Joseph Ayinga-Walter's Tribute to Melita Antiaye
Ghana mourns the passing of Melita Happy Kutorkor Antiaye, 86, affectionately known as Mama Happy, whose quiet acts of kindness at Apostle Faith Church in La shaped the dreams of countless children.
Born in 1939, the late Melita spent her later years serving her neighbourhood by handing out biscuits and sweets to children after Sunday services, a small gesture that meant recognition for many who had little to ask for. Her gentle presence at the church entrance made children feel seen and valued.
She opened her home to Joseph Ayinga, now a sports journalist, after a single encounter that changed his path. ‘She showed me that a simple gesture could open a future,’ said Joseph Ayinga.
Living with her well‑to‑do, disciplined children, Ayinga witnessed structure, stability and the possibility of planning a future – lessons that remain with him today.
Mama Happy’s “quiet classroom” was filled with children’s Bible stories and handwritten notes. Whenever a child seemed idle, she handed a book and encouraged reading, a practice Ayinga calls “foundational”.
Morning devotion was non‑negotiable; punctuality was enforced by the rule that anyone not ready by 7:30 am walked to church. ‘That simple rule taught me discipline and respect for time more than any school could,’ he recalls.
‘Mama Happy was the heart of our community,’ said Kofi Mensah, a longtime resident of La. ‘Those small acts built a sense of belonging that still resonates in the community today.’
Beyond the biscuits, her legacy lies in the dignity and consistency with which she treated the poor, offering not grand gestures but steady, loving mentorship.
Ayinga even adopted the name Walter, taken from one of her daughters, to carry forward her values. His colleagues note that the discipline he learned under her guidance shines through his investigative work.
As Ghana reflects on her life, many pray that her spirit continues to inspire. The congregation lit candles in her memory during the service.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
