After the coup, her network included many regional commissioners under the Acheampong regime. Colonel Coker-Appiah and the thenWestern Regional Commissioner, visited frequently, both for official duties and personal friendship. Kwesi Renner, close friend of her husband, was also part of the circle. Mr A. A. Ampofo, affectionately known as “Kofichale,” the then Western Regional Chief Administrative Officer and family friend, remained a constant presence. Alberta stood out as a bridge-builder, avoiding extremes and bringing people together. This skill earned her respect across shifting regimes. She was especially close to Foreign Minister Victor Owusu and his young deputy, J. A. Kufuor—later President of Ghana—who attests to the warmth of their relationship. Her circle also included Trade Minister R. A. Quashie and K. G. Osei-Bonsu, a close ally of Dr Busia. In sensitive moments, she even used pseudonyms when visiting K.G. or meeting with Busia. Trusted figures like Kofi Batsa of The Spark publishing house, a prominent business tycoon of the CPP/PNC stock, stayed close as family friends, reflecting her balance of loyalty and openness. Victor Owusu’s political defeat felt to Alberta like a family fracturing. She believed the division was a mistake, one that paved the way for Dr Hilla Limann’s rise. Yet she remained loyal to the PP/UPP tradition while engaging across party lines. From January 2016 to January 2025, Alberta brought her political wisdom to national service as Western Regional Representative on the Council of State, advising the President on critical national matters. During these years, she nurtured strong ties with NPP stalwarts, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia (who called her Mama), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh (“Napo”), the NPP’s 2024 vice-presidential candidate. Dr Akoto Afriyie, Nana Otuo Sereboe (former Chairman of the Council of State), and her old friend for years, the respected lawyer Hon. Sam Okudzeto. Alberta’s legacy as both a community leader and political figure reflects her competence, diplomacy, and remarkable ability to unite people across diverse spheres of Ghanaian society. The Birthday Journal 31
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