A L I F E W E L L L I V E D  7 : 0 0 I N T H E M O R N I N G S A T U R D A Y 3 R D O F O C T O B E R 2 0 2 6 B E T H E L P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H , L A

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“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23 (ESV) 

biphy " For none of us lives for ourselves alone and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so whether we live or die we belong to the Lord " Romans 14: 7-8.  | 02 biphy Today we are celebrating a life well lived, a life full of laughter, a life that even in death was full of life. That was the life of Ernest Sylvanus Odotei known by his siblings and family as Bro. Odotei, in ofcialdom Mr. Odotei and his friends and colleagues just ES was born into an aristocratic family in La known as Nii Ahimako We on December 1st, 1932 at La. His parents were the late Ezekiel Sowah Odotei a former head of Nii Ahimako We and son of the late great Nii Odotei Kwablah also of Nii Ahimako We, La and the late Madam Evelyn Angerley Ako of Nii Kwami otu We, Abese, La. He was the third of ten siblings. His spiritual journey began at Bethel Presbyterian Church, La where he was baptized by the late Reverend W. Tetteh in 1933 into the Presbyterian faith to nature his early Christian life. His educational pursuits started from the La Presbyterian primary school (Emmause) in 1938 and continued later at the elite La Presbyterian Middle Boys Boarding School popularly known in those days as Salem; where he learned the basic rudiments of a self-disciplined life and completed in 1948. It is worthy to mentioned that ES was brilliant during his school days and as such was awarded a scholarship to cover his tuition. He continued his education at Accra Academy in 1949 and successfully completed in 1953. He exceled in the Odinary Levels Certicate Examination and was admitted at Achimota Secondary school for the Advanced Levels but he declined the admission. In 1954 he was employed by the Accountant General's Department in Accra where he successfully passed his probationary examination and was transferred to Navrongo in the Upper Region in 1955. He served at Salaga and Wenchi until 1961 when he was transferred back to Accra. of blessed memory in 1960 at the time when he was serving at Wenchi and the marriage was blessed with 5 children, one of them had predeceased him. He married Ms. Faustina Akuetteh

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W O R K P I X M U S I C A L I M A G E S F A M I L Y P I X  | 04 biphy

Mr. Odotei's work with Accountant General's Department took him through assignments to Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Education and back to Ministry of Health where he nally retired as Chief Accountant in 1993. ES dedicated himself to public service with Controller and Accountant General's Department in Accra. Over the course of his professional career he served diligently in various capacities. Mr. Odotei worked with Accountant General's Department for a period of thirty- nine (39) years and during these number of years, ES had exposure to different leadership roles including a training course in the United Kingdom. He rose through the ranks to the position of Chief Accountant. All this time, ES did not overlook the affairs of his native land La and his family house Nii Ahimako We, Kowe. He served as a prominent elder of the Nii Ahimako We family association and continued to contribute in diverse ways to the growth and development of the association. There was no doubt that he was appointed head of Nii Ahimako We and he played this leadership roles to the best of his ability till death laid it's icy hands on him on the 29th day of April, 2026. After the passing of his father, the late Ezekiel Sowah Odotei, in 1985, ES stepped forward to take up the mantle of responsibility and provide leadership and guidance to the family. He willingly accepted this role and carried it out with commitment, wisdom, and humility, much to the admiration and respect of his siblings. He became a source of strength, counsel, and support to the family, always ready to offer guidance whenever it was needed. Mr. Odotei never forgot his Maker as he journeyed through life. From a humble beginning as a young boy who had his enrollment at the La Presbyterian Primary School in 1938. He kept the faith with the church and served his Maker faithfully and diligently to the admiration of all. ES had a deep and abiding love for music, and he used his God-given musical talent faithfully in the service of the church. He served as an organist, accompanying worship and helping to create an atmosphere of praise and devotion. His sense of responsibility and devotion to his family reected the values he had inherited from his father. His musical journey took him through several congregations, including Nazareth Congregation and Besheba Congregation,  | 05biphy

Nuntso le mli. Amen. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Rest peacefully, ES. Your work is done, your legacy remains, and you will forever be remembered and cherished. As we mourn his departure, we are also grateful to God for the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. The memories of his love, leadership, service, and musical talent will forever remain with us. Throughout his life, ES remained a man of faith, service, music, and family. He gave of himself generously and touched the lives of many through his kindness, leadership, and dedication. His passing leaves a great void in the family and among all who knew and loved him. Yaawo jogban ye Though he is no longer with us, the beautiful memories of his music, his dedication, and his service will remain with us. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and hearing him play. Music was more than just a talent to ES; it was a gift he cherished and willingly offered in the service of God and others. He gave his very best whenever he sat behind the organ, and through his music, he touched many hearts and enriched the worship experience of those around him. Indeed, ES fought a good ght, he nished the race, and he kept the faith. We believe that the crown of glory awaits him for a life well lived, a race well run, and a faith faithfully kept.  | 06 biphy

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