Janet Narh

You were lovely and courageous woman to say the least. May the Lord give your family strength to bear your loss. Rest in peace Janet.

I can't believe that i missed this.I hope Janets family will accept my belated condolences. I appeared on her show on BEN TV and GFM Radio a couple of times when i was still part of ALISC network. Janet was a very tolerant soul who didn't always agree with our ideas but gave all tendencies in the African and African diasporan community in the UK a platform to air their views. Janet encouraged vigorous debate and was committed in her own way to African emancipation. She will be sorely missed. May the creator grant her eternal rest.

Now that I had the chance to say my final farewell to Janet by attending her funeral, burial and the reception on Saturday July 20 2009, I am able to come to terms with the fact that Janet is gone for ever and further my reflections. When I met Janet in November 2008 on Women's hour for the Uganda EXPO 2008 interview, I met someone with a shared vision for African Women progress. We quickly decided to work on an idea to reflect both our interests. My role on the project we planned to do was to assist Janet rally the East African community Women, a community she felt she did not know many women to initiate the idea. When I told Janet that the Uganda High Commissioner and her Deputy plus the Tanzanian High Commissioner were not only women but women lawyers I could bring on board, Janet could not contain her excitement. 'Oh Flavia it would be good if you are able to bring the trio on board'. 'We are going to conquer the World' were her words accompanied with her high pitched laugh. Our talks concluded that I had to do some more research on the idea to the effect. Twice I tried to phone Janet to update her on my findings but in vain. I later learned that Janet had gone to Ghana and later learnt that she had been appointed with a good post-something like the ‘Information Ambassador’ or some thing of the sort. With lots of optimism I calculated that our work was just about to get to another level as I also learnt that Janet was to play a role in President Obama's visit to Ghana. I thought to myself that things could not have got any better for our project take off, as I knew that should Janet ever be able to get contact with Michelle Obama, she like most of us would have been spared of Janet’s charm. You know not even the US first lady would have been immune when it comes to Janet's charm, I believe. My conviction is that the project would have taken off at rocket speed. Our vision was for the project to directly benefit African women back home, who were less fortunate than us but supported by the more privileged Diaspora African women. The research was done and possible funders were identified. I am however saddened that the woman with whom a shared vision and inspiration is now gone forever and I will never be in a position to seek her console. However, I will stay strong and carry on with the project as my own way of honouring Janet. For now I will spare you the details of what it was about but hope to be able to inform you of the progress with time. With Janet’s family’s permission, I hope to name it ‘Janet Berki Narh African Women…….’ Instead of ‘…. African Women.......’ as we had originally planned. It will be the first one of it kind. I however can not forget to thank Janet’s mother for giving birth to such a wonderful girl. Janet was just a special gift from God. In the Ugandan culture where I come from, a mother is considered very special and given special treatment in a way to reflect her special position such that there is song specially dedicated to being a mother. The song’s title is ‘Emyezi Mwenda’ which means Nine Months in Luganda. The lyrics go on to say, ‘it was nine months of waiting and uncertainty Maama, not knowing what to expect’. ‘You delivered me, bathed me, fed me, clothed me and cared for me as a baby to adulthood’…. ‘I will therefore gift to you because you are my mother’. ‘You deserve every gift and I will give more and more gifts to you.…’ This number is especially played at weddings when the daughter as bride serves their mother with a piece of the bridal cake while kneeling before the mother as a sign of respect and further appreciation. I therefore dedicate this number to Janet’s mother not only to thank her for giving birth to Janet and but gifting her to us too. Though Janet’s time on earth has been very short, her life has enriched many of us in ways than those who would live twice her age. That is the main reason I am dedicating this song to Janet’s mother. Maama no words can describe our appreciation with the blessing of Janet your wonderful girl. All I can say is thank you so much. May Janet’s soul rest in eternal peace Flavia.ndikuno@ugonet.co.uk, www.ugonet.co.uk

i cant believe this. this woman gone like that? we are all surely travellers and si=ojourners on this side of eternity. we need to be more thankfull for the gift of life. may your soul rest in peace

Sis Janet; It was nice talking to you on April 26th, 2009 after an email requesting that I call you urgently when I arrive in Ghana. You had mentioned a great news to me that you had been appointed the new Minister Counsellor; Public Affairs, Ghana Embassy UK, London. You also said that you were sick. Unfortunately, we did not speak to each other again in Ghana until I returned to the US. One Sunday early morning, I read an email circulating and announcing your passing. I was lost for words and immediately sent an email to you asking whether it was a joke or not. As sad as it was, I never got a reply from you which meant the announcement was not a joke. Then I quickly called my parents in Chiswick to confirm it. I will miss you dearly. Coming back to London visiting my family soon, I will not have that opportunity again to pay you a visit at home in Chiswick and having a great laugh and talking about all things media. I learnt so much from you about confidence and the will to succeed. The will to overcome negativity against your conscience. In my view, you were the best African female Media Personality in the UK. You had so much impact on women in the media. You loved your job as a host of a Talk show. God has blessed you dearly and that is why he did not want you to suffer for so long. He took what belonged to him and he will replace it with showers of blessings upon your family. TEAM 3G MEDIA AND GHANAWEB EXPRESS OUR CONDOLENCES. DAMIRIFA DUE!!, DAMIRIFA DUE!! REST IN PEACE & SO LONG JANET

Janet was my classmate at Achimota Primary School. Since we left primary school, I haven't seen her again till I came to London and saw her on TV. I was shocked to hear of her death. My sincere condolence to her entire family. May she rest in perfect peace!

My prayers go to family and all her friends and admirers for God's comfort and courage at this crucial time in their lives in Jesus name. May her soul rest in perfect peace.

Sad to read about this very untimely passing on at her prime. May the Almighty God give the family the strength to accept what cannot be changed, and all to assimilate and take heart at the instance of this irreplaceable loss and vacuum. Good night Janet

TO THE FAMILY OF JANET NARH- MAY HER SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE This has been most difficult for me as l have been denying it that Janet could not be dead! Janet is full of live,energy,vibrancy,brilliant ideas and Promising Projects that can liberate the African Women and Children from Poverty,Male Domination,illness, Illiteracy, Cultural Prejudices ,Economic Slavery etc. Janet is our HOPE , and now the Dream and that Achievement has gone. I remember her charming personality ,attractive and re-assuring smiles and inspirational leadership qualities,when ever she invited me to discuss on the Woman's Hour on BEN TV.Janet is deeply passionate about the develpoment of African Women and Children We had also worked together on various Conferences that could promote the African Women both in the Diaspora and in Africa.The last one was at Novotel ,KingsCross ,London ,Nov 2008.Janet is a great achiever,yet so humble,respectful,funny ,polite, God Fearing and culturally engaged. Ironically,Janet was called to eternal Glory,on the Day that the International Day for African Children Conference was going on in London. I was actually wondering where Janet has been,as she would have been very supportive of the Conference. Little did l know that we had lost her to God Almighty. Janet ,you had shinning and a wonderful LIFE and BIG Mark/FOOT PRINT. You ,left a brilliant Legacy fighting for the Empowerment of African Women and Children, We shall terribly miss you ,but we shall continue to carry on empowering and supporting African Women and Children to keep your Spirit Alive. It is not how long but how well. Our Beloved Sister,you have over come death , even though we are gripped with emotional pain, we are very proud of your short and memorable live ,which will continue to inspire us. We hope a foundation can be set up in your name to focus on issues concerning African Women and Children both in the Diaspora and in Africa. Janet, you are our shinning star,Pls , Janet continue to shine forever where ever you are now. .Finally ,we pray to God to comfort and grant your wonderful parents, lovely children and the entire family the fortitude to cope with your untimely transition to eternal Glory . Adieu our beloved Sister, The Struggle is over, Rest in the Boss om of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You, Janet for all you have contributed to improve the Lives of African Women and Children both in the Diaspora and in Africa.We shall greatly miss you. Chief Mrs Yemisi A Sanusi Board Member, NIDOEurope 07984646126

Your energy and passion for African development was inspiring. I feel an extra loss as I've just discovered we were related and I never knew. I'm glad I had the privilege of meeting you. Your commitment to your work and Christian faith make you an example for African women everywhere. God bless you. May your soul find rest in Him.

The world again has lost one of its rare gems. It is so painful to hear that she has gone, just like u. Just around 3yrs ago, we met in Bamako, Mali for a woman and youth conference and have met couple of time when i was leaving in the UK. How i wish u can hear this, I use to receive your mail about woman hour every wednesday on Ben TV. it is so sudden but we op to meet at the bossom of the Almighty. You have affected life, that is a legacy for we behind and we will always live to remember you. Bye.

MY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE.

I thought it was a dream when i turned on the T.V these morning. Still very shocked and dumbfounded. My sincere condolence to the entire family of Janet Narh here in Uk and in Africa. May your soul rest in peace. Ashale.

I was on the phone and channel surfing at the same time when I saw the news flash that Janet has passed on; I screamed - this lady has died; don't / can't remember her name, but know the face very well, seen it on television couple of times. Just got details of this site on BEN TV featuring a repeat of Women's Hour on FGM with Janet. Dear God, please grant your departed servant / daughter, Janet Buerki Narh, eternal rest. To the family, please know that you will be in my prayers. May the Lord uphold you all and give you peace and understanding which only He can impart. With sincere wishes and prayers, Victoria

I'm sad to hear about the sudden death of this gorgeous, inteligent and prolific lady. It's obviously true that good things don't usually last for long. I'm somehow greatful for the impact your programmes have made, particularly Women's hour. You are a great inspiration: a role model to all women out there to not only discover what they are destined to be, but actually trying to fulfil it no matter hard it is. You have left a legacy for us to emulate. Somehow I think the good Lord has called to rest. Though too soon, nevertheless, He knows best. May the good Lord give your family, friends and fans the courage to bear your grave loss. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace Amen.

Janet, what a great loss to our time. From day one that i met you my life changed forever. you thought me to be more gentle and kind. You told me the truth when everyone else lied to me. Why would God allow such a person who is soo honest, selfless and helpful leave such a world that such people are soo rare to find. Janet GOD KNOWS BEST AND HE ALONE CAN EXPLAIN WHY. As for me you would always be alive in my heart and all our memories of politics to jokes about our primary school Achimota Primary that we shared together. MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE.

Indeed,this is heartbreaking and a great loss.My heart goes out to the family.May God bless your beautiful soul,Janet. SLEEP WELL IN THE BOSOM OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD,WE LOVE YOU BUT HE LOVES YOU MOST! RIP

you might know me but when i watched ur programme on the celebration of nigerian independence i loved ur enthusiasm and how passionately u spoke on the topic i couold not resist calling to speak on the show, u spoke with love like a concerned mother. i am deeply shocked about the news of ur passing on. rest in peace beloved friend. u are jewel.

I'm shocked to hear that this beautiful woman has passed on. May her soul rest in peace.

I am deeply saddened by your suddenly and untimely death. You were the happy smile which lifted our spirits. You were always ready to help in whatever way possible. Janet, you gave up help, hope, joy,laughter, courage and enlightenment. Janet, you were professional, yet warm and approachable. I will truly miss you and all the good work you did for African women wherever you travelled promoting us in a really dignified manner, and giving us a voice highlighting our plight, our achievements and our profile. Thank you for everything, I feel truly blessed to have known you. I send my heartfelt condolences to your family. May you rest in peace.

just saw your obituary on the tv,the very few times i have seen you on your programme,i fell in love with your enthusiasm,vigor and big smiles,surely those close and around you will miss you.RIP

Janet, your sudden demise has left me feeling breathless. One day your mother told me you were in Ghana when I could not get a response from you to the email I sent to inform you of the drowning of 300 African youths at the coast of Libya. Then quite unexpectedly, I was told you had backed out of our challenge to empower African women. Your departure leaves me hollow. Thank God that I was privileged to know and work with you. You worked hard so I suppose it is time for you to rest. Janet, Rest Peacefully I will continue to re-live the hours we both sat face to face addressing issues of importance to Africa and African women on BEN Television on Women Hour on Wednesdays. Your work is done.

Janet you will be sadly missed by your sudden and extra ordinarily sad departure circumstances, with still so much still to do on your hands. May I thank you, for the joy, strength and courage that you were. Rest, in internal peace.

Janet. My best friend, my soul mate, sister and part of my family. 20yrs of knowing you wasn’t enough! We have shared a lot together, from dinners at the barristers’ chambers, taking part in the carnival to being pregnant together. We faced challenges together but always sharing laughter through it all. Motivating each other and taking our walks in Kew Gardens with God’s words on our lips. We have shared it all! I will continue our bond with our daughters. No moment will ever be forgotten. Doing your hair all this time especially on your wedding day was a joy. You brought warmth, energy, motivation, enthusiasm, fun and laughter to me and the salon. Janet when time stops to exist and your soul is at peace, you know you are at home and you are at home with the angels now. I miss you so much and I love you. Rest in peace.

My sweet cousin, this is a great shock to the system, I am still taking it in. We grew up together, then as we became adults our paths took different routes but because of the family connection, i always knew what you were up to. Auntie Love was our link and also I watched a lot of the the stuff you got into, I kept track of all these. My daughter loved the Kelewele Club and kept bugging me to call you and ask where we can get copies of the DVD. She kept asking me when am I going to bring her to see Auntie Janet, she never got to know you. When I told her she was upset because now she will never get to know you. I have told her that you are exactly as she sees you on the TV. You are a beautiful women with a kind heart. Janet, my baby sister, Rest in Peace. Auntie Love, our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family. Love you. Josie, Auntie KK (Lizzy) and family

ear Sister, you are a true star. You thought me a lot in life and i will be forever greatful to have been blessed with a sister like you.You will always be in my heart. God Bless you.

Dear Janet My hands are still as heavy as my heart, because I still struggling to come to terms with your sudden pass to the realm of the ancestors. You were so full of enthusiasm for life, I can't believe you went this fast. May the ancestors receive you on their bosom and the Creator blesses you with a beautiful transition as you respond to God's call.I will remember you always as I met you with a warm smille, always confident and dignified as we joined our voices to the world to listen in our passion for everything Afrikan and the hard work to attain a radiant future for Afrikan generations to come wherever we find ourselves in diaspora or in motherland. May your soul rest in Peace my friend. Your spirit will always be remembered. Mawete

Like so many people who knew Janet as a positive energy, radiating vivacity, wit and charm, I was deeply shocked to learn that she has joined our ancestors. It seems that indeed not only do the good die young; but we must be in awe of their achievements during their brief time with us. My sincere condolences to all who grieve at her passing in particular to her family; daughter, mother, siblings and also to her huge network of colleagues and friends especially those at BEN. May her soul rest in peace.

We cant expressed the thought, that you have gone to be with the Lord. One thing for sure, is Angels are rejoicing that you did not leave us empty but left a positive and empowering legacies behind. We rejoice in Lord and celebrate your life. God will grant your families the Joy add Grace needed now and always. Rest in Peace.

We met on few occasions and the last time was at Dame Betty’s party 3 years ago. And i remember you invited me to the ‘women’s hour’ twice, and i couldn’t make it. I now, only wish i had made time for it. I followed your work and you made me proud to be an African. This indeed is a very sad news! A great lost for the continent. May you rest in peace. Elsie Nemlin, Stand Up For Africa (SUFA)

I never met Janet in person but she became familiar to me when listening to 'Woman's hour'. May her soul rest in perfect Peace. May light perpetual shine on her. My sympathy to the family especially her child.

Turly Africa woman Jan your memory will live on forever you did a lot for Africa

Our dear cousin we are all shocked by your sudden death, may your life be celebrated and you rest in peace. Love Elaine x

A wonderful woman whose professional and private life will always be felt not only by Ghanaians and families but also, Africa and the world at large. Indeed, sad to learn about the sudden passing away of such a unique media and legal personality at such an “early age.” May Her Soul Rest in Perfect Peace.

I first wrote this the day I heard of your death - I have since read it over several times to see if I could change anything or if my pain at the news of your death had numbed....... but ALAS.... JANET, Thank you for being a true sister to us all and I still pay you this...... TRIBUTE TO MY "SISTA" The tears just course down my face as I write this...... "Janet is no longer here with us", "She did not make it.....", and “Janet is DEAD!"” Akee O'Nyaanyo egbo...... [" We understand your Friend is dead"] With these words, I am informed that my friend is gone. Her journey here has ended. She has joined the Silent Majority. Do I not feel a certain futility in all this we call LIFE.......!!!???? Janet Narh is dead. Full Stop. I am in shock? No? I am Sad? Definitely! I am hurt? Yes!!! How? Please do not ask... When? Today!!! What happened?? Like I said Don’t ask...! Like she used to say, her only asset on this physical plane [this world] was - www.janetnarh. com . Today that website closed.....! You know, I can just hear her just rationalizing this to me and telling me at the end that "God is in control". But Dear God, May I ask? - To snuff out a life so full of zest and doing YOUR Will MOST of the time - WHY?? It is almost nonsensical. ..... in all this we call LIFE!!!??? My grief is overwhelming, I have not cried meaningfully since I buried my biological parents - in fact I thought I had buried along with them my milk of humanity and so I no longer "felt"...... . BUT Jan, I felt your death...... and why????? Need You ask Sista or even You Bro??? Check her out........ A little over 40, a Beautiful Blak Sista, an intellectual, A Wonderful Mother, An innovator, A generator of Concepts, A Believer, An Inspiration, A Mentor, A Fighter, The Epitome of a Female Gender Activist - Yessireee!, An Interviewer and journalist par excellence but above that a legal eagle with rarity of compassion, A professional to the end ......., A true friend, MY Friend...... I thank You Jan for being Janet....... - You taught us a lot.......And In all this we call LIFE........ !!!!??? The above does not altogether describe her attributes, her life, her Influence, HER VISION - but you see, Jan will be the first to tell me that "Oh Dear Iris, Let's not get carried away - Let us stick to the focus....' . OK Janet, This is the focus, You set things in motion, You did not finish the Course but you identified those of us you thought capable of doing our bit to keep the Flame of Awareness burning. We may not have been warmed up as you were, slower to burn - And now we know why.... But you saw in us all, the fervour and ability to perpetuate "THE DREAM".... - You believed that the Diaspora had a lot to give back - You saw beyond this "Global Village" - the need to keep our IDENTITY alive....... . and then couple it with AWARENESS... ......... Then spread the WORD and let others know so they may carry on the Cause......and in all this we call LIFE....!!!? ? I thank you for the beacon lit..... I promise you that I will continue in my own small way to keep it AFLAME.... I thank you for proving that We can Believe, Behave, Impart,,,,,, ,,,,,,,,, ,,,, We will hold ALOFT what I believe you stood for - "FIAT JUSTICIA RUAT CALUM!!!!" [LET JUSTICE PREVAIL EVEN THOUGH THE HEAVENS TREMBLE!!] JANET BUERKI NARH I THANK THE ALMIGHTY FOR YOUR LIFE........ ..... I APPLAUD YOU....... I SALUTE YOU!!!!! DAMIRIFA DUE!!!!! DAMIRIFA DUE!!!!! DUE NI AMANI HUNU AAAAH!!!! ......and I still weep.....WHAT IS ALL THIS WE CALL LIFE......!! !??? IRIS-NATALIE NAA TAKYIWAA TAGOE

Heroes / Heroines die young. Janet, you were a Heroine. Janet, gone but not forgotten. I remember some 5 years ago when the Ghanaian over Club in Croydon staged an annual Dinner/Dance in a London Hotel. Janet was a joint MC for the occasion. That occasion was the best of the best of all the club's 12 years existence. Janet, you will surely be missed by all. Your life as short as it was, you gave everybody the laugh, the joy, the inspiration, the support that was needed of people. Thank you so much for your life and God bless you. R.I.P.

What a privelege to have known Janet, and what a terrible shock to learn of her loss to this world. I and my colleagues around the world will always be grateful for Janet's support of VISION 2020 and blindness prevention in Africa and beyond.

I just can't imagine a world without you Janet! And that smile?? Who will I call for Interviews and a laugh when I release my Album? I remember when we did that interview 2 years ago on the 6th of July, and I brought a Dvd of the song I wrote for my mum when she passed away to air as it was coming to her anniversary on the 8th of July! You told me that day was also your Birthday! We just listened to the track and you loved the lyrics.. I really can't believe that I will be singing that same song for you on the day you will be buried! Life is so not fair but we will continue the legacy you started and never let go.. Last years interview was also brilliant when I brought my crew colleagues from BA, a designer and an author to be interviewed on 'Woman's Hour'! We did have such a laugh didn't we? Thank you for being You and Thank you for Everything! You will never be forgotten and your spirit will live with all of us Forever! Rest In perfect Peace...

Janet, you came into my life 20years ago as an in-law, but you were more than a sister to me and remained so ever since. During this 20yr period you always exuberated so much warmth and affection with your constant smile. No one new when you were angry. Whenever you had been wronged, a poor memory was your best response. We shared great ideas, imaginations and dreams beyond the ocean together. Our mutual motto “Don’t judge those who try and fail. Judge only those who fail to try” made us to take on many ventures together. Some we lost and some we gained. Best of all, venture lost or gained, our grilled tilapia, hot shitto (pepper), kenkey and kelewele as dessert never failed. Old time music and laughter sealed everything. In your achievements, you never allowed what you couldn’t do interfere with what you could do. When you couldn’t change the direction of the wind, you adjusted your sails. Pride made you do things well but it was your love that made you do them to perfection. Like the turtle, you made progress by sticking your neck out in any ventures. Others took challenges as stumbling blocks but you were never afraid, instead your courage welcomed them as stepping stones. To you the smallest act of kindness was worth more than the grandest intention and you reached down to touch and lift people up. You left your work unfinished to help others finish theirs. You answered your phone any hour just to offer advice and help. You came very far with your multi talents but unfortunately death laid its untimely icy hands on you. Janet rest in peace. You will forever remain in my heart and thoughts.

Janet was one of the most outstanding and inspirational women i have come across. Working with her on Womans Hour was such an amazing experience, and i will never forget her bubbbly personality, laughter, smile and funny comments! Learning of her death has been a complete shock, but I know god will look after her. May she rest in peace, God Bless.

Janet I can remember one of our many conversations where I said to you I have always wanted a big sister, and that you were. Janet I will miss your smile, your happiness, your dancing and your woman power drive. And as I said years ago your daughter is my daughter. Love Michelle

Knowing,working,and being with you were God's doing.will be there for Bo,mum,brothers and the family not forgetting your beloved Africa.the work continues.rest in peace till we meet again.perfect peace

My dear cousin, Your memory will live on forever. We all love you so much and will miss you dearly. RIP