Service Stardust – The Timeless Tale of Mrs. Catherine Ahenkora Osei
Prelude
Hello, everyone! Today’s story breaks away from the norm. It’s the inspiring journey of a remarkable woman who devoted her life to touching hearts and embodying the true spirit of service.
I recently had the honor of hearing all about the journey of Mrs. Catherine Ahenkora Osei. Even though I never had the chance to meet her, the inspiration and wisdom from her story made me feel as though her spirit had reached out and touched me. I’m absolutely thrilled to pass this experience along to you!
Note: The story is dedicated to our esteemed patron, Mrs. Margaret Takyi-Micah, in memory of her beloved mother, Mrs. Catherine Ahenkora Osei, who recently passed away.
Dear Madam Patron, we extend our heartfelt condolences and honor the remarkable life your mother led.
On Behalf of CXP Ghana
Early Life Lessons
Ms. Catherine’s story began on March 31st, 1930, within a household deeply rooted in education. Her love for learning was evident from the start. Tragically, her father’s early passing didn’t deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to pursue education wholeheartedly. This drive led her and her mother to relocate, seeking better educational prospects.
One remarkable aspect of her resilience was showcased during her time in Peki, Volta Region. Not only did she diligently pursue her studies, but she also embraced the challenge of mastering Ewe, a language completely unfamiliar to her before. Her unwavering commitment to mastering this language stood as a testament to her sheer determination and willingness to conquer obstacles.
Her experiences, especially the loss she endured early in life, profoundly shaped her perspective. They instilled in her a steadfast belief in cherishing every opportunity and not letting circumstances define one’s capabilities. Ms. Catherine firmly held the principle of not taking things for granted and never allowing success to cloud humility. Her life reflected an ethos of giving one’s utmost in every situation, making the most out of life’s challenges. This spirit of resilience and determination became a cornerstone of her character, influencing her children and everyone around her.
Life as an Adult
Ms. Catherine was a dynamo, tackling every task with unwavering dedication. Her journey led her through diverse roles—from working at Kingsway Chemist, where she rubbed shoulders with influential personalities like Mrs. Ruth Botsio, to engaging in trade, baking, poultry farming, and even hairdressing. Amidst all this, she remained fully committed to raising her children and hosting gatherings for her husband, who held the prestigious position of being the first Ghanaian auditor general, appointed by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Despite the heartache of losing her husband in 1988, leaving her a widow for 35 years, Ms. Catherine refused to let adversity dim her light. Her life was a testament to relentless impact. Even while battling health challenges, she lived life to the fullest, demonstrating sheer resilience by embarking on a journey to India at the age of 89, accompanied by two of her children.
At this stage of her remarkable life, two principles shone through brightly: the undeniable rewards of hard work and the importance of perseverance, especially in the face of adversity.
Her Very Important Lessons on Service
Let’s dive into the heart of this remarkable narrative—service!
In today’s discourse, service experts emphasize the cultivation and sustained pursuit of excellence. Ms. Catherine’s life might just be the ideal blueprint we should follow. From an early age, she grasped the significance of dressing the part and the impact of personal grooming on professionalism. Her exemplary work ethic garnered commendation, highlighting her remarkable dedication as she continued to work effectively even until the day she welcomed her baby. Her professionalism and flawless communication left such an impression on her superiors that they acknowledged her efforts with an award. This same ethos of professionalism became the cornerstone of her children’s upbringing. It’s no wonder that one of her children, Mrs. Margaret Takyi-Micah, has emerged as a distinguished Customer Service Expert, mentoring numerous industry professionals and significantly shaping Ghana’s service industry landscape.
Reflecting on her 1958 voyage to the UK by boat, Ms. Catherine often reminisced fondly about this particular journey. Despite her extensive global travels, this trip held a special place in her heart. Her hosts, Mrs. Todd and Mrs. Chapman, meticulously planned every aspect of her visit, leaving an indelible mark on her. Feeling cared for, understood, and valued during this trip profoundly impacted her perspective on service. Since then, she sought that level of personalized care in all her experiences, shaped by both her life encounters and this memorable journey.
She consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence through acts of kindness—whether it was gifting carefully chosen fruits, meals, or essential items and occasionally surprising with monetary aid. Amidst managing a bustling household of six, she graciously opened her doors, ensuring utmost comfort and care for visiting siblings, endeavoring to deliver the highest standard of hospitality within their sanctuary. Her garden was an ode to perfection—an orchard of handpicked fruits and an array of vibrant vegetables shared generously with neighbors, family, and friends. Her home, a gallery of freshly cut, meticulously arranged flowers, embodied her dedication to presenting the beauty of nature with grace and finesse.
Her employment at Kingsway Chemist came as a result of an impressive first impression, but it was her unwavering dedication that secured her position. Until her last days, she gravitated towards professionals who delivered top-notch service. Even during her illness, she found solace in the care of well-behaved nurses. Ms. Catherine lived by these exact service standards, ensuring that everyone she encountered imbibed and exhibited these principles. Her legacy of exceptional service remains a guiding light for all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her.
Final Words…
We can confidently affirm that she was a driving force behind elevating service standards within her sphere. Blessed with numerous years, overcoming challenges, and narrowly dodging a plane crash by missing a flight from the U.S. to St. Lucia, Mrs. Catherine Ahenkora Osei undeniably graced the world as a true blessing.
For those, like myself, who never had the chance to directly experience Ms. Catherine’s influence, I hope this story offers a glimpse into her essence and imparts the invaluable lessons she would have shared.
While it’s true that she’s no longer with us, her captivating story will endure eternally…
As I wrap up, remember the wise words of Jan Brewer:
“No matter what you do, or how you do it, you leave a little footprint—that’s your legacy.”
Let’s keep making our mark, leaving behind a legacy that speaks volumes about who we are.
A Narrative Crafted by Yvonne Quashie (National Organiser, CXP Ghana)
Insightful Revelations from Mrs. Margaret Takyi–Micah (Patron, CXP Ghana)
