Dr. Apaak hails mother’s role in father’s spiritual journey

Deputy Education Minister and Builsa South Member of Parliament,  Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has praised his mother for her decisive role in shaping his late father’s faith and holding the family together.

Dr. Apaak said his father, Pastor John Azundem Apaak, lived a fulfilled and God-centred life largely because of the steadfast influence of his wife, whose resilience and faith guided the family through difficult moments.

“We are proud of the life he lived. We are proud that he gave his life to God, largely through the influence of our dear mother,” Dr. Apaak said during the thanksgiving service on Sunday. “But for her, we would not be here. But for her, our father wouldn’t have known God.”

He described his father as a fortunate man who married a woman of substance, noting that her strength and determination shaped both the family’s spiritual direction and its survival through adversity.

“I would say our father was a lucky man, to have married a woman of substance, a woman who refused to allow neglect or misfortune to keep her down,” he said, as the congregation applauded when her name was mentioned.

The thanksgiving service, held at the Deeper Life Bible Church at Sawaba in Bolgatanga, marked the final activity of the funeral rites for Pastor John Azundem Apaak and brought together family members, church leaders, public officials and sympathisers from across the country.

Dr. Apaak also paid tribute to his late father’s character, describing him as a simple man who willingly associated with and supported people in need, regardless of background.

“Our father’s name is known for good reason, his simplicity and willingness to support anyone he could,” he said, adding that the family remains proud of the legacy he left behind.

After the service, Dr. Apaak expressed gratitude to all who supported the family throughout the funeral period.

“Thank you for joining us to mourn our late father, Pastor John Azundem Apaak. We appreciate your time, support, assistance, and prayers,” he wrote in a message shared on his official Facebook page.

Founder of the Pneuma Institute and President of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, Pastor Eastwood Anaba, described the Apaak family as a symbol of hope for the Upper East Region and spoke about the enduring impact of the late pastor’s life and ministry.

In recognition of Pastor Apaak’s contribution to Christian education, the Deeper Life Bible Church announced plans to construct a learning centre in Bolgatanga to be named after him.

Several dignitaries, including Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Cletus Atanga, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders and senior clergy, attended the burial and thanksgiving services.

Pastor John Azundem Apaak was later laid to rest at the family house in Dorninga in the Builsa South District, as the family thanked sympathisers for the overwhelming show of support.