Obituary
Guest Book
1950
2016
W. Paatii Ofosu-Amaah, of Accra, Ghana and Chevy Chase, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on April 13th, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Waafas; son, Nii Amaah (Sara); daughter, Naabia; siblings, Samuel (Virginia), George (Elizabeth), May (Oko), Vincent (Naa Lamiley); and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. Paatii will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.
Born in Accra, Ghana in 1950, Paatii attended Adisadel College in Ghana, and received law degrees from the University of Ghana and Harvard Law School. Paatii began his legal career as an Associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell, then as a Legal Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN. This was followed by an illustrious 30-year career at the World Bank.
Paatii cared deeply about the legal dimensions of international development. He contributed greatly to the World Bank's operations, overseeing legal aspects of over 500 project financings in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. He also pioneered, with colleagues, various legal and judicial reform projects. As the institution's Vice President and Corporate Secretary, he worked closely with three World Bank Presidents. After retiring from the World Bank, he served as Special Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank. Most recently, he was a member of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel, facilitating negotiations between the Republics of Sudan and South Sudan. He also served on the Boards of the African University of Science and Technology, the Nelson Mandela Institution, and the International Law Institute - African Centre for Legal Excellence.
Paatii will be remembered most for his commitment to Africa and love for Ghana, loyalty to his friends and colleagues, zest for life, quirky sense of humor, and unconditional love and affection for his family.
Funeral arrangements are as follows: Visitation - Joseph Gawler's Funeral Home, Washington, DC from 5pm to 7pm on April 25th; Funeral Service for family, friends, and colleagues - Grace Episcopal Church, Silver Spring, MD at 11am on April 26th. Burial will take place in Accra, Ghana on Thursday, May 12th.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the name of W. Paatii Ofosu-Amaah to the following: African Leadership Academy, www.africanleadershipacademy.org or the African University of Science and Technology, http://www.aust.edu.ng/.
Online condolences may be offered at: www.dignitymemorial.com/joseph-gawlers-sons
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 9, 2019
Friend
Robert Fogarty sr
What a true gentleman a spirit so deeply missed by all who knew him .
April 9, 2019
Friend
Eileen Truman (nee HYDE)
Gone too soon. Rest in eternal peace, Paatii.
April 9, 2019
Acquaintance
Patricia Grant
Dear Paatii, Gone but not forgotten. Rest in Perfect Peace.
Patricia Grant, Switzerland.
July 19, 2016
Alpita Shah
Dear Paatii,
You were my colleague and mentor as I served as an attorney and policy advisor for the U.S Treasury and the World Bank. While we sometimes sat across the negotiating table, you always acted with utmost integrity. I learned so much from you. You were the model international professional: a perfect mix of technical skill, wise judgment and passion for development.
Over the course of more than a decade, you also became a trusted friend. When I told you how much I enjoyed my visit to Ghana, you scolded me for not informing you in time to arrange for a warm welcome from your family. When I asked you for life and career advice, you offered it freely as if I were your niece.
While you departed this world too soon, it indeed is a better place because of your contributions. May your soul live on in peace.
Sincere condolences to your family.
May 16, 2016
Hassane Cisse
Rest in peace, my brother, my friend. You left too soon but your legacy will endure. I will never forget you, your kindness, laughter, intelligence and generosity. You did so much for so many, dear Paatii. I am privileged to have known you and will forever be grateful for how you enriched my life.
Farewell my brother
May you rest in eternal peace.
May 10, 2016
Alan Kyerematen
Paatii,your untimely death has come as a great shock to me. You were a friend to all, both old and young. You were elegant, well mannered and engaging in your disposition, always ready to extend a helping hand. The icy hand of death may have frozen you life, but your spirit lives on. Rest in the bosom of the Lord our Creator. Alan Kyerematen
May 9, 2016
Imen Taoufik Ouanes
Dear Wafaas, Nii Amaah and Naa Biah
Imen and I are shocked and deeply saddened by this terrible news! You
know how much Paatii was close to our hearts as all of you too! This is a
tremendous loss not only for his family and friends, but also for the whole African continent.Now that he left us, only physically, remains what he planted in our hearts: his love, his high sense
of humanity, friendship and noble feelings.
We will never forget when you 5 came to our place in Tunisia, just few hours before my
mother passed away to give us support and affection.
We will miss Paatii. We will miss his presence and friendship solidly
constructed during his stay in Tunis, where we often sahred intense moments, also during the Tunisian revolution. He became member of our family. His
voice and his laughs are ringing and continue to ring in my ears and in my
spirit. You will continue to be members of our family. You will inherit his
place in our heart and keep you as members of our family and we will keep
him in our prayers.
God bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
Imen and Taoufik OUANES, Geneva and Tunis
May 8, 2016
Philip Adoteye
Paatii, for all you were to me and my children throughout the years, THANKS. May you have eternal rest in the Lord.
May 4, 2016
Peter Gyamfi
I knew Paati since he was 12. He never changed. He was always cheerful, committed to development and to Africa and very humble. My condolences to Wafas, to my schoolmate, Ate, and to all his siblings, the Akoras.
May 3, 2016
Ayesha ElBereir
Dearest Members of Paatii's family, i am speechless, i have known Paatii two years ago since i started attending the Sudan peace talks and we became colleagues and friends. A freindship i will always treasure and a colleague that always guided me and advised. He always made time to check on me and connect and all i can say is that he will be missed but always remembered with love and appreciation!
Deepest and sincerest condolences and may peace be upon him!
May 1, 2016
Phyllis Pomerantz
I was so sad to learn of the passing of Paati, my colleague and friend. Paati was one of the most elegant, cultured people I knew at the Bank. He cared deeply about all he did and was one of the most honest men I have ever met. My condolences to his entire circle of family and friends
April 28, 2016
Jean-Francois Dupuy
Dear Waafas,
Please accept my deep sympathy and sincere condolences in these difficult times. Paatii was my Manager at the Bank. I learned a lot from him, both professionally and humanly. I will always remember his wonderful smile and I will sorely miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April 27, 2016
Our deepest condolences from a cold Sweden to the family of a very fine, honourable and warm person who always made time to engage with us during our short meetings. We were looking forward for more... but will now have to adjust our plans to the good Lords. Rest in Peace Paatii !.
The Johnson Five - Sweden ( Kevin, Nickie, Denise, Eva-Carin & Banka)
April 27, 2016
Ko-Yung TUNG
April 27, 2016
Hiwot Teferra
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Mr. Paatii Ofosu-Amaah, our valued client at the Radisson Blu Hotel Addis Ababa. It was an honor to have known such a great person and we will truly miss him.
Fond memories are what we have to remember about our dear departed friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May He Rest in Eternal Peace.
On behalf of the entire Radisson Blu Hotel Addis Ababa/
Hiwot Teferra, Director of Sales and Marketing.
April 27, 2016
Abibo Eric Ngandu
April 27, 2016
Abibo Eric Ngandu
April 27, 2016
Abibo Eric Ngandu
April 27, 2016
Abibo Eric Ngandu
April 27, 2016
Abibo Eric Ngandu
April 27, 2016
Abibo Eric Ngandu
April 27, 2016
Abibo Eric Ngandu
April 26, 2016
Johnnie Myers
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the the family, death is not the end but a new beginning. May Gods grace surround you and his comfort saturate your hearts, From Pastor Johnnie Myers Teacher Coach -Newark Public School
April 26, 2016
Judge Abdul Koroma
The report of Paati's death came to me as a shock and is devastating. A very fine human being, endowed with commitment to the highest professional calling. A tragic loss to his family, friends and colleagues. He conquered death by ensuring that his inimitable qualities will forever abide with us. Let us all be consoled.
April 26, 2016
Abdulwahid Al-Nur
Our deep and profound condolences to the entire AUHIP's family and to his family. He was truly a main contributor to the sudanese peace process and we are afraid the process will miss his momentum and relentless efforts.
April 26, 2016
Muaz Tango
My deepest and sincere condolences from myself and my colleagues to you all and to his family and friends during these difficult days.
May his soul rest in peace.
April 26, 2016
Amb. Badreldin
I am really shocked with this very sad news about the death of our friend Paati.
My heart-felt condolences to H.E President Mbeki and his family.
May Almighty God rest his soul in peace.
It is a great loss to peace process in both Sudan and South Sudan.
April 26, 2016
Mariam AlMahdi
Mr Paatii will be missed; a gentle man, dedicated and serious minded.
May God bless Mr Paatii and rest his soul, and grant his grieving family serenity of acceptance and strength to overcome the shock of the sudden death of their beloved father, husband and brother.
My deep condolences, as of NUP, go to President Mbeki, President AbuBaker, Amb Lissane, Amb Kane, Mr Abdul and to all AUHIP team on this great loss.
April 26, 2016
Khaled Farah
It is with immense sadness and sorrow that I have learnt the sad news of the passing away of Professor Paati. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and beg you to convey our sincerest condolences to his family together with our prayers for him of an eternal peace
April 26, 2016
Yahia Babiker
I have been personally saddened and shocked by the news of the passing away of our great friend. I was blessed to know Dr Paatii and work with him closely on numerous issues through the past years. No matter how difficult these issues were, he was always hopeful, forward looking, committed, resilient, patient, and calm. His reservoir of wisdom and rich experience helped him calm tempers, diffuse tensions, and guides us towards a constructive path.
My sympathies go his wife, family, the AUHIP, colleagues, and friends.
April 26, 2016
Ahmed Kodi Saeed
I would like to express my personal sadness and grief for the untimely death of Prof Paatii. He is a great loss to all of us.
Please my heart-felt condolence to his family and to all of the AUHIP team. May Almighty bless his soul and may he rests in eternal peace. I hope that you are provided with the courage to withstand this great loss.
April 26, 2016
Stephen Dhieu Dau
This is a bad news, the passing of Paati Ofosu - Ammah, is a great loss to all of us, as friends and people of South Sudan who have been served with the cooperation agreement signed with government of Sudan in Addis Ababa, 2012 as a result of the sincerest efforts exerted by the AUHIP, in which late Paati was instrumental. I personally, will never forget him as a member of joint approach team that was trying to help in resolution of the issue of external debts of Sudan. May Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.
April 26, 2016
Pauline Akelo Onunga
Dear Paatii,
"Why are we here?" , a question you asked many a time when you flew to Addis or Khartoum to attend to matters of Sudan and South Sudan. I would laugh and we would embark on burning the midnight oil for these two countries. In the process you had the time to be a great friend, mentor and a kind uncle to me.
You would always push me to be a better version of myself; as a colleague, a friend, a legal mind, negotiator and a pan-African. When I heard that you were gone I quickly checked the last message you sent to me. The message said " We now know why we are here" .
I am glad that you left with contentment that we had realised why we have been working tirelessly for the Sudans. The two countries are forever indebted to you for your dedication, time and energy.
I am forever indebted to you.
To Madam Waafas, Naabia and Nii-Ammah.
I had the honour of working with Paatii for the last four years with the AUHIP. He spoke of you all with a smile on his face every chance he got. He told us how he shared our struggles with you. One of our last conversations was that he had sent a picture to you all that sparked a debate about the 'gender representation' of the Panel. He gleefully told me how you were all advocates of equal rights for women. I remember this light conversation amidst a gruelling negation session you gave us a reason to laugh.
Thank you for sharing him with the rest of Africa and my sincere condolences.
The AUHIP will not be the same without him.
We will all miss him dearly.
April 26, 2016
Otema Yirenkyi
Uncle PaaTii always had a smile and an encouraging word. He helped me to showcase my poems and that gave me the courage to keep writing. Thank you.
To the family my deepest condolences.We are praying for you. With love Otema and Nana Aforo Yirenkyi
April 26, 2016
Bruce, Lynne, and Michael Sturtz
Sincere condolences from the Sturtz family.
April 26, 2016
Julia Mensah
Paatii was a HUGE inspiration to me. As an international development professional and a proud citizen of Ghana, I was encouraged by his accomplishments and commitment to Africa. He made us proud! Thank you Paatii for charting such a stellar cause. May we carry forward the torch you lit so brightly. Rest in Perfect Peace. My condolences to Waafas and the rest of the family.
April 26, 2016
Laurence Gruer
Paatii and I met through our wives, the best of friends, in Rome in 1978. We played tennis, ate ice-cream and laughed a lot. Since then our families have grown up together and the Ofosu-Amaahs have always had a special place our lives. I lost my dear wife, Nana Efua, three years ago and now Waafas' beloved and extraordinary Paatii has been taken from her. I and my children know the grief that she, Nii-Amaah, Naabia and the wider family now feel and they have my deepest sympathy.
With much love, Laurence
April 26, 2016
Annan Amegbe
R.I.P FELLOW SANTACLAUSIAN
April 25, 2016
Catherine Moyer
I had the pleasure of knowing Paatii early in my career and I'm saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences.
April 25, 2016
Carol Little
To Nana Ofosu-Amaah and Family, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Uncle. May you be comforted by your memories and the love and support surrounding you. God bless you.
April 25, 2016
Cindy Shikur
Waafas, Naabia, and Nii-Amaah,
Paatii was a wonderful man. I will always have a special place in my heart and cherish all of the memories as well as everything he has done for me. I love you all and wish I could take away just an ounce of your pain. Paatii will be missed by many. Rest in peace dear Paatii.
April 25, 2016
Richard Crabbe
When he was VP and Corporate Secretary at the World Bank, Paatii's wisdom, and guidance were invaluable to the Annual Report Team that I led. His counsel steered us through several meetings, and his behind-the -scenes negotiations ensured many a desired outcome. I personally will miss his constant smile and warm handshake. May he rest in peace.
April 25, 2016
Deborah A. Brown
Please accept my condolences to the wife and family of Mr. W. Paatii Ofosu-Amaah. May the fond and happy memories that you have of your love one help you to endure during this difficult time.
April 25, 2016
Ken Fosu
Paatii was an affable person. The first time l met him at the Ghana Office, I told myself, he does not come across as someone who used to be a Vice President of World Bank as he related to me as if he was a colleague. On various occasions l interacted with him it felt like l had known him for over 20 years. Waafas and family, your loss is our loss, accept my condolences in these trying times.
April 25, 2016
We're grieved beyond expression to learn of Paatii's passing. My wife and I recently met Paatii and his wife, Waafas, at a University of Maryland Business School Alumni function (Waafas is a member), where we shared some fun memories from our past and present. Waafas, our deepest sympathy in your great loss. May God bless and comfort you and your family.
- Seth & Adora Caternor (Burtonsville, Maryland)
April 25, 2016
Allison Lombardo
Paati was a colleague and mentor to me while working on the Sudan/South Sudan negotiations. His wisdom, his humor, and his grace were consistently evident and I learned so much from him. He will be greatly missed as a colleague but also a cherished friend.
April 25, 2016
Alice Annan (Portuphy-Lamptey)
I am sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathy. May Uncle Paatii rest in peace.
April 25, 2016
Andrea Pizziconi
Paatii was such an important mentor and friend to me. For years, despite all of my struggles to get our company off the ground, he never stopped believing in us and was always there to offer guidance and advice. The fruition of his work uplifted millions of lives. He was a great man. A generous man. He always gave his time and his rest to empower everyone else around him. Thank you for sharing Paatii with the world. I grieve for you all. He was taken far too soon.
April 24, 2016
Paatii was a treasure and he will be sorely missed. He advised many, engaged many colleagues, and was a good friend. His career speaks for itself. What needs to be added is his humanity, friendship and charm. Our deepest condolences to Waafas and the family.
Danny Leipziger
April 24, 2016
Seth Caternor
April 24, 2016
We're grieved beyond expression to learn of Paatii's passing. My wife and I recently met Paatii and his wife, Waafas, at a University of Marlyland Business Alumni function where we shared some fun memories. Waafas, our deepest sympathy in your great loss. May God bless and comfort you and your family.
- Seth & Adora Caternor, Maryland
April 24, 2016
Conrad Stevens
I am sure I share my utter devastation with many upon hearing the news of Paatii's passing. He was the singular person who managed to unfailingly earn my love and respect throughout my entire life. I will never forget his influence on myself and family and all the good works he has done for the world. My heart goes out to you Waafas and the whole Ofosu-Amaah tribe and I'm very sorry I can't be there with you all.
April 24, 2016
Waafas and the entire family, our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Kwame & Audrey Akuffo (London)
April 24, 2016
Laura Bromwich
Working with Paatii during the Sudan negotiations was a formative experience for me. He was always ready to share his wisdom. His attention to detail was endless, however long the day. He was deeply thoughtful, and always took the feelings of others into account. Many people should be grateful to his family, for the time he spent away from them in order to support work he knew to be important. He will be so much missed, but his legacy will live on.
April 24, 2016
Lucia Fort
I am so sad about Paatii's passing and send Waafas, Nii Amaah and Naabia and the rest of the family all my prayers, thoughts and love.
April 24, 2016
Sushma Ganguly
Very sorry to hear this sad news. Knew Paati from my Africa days at the Bank. He was such a wonderful colleague, and a fine human being. He will indeed be missed by all. My sincere condolences to his family. Thoughts and prayers are with all.
April 23, 2016
John & Esther Riverson
Waafas and family. It was a shock to hear of the untimely passing of our dear colleague and friend, Paa Tii. Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers. Our faithful God will surely comfort and strengthen you all at this time. John will be forever grateful, for the counsel and support he and other teams received on development projects in Africa. May God preserve the legacy he left in the Bank for development work in Africa and the world. Paa Tii, Nyame nfa wo nsie!
April 22, 2016
Eileen Truman
The untimely passing of Paatii has shocked us all. He was a genuinely, warm, charismatic friend and colleague at The World Bank, and beloved "brother" of my family (Dowuona-Hyde). My heartfelt condolences to the entire Ofosu-Amaah family, during this difficult time. Rest in eternal peace Paatii. You will be sorely missed.
April 22, 2016
Phyllis-Marie Attipoe
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Waafas and the entire family at this difficult time. God grant you the strength to bear the loss and may the memories of times shared with Paatii comfort you. .
I enjoyed working with Paatii, while I was at the World Bank Resident mission in Ghana. Paatii, rest in peace.
Phyllis-Marie Attipoe (New Jersey)
April 22, 2016
Joe Lagomarcino
I am so sad to hear of Paatii's passing. The Lagomarcino family wants to express our condolences and well wishes to Waafas, Nii Amaah and Naabia. I have so many wonderful memories of school events and activities with our children together. Paatii always had a huge smile and big hug and those will be greatly missed.
April 22, 2016
Yolanda Quintana
Prayers and sincerest condolences to the family.
Yolanda Quintana(Newark,NJ)
April 22, 2016
Our sincerest condolences to the family. We will keep you in our prayers. Paati will always be remembered for his elegance, intellect and integrity.
Victor Essien & family
April 22, 2016
Paati was the epitome of humanity: gregarious, caring, helpful, and intelligent! Through my brothers (Clement, Albert, DK, and Akoto;) I came to know and appreciate Paati, too. Especially Albert, who is heartbroken. May the good Lord welcome Paati to His Kingdom,to rest in Perfect Peace.
April 22, 2016
Seth Terkper (Min of Finance; ex-IMF)
A great mentor who never forgot the mentee; whatever the heights, you kept an eye on the target you set awhile ago. My family and I (and many Africans in the diaspora) are eternally grateful for your being near when it mattered most. RIP.
April 21, 2016
Marie-Hélène Bricknell
Dear Waafas,
Please accept my sincere condolences upon your loss. I am truly very sorry but know that you will eventually find the strength to go on. May your memories and the passing of time be of comfort to you and your family.
April 21, 2016
Andrew Vorkink
Waafas - I am so sorry to hear about Paatii. He was a dear friend and I am very sad to hear of his loss. Please accept Pat and my condolences. Andy
April 21, 2016
Lucille Jones-Holder
To Waafas, the children and siblings of Paatii, I send my sincere condolences. I understand what it feels like to lose a loved one. May God hold you all close to Him and give you that peace that surpasses all understanding. 1st Thessalonians 4:13-14 teaches that concerning those who have fallen asleep, do not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. Paatii is now safe in God's hands.
April 21, 2016
Herbert Acquay
Paatii, you were a big source of inspiration for me and my children, a great mentor and friend. I will miss you.
April 21, 2016
Rest in peace Uncle Paatii
April 21, 2016
Patricia Grant
Dear Paatii, I never knew you but I know of you from your twin in-laws Augusta and Augustina. They treasured you and I feel their loss. May you rest in perfect peace. Patricia Grant nee Oduro Adiyiah, Switzerland.
April 20, 2016
Dear Waafas. James and I are in shock about Paatii. We mourn with you and the children. We pray that the many beautiful memories of his life will sustain you through the difficult times. It is difficult to think of Paatii without remembering his infectious smile which we know will forever brighten your dark days.
Ruth and James Kagia
April 20, 2016
Samue Munzele Maimbo
The best of mentors. The best of human beings. A teacher with every word. Every conversation, ever so helpful. Paatii will be sorely missed.
April 20, 2016
Joe Tucker
Please accept my most sincere condolences. I had the honor to spend time working alongside Paatii in Addis Ababa during the Sudan/South Sudan negotiations facilitated by the African Union. He often took a personal interest in me and helped me understand many of the tricky issues faced during the negotiations. I always appreciated his patience, camaraderie, and eloquent way of explaining things. He always knew just the right thing to say and made time for everyone. The esteem in which absolutely everyone involved in the negotiations held Paatii was a testament to his ability to look at things with a compassionate and neutral eye. He will surely be missed.
April 20, 2016
Charles Di Leva
Dear Paatii,
Thank you for all you did for me and for my family. Thank you for all you did to make the world a better place. Your great spirit and legacy will continue to live on in the memories and deeds of all who had the privilege and honor to know you.
April 20, 2016
Margaret Quarshie (Bannerman)
We are sure all those who have been dealt with this devastating news are still in shock and in pain. For some of us who have known Paatii for well over half a decade, it is difficult to speak about Paatii in the past! His family and my grandparents lived in the same neighbourhood; we more or less grew up together. Paati's warm, friendly smiles could not be missed. His father was equally warm and very friendly and Paatii must have inherited this from him. His brilliance, even from high school was a great pleasure for his Dad to share with my grandparents. Being the last child, his older siblings and parents doted on him. We were later to cross paths in London when he visited Waafas, his then girlfriend from New York. It was an honour for me to have witnessed their marriage union in London. In 1986, I was on holiday in their home in Chevy Chase. I so remember the great hospitality. Took me a few time to The World Bank to see his colleagues, have lunch, went shopping...Such a humane amiable gentleman! Waafas, I know it is hard but take comfort in The Lord who sees and knows everything. I will continue to keep in touch. Our heartfelt condolences to you, the children and the wider Ofosu-Amaah family whom we all know very well. Such a dignified family! My older sister is still in shock as it was only barely a month ago she sat together with Paatii at a funeral service in Accra! We will forever miss our very own Paatii. Safe passage to him and to you Waafas, the Lord gives and takes. Be comforted that you shared so many years of your life with this fine, distinguished well respected gentleman....
Dr & Mrs Quarshie, Johannesburg, South Africa
April 20, 2016
Eric Amoo
Rest in peace, my good friend. Although we parted after secondary school I have fond memories of your friendliness and exuberance. Rest peacefully and may your legacy continue to impact many generations to come.
Rev. E. N. D. Amoo
April 20, 2016
Eunice Ackwerh
Paatii, you will be so missed! Secretly, I am so proud of Africans working at the World Bank and other international organizations, making their mark and contribution to development and to a better Africa and world--and you principally among them. May you rest from your labor and may your soul rest in perfect peace!
April 20, 2016
Larko Kofi
Dear Auntie Waafas, I am so sorry for your untimely loss of Uncle Paatii. I will always remember his beautiful smile. His spirit and drive will always be with us and I am proud to have known him. Praying for God's peace during this difficult time. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
April 20, 2016
Evans Tagoe
Please accept my sincerest condolences. It was a greatest privilege meeting you before hearing this shocking news. You were so much of an inspiration to us during your visit to the VIM office. RIP Paatii and may the good Lord grant you eternal rest in His bosom.
April 19, 2016
Moktar Gaouad
Rest in Peace Paati. I should say Sir Paati. Such elegance, such personality. I witnessed all this working with you at AfDB. You brought to me as to many others your experience and your knowledge. You did that humbly. I am very sad that we lost you. I am sorry for your wife and your family. My sincere condolences to them. Rest in Peace Paati.
Moktar Gaouad (New York)
April 19, 2016
Bayo Oyewole
Please accept my sincere condolences. Paatii was a good friend, colleague and mentor to many. A distinguished gentleman and an inspiration to us all at the World Bank. He will be badly missed. May his soul rest in peace.
April 19, 2016
DESMOND BOAMAH
REST IN PERFECT PEACE SANTA. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO MEET YOU BEFORE THIS UNTIMELY CALL. THE LORD FOREVER BLESS YOUR KIND SOUL!
April 19, 2016
Dear Wafas, I am deeply saddened by the unexpected news of Paatii's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. Paatii was a truly exceptional person. I vividly remember the serenity prayer hung in his LEG office in the 1980s: God, grant me the patience to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. I realized pretty quickly that his prayer had indeed been answered Paatii was blessed with serenity, patience, courage and wisdom in abundance. Paatii and I bumped into each other in Heathrow airport some time ago sadly, it was to be our last meeting. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the children in this hour of grief. Mohan Gopal, New Delhi, India ([email protected])
April 19, 2016
Eli Amet
"Others have laboured and we share the glory,
Ours to do exploits and add to their gain;
Those who come after will take up our story,
May it be worthy of singing again"
Up Santaclausian.
April 19, 2016
Reginald Addy Jnr
Paatii Met with my team briefly but what transpired during that encounter will remain with us forever. He was indeed a proud African who believed in the power of vision and Purpose. He challenged us to have a paradigm shift in the way we perceive the world around us.
God bless your life...
April 19, 2016
My Big Brother, Paatii, was special and had an uncanny way of making one feel special. I'll like to share a story about Paatii that underscores this trait: When he was the Corporate Secretary at the World Bank, we were supposed to have lunch and I told him that I'll come to his office to meet him, but he declined and said that he would instead come to my own office to pick me up. When he came to pick me up, he passed through the Front Office of the Group General Counsel and, of course, people were greeting and following him until he stopped in my office to pick me up. During lunch, he told me that he decided to come to my office to pick me up so that people will know that I have a Big Brother and not mess with me. I am sure a good many people have similar stories. I have known Paatii for about two decades and will miss my Big Brother. May his gentle soul rest in peace and may his family have the fortitude to bear the loss.
'meke Okeke (Bethesda, MD)
April 19, 2016
A strong but gentle man who touched all the Fogartys with his spirit,smile,and friendship
April 19, 2016
Dear Waafas, It was such a shock to hear of the passing of Paatii. May the good Lord continue to wrap His hands around you and your whole family and also give you peace which passes all understanding during this trying period. Paatii touched a lot of lives and he will be greatly missed.
Koshie and Abud, Virginia
April 19, 2016
Dear Waafas, It was such a shock to hear of the passing of Paatii. May the good Lord continue to wrap His hands around you and your whole family and also give you peace which passes all understanding during this trying period. Paatii touched a lot of lives and he will be greatly missed.
Koshie and Abud, Virginia
April 19, 2016
Larkuo Marabe
Dear Auntie Waafas and family, my heartfelt and sincere condolence for your great loss. Uncle Paatii inspired many people including myself. His dedication and commitment to Africa is a testament to what an amazing man he was. May God provide all of you with comfort during this difficult time.
April 19, 2016
Hakim Ben Hammouda
I worked with my Brother Patii in the Office of the President of the African Development Bank and enjoyed his strong support and friendship. I also appreciated the great work he did to resolve peacefully the conflict in Soudan. Your memory will stay with us as a committed African to help the continent to adress its difficulties.
April 19, 2016
Sarah Karen and Paa Nicho Halm-Lutterodt
Dear Waafas, Nii Armah and Naa Abia, my family and I are so sorry about the untimely death of Paati. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord bless you and may Paatii's soul rest in peace.
April 19, 2016
Mahamudu Bawumia
It is so hard to believe that Paatii is gone. He was a very good friend who related to me as his younger brother. His advice and insights were invaluable and I will miss him dearly. He was such a good and caring person. His calm demeanor and smile in his approach to everything was amazing. He was indeed an amazing individual. He made a difference in this world. We thank God for his life. My condolences to Waafas, the children and the entire Ofosu-Amaah family. I can only imagine what you are going through. Paatii, may your soul rest in peace.
April 19, 2016
Mohamed Ibn Chambas
The last time I saw Paatii was only a few months ago in Accra. He had found out I was in town and called to find out if we could meet. I was on my way to see Ken Kwaku and told Paatii I would come with Ken. We spent a pleasant afternoon with him. Paatii was his usual gentle, charming self! We parted company with a promise on my part, to call him on my next visit to NY and he assured me he would catch a train from DC to come see me, if even just for a lunch, and to return same day. Well, now, that is not to be as Paatii has so abruptly left us for the world hereafter. May the Good Lord continue to extend to him his grace and kindness, and may He grant his family and loved ones the courage to bear this painful and irreparable loss. RIP, Paatii. Mohamed ibn Chambas.
April 19, 2016
Takyiwaa Manuh
I just received the news of Paatii's untimely passing with great shock and sadness! Paatii's name had been familiar to some of us from secondary school times way back in the 1960s, through our beloved sister, Waafas. I met Paatii again recently in Addis Ababa, and looked forward to renewing my friendship with him and Waafas. But alas it was not to be. Waafas, may you and the children, as well as the wider Ofosu-Amaah family, take comfort in the precious remembrances of the good times together! Paatii, rest in perfect peace.
April 19, 2016
Douglas Webb
To Waafas and family. Anne and I send our deepest condolences on Paatii's passing. He was an outstanding lawyer, a warm and engaging friend, and a proud African. He has left us much too soon.
April 19, 2016
Rajen Soopramanien
I have not seen Paatii ever since my wife Sushila and I last bumped into him on the trail more than a year ago. Like others, we keep fond memories of our interactions with him, and we were devastated by the news of his passing. Paatii and I go back more than a quarter of a century, and, more than anything else, I will remember him as a good' person. He was indeed larger than life and he will be sorely missed. To Waafas and the rest of his family, we wish you well as you commence the long and painful process of coping with the immense void that he leaves behind. I am currently in Mauritius on a business trip, but our thoughts will be with you throughout these testing times. May he rest in peace. Rajen & Sushila
April 18, 2016
Reginald Randolph
Anty Waafas, my family and I extend our sincere sympathy to you and the family. Uncle Paatii was a gentle and kind soul who always had a word of good advice for us young men. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
April 18, 2016
Dear Waafas and family,
It is with great shock and disbelief that I have learnt of the passing of my brother and friend, Paatii. He was an outstanding professional who dedicated his skills and energy to improving the plight of developing countries and their peoples, the world over. On behalf of myself and my family, I wish to extend my most sincere condolences. We mourn with you and pray that the Lord will give you courage and strength at this difficult time. I shall miss him dearly. May he rest in eternal peace.
Donald Kaniaru (Kenya)
April 18, 2016
Dora Cudjoe
My very first time of meeting you was in the MC Atrium in early 2007 and you had a very pleasant smile. You asked if I was Dora and immediately I knew it was a sign of something very very good after I looked you up on the intranet (I was a Bank greenhorn then). A few weeks later I got the much awaited news that I had been selected for the 2007 YP cohort.
Your name always brings such beautiful and nostalgic memories.
Thank you and may you rest well in the bosom of the Lord.
Dora
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