TRIBUTE WALL

I don’t recall how we became friends in Wesley Girls High School. We just started calling each other “my friend”. The beautiful mind you possessed was evident. You were genuine in your interactions. Your curiosity fascinated me.

One of the memories that would stay with me is when we were to write our thoughts about sex and love in high school. “…sex is hot but love is cold…” That line tickled me… and that you were bold enough to share your thoughts with your peers…about this… in the chapel… in front of Rev Arhin… I knew you would do great things! All your awesome achievements did not surprise me at all. Of course, it will be Oye who will achieve these. I’m glad you blessed us with your brilliance and intellect and yet were so humble about it.

It is very sad to hear this news. It stunned and numbed me. May God keep you. You lived well, Oye. Rest well. You will be missed deeply.

Oye,

I waited till today to write this as I have been in denial since the day I heard the news. As I struggle to come to terms with it, I'm reminded of the impact you've had on my life. I've known you since our Wesley Girls High School days, and I'm still in shock, replaying memories of our time together. Your intelligence, kindness, and warm heart left an indelible mark on me.

I recall a moment that showcased your beautiful spirit - when I shared my trip to Oxford with you, you selflessly connected me with your PhD friend who was studying at Oxford at the time, ensuring I had a great experience. That generosity typifies who you were: a sharer of friends, resources, and love. I'll always cherish memories of our high school days, college days and photo club moments.

Oye, your achievements in such a short time are a testament to your brilliance and dedication. You gave us, your friends, huge bragging rights and so much to be proud of.

We made plans to catch up in Cambridge while you were in the US but that didn't happen and though we didn't get to reconnect after your relocation to Ghana, you gave me enough of your time through lots of laughter and friendship over the years.

Thank you, Oye, for being a part of my life. I bless God for the time we shared and know you're resting in His loving arms. Rest well, dear friend.

Even though I left St Anthony's after class 4, I recognised your name when I heard it in Gey Hey because, how could I not? Even at that age, you were quite impactful in our class.

We were not close in Gey Hey and life after but I was always so proud whenever I saw your achievements and will quickly say she was in my class in St Anthony's.

The news of your death hit me harder than I expected. And sitting at your funeral, I've cries tears like you're a blossom friend.

Rest well Dear Oye. You gave this life a run that very few can achieve.

Oye was one of those rare people who made life feel lighter just by being in it. Our birthdays were only three days apart, yet she always insisted on celebrating me treating us to lunch or dinner on my day, even when I tried to return the gesture. That was her selfless, thoughtful, and effortlessly kind. She had a way of knowing a little about everything, making every conversation with her both enlightening and enjoyable. I will always cherish our Thursday trivia nights at Champs, the laughter, the debates, and the simple joy of being in her company. Even the rides home dropping her off, were filled with stories, jokes, and moments I now hold close to my heart. Oye, you will be deeply missed. Rest in perfect peace dear friend.

Yaa (as I always called you),

Long before our paths crossed more than a decade ago, I had already “heard of you.” The brightest boys in Mfantsipim had lost a French quiz competition to you and another contestant while you were at Wesley Girls. In our frustration, we took it out on them, and they explained that their defeat came at the hands of someone called Oye—someone simply too good for them. We were not kind with our words, and they refused to represent us in a rematch.

I met you in person at Legon when we shared some courses. Your humility betrayed your famed brilliance. Your easygoing nature began our friendship, and your kindness sustained it. It was after meeting you that I truly understood why we lost the quiz and I went back to apologize to the “boys”.

From our first dinner at our graduating year group gathering to our last lunch before you left for graduate school, you remained unmatched in both intellect and humanity. You constantly looked out for me and challenged me to become the best version of myself.

Even while pursuing your doctorate, you stayed in touch. And when you returned home after earning your PhD, you were unchanged—affable, humble, and as kind as ever. We spent time together whenever our schedules allowed.

The last time I saw you was on New Year’s Eve, when I came to commiserate with you over your father’s passing. I promised to support with the funeral arrangements after a trip.

Then came the devastating news of your passing—bewildering and unreal. How do you leave without a farewell?

Yaa, your passing hurts deeply—more than words can express. What happens to our shared aspirations? You know they are too big for one person to carry alone.

Yet I take solace in knowing you are with the Lord. In times of sorrow, you would say “the Lord is our strength”.

Until we meet again, thank you—for your genuine friendship, your love, your encouragement, and your service to humanity. I will carry your memory with me and continue along the path we began together.

Nana Oye,

They say the easiest friendships are the ones that are meant to be. From the moment we met at St. Anthony’s School, we naturally gravitated toward each other. We didn't just grow up together; we built a world together. To know you was to know what it meant to be truly alive.

I pour over at these photos and memories and I see a lifetime of "firsts" and "favourites". I see us navigating the swaying ropes of the Kakum canopy, paddling through the quiet waters of Nzulezu, and laughing over coconuts by the coast. We were explorers in our youthful days, fearless and free, with the whole world ahead of us. You weren't just my travel partner; you were the person who made every destination feel like home.

We kept in touch all those years during your studies in USA. Watching you become Dr. Augustina Nana Oye Odame was one of my greatest joys. You carried your intellect with such grace and your success with such humility. You were the same girl from junior secondary school who always had the brightest smile and the kindest heart.

The hardest part is the plans we just made. We were already looking forward, talking about Easter 2026, imagining our next reunion. Little did I know that would be the last time I would hear from you. If I had known, I would have held onto that conversation just a little longer. I would have told you one more time how much our friendship meant to me.

Today, my heart is heavy with the silence where your voice should be. But as I look at these pictures, I see your light - #OYELIGHTS - shining back at me. You lived a life full of color, adventure, and love. You were the easiest friend to love. Thank you for every adventure and every laugh.

Oye, you navigated the waters of this life with so much grace. You reached the heights, you felt the breeze, and you gave me enough memories to last a lifetime.

You’ve gone ahead of me this time, oh Oye. Though you’ve taken your final journey, the light you left behind is far too bright to ever go out. The map of our friendship is etched in my heart forever.

Rest well, my dear friend. Thank you for the easiest, most beautiful friendship of my life. Until we meet again on the other side of the bridge.

Oye, the news of your passing onto glory came to me as a shock and till today it still feels unreal. We only just recently celebrated you for your honourable appointment of CEO at NCA as a group on our WGHS 2004 year group page. We were all meant to go to Capecoast together last February, oh oh …. how and why did this have to happen? We can only trust God and know that you are resting peacefully in our Lord. You were and continue to be a gem. Your memory will continue to live on in our hearts forever.May our God keep you safely in His arms until we meet again. Oye, Damirifa due.

I loved the rhythm that came with the name Ms. Oye so I jumped on it when I heard Elfreda calling her by that. I would drag the name in a song-like manner when I saw her or even when I was texting her. Putting words together has been difficult not because of a lack of reason but because of the shock that came with this very difficult news of her passing. It still feels unreal becauseI vividly I remember that video call from last October and the excitement of speaking with each other even after my exit from the organization. She remembered the little details about my family and asked after them each time. My unofficial French teacher with an Akan name who spoke impeccable Ga. From all of the tributes shared we can all agree that Ms. Oye lived out her name. She lived a good life and she shared that goodness with every single one of us in very unique ways.

It hurts that your light dimmed so early, that you had to leave us so soon but Ms. Oye, I am grateful that we got a chance to meet, experience and learn from you. You inspired me in many ways, some of which I didn't realize until now. Merci beaucoup et que Dieu te garde dans son sein.

I met Augustina when She took over the leadership of the Ghana Technology Chamber at a time that members' interest was waning. As the CEO of the Ghana Technology Chamber, she tried to reach out to its members to consolidate their front to build a strong ecosystem. Augustina's strong desire to give every member equal opportunities in industry level engagements where participation was limited to a few saw her introduce innovative processes such as balloting and expression of intent on a first come first served basis.

Augustina and I participated in a few industry engagements particularly where the Chamber was required to meet other state institutions like the Ghana Revenue Authority or the Bank of Ghana. She always demonstrated a keen interest in getting a deeper understanding of the workings of the technology space.

My personal relationship with Augustina was one that was basically professional. That notwithstanding we made time to exchange or speak French with each other whenever the opportunity presented itself. She was quite eloquent in French and expressed herself confidently. Augustina was such a sweet and gentle soul.

It is very sad and heartbreaking that Augustina has passed on to eternity. Her calm disposition and sweet personality will always be remembered.

May her gentle and sweet soul find rest in the Lord. God be with you till we meet again.

Au revoir mon amie,

Richard Bansah

CEO

appsNmobile Solutions Ltd

Oye,

I have been in such shock and disbelief. I remember you reaching on out on Jan 6 to wish me a happy birthday and to check on me and me promising you a catch up call. You were so sweet and warm with words of support and encouragement when I talked to you about my career ambitions and my fears. I bonded with you strongly in my time at Nsano because you had a genuine interest in me. Your intellect so refreshing and you were so bright you didn’t need to shout. I continued to stay in touch years later and will constantly call you big woman and ask you to send me my share of your money. You would laugh and say Rita don’t play that game with me, big woman. I have cried so much because I won’t be able to call you to catch up. There will be no lunch plans and intellectual debates. You were a bright light. God be with you Oye