Biography
(1956 -2026)
Affectionately Known as Mama Merg
Margaret Ntow
Lovingly called Mama Merg, Margaret was born in Suhum in 1956 to Mr. John Kofi Mensah Debrah and Mrs. Elizabeth Akosua Manko, all of blessed memory. From her earliest years, her life was grounded in love, shaped by responsibility, and guided by a deep sense of faith.
She was raised in a close-knit and united family of eight children, where she held the important role of firstborn. This position naturally nurtured in her a strong sense of independence, resilience, and leadership. As the eldest daughter, she embraced the responsibility of caring for her siblings- Kingsley Debrah, Florence Minta, Thompson Debrah, Samson Debrah, Evelyn Debrah, Obed Debrah, and Gideon Debrah with devotion and affection.
Even in her youth, Margaret displayed remarkable responsibility beyond her years. She became a source of support and guidance within the family. Her ability to care for, encourage, and uplift those around her earned her deep love and respect from everyone who knew her. These early experiences shaped her into a woman of strength, compassion, and selflessness. She was ever supportive, quietly dependable, and profoundly cherished within the family
A Foundation Built on Faith
Margaret was raised in a Christian home as a Jehovah’s Witness. From childhood, she studied the Bible with her parents, learning to love Jehovah and to treasure Scriptural truth.
Her education began at Suhum Newtown Primary School (1962–P3), continued at Nsawam Sakyi Agyakwa (P4–P6), and she completed her schooling at Nsawam L/A Girls School in 1972. Yet, beyond secular education, it was her spiritual education that truly shaped her life.
Having become fully convinced that she had found “the truth,” she dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptised in 1973. From that moment onward, her life was one of faithful service.
A Joyful Spirit
Outside of her spiritual activities, she enjoyed travelling and seeing new places. She visited Germany, France, Turkey and the UK. She loved laughter, jokes, and joyful banter. Her presence brought warmth to every room. Yet, above all, she loved serving Jehovah.
A Woman of Spiritual Distinction
Margaret’s life reflected the beautiful qualities of faithful women in the Scriptures.
She was industrious and capable, like the virtuous woman described in the book of Proverbs 31:10–31, a woman whose “value is far more than that of corals.” She worked hard, cared deeply for her household, and ensured that her family lacked nothing spiritually or materially.
She was prayerful and faithful like Hannah, pouring her heart out to Jehovah and dedicating herself fully to His service (1 Samuel 1:27–28).
She was hospitable like Lydia (Acts 16:15), opening her home and heart to others. Anyone who entered her home never left hungry, physically or spiritually. She would feed every soul and offer encouragement to everyone she met.
She supported the congregation faithfully, much like Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2), always ready to assist and strengthen fellow believers.
Hospitality was perhaps her most outstanding quality. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, counsel, and comfort. She truly lived by the principle found in Romans 12:13: “Follow the course of hospitality.”
A Foundation Built on Faith
A Life of Sacred Service
Margaret loved the field ministry deeply. She served as an auxiliary pioneer whenever she could, and remarkably, even in the month of her passing, she was still engaged in auxiliary pioneering. This alone speaks volumes about her devotion.
She never missed family worship. Preparation for congregation meetings, especially the Watchtower Study, was a priority in her household. She ensured that her family was spiritually nourished.
Together with her beloved husband, the late Daniel Kwafo Ntow, she built a strong spiritual family. They were blessed with seven children:
- Dorcas Akotia
- Jemima Asamoah
- Eunice Awatey
- Franklyn Ntow
- Lynda Asiedu
- Keziah Ntow
- Silas Akuffu Ntow
Through unity and dedication, they even had the privilege of serving when her husband acted as a substitute circuit overseer, a role she supported faithfully and humbly.
Margaret was not only a loving mother but also a proud and devoted grandmother. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren:
- Michella Akotia
- Phelan Akotia
- Jedidah Asamoah
- Philip Asamoah
- Joriz Asiedu
She loved them deeply and took great joy in guiding them with kindness, wisdom, and encouragement. Through her example, she instilled in them values of faith, love, humility, and respect.
A Mother to Many
Mama Merg was known for her kindness, humility, and generosity. She loved deeply, forgave freely, and gave without measure. Many described her as:
Loving. Generous. Full of life. Caring. Hospitable. Honest. Everyone’s mother.
She treated children with gentleness and respect. She counselled others with calmness and dignity. Her words built up rather than tore down.
Her favourite expressions reflected her values:
- “Laziness doesn’t pay.”
- “Love big and hate none.”
- “Be at peace with all men.”
Her life echoed the counsel found at Romans 12:18:
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.”
She was truly lovable, peaceful, and encouraging.
We will always cherish her.
We are proud beyond words to call her our mother. Not in a million years would we exchange her for any other mother. She was uniquely a gift from Jehovah, perfectly suited to guide, nurture, correct, and love us.
Her life echoes the words of the Book of Proverbs 31:28:
“Her children rise up and declare her happy.”
And we do.
We rise today — through tears — and declare that we were blessed, blessed to be raised by her, blessed to be loved by her, blessed that through her we came to love the truth, have peace, unity, and unconditional love from her example.
Until the day Jehovah calls her name, and she answers in the new world, we will hold her legacy close. We will continue the work she loved. We will live by the lessons she taught:
- Be Peaceful
- Stay United
- Love Big
- Hate None
Until we see you again
Rest in Jehovah’s memory
Mama Merg, you ran your race faithfully. Rest in Jehovah’s memory — the safest place to be — until we see you again. And though she now rests, her works follow her, and her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped. We look forward — with deep emotion and unwavering faith — to the day when we will welcome her back in Jehovah’s promised new world. Until then, her love remains with us. Mama Merg, you ran your race faithfully. Rest in Jehovah’s memory — the safest place to be — until we see you again.