On February 27, 2025, the Church gathered in solemn prayer at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bechem, to commend the soul of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Gyansah-Tabi to God. The sacred rites began with the reading of tributes, followed by the Office for the Dead, and culminated in the Eucharistic Celebration of the Burial Mass, presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso.
Life and Ministry
Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Gyansah-Tabi was born on April 23, 1945, in Dwomo, Ahafo Region, to Opanin Emmanuel Gyansah-Tabi Snr. and Obaapanin Agnes Afua Konne, both of blessed memory. His early education took him to Pope John’s Secondary School, Koforidua (1963 – 1968), after which he pursued his O’ and A’ Levels at St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary, Amisano-Elmina (1968 – 1970). He then proceeded to St. Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu, Cape Coast, for his philosophical and theological formation. On July 31, 1976, he was ordained a priest by the late Most Rev. James Owusu, then Bishop of Sunyani.
Following his ordination, Fr. Gyansah-Tabi served as Assistant Cathedral Administrator in Sunyani from 1976 to 1978. Over the years, he served in various capacities in the Lord’s vineyard, dedicating himself to pastoral care, evangelization, and the formation of the faithful. Since 2005 until his passing on January 17, 2025, he resided at St. Joseph Parish, Bechem after his retirement, where he continued to serve the People of God with unwavering commitment.
A Life of Witness and Devotion
The funeral Mass commenced with a heartfelt welcome address by Rev. Fr. Elisha Manu, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bechem. He reflected on the mystery of life and death, stating, “Life has an end, but Fr. Emmanuel Gyansah-Tabi lived his life in service to Christ and His Church, touching and transforming many souls.”
Among the bishops who graced the occasion were Most Rev. Joseph Francis Essien, Emeritus Bishop of Wiawso; Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and also President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference; Most Rev. Dominic Yeboah Nyarko, Bishop of Techiman; Most Rev. John Opoku Agyemang, Bishop of Konongo-Mampong; and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Adjei Effah, representing the Archbishop of Kumasi. The presence of numerous priests, religious, and the late priest’s classmates bore testimony to the profound impact of his ministry.
Homily and Spiritual Reflection
The homilist, Rev. Monsignor Anthony Boahen Kyeremeh, who shared a deep spiritual bond with Fr. Gyansah-Tabi, reflected on his unwavering faith and dedication. “He was a true and faithful servant of God, steadfast in his priestly vocation, and ever zealous in his mission,” he recounted, drawing from their shared experiences at St. Theresa’s Seminary, Amisano-Elmina.
Monsignor Kyeremeh noted that Fr. Gyansah-Tabi was preparing to celebrate his 80th birthday on April 23, 2025, and his Golden Jubilee in the Priesthood on July 31, 2026. However, he reminded the faithful of the mystery of God’s divine will: “When we feel ready, it may not be God’s time, but when God calls, no human preparation can delay His summons.”
He urged all present to deepen their relationship with God, stressing the importance of frequent confession and daily acts of contrition, so as to remain ever prepared for the Lord’s call.
Final Commendation and Burial
After the Holy Mass, the mortal remains of Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Gyansah-Tabi were taken to Goaso, where he was laid to rest in the Priests' Cemetery. As the Church commended his soul to the mercy of God, prayers ascended for his eternal repose.
May Christ, the Eternal High Priest, grant him the reward of his labors, and may his soul rest in the peace of the Resurrection. Requiescat in pace.
Source: Depsocom Goaso