G O QUARCOOPOME

Godfrey Odartey
QUARCOOPOME

Also known as PapaNkpa or Uncle G O
We saw Papa Onukpa as the big father of Labour House. He was more serious so we never messed with him. We feared him not because he ever threatened us or shouted at us but simply because he was such a big man who commanded respect. He had an imposing personality who walked with a distinctive swagger in his big baggy trousers and always well turned out. He was really just a gentle giant.
He was a shoemaker by profession and had a big workshop in Accra Central.
He was a prominent gure in the Free Mason’s Lodge and I remember him hosting receptions in Labour House with his Lodge brothers. They ate heartily and I never forget how we salivated while they feasted on the hog roasts, which we could smell but never tasted. We could just tell that it was very nice.
I also remember that we were curious about them drinking beer.
We got into trouble when one Christmas we lit a recracker (waigon) which accidentally zzed and ew into PapaNkpa’s jacket. We were horried but somehow survived his wrath. Thereafter, we avoided him as much as possible. We called him Kpung Laga for some strange reason.
In his nal days, I think he was admitted to Korle Bu where he nally succumbed to Bowel Cancer.

Tribute

Godfrey Odartey Quarcoopome was popularly known as Papa Nkpa or Uncle G O. He died on 23rd January 1974
BIRTH HISTORY:
He was the second son of John Sackey Quarcoopome and a direct brother to Uncle Albert (A M Quarcoopome), Dodoo Nye (Beatrice) and Aao Tawiah (Agnes) Quarcoopome form the same mother. He had two children, Regina Lamiley and Fred Lantei Quarcoopome. He has thirteen grandchildren.
OCCUPATION:
G O was a shoe-maker by profession with a large shop in Scissors House where he made shoes and also trained many apprentices. He was known to personally travel to the port at Takoradi to take delivery of imported leather with which he made his shoes. He was a also a successful Merchant who imported umbrellas, handbags, etc which Nigerian traders came to buy. They affectionately called him ‘Onike” (Richman).
He apparently lost all his money to some Nigerian scammers who were able to raid his bank account by forging his signature. Following this, he started making blocks with which the Anglican Mission House at All Saints Church, Adabraka was built. He also started a block making business on a Quarcoopome family plot at Kokomlemle.
G O also setup a cloth trading business with his partner, Auntie ‘Fowa who was a very wealthy woman in her own right. He was warned by his father about marrying the wrong woman and risked losing everything.
SOCIAL:
PapaNkpa was much loved and respected by all the family. He adored his 13 grandchildren who were lucky to wear shoes he custom-made for them; and was always on hand to offer advice on how to look after their shoes and get the most comfortable t. They have some fond memories.