MERCY KORKOI QUAO

Mercy Korkoi (Quao)
QUARCOOPOME

Also known as Man Nkpa
Mankpa was the eldest daughter of John Sackey Quarcoopome and was well aged when we were growing up. She was the Matriarch of the household.
She was the lone mother who was left at home when our parents and the women of the household went to work or to the market. She was the resident childminder as all the children gathered around her. She had her hands full watching and observing all that went on around her, only to report to our parents when they returned from work. We were in awe of her for this reason but adored her all the same because she was never harsh on us. She was not very mobile and I remember her sitting or lying on her wooden bed/couch under the mango tree while we ran rings around her. She usually left us older ones well alone but we were very much aware of her presence and never took her for granted. I cannot remember her telling us any stories. Yet, I do not recall her ever raising her voice to admonish us.
I think her hands were full keeping her own grandchildren Azumah, Saluu, Awudu, Naa Awaa, Tello, Haruna and Adisetu in check.

Tribute

Mankpa’s mother Mansa (married J S Quarcoopome) and had three Children, Odey, Korkoi (aka Mankpa), Odartey (aka Papa Abrotsiri).
Odey is Mankpa’s older sister and Odartey (Papa Abrotsiri) is her younger brother on her father’s side from the family house at Labour House, Adabraka.
Papa Abrotsiri also known as Asee apparently left the shores of the Gold Coast and went to sea for many years and was therefore lost to the family until his return when we were children in Labour House. He lived in a small room in the house and we enjoyed many hours playing pranks with him. I remember him going out most evenings and bringing back some kelewele, which he produced from his jacket pocket for us. We fondly called it kotoku mli kelewele (pocket kelewele) which he excitedly and happily shared with us. He is fondly remembered by those of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Manpka’s older sister, Odey had a daughter called Auntie Dedei. Ruth Dedei Quarcoopome (Nettey) married Samuel Tetteh Nettey on 2nd September 1939 in Kumasi. They had two children , Akai Nettey and Nakai Nettey (aka Baby Sami). (Her marriage certicate is attached)
Mercy Korkoi Quarcoopome (Mankpa) married Abraham J J Quao.
AJJ, also known as Catechist Quao, was one of the founding members of the Adabraka Methodist Church. Mother Mercy Korkoi Quao (also known as Mankpa) had four children Children: Ebenezer Kwakudua Quao, Victoria Serwah Quao (who married Ashie), Edward Osei-Yaw Quao, and Lydia Lankai Quao (who married Nelson). I remember Unco Nii getting himself in trouble after going out for a drink from time to time. He was fun when we shouted “Abraham” and he responded “Odjaa”. This is how I remember him.
Man Kpa had started the Candy-making industry from her backyard. This was popular and I do remember the younger ladies in the household helping out. We also helped to mould the hot molten stringy treacle preparation, seasoned with vanilla essence and colouring, cut into smaller shapes before they hardened to size. Batches of these sweets were dispatched for sale and was very popular with school children (Siklit3).
We knew Mankpa’s children as Uncle Kwakudua (Owusu ‘Apa), Auntie Vic, Uncle Osei-Yaw, and Auntie Kai. Auntie Kai and her family lived with Mankpa in Labour House. I remember Owusu ‘Apa for his skill on the accordion.

Ebenezer Kwakudua QUAO

Alias Owusu ‘apa
Uncle Kwakudua had children from three different wives. Wife from Kotobabi, Abavana Junction had Nana Konadu Auntie Aggie from Kumasi had Nii Owusu, Otuahene, Agyeman, and others, maybe. Auntie Hagar from Bekwai had Nii Lante and Naa Lamiley

victoria serwah quao (ashie)

Alias Auntie Vic
Auntie Vic was married to Mr E K Ashie. They lived at Graphic Road, Adabraka and had six children, Sarah Adei, Evelyn Kutorkor, Maud Koteikai, George Neequaye, Gloria Koteitsoo, and Lawrence Nii Amon

osei-yao quao

Alias Uncle Ser Yao
Uncle Osei-Yaw was married to Auntie Rose and had three children, Nana Konadu, Nathan Owusu and Kofl Agyeman

lydia lankai quao (nelson)

Alias Auntie Kai
Auntie Kai married J J Nelson and had seven children. Michael Azuma (RIP), Emmanuel Salu (RIP), Christopher Awudu, Regina Naa Awaa, Timothy Tello, Samuel Aruna, and Victoria Adisetu

Descendants

Mankpa was a quiet leader among the women folk of Labour House. She was not as imposing as her other sisters but was obviously greatly respected and loved.