Here is a rewritten, SEO-optimized article based on the details provided. It is structured for clarity, search engine visibility, and user experience, strictly adhering to the requested HTML format and word count.

Madam Florence Otabil (Aba Simpa): Life Pulse Daily Funeral Guide

Publication Date: January 21, 2026 | Category: Obituary & Funeral Announcements

Introduction

The community of Agona Swedru and the broader Central Region of Ghana are preparing to bid a final farewell to a beloved matriarch, Madam Florence Otabil, affectionately known as Aba Simpa. At the age of 73, she has left behind a profound legacy, cherished by a large family, traditional leadership, and the church community. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to her upcoming funeral arrangements, providing clear, verified details for friends, family, and well-wishers who wish to pay their respects.

Understanding the cultural significance of funeral rites in Ghana is essential. For the people of Agona Swedru and Winneba, a funeral is not merely a time of mourning but a significant communal event that celebrates the life of the deceased while honoring ancestral traditions. This guide outlines the specific schedule of events, from the wake keeping to the final thanksgiving service, ensuring that all attendees can participate meaningfully in the rites honoring Madam Otabil.

Key Points

Deceased: Madam Florence Otabil (Aba Simpa)
Age: 73 Years
Primary Locations: Agona Swedru (Woraba) and Winneba
Key Dates: February 6th to 8th, 2026
Key Venues: Woraba Hideout, Winneba Cemetery, and MDCC (Musama Disco Christo Church) Bebiahina.
Family Affiliation: The Otabil and Quansah families.

Background

Madam Florence Otabil, popularly known as Aba Simpa, was a pillar within her community in Agona Swedru. Her life spanned 73 years, a period marked by dedication to family, faith, and cultural heritage. As a matriarch, she is survived by a large number of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, reflecting a legacy of growth and familial unity.

Community and Traditional Ties

The announcement of her passing has resonated deeply within the local community. The list of chief mourners highlights the family’s strong connection to traditional authority in both Agona Swedru and Winneba. Prominent figures such as Opanyin Atta Kofi (Worabaman Panyin) and Chief Annobil Anona Ebusuapanyin are among those leading the mourning, underscoring the social standing of the Otabil family.

Faith and Religious Affiliation

Madam Otabil was closely associated with the Musama Disco Christo Church (MDCC), a denomination with deep roots in Ghanaian culture. The funeral program includes services at MDCC locations in Bebiahina, signifying the spiritual importance of her faith journey. The involvement of religious leaders, including the Rt. Rev. Bright Ghartey Tagoe, further emphasizes the spiritual foundation of the funeral rites.

Analysis

The funeral arrangements for Madam Florence Otabil reflect a blend of traditional Ghanaian customs and modern memorial services. The sequence of events is designed to accommodate different aspects of mourning and celebration, a common practice in the Central Region.

The Structure of Ghanaian Funeral Rites

Ghanaian funerals, particularly among the Akan and Efutu people, are multi-day events. The schedule for Madam Otabil follows this structured approach:

Wake Keeping: This is a vigil held before the burial, allowing family and friends to gather, share memories, and offer condolences. It is often a communal watch over the deceased.
Burial and Memorial Service: This is the solemn interment, often followed immediately by a memorial service to pay tribute to the deceased’s life.
Final Funeral Rites: This is the main public event, often featuring cultural performances, eulogies, and a gathering of the extended community.
Thanksgiving Service: The final religious observance to express gratitude for the life of the deceased and to seek blessings for the bereaved family.

Social and Economic Impact

The involvement of various dignitaries and the large number of descendants indicate a significant social gathering. Events like these strengthen community bonds and provide an avenue for networking among family members and associates, such as those in business (e.g., Ernest-Lee Investments) and public service.

Practical Advice

For those planning to attend the funeral rites of Madam Florence Otabil, here are practical guidelines to ensure a respectful and smooth experience.

Logistics and Travel

The funeral spans two major towns in the Central Region: Agona Swedru and Winneba. Attendees should plan their travel accordingly.

Agona Swedru: The wake keeping and final funeral rites take place here (specifically in the Woraba area). This is also the location of the MDCC Bebianiha for the thanksgiving service.
Winneba: The burial and memorial service are scheduled at the Winneba Cemetery. Travel time between Agona Swedru and Winneba can vary, so allow for traffic.

Attire and Etiquette

Traditional mourning colors (black, red, or white) are appropriate. Given the involvement of traditional leaders and the MDCC, respectful conduct is expected. It is customary to offer condolences to the immediate family, particularly the children and siblings listed in the announcement.

Verification of Details

While this article provides verified details from the announcement, it is always advisable to confirm specific times closer to the date, as funeral schedules in Ghana can sometimes be subject to slight adjustments due to cultural protocols or unforeseen circumstances.

FAQ

Who is Madam Florence Otabil?

Madam Florence Otabil, also known as Aba Simpa, was a 73-year-old matriarch from Agona Swedru. She is a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with deep ties to the local community and the Musama Disco Christo Church.

When is the wake keeping?

The wake keeping is scheduled for Friday, February 6th, 2026, at House no 261/8 Woraba Hideout, Agona Swedru.

Where will the burial take place?

The burial and memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, at the Winneba Cemetery.

What is the role of MDCC in the funeral?

The Musama Disco Christo Church (MDCC) plays a central role. A memorial service will be held at MDCC Bebiahina on the morning of the burial (Feb 7), and the final thanksgiving service will also take place at the MDCC Bebianiha on Sunday, Feb 8.

Who are the chief mourners?

The chief mourners include traditional leaders from Agona Swedru and Winneba, such as Opanyin Atta Kofi, Chief Annobil Anona Ebusuapanyin, and Nana Annobil Vii, among others.

Conclusion

The passing of Madam Florence Otabil (Aba Simpa) marks the end of a significant life lived in service to family and community. Her funeral arrangements, spanning from February 6th to 8th, 2026, offer a structured opportunity for the Agona Swedru and Winneba communities to honor her memory. By following the detailed schedule and respecting the cultural and religious protocols, attendees can pay a fitting tribute to a cherished matriarch. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Otabil and Quansah families during this solemn period.