Author: Peter Martey Agbeko , Chairman of the IPR, International Relations Committee
The words were simple, almost poetic, yet deeply profound: “Sea never dry.” On Wednesday evening at the Calvary Baptist Church, Shiashie, that phrase echoed gently through hymns, prayers and reflections as Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah marked her 70th birthday with a thanksgiving service steeped in faith, gratitude and love.
The saying, she explained, was boldly written on a fishing canoe in Komenda, where she grew up. To her, it has always meant that God is forever faithful and dependable — sufficient for every need, as long as we rely on Him. Like the sea, His mercies do not run out.
That conviction set the tone for the celebration, anchored by the chosen Scripture from Lamentations 3:22–23:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
A gathering shaped by faith and fellowship
From the early evening, guests arrived steadily, signing birthday books, recording heartfelt messages and sharing light refreshments as soft praise filled the air, led by the Winneba Youth Choir and the Blessed Family Chorale. It was a warm prelude to a night that would blend worship, reflection and celebration.
At exactly 5:45 pm, the celebrant made her entry, greeted by sustained applause — not merely for her age, but for the life she has lived.
The thanksgiving service formally opened with prayer by Rev. Opoku Baffour of Asbury Dunwell Church, followed by words of welcome from the Resident Pastor, Rev. Darke, and Esther’s husband, Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, whose quiet pride and gratitude were evident. Scripture readings prepared hearts for the homily, delivered by Rev. Enoch Thompson, President of the Ghana Baptist Convention, who reminded the congregation that a life rooted in God is beautiful and naturally bears fruit across generations.
Music as testimony
Praise and worship formed the heartbeat of the evening. Nii Okai ministered powerfully, setting a reflective tone that flowed seamlessly into an uplifting session by Diana Hamilton, whose songs of thanksgiving resonated deeply with the congregation.
One of the most tender moments came when MOG Music ministered alongside Esther’s grandchildren, a living picture of legacy — faith flowing from one generation to the next.
Later in the service, the Daughters of Glorious Jesus lifted the atmosphere further, followed by reflective pastoral insights from Rev. Gamachie, Pastor Abu, and Pastor Jones Owusu-Adjei, each speaking to faithfulness, endurance and service.
The closing stretch of worship featured the Winneba Youth Choir, the Blessed Family Chorale, and a final ministration by MOG Music, before Rev. Eddie Adiamah offered the closing reflections and prayer. A vote of thanks and a joyful recession brought the formal service to a graceful close, after which photographs captured moments that words could not.
Leadership in the bloodline
Amid the reflections, one detail quietly captured the imagination of many present. Two years before Esther Cobbah’s time as School Prefect of Wesley Girls’ High School (affectionately known as “Wey Gey Hey”), her elder brother, Dr. J. A. M. Cobbah, also served as Head Boy at Mfantsipim School, Kwabotwe.
Two siblings, leading two of Ghana’s prestigious secondary schools at different times — a striking testament, as many observed with admiration, to leadership qualities running in the family.
That legacy of leadership continues to define Esther’s life: calm, purposeful, values-driven and people-centred.
A gathering of family, nation and profession
The presence of the Vice-President of the Republic, Prof. Jane Nana Opoku-Agyemang as well as other dignitaries further elevated the occasion. Many other distinguished personalities from public life, academia, business, media and civil society were also in attendance, reflecting the breadth of Esther Cobbah’s influence.
Her family formed a quiet but powerful centre — her husband, children and grandchildren seated close, embodying resilience, partnership and grace. Members of the clergy, senior public relations practitioners and executives of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Ghana, filled the sanctuary, underscoring her enduring impact on both faith and profession.
Members of Esther’s church Asbury Dunwell Church and staff of the company she founded over three decades ago were there in full force, joining hearts with her in praise.
Seventy — and still flowing
Throughout the evening, Esther Cobbah remained characteristically humble, repeatedly directing praise to God and acknowledging the people who have walked with her through life’s seasons.
At 70, she is neither slowing down nor looking back wistfully. She stands firmly grounded in faith, rich in relationships, and still committed to service.
As the final songs faded and the congregation moved outside for photographs, one message lingered — simple, reassuring and deeply resonant:
The sea never dries.
For Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah, it is both testimony and truth: that God’s love endures, His mercies remain abundant, and a life anchored in Him will always find its flow.
