Obituary
Seth Mensah, affectionately known to his family as Agya Kwadwo, was born on October 14, 1935, in Mangoase, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. He was born to Mr. J.E. Mensah and Mrs. Rosina Serwah Mensah, both hailing from Obomeng Kwahu in the Eastern Region.
Seth spent his early childhood in Mangoase, where he began his basic education at Mangoase Presbyterian School. He later continued his studies at Obo Government School, demonstrating a strong academic foundation. His educational journey led him to Larteh Presbyterian Boys' School in Akuapem, where he distinguished himself as a student leader and served as the school prefect, further exemplifying his leadership and dedication to his studies.
This solid educational background and early exposure to leadership laid the foundation for his personal and professional development.
In 1953, Seth Mensah relocated to Accra, where he immersed himself in music and honed his skills in instruments such as the horn, windpipe, and saxophone. He soon joined the Kwahu Union Band, a prominent music group in the city formed and supported by affluent Kwahu business owners. As a saxophonist, he quickly became a valued member of the band, contributing to their vibrant performances across the city.
While performing with the Kwahu Union Band, Seth also seized the opportunity to diversify his skills by learning Cash Researched Operation with N.C.R at Tudu, Accra. This training paved the way for his first significant, stable job in the accounting department of U.T.C. department store, where he combined his professional work with his passion for music.
Despite his growing career in accounting, Seth continued to play with the Kwahu Union Band and expanded his musical engagements. He became part of a group that regularly performed weekend gigs at the renowned Coconut Grove Club in Accra. It was during one of these performances that he was discovered by Jerry Hansen, the leader of the famous Ramblers Dance Band. Recognizing Seth's talent, Hansen invited him to join the Ramblers as a saxophonist, marking a significant step in his musical career.
In 1967, Seth Mensah relocated to the United Kingdom, following in the footsteps of his brother Charles, who had immigrated in 1962 and facilitated Seth's arrival. Upon settling in the UK, Seth began working for British Rail and later for the London Underground, where he served as an engineer for over 36 years until his retirement.
Seth’s strong work ethic and determination were evident throughout his time in the UK. In addition to his full-time role with the railroad, he took on various additional jobs to support his family. He worked as a fur coat tailor for department stores during weekends and nights and also served as a facilities security officer. His commitment to hard work and versatility in balancing multiple roles underscored his resilience and drive to succeed in his new life abroad.
CHILDREN
Seth Mensah was a proud father of seven children. He married Love Naa-Densua Dodoo in 1963 and had three daughters and a son: Sheila Mavis Serwah Mensah, Cynthia Lesley Ansomah Mensah, Charlotte Irene Oforiwah Mensah, and Ronnie Joshua Ernest Mensah. He had another son, William Osei Mensah, with Georgina Annan. After the end of his first marriage; Seth married Agnes Appah, with whom he had two more children: Charles Bossman Mensah and his youngest daughter, Gemma Rose Serwah Mensah.
Seth Mensah was known for his vibrant social personality and was well-liked by all who knew him. He balanced a strong work ethic with a deep appreciation for life, embodying the philosophy of "work hard, play hard." Seth had a sharp, witty sense of humor, often leaving those around him laughing until it hurt. Despite his many accomplishments, he remained humble, never taking himself too seriously.
A devoted family man, Seth Mensah maintained strong and loving relationships with all seven of his children. He also made it a priority to stay connected with his extended family, regularly reaching out to his siblings — Gladys Oforiwaah Mensah, Charles Mensah Bossman, Janet Mensah, Johnson Adofo Mensah, and Elizabeth Seiwaah Prempeh — as well as his uncles, aunties, half-siblings, and cousins. His warmth, humor, and genuine care for those around him made Seth a beloved figure within both his immediate and extended family.
GOING HOME
Seth Mensah returned to Ghana in early 2023 to reunite with his family after many years of living and working abroad. However, following a brief illness, he passed away on July 16, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, J.E. Mensah and Rosina Seiwaah, as well as two siblings, Paulina Mensah and Diana Aboagyewaa, and his granddaughter, Khadisha Love Mensah.
Seth's passing marked the conclusion of a life defined by dedication, resilience, and hard work. His legacy of love and strength continues to be cherished by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
Gallery
Memory wall
Above all, Seth's greatest legacy is his children and grandchildren. I feel so blessed to have been welcomed into his life and to have experienced his love and support. Without Seth, many of the blessings we hold dear today wouldn’t be possible.
He lived a full, rich life, always staying true to his roots with the sounds of Ghana radio playing softly in the background. Despite the time and distance, his deep sense of family, love, and unity has remained unshaken a testament to the man he was and the family he nurtured.
Although I am heartbroken that I couldn’t be there for his final celebration of life, I know his spirit lives on through his children and grandchildren. I, for one, will ensure that his legacy continues.
With a heavy heart, I wish you peace and rest, Seth, as you take your energy to new heights. Until our paths cross again, I remain eternally grateful for the blessings we’ve shared in this life and for the profound impact you’ve had on so many of us.
I hope the family can now find peace and embrace the blessings that come from the love and memories you leave behind.
With all my love,
Gemma (Millie’s mum)
Love you all
X
Rest well Grandpa…
Journey well Agya kwadwo.
Uncle Seth you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to you on that Day.
Thank you for your great love.
I love you now more than ever and am deeply grateful for the man you were—a pillar of strength, guided by wisdom and grace. You had an extraordinary way of navigating life’s challenges, with a quiet resilience that taught me so much. The words of advice you shared back then still resonate with me today. They’ve become my guiding principles, shaping not just my thoughts but also my character.
You may have been a man of few words, but when you spoke, your words carried a weight and clarity that stayed with whoever heard them. Even in your silence, your presence spoke volumes. I could always feel your energy and knew, without words, the strength of your love and the depth of your wisdom.
Thank you, Dad, for the immeasurable gifts you gave me: the gift of life, the gift of your time, and the gift of your lessons. These gifts are treasures I will carry with me forever. I pray you find eternal peace and rest, knowing that you fulfilled your purpose here with honor and integrity.
Until we meet again, I know you are in God’s hands, protected and loved, just as you always protected and loved me.
God bless you, Dad.
Forever your son,
Ronnie
This page is a beautiful thing to have to remember the moments you all shared together...sending love, light and prayers to all the family and loved ones.
Love Alex and family x
I'm so blessed and grateful to have spent so much time with you - listening to your animated stories but most of all witnessing the humour that you managed to find in every situation good or bad.
You knew how to make us laugh.
You knew how to make everyone laugh.
I wish I could hear your infectious laughter just one more time.
When your journey with dementia started, I was heartbroken - I lost a piece of you every day and I lived with the anticipation grief of knowing that this is how you would leave us. It hurt and still hurts knowing that you would have to endure so much, before you could transition and be at peace.
No one wanted to live more than you.
You made the best of whatever situation you found yourself in and I am grateful to have witnessed such resilience.
You have left me and my family with the precious gift of perspective. Like you always said - 'stop worrying about all these things because in the end none of it matters'
I learnt so much from you without even realising. Your passion for organisation, presentation, DIY, home furnishings, technology, cooking, fashion, entertaining and above all Live Music!
I miss you Daddy and I will love you forever.
Favorites
He loved western favourites - KFC especially hot wings, but his ultimate favourite was Chinese - 'special fried rice (no pork), with prawn balls and vegetable curry!
His favourite dessert was his wife Agnes signature Banana cake with ice cream or alternatively homemade apple pie and ice cream
