the rights and
properties of our country Ghana. These
he did in collaboration with the leaders of
our country.
He did not forget the Opoku family in this
position but did his best, when time
allowed, to offer his help.
Already as a student, he trained some of
the youth of the family in personal
discipline and good etiquettes. Also
supporting renovation and painting works
in the family house periodically, to
mention but a few.
If God had allowed him more years, he
would have accomplished more for the
family.
O Lord, You search and know him. You
know his resting and rising. You discern
his thoughts from afar such that his plans
were all known to You. All that You allowed
him is all that You made him
accomplished. If that far is what you
allowed him, the family say: Your name be
praised and glorified and may your eternal
peace rest on his soul, and perpetual light
shine upon him.
Family
tributeBy
O Lord, you search me and
you know me
You yourself know my
resting and my rising,
you discern my thoughts
from afar. Psalm139:1-2

10. I
am distressed and inconsolable for death has
stolen a great and irreplaceable part of me.
That morning, the 17th of November when
you were going to the hospital, I wanted to go
with you, but you said, “You take care of the
house, if anything I will call you,” and that call
never came, but rather, our daughter came
home saying you have been admitted at the
Intensive Care Unit (ICU). I was shocked
because you walked on your two legs while
leaving home.
We did all we could from that 17th to 29th
November, but you gave up the battle. Yes,
death is inevitable, but the loss of a loved one
especially a husband is profoundly painful. For
the forty-six years that we lived together, you
were a husband and a brother and most of all a
father to me.
Daa, as we all called him, was a pillar, provider,
leader and adviser to me and our children.
Hmm, I have cried and still crying, but no
amount of tears will bring you back. I, therefore,
take consolation from the word of God in Psalm
121. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from
where cometh my help. My help cometh from
the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will
not let my foot slip, He who watches over me
and my children will not slumber nor sleep. The
Lord is our keeper, He is the shade upon our
right hand.
The sun shall not smite us by day nor the moon
by night. The Lord shall preserve our souls. He
shall preserve our going out and our coming in
from now and evermore.”
I will deeply miss you my love, especially in my
quiet moments and trying times. There will be
no you to assure me, and to give direction. I
know you are in a better place now. We love
you, but God loves you
more.
Rest well my love
Damirifa Due
Due Due ne
amanihunu
Wife
tributeBy 10
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

11. 11
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

12. K
omla as I affectionately called him was
a son in whom I delighted in. He was
very neat, quiet and principled. During
his childhood he was very attached to me,
always helping me in the garden and at home.
He was that son who was always reading or
going on walks, obedient and never getting
into any form of trouble.
In my old age, I did not have to bother about
my drugs due to ill health since he would
always purchase them for me monthly or
months ahead, not forgetting my monthly
provisions and stipends he constantly sent to
me without fail every month.
After I was relocated from the village about
three (3) years ago to come and permanently
live in Accra he continued to take full
responsibility of my drugs, provisions and
stipends.
I always looked forward to the end of every
month because I knew Komla will come
without fail to me bringing my drugs for the
next month and my provisions amidst our little
chit chats. In fact, in November, I looked
forward for his coming at the end of the month
with constant checks on the calendar, but
alas, it was not to be so because he left a day
before the end of the month.
Was that why this time you bought my drugs
to cover the month of December before time
Komla?
Oh, how I wish that I were in that coffin and
you will be burying me and not vice versa! But
God knows best.
I am in denial and asking God so many
questions to which I am not getting answers.
I do not know if I will ever come to terms with
the fact that you are no more.
Thank you for taking good care of me and not
neglecting me in my old age as Proverbs 23
vrs 22 commanded.
In sorrow, I bid you fare well. Till we meet
again my son.
Damirifa Duei.
Komla Dwor we ni.
Mother
tributeBy
When I gave birth to my first son, my Late husband named him Peter. Upon
having a second son, he also named him Paul. Biblically speaking I had
Peter and Paul as my first two sons. I lost Peter some ten (10) years ago
and now I have lost Paul too. But as Job said in Job 13 vrs 15 that “though
he slay me, yet will I trust him…….” thus I am steadfast in my God.
12
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

13. T
o the world, you were one person but, to
us your children, you were the world. We
were devastated and our hearts
were pierced with pain when death
suddenly laid its icy hands on you.
Daa, as we fondly called him,
embodied qualities of hard work,
intelligence, discipline, and honesty.
He instilled in us values of respecting
boundaries, humility, independence,
punctuality, and diligence. He
sacrificed a lot for us to live a
better life. Growing up, he taught
us to always approach life with
determination, solve our problems
and to manage money judiciously.
He ensured that our childhood was
filled with such wonderful and fond
memories.
Daa, you were a model and a
great source of inspiration, not
only to us but to so many.
Throughout the period of your brief
illness, you demonstrated the rare
courage that defined you. You
Children
tributeBy
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit
shall return unto God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastics 12:7)
13
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

14. fought a good fight to stay strong and
alive for us, but the will of God prevailed.
We will forever cherish your final
communication with us.
Daa, we longed to have you stay with
us, but it was not meant to be.
Your creator, God Almighty, knew why
you had to depart from this earth. He
called you home to be with Him,
signaling the end of your pilgrimage on
earth. Words cannot express the void we
feel in our hearts, knowing that we will
not see you again.
Although you are gone, we believe we
are not alone and never shall we be,
because the time and bond we shared
meant so much to us and the precious
memories of them will never depart from
us.
You will forever remain in our hearts.
Daa, rest on soldier, rest in the
embrace of your Creator.
14
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

15. Petrina
As children, Komla as we affectionately
called him was very neat and gentle. This
made him the darling child of our mother. In
secondary school we exchanged letters from
Holy Child to Achimota as was the norm
then.
When he had to continue his Military
Academy in Sandhurst in Britain, the
Siblings
tributeBy
“2 Corinthians 4: 16-18- For which cause we faint not; but though our
outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our
light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we look not at the things
which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which
are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
15
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

16. communication continued with numerous
Post Cards, photos and letters on Air letter
cards from Britain. When he returned home
as a smart Army Officer, he regularly visited
me at my office as a Young Officer which I
cherished with pride.
I fondly remember his visits to the
Kokomlemle house sometimes in the
company of his friends some of whom
became my friends too. As we grew older the
bond between brother and elder sister
continued with regular phone calls,
WhatsApp messages and enquiries about
family. I could always tell his mood when I
called him on phone with “uhumm Petri” or
“Pet” when he was in a good mood.
When you were suddenly taken ill and I
visited your bedside and took your hand in
mine, little did I know that it was the last time
I will see you alive. Your death was a shock
and the vacuum created can never be filled.
I am saying goodbye today as you also
journey to join Papa, Peter, Yaw Opoku and
Kujo to the unknown
Paul, may the Good Lord keep you till we
meet again.
Komla, Dwor we ne!
Akosua
My brother in whom I am well pleased.
During our childhood, he was the neatest,
disciplined and principled child. A man of few
words who was always home helping our
mother most especially in the garden thus he
was a Mummy’s boy.
He was my adviser, financial analyst,
foreman and my confidant. He never ceased
to give me advise on any decision I had to
take when I shared it with him. A lot of
structural decisions or changes I had to
undertake on my building spanned from his
observations and advise. In fact, I always
carried out renovations and improvements on
my house waiting for his comments and oh
he was so blatantly raw that he would not
hesitate to tell me that this is a no or say “now
this is nice”. He had advised me on another
extension to do on my building and we had
planned to do so this year but alas my
advisor, instructor and foreman is not around
anymore.
When I joined the 37 Military Hospital as a
nurse, one time, we were informed that we
had a new Support Service Commander and
that he was coming for a familiarization tour,
not knowing it was my own elder brother
who had been so appointed but as usual
did not inform me of his appointment and or
visit. When I called him later in the evening
to ask him of it, he retorted that it was not a
16
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

17. feat to boast about for him to tell me, but at
work all I had to do was to work and work
well since he was now my Commander.
I remember our long phone calls full of
chats and discussions on various topics,
not forgetting the videos and messages he
used to forward to me after he joined
WhatsApp. His immense concern for our
children was unmatched. He took their
welfare very important and always found
out the progress of every child, be it
academically, family-wise and the like.
When any child gave birth and he visited,
you were sure to get your envelope with
strict instructions to open an account for the
grandchild.
He was very supportive of the family and for
him it was not all about money. He had time
for all and sundry; he was approachable
and always ready to give direction. Due to
this he was sometimes referred to as our
Commander because anytime there was an
occasion or event in the family, he will rally
all of us together, giving every one duties to
perform with constant check-ups for
feedback on the progress of the
assignment.
I will miss the journeys we made to the
village and our various stop overs, our
chats in the car and your phone calls every
day.
Till we meet again Wofa Komla.
Dzor we ne.
Yaa
He was a father to me. I remember our late
father after proceeding on retirement gave
him to me as my father. He took care of me
after my Elementary School and took me to
secondary school. I spent my vacations
from school in his house. After O’ level, he
enrolled me at the Singer Sewing School to
learn sewing and up till now, I do not regret
the training and upbringing he gave me. In
fact, many of us attribute our success to
him and he will always be remembered for
his advice and suggestions he offered.
Kyeiwaa
I am the 9th born of the nine siblings. When
I was a child, I used to see my brother as a
father or an uncle, and indeed, he did play
a fatherly role in my life. My first Barbie doll
was a gift from my brother, "Wofa
Kwabena". He bought it from abroad, a
well packaged Barbie doll with extra
clothes, shoes, bag, umbrella, and extra
accessories.
This gift made me so proud of him even
though I was a child by then. Growing up,
because of his less talking, I saw him as a
17
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

18. man of principle, and indeed, he was.
He was a pillar in the family. When our father
passed on, he stood up as a father for us
especially we, the young ones.
My traditional marriage was performed in his
house even though our father was alive by
then. When he came to America as a
Ghanaian representative to the UN, he had
an option to live in Washington DC, but he
chose New York so he can be closer to me
because I live in New Jersey, very close to
New York. It was a blessed year for me.
I became the last baby I was again. Anytime
it rains or snows he will call and find out
where I am, during times of thunder storm
or hurricane he will call and ask me to come
downstairs with the children and stay close
to the entrance of the house because I have
big trees around my house.
The following morning, he will be the first
person to call and ask how we are doing.
Who again??? I keep asking myself this
question again and again. At a point, he
became a father to my children. Always
wanted to know their performance in school,
their plans in the future and above all when
it was time for them to go back to school, he
will ask the kids to come and visit him, that
would enable him shop for them and send
me my envelope.
I have a ritual with my brother. Every
Christmas, he will be the first person to call
me, and I will also call him on New Year’s
Day or a day after the New Year.
Last year, December 2023 I was sick in bed,
and my phone was by my side, watching
and expecting a call or a text message from
my brother, but nothing like that happened.
That was the day I cried and accepted the
death of my brother. "Odupong kessi atutu
ooo" Wofa Kwabena as I do call you, me ma
wo Damirifa duei, Damirifua duei, Duei ne
amanehunu.
Till we meet again, I say rest in perfect
peace because you fought a good fight.
Wofa Komla, we are painfully saying
goodbye to you today as you also join Papa,
Peter, Yaw and Kudjo.
Kwasi
Much as we would have liked to have your
mortal remains interred at Wurupong, the
soldier in you has chosen otherwise. We
whole heartedly accept your decision.
Fare thee well
Dwor we ne anuu…
18
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

19. T
he death of one of the most
accomplished Generals of the Ghana
Armed Forces, Brigadier General Paul
Kwabena Opoku (Retired) represents a
deep loss to the nation and it is with
profound sadness that we say final farewell
to such a consummate leader, compatriot,
colleague and family man. Despite the
inescapable nature of death, the Ghana
Armed Forces was still astounded by the
demise of Brigadier General Opoku on 29
November 2023. The late General will be
remembered as an officer who had an
extraordinary and exemplary career which
spanned over 40 years of patriotic service to
Ghana.
He was an astute professional of great
knowledge, impeccable martial skills and
courage. His admirable sense of duty,
diligence and sacrifice propelled him
through several appointments home and
abroad including the position of a Force
Commander of a peace enforcement
operation, a position he held with distinction,
great responsibility and authority.
The late Brigadier General Paul Kwabena
Opoku (Retired) had his basic military
training at the Ghana Military Academy and
the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst,
United Kingdom, where he graduated with a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied
Science due to his academic brilliance and
adept military skills. He was commissioned
into the Infantry Corps of the Ghana Army
on 15 December 1972 as part of Regular
Career Course Intake 14 and posted to 6
Infantry Battalion.
A few months after commissioning, he was
posted to the Field Engineers Regiment due
to his academic qualifications. He held
several appointments as an Engineer
Brigadier General Paul Kwabena Opoku (Retired) (Gh/1426)
by the Ghana Armed Forces
Tribute to the late
“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be
made alive” 1 Corinthians 15:22
19
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

20. 20
Officer in the Field Engineers Regiment and
distinguished himself as a very methodical
and proficient Officer who executed every
task with ingenuity and precision. Due to his
versatility and reliability, he also served as
the Administrative Officer of the 37 Military
Hospital, during which he instituted systems
to ensure the efficient and effective delivery
of good medical care to service personnel
and civilians.
By virtue of the late Brigadier General
Opoku’s sterling performance, he was a
Directing Staff at the Ghana Armed Forces
Command and Staff College as well as the
Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna
in Nigeria. During the long period of his
teaching career in both Staff Colleges of
excellence, he mentored and nurtured
several officers who rose to the highest
pinnacles of their careers. His impact on
students was iconic and legendary due to
his passion for teaching and high sense of
integrity.
Brigadier General Opoku was later
appointed as the Commanding Officer of the
Army Combat Training School, during which
he ensured the highest standard of training
was conducted to enhance the human
capacity and operational readiness of the
Ghana Army. He strived to establish the
School as a citadel of excellence by
ensuring quality and tough training. Due to
his keen interest in training, he used to
constantly stand calmly in front of his office
usually in the afternoons to observe training
on the Ghana Military Academy Square,
which always inspired instructors to intensify
the tempo of the already tough training to
the chagrin of students and cadets.
During his tenure as Director General in
charge of Training at the General
Headquarters, he oversaw the formulation
and implementation of key training policies
that brought about significant transformation
in the Ghana Armed Forces.
Additionally, Brigadier General Opoku also
held the eminent appointment of
Commander, Support Services Brigade
during which he ensured good and reliable
logistics support for all operations. His
prudent management of limited resources
enabled him to provide dependable logistics
support for all operations, training and
administration.
Brigadier General Opoku was not just an
excellent warrior but also a great
peacekeeper and diplomat who contributed
profoundly towards regional and global
peace. As a Young Officer, he embarked on
several tours as the Officer
Commanding/Detachment Commander of
the Engineer Company in United Missions
in Egypt and Lebanon. His appointments as
the Combat Engineer Staff Officer at the
Headquarters of the United Nations Interim
Force in Lebanon was testament to his high
level of professionalism and diligence.
Throughout his successful career in Ghana
and on external operations, he ensured
good management skills, the core tenets of
the military profession and maintained the
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

21. 21
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
highest standards of the military
profession. These traits led to his
appointment as the Deputy Force
Commander of the ECOWAS Mission in
Cote D’Ivoire from January – March 1994
and the United Nations Mission in Sierra
Leone from March 2004 – September
2005, a rare feat by a Ghanaian Officer. He
was later appointed to the high office of
Force Commander in the United Nations
Mission in Sierra Leone from September –
December 2005. He effectively ensured
teamwork and a harmonious relationship
among all Troop Contributing Countries
through his diplomatic skills which
contributed to lasting peace in Sierra
Leone.
After the outstanding performance as a
Force Commander of the United Nations
Mission in Sierra Leone, the late General
was appointed as the Military Advisor at
Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York,
United States from May 2009 – December
2013. During that period, his high level of
intellect, leadership and diplomatic skills
and quest for excellence enabled him to
execute his duties and responsibilities with
great admiration. He was awarded with the
Long Service and Efficiency Medal on 7
August 1991 and was honourably released
on 10 September 2014.
Socially, Brigadier General Opoku was
known to be very gentle and affable.
Moreover, he was highly principled and
unwavering in his commitment to ensuring
that the right thing was not only
accomplished but with excellence. Even
the most daunting tasks were consistently
undertaken and successfully completed.
Brigadier General Paul Kwabena Opoku
(Retired), we will forever cherish your
commitment to duty and the immense
value you placed on the welfare of
personnel. Your unforgettable memory will
continue to live in the hearts and minds of
all those you led, served and mentored,
both now and in the future. Your absence
will undoubtedly be deeply felt. We will
surely miss you.
Generals do not die, they only fade
away.
Rest in Perfect Peace, Sir!!

22. Ghana Military
Academy Intake 14
tributeBy
Psalm 90:12 "so teach us to number our days
aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
22
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
I
t is with a heavy and a sore heart that we
pay this tribute to a beloved and an
irreplaceable member of the Ghana
Military Academy Intake 14, the late
Brigadier General Paul Kwabena Opoku.
It was with great shock and disbelief that we
received the news of the death of the only
Brigadier General that we have in GMA
Intake 14. His passing away was least
expected because we knew him to be in
great shape, strength and vitality. He even
drove himself that fateful day to the Military
Hospital for his routine medical check-up.
We were hoping that he would stay much
longer on earth with us since he was the
youngest of the Intake but God had a
different plan for him. Proverbs 19:21 states:
“There are many plans in a man’s heart;
nevertheless, it is the Lord’s counsel that
shall stand.”
We recall that we first met on 4thJanuary,
1971 at the Ghana Military Academy at
Teshie as Intake14 to begin training as
Officer Cadets of the Ghana Armed Forces.
We were coming from various parts of
Ghana and we had no choice but to bond
quickly as a family unit under the tough
training conditions we found ourselves in.
Opoku PK after a few months of training with
us was selected in April 1971 to continue his
Officer Cadet training at the Royal Military
Academy, Sandhurst in the UK.
True friends are the ones who never leave
your heart, even if they leave your life for a
while. Even after years apart you pick up
with them right where you left.
Opoku PK on his return from the Officer
cadet training in Sandhurst, was posted to

23. 23
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
the Engineer Regiment and had his Infantry
attachment at 6 Infantry Battalion, Tamale.
He later returned to the UK, in September
1973, to the Royal Military College of
Science for a Bachelor of Science (Applied
Science) degree and returned to Ghana in
mid-1976.
His career in the Ghana Army was
exemplary and he ended up being finally
promoted to the high rank of Brigadier
General. He served in various capacities in
the Ghana Army as well as with UN Peace
keeping missions. In his later years of
service, he was posted to serve as the
Military Advisor to Ghana's Permanent
Mission to the United Nations in New York,
USA.
Opoku PK was committed to the ideals of
military discipline and ensured that he
played his part well in helping to maintain
the standards of military discipline. He was
an epitome of the description ‘An officer and
a gentleman’. He was sociable and seemed
to have no worries in the world, always
available to lend a helping hand to those in
need of his assistance. He was honourably
retired from the Ghana Armed Forces in
September 2014.
He has been regular in the Intake meetings
and leisure activities and would be greatly
missed by Intake 14 members.
As time and circumstances will indicate, our
number in the Intake continues to dwindle
with every passing year. Our only Brig Gen
in the Intake is the latest of our number to
unfortunately succumb to inevitable death.
As we reflect on Psalm 90:12, our prayer is
for all of us now living to allow the Spirit of
the Living God to teach us to number our
days aright that we may gain a heart of
wisdom. As the scripture states: “For if we
live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die
to the Lord. So then, whether we live or die,
we are the Lord’s–Romans14:8.
GMA Intake 14 has lost a very noble
member. Our hearts reach out to all the
family members left behind; To his wife, the
children, the wider extended family and his
friends we convey our heartfelt
condolences. We assure you all that the
God we serve as Christians will bring you
the needed comfort and console you on this
irreparable loss.
Kwabena, PK, Opoku, fare thee well and
rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord God
Almighty and rise in glory.
Da Yie.
Rest in Peace.

24. Nephews
& Nieces
tributeBy
Isaiah 40:6-8
“All flesh is grass, and all the glory
of man as the flower of grass.
The grass withereth and the flower
thereof falleth away; but the word of
our God shall stand forever”
24
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
W
ofa Komla, as we all called him,
was our stern-looking but very
sweet and caring within Uncle.
Wofa was always present at every
engagement ceremony, wedding
ceremony, naming ceremony, graduation
etc.
Distance was not a barrier so he would
accompany and support us when we
were bereaved.
During naming ceremonies of our
children, he will bring his envelope and
ask that we open an account for his
grandchild.
When Wofa calls in on phone; you should
be ready because there is an assignment
for you; and it had to be done with
precision else you risk being laughed at
or nicknamed for a longtime; and if the
assignment was well executed to his
satisfaction, he never held back his praise
and appreciation for a job well done.
Our very careful, organized and
perfectionist Wofa, has left us to be with
his maker.
Who will call us severally when we are
travelling by road to be sure we have
arrived safely?

25. 25
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
The jokes, the teases, your peculiar
laughter, your constant use of the Nkonya
word “Sui” will be missed very deeply.
We can’t thank you enough Wofa.
We your nephews and nieces have all
benefitted from you in one way or the other
and that we thank God. For those of us
who you took in under your roof and
sheltered; we say a big thank you.
For some of us we are who we are today
because of the cues we gleaned from the
life experiences you shared with us. We
have learnt never to give up on our
dreams because of you.
For paying school fees of some of us we
say “Thank You” for giving some of us job
opportunities, we will never forget you
Wofa, for your encouraging words to us …
…. We are grateful.
For rebuking us when we erred, Thank you
Wofa.
For loving our children (your
grandchildren) … Thank you
For every event you graced with your
presence we say “fabw3 at)” we are
grateful indeed.
If a thousand words could bring you back;
we would go on and on just to have you
with us again and hear your infectious
laughter.
We can only accept your transition and
ask that God grants our only Wofa Komla,
eternal rest and comfort.
Wofa Komla Dz)we ne oooo.

26. Daughther-In-Law
Dr. Mrs. Lily Paemka Opoku.
tributeBy
26
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
I
n loving memory of Brigadier General Paul
Opoku, an extraordinary man who wore
many hats with grace – including a devoted
military officer, a patriarch, my father-in-law
and the best grandpa. His quiet strength,
disciplined demeanor, and meticulous nature
were not just qualities that defined his military
service but also the foundation he laid for our
family.
As a military officer, my father-in-law
exemplified duty, honour, and commitment,
displaying an unwavering dedication to serving
his country. His orderliness extended far
beyond the barracks, creating a home filled
with structure and stability. He was a man of
few words, yet his actions spoke volumes,
leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to
shape our lives.
Retirement brought about a new chapter in his
life – one that revealed a softer, more tender
side when his granddaughter Leona was born.
She quickly became the focus of his attention,
and together, they created many memories. In
his role as the best grandpa, he took on the
responsibility with enthusiasm as he helped his
granddaughter with nursery and kindergarten
homework, patiently guiding her through the
challenges of learning. His commitment to her
growth extended beyond academics, as he
meticulously tracked her weight and height,
ensuring that every milestone was recorded.
Grandpa’s sudden departure has cast a
shadow over the milestones and joys that life
continues to unfold, and his absence is keenly
felt, especially when Leona recently celebrated
her fifth birthday. She misses him in her own
way and has been asking, ‘who will be my
grandpa?’ She believed her grandpa could fix
anything! The sudden demise leaves us
grappling with the unspoken words, unfulfilled
plans, and the void of his physical presence.
The writing desk where they once shared
lessons, the garden they tended together, and
the walks that echoed with shared stories –
these spaces now hold the echo of memories.
This serves as a stark reminder to cherish
each moment, to express love, and to
appreciate the bonds that shape our lives.
As we navigate the complex emotions that
accompany sudden loss, we honour the
memory of Brigadier General Paul Opoku, a
man whose influence will extend far beyond
his lifetime.
Rest in peace General, my dear father-in-law,
dear Grandpa, knowing that your memory is
eternally cherished, and the impact of your life
lingers on as a source of inspiration and
enduring love.

27. 27
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
T
he late Brig. General Paul Opoku was like
a second father to me. I admired his
principled and frank way of communicating;
he never minced words.
We would typically converse about happenings in
the news; daddy was always on top of trends in
the news, although he didn't let any of them
bother him. I certainly miss those days.
Sometimes while at work, I look at my phone, and
I am reminded that your daily messages won't
come through again. I would miss your laughter,
your jokes and your perspectives on life.
A hard pill to swallow; rest well in the arms of the
almighty, daddy.
Son-In-Law
Selase Kanda
tributeBy

28. tributeBy
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow
Creeps in this petty pace from day to day
To the last syllable of recorded time
O And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death. Out, out
Brief candle. Life’s like a walking shadow, a
Poor player that struts and frets his hour upon
The stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying Nothing.
— William Shakespeare, Macbeth
O
n 13th September 1963, a motley
group of zealous young boys and
girls set foot on the pristine
grounds of the famous Achimota School to
continue their education at the secondary
level. Among the boys and girls was Paul
Kwabena Opoku, later to be popularly
known as PK. One notable characteristic
of PK was his smallish physique. He was
assigned to McCarthy House. He was also
placed in Form 2H where students of the
Catholic denomination were placed.
Our group was part of the pioneering
national group to commence the four year
secondary school education policy instead
of five years, hence PK being placed in
F2H. This policy was abandoned after the
1966 coup d’état.
His housemates described him as quiet,
cool, bashful, never in trouble and being a
first class gentleman. However, he was
extremely demure. His best friend in the
house and, indeed, in the school was one
George Quandahor Dadzie. George was
an ardent gardener and PK soon also
developed the interest. Together, they
worked assiduously on the gardens in the
house to keep them well and thoroughly
kempt. He did not participate actively in
sports probably because of his smallish
size.
In later life, he spoke intelligently and
knowledgeably generally about sports. He
was not a member of the school’s Cadet
Corps. His interest in the military may have
been developed later in his school life.
28
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
Achimota School Classmates

29. Academically, he was bright, intelligent
and brilliant. He easily passed his
Ordinary and Advance Levels, all at
Achimota School. He was admitted to the
University of Ghana, Legon where he
shared a room with a fellow class and
housemate at Achimota School. After
three weeks, his room mate said PK was
nowhere to be found. Apparently, he had
been enlisted into the Ghana Armed
Forces and he was to go to the Ghana
Military Academy (GMA) to commence
training. He packed bag and baggage
and on the quiet departed the university
to the GMA leaving his room mate very
puzzled.
Perhaps, being in the military was his
destiny. Soon on going for the training at
the GMA, he was selected to continue his
officer cadet training at the Royal Military
Academy, Sandhurst. He also managed
to successfully complete a degree course
before returning to Ghana. Yes, he
worked very hard to reach the top. Yet
there was the lighter side of him as well.
A member of the YG who went on a
Peacekeeping Mission with him recalled
PK's surprising participation in a Reggae
Dance Competition during a social
function. He indicated that he danced
well enough to catch the eyes of the
judges to be adjudged the best Reggae
dancer. It seems he was a man for all
seasons. He had a stellar military career
rising to the enviable rank of a Brigadier
General before retiring. We were really
very proud of him.
PK was a proud Akora and a bona fide
member of the Old Achimotan
Association 1968 Year Group yet he
participated sparingly in the activities of
the group.
Indeed, he communicated with just one
member of the YG, Dr Osei Boeh -
Ocansey. They visited each other
frequently since they both lived along the
Spintex Road. Dr Osei Boeh- Ocansey
informed members of the YG about PK’s
sickness and admission to the 37 Military
Hospital sometime in November 2023.
He also regularly updated us on his
health status.
On 29th November 2023, he sadly
announced to all of us the shocking,
sudden and unexpected death of PK at
the 37 Military Hospital. As sad as it was
we had no choice but to accept the
bidding of the Omnipotent.
Brigadier General Paul Kwabena Opoku
(rtd), your mates will certainly miss you
for you were one of a kind. God be with
you till we meet again.
PK REST IN PERFECT PEACE.
29
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

30. Brigadier General
Kenneth Kweku Kumi
tributeBy
30
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
I
remember in 2002 when my Commanding
Officer (was then a Captain) asked me to
call on you at the Department of Training,
General Headquarters. Two Base Workshop
young officers had gained admission to
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology (KNUST) to pursue a Bachelor
of Science degree program in Engineering,
but the approval to pursue the program had
not been granted.
The officers were attached to 2 Field
Workshop in Kumasi to enable them to enrol
for the academic year without official
approval from GHQ Training. You were then
the Director General, Training, and my
mission was to explain the circumstances
that induced the decision to attach the two
young officers from Base Workshop to 2
Field Workshop in Kumasi. That call on you
that morning was just synonymous with a
suicide mission.
You knew everything about my CO’s move
in attaching the two officers to the 2 Field
Workshop. You were just waiting for an
opportunity to sanction him for the act and
deny the officers your recommendation to
pursue their Higher Education requests. I
had never been bombarded with questions
like that in my life. Bathing in my sweat and
lacking answers, I decided to tell the truth to
save myself from further questions. I
expected you to drive me out of your office.
However, to my utmost surprise, you toned
down and told me, "The truth has set you
free", and subsequently recommended their
applications for approval.
My second encounter with you was in Sierra
Leone in October 2004. I was a Major and
newly deployed to the United Nations
Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone
(UNAMSIL) Force Headquarters in
Freetown. You were then the Deputy Force
Commander of the Mission. My bond with
you actually started in Sierra Leone. My luck
was partly due to the advice and caution I
got from some senior Ghanaian staff officers
who were also deployed at the UNAMSIL
HQ. After a few encounters with you, I
realised that to be up-to-date with your pace
was to pay attention to details and adhere
to timings. You were not a walkover and
abhorred laziness. The best way to keep up
with you was to ensure your expectations
were met.
Keeping up with your pace was initially
challenging, but unfortunately, I could not
avoid you. You were always present at
morning operations briefs and would not

31. accept any substandard briefing,
especially from a Ghanaian officer. As the
days passed, you began to commend me,
mostly after my morning operations
briefing. Those commendations helped me
shed the uneasiness that catches up with
most of us in your company.
I have always admired your approach to
work. Procrastination was virtually not part
of your traits and as a result, your office
pending tray was always empty. No doubt
you were referred to as KLM (“first in air’)
when you were a Directing Staff (DS) at
the Ghana Armed Forces Command and
Staff College. Am told you were always
the first DS to finish marking students’
scripts. Sir, you were truly a guiding force
for good. Your knowledge of the UN
Organisation and UNAMSIL, in particular,
was unparalleled. Most of the military and
civilian staff at the Force Headquarters
depended on you when in doubt.
I was always honoured and privileged to
be part of your entourage for functions
because you would, by all standards,
deliver. A memorable one was our trip to
Lome, Togo, for the ECOWAS Army
Commanders Conference, at which you
were among the three principal speakers.
You were, without a doubt, a great
personality; you are intelligent, discerning,
upright, attentive, and full of knowledge.
Unsurprisingly, in October 2005, you were
appointed to take over as the Force
Commander to see to the closure of
UNAMSIL. A daunting task which you
executed with tact and ease.
I pride myself on your quality mentorship
since 2004. You took a keen interest in my
military career and social life by providing
all the guidance and direction. Even
though I did not have the opportunity to
serve directly under your command in
Ghana, I never missed out. It was always
a joy to join your coffee break sessions at
the Support Services Brigade Coffee
Room during your tenure as Commander.
Another was that all night sitting we had in
your parlour at your residence in New York
City, USA when you were there as Military
Advisor to our Permanent Mission to the
UN.
I will always thank the Almighty God that
our love and profound bond transcends
space and time. You have truly been a
source of hope and inspiration to many.
Your sudden departure from us is much felt
with deep and endless pain. May your
undaunted soul rest in peace, Sir.
31
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

32. T
here are times when pieces of news which
are difficult to comprehend, believe and
accept become breaking news. This was the
case of the late Brigadier General Paul Opoku
(OPK).
We are tongue-tied, confounded, void of words
surely at our wits ends.
Your hard work, intelligence and kindness will be
cherished and remembered always. We are grateful
for the time we had with you and we will keep your
memory alive in our hearts forever.
OPK had always been a man of integrity, honor, and
love. A life well lived; legacy well loved. We will
always be inspired by your example. We are
missing you already as the days go without your
presence, the laughter, warm smiles and sense of
humor when we visit.
We truly love you and hugely proud of the
magnificent soul that you were. OPK, you will
forever remain with us the greatest man we ever
had the privilege of knowing.
Rest in peace, OPK. Your memory will forever
be a blessing to us all.
Kwesi Akuo & Siblings
tributeBy
32
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

33. H
e was a worthy cousin with whom I
related very well. The cordiality
between us stemmed from our deep
respect for each other. Above all, his
unwavering discipline was exemplary. His
nay was nay and yea was yea.
When Brigadier-General Opoku was serving
at the Ghana Mission to the United Nations
in New York, anytime I made a request for
some items from the USA, he bought them
with his own funds and sent them to me with
dispatch as if he was responding to the
command of a superior Military Officer.
On one of my vacations in Maryland, I and
two other friends made a trip by road to visit
Brigadier-General Opoku at his residence at
Scarsdale, New York. Although the notice of
my visit to him was rather short, he and his
dear wife May, warmly received us and gave
us a very memorable sumptuous fufu lunch.
While on retirement, Brigadier-General
Opoku kept himself abreast of matters of
interest occurring on the local and
international scene. He was often the first
person to inform me about happenings back
in Nkonya-Wurupong, our hometown.
The manner in which he gathered credible
news and disseminated same was so
amazing and as a result, I referred to him as
Al Jazeera. His demise is a painful loss.
May his soul have eternal rest.
S.K. Amoah
(Esq)
tributeBy
33
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

34. Gaery

35. Gaery

36. Gaery

37. Gaery

38. Gaery

39. Gaery

40. T
he news of the passing of late
Brig. Gen. P.K. Opoku came to
me as a shock and surprise. I
heard of his admission at the hospital,
but I did not ever expect that he would
not come back home because he was
in my house two weeks earlier for my
birthday. I am yet to come to terms with
his sudden departure from this earth.
I met Gen. Opoku in 1984, as a
Lieutenant at Kpetoe during
GHANBATT 21 Pre-deployment training
session for UN Peace Keeping
Operations in Southern Lebanon. He
was a Captain then and subsequently
promoted to Major before our departure
to Lebanon. Since then, we have never
looked back as friends and comrades
in-Arms to the point where, even though
he was my senior officer, up to this day,
I always call him by his initials “OPK”
without any problems.
OPK Sir, you have been my advisor,
friend, senior brother, a teacher and a
mentor. Through my relationship with
you, I learnt a lot about happenings in
the military prior to my enlistment in the
Armed Forces, forty-five years ago.
You were one of my main Directing Staff
(DS) at both the Junior and Senior
Divisions of the Ghana Armed Forces
Command and Staff College
(GAFCSC). I learnt a lot from you in
Col EWK Nibo (Rtd)
Your Neighbour
tributeBy
“Now the labourer’s work is o’er,
Now the battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last
Father in thy gracious keeping,
Leave we now thy servant sleeping” (MHB 976)
40
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

41. terms of staff work and being meticulous
and paying attention to minute details. I
have known you to be an officer who does
not take kindly to wrongdoing and would
accept no excuses or compromises as far
as the regulations are concerned and
applicable.
At the family level, you and your wife
supported my family when I was away on
a UN Observer Mission in Kuwait
between 1996 and 1997. You offered
assistance to them when one of my son’s
had a heart surgery at the Cardio Centre
in Korle-Bu.
My son has never forgotten those difficult
days and talks about it anytime I mention
your name. He was so devastated when
I broke the news of your demise to him
and his brothers especially so, when they
saw you only two weeks earlier in my
house for my birthday.
I also recall vividly anytime you passed
through my residence in Burma Camp,
the children (then younger) would
assemble on the corridor waiting patiently
for your departure because they enjoyed
with excitement what I describe as
“FORMULA ONE” take off.
In retirement, we found ourselves as
neighbours. We speak to each other
almost everyday. I recall you were always
checking on me thus, “Nibo, have you
been to physio today” or “Nibo the physio
people are looking for you” and we
laughed over it. But in my heart, I know
that was the hallmark of a brother who is
concerned about my health.
Anytime I paid you a visit, we chit chatted,
laughed, and discussed issues
concerning military, politics, socio-
economic issues and particularly our
health and the rising prices of
medications. Those were pleasant
moments I shared with you. You even
joked that our pension is for three things
namely Food, Drugs and Funerals
(FDF) as you called it.
OPK Sir, your demise has left an indelible
mark on my family and I. We will sorely
miss you, but you will forever remain in
our hearts. My children say, “The O, the P
and the K, Uncle Paul Sir, Rest in Peace”.
OPK, farewell, fare thee well Sir. May the
Good Lord receive you peacefully in His
bosom. You have indeed served God and
country.
Rest well Brother!!
41
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

42. 42
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

43. 43
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

44. 44
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

45. CH 349 - ABIDE WITH ME
1.Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide:
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
2.Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
3.Come not in terrors, as the King of kings;
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings:
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea;
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
CH 363 - WHEN THE DAY OF TOIL IS DONE
1.When the day of toil is done,
When the race of life is run,
Father, grant Thy wearied one
Rest forevermore.
2.When the strife of sin is stilled,
When the foe within is killed,
Be Thy gracious Word fulfilled:
Peace forevermore.
3.When the darkness melts away
At the breaking of the day,
Bid us hail the cheering ray:
Light forevermore.
CH 167 - THOUGH YOUR SINS BE
AS SCARLET
1.Though your sins be as scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though your sins be as scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they be red as crimson,
They shall be as wool;”
“Though your sins be as scarlet,
Though your sins be as scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow,
They shall be as white as snow.
2.Hear the voice that entreats you,
Oh return ye unto God!
Hear the voice that entreats you,
Oh return ye unto God!
He is of great compassion,
And of wondrous love;
Hear the voice that entreats you,
Hear the voice that entreats you,
Oh return ye unto God!
Oh return ye unto God!
3.He’ll forgive your transgressions,
And remember them no more;
He’ll forgive your transgressions,
And remember them no more;
“Look unto Me, ye people,”
Saith the Lord your God!
He’ll forgive your transgressions,
He’ll forgive your transgressions,
And remember them no more,
And remember them no more.
Hymns
45
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

46. Hymns
CH 259 - WHAT A FRIEND
1. What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh what peace we often forfeit,
Oh what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
CH 305 - HARK! HARK, MY SOUL!
1. Hark! hark, my soul! Angelic songs are
swelling
O'er earth's green fields and ocean's wave-
beat shore:
How sweet the truth those blessed strains are
telling
Of that new life when sin shall be no more!
Refrain:
Angels of Jesus, angels of light,
Singing to welcome the pilgrims of the night!
2. Onward we go; for still we hear them
singing,
Come, weary souls, for Jesus bids you come;
And through the dark, its echoes sweetly
ringing,
The music of the Gospel leads us home.
3. Far, far away, like bells at evening pealing,
The voice of Jesus sounds o'er land and sea;
And laden souls, by thousands meekly
stealing,
Kind Shepherd, turn their weary steps to Thee.
46
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

47. Hymns
47
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)
CH 34 – MY SOUL IS LONGING FOR
YOUR PEACE
1.Lord, you know that my heart is not proud,
And my eyes are not lifted from the earth.
Refrain:
My soul is longing for your peace, near to you, My
God
2. Lofty thoughts have never filled my mind,
Far beyond my sights all ambitious deeds.
3.In your peace I have maintained my soul;
I have kept my heart in your quiet peace.
CH 350 - GUIDE ME, O
1.Guide me, O thou great redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
Feed me now and evermore,
Feed me now and evermore.
2.Open now the crystal fountain
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fiery cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer,
Be thou still my strength and shield,
Be thou still my strength and shield.
3.When I tread the verge of Jordan
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side:
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will ever give to thee,
I will ever give to thee.
CH 416 - WHEN WE WALK WITH
THE LORD
1.When we walk with the Lord in the light of his
Word
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2.Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But his smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3.Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil he doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

48. Hymns
CH 351 – Lead, Kindly Light
1.Lead, kindly Light,
Amid the encircling gloom,
Yes , lead me on;
The night is dark,
And I am far from home,
Yes lead me on.
Keep firm my feet;
I do not ask to see,
The distant scene;
One step enough for me.
2.I was not ever thus,
Nor prayed that you;
Should lead me on;
I loved to choose,
And see my path; but now,
Yes, lead me on.
I loved the garish day,
And, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will;
Remember not past years.
3.So long your power has
blessed me, sure it still,
Will lead me on.
O’er more and fen,
O’er crag and torrent,
till, The night is gone,
And with the morn,
Those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved,
Long since, and lost awhile.
CH 162 – Yes I shall rise
Ant: Yes, I shall arise and return to my
father!
1.To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
In you, O my God, I place all my trust.
2.Look down on me, have mercy, O Lord;
Forgive me my sins, behold all my grief.
3.My heart and soul yearn for your face;
Be gracious to me and answer my plea.
4.Do not withhold your goodness from
me;
O Lord, may your love be deep in my soul.
48
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)

49. 49
IN
LOVING
MEMORY
OF
THE
LATE
BRIGADIER
GENERAL
PAUL
KWABENA
OPOKU
(RTD)