Professor Kwesi Yankah, has paid an emotional tribute to gospel musician Bernice Offei, describing her as one of Ghana’s greatest singers whose music touched hearts through faith, reflection and grace.
In a Facebook post titled “Singing Along the Angels – A Tribute to Bernice,” Professor Yankah said he dedicated the tribute to Bernice Offei, who was his neighbour at Legon for more than a decade and a fellow worshipper at the Legon Interdenominational Church.
He recalled the close-knit community at Legon, where the Offei family lived alongside the Dovlos and the Pebis, describing it as a neighbourhood that was home to several notable artists and literary figures.
“As a writer, I particularly took interest in artists in the Lower Hill corridor; and was thrilled with the incidental presence of one of Ghana’s greatest singers: Bernice Offei.”
Professor Yankah said the neighbourhood could aptly be described as an “artist’s conclave,” mentioning literary figures such as Ebow Daniel and the late Atukwei Okai, whom he described as people of immense warmth and influence.
He also recalled his professional relationship with Bernice’s husband, Kwame Offei, saying he worked with him as an administrator while frequently relying on Bernice’s “silky voice” for ceremonial occasions requiring gospel music.
One particularly memorable moment, he said, was when Bernice sang at his 60th birthday celebration.
“Bernice sang to mark my 60th birthday, walking across with Kwame to the house reception, where she was stunned hearing my Yankah Youth Band perform one of her songs, ‘Life is so Short.’”
A memorable Central University performance
Professor Yankah also highlighted what he described as one of Bernice Offei’s most memorable encounters with him — her appearance as a special guest artist at Central University’s thanksgiving service in 2016.
At the time, Professor Yankah was Vice-Chancellor of the university, and he invited Bernice to perform at the service held to celebrate the institution’s new presidential charter.
He said her performance transformed the atmosphere at the 2,000-capacity Faith Auditorium.
“The captivating voice of Bernice Offei lit the horizon and warmed the 2000-capacity Faith auditorium, lifting our Christian University to the high heavens.”
According to him, Bernice’s performance of ‘Hold On’ served as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining faith while pursuing academic excellence.
“‘Hold On’ was an inspiration to abide by faith in the quest for academic excellence, and brought the entire congregation to its feet.”
The occasion was attended by Central University founder Pastor Mensa Otabil, former university presidents and other special guests, including Dr Mahmoud and Samira Bawumia.
Professor Yankah said Bernice’s performance left a lasting impression, particularly on students who were experiencing her music for the first time.
“Within an hour, Bernice through song and grace had registered herself in people’s hearts, particularly among students experiencing her for the very first time.”
‘Her music belonged to moments of quiet contemplation’
Reflecting on Bernice Offei’s musical legacy, Professor Yankah said she belonged to a rare class of gospel musicians whose music resonated deeply during moments of solitude and reflection.
He cited some of her well-known songs, including ‘Mogya,’ ‘Life is Short’ and ‘N’adom,’ as works that elevated her beyond what he described as “pedestrian gospel.”
He further described her maiden hit, ‘Hold On,’ as a timeless song whose message reflected the enduring faith that characterised her life.
“Her maiden hit, Hold On, has timeless tenacity that explains the abiding faith that kept her stars shining through life.”
Professor Yankah expressed sadness at Bernice Offei’s passing, saying she had left behind music and lyrics that would continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved and admired her.
“But there goes Bernice so soon, leaving behind lyrics that linger forever in our hearts.”
