I Am Quarcoopome

My name is Wilfred Nii Sackey Quarcoopome, the first son of John Adjiri Quarcoopome, one of the fourteen children of John Sackey Quarcoopome of Labour House, who directly inherited our grandfather's vast legacy.

I write these words not in anger, but with a heart full of reflection, love, and longing — longing for the unity, pride, and sense of belonging that once defined who we are.

I was born in Labour House. I grew up in Labour House. Every corner of that house is part of my story. I know its every nook and cranny — the main family lounge where we slept as children, the front door of my father's room that always told me I was home, our little cabin, now boarded but still standing quietly, and the old mango tree that continues to shade our memories of pranks we used to play.

I knew all fourteen of my uncles and aunties. Each of them, in their own way, touched my life and helped mould me to what I am today. I remember them fondly, with deep affection, love and respect. They were a symbol of strength. I also grew up with most of my nephews and nieces within those same walls, sharing meals, laughter, and lessons that made us not just a family — but a tribe. That bond was our strength; it was our pride.

"But today, when I look at Labour House, my heart aches. The building that once stood tall as a proud symbol of J.S. Quarcoopome's legacy now shows signs of neglect and disrepair."

Cracks on the walls, broken floors, faded paint — they all tell a story of how far we have drifted, not just from maintaining the house, but from maintaining what it stands for.

A Family at the Crossroads

We have lost something greater than bricks and mortar — we have lost our unity and our sense of direction. The closeness, love, and mutual respect that once defined our Quarcoopome name have weakened. Yet, deep inside, I know we still care for one another. We still share that bond. So what happened to us? When did we stop being one family?

I am a Quarcoopome — no less entitled to the legacy of our grandfather than any of my cousins, or nephews who have taken it upon themselves to control what rightfully belongs to us all. And certainly, not less than any "children" or relatives who do not bear the Quarcoopome name and have none of that emotional allegiance to Labour House.

Yet, today, I find myself without a voice — unable to question decisions made about the estate that belongs to all of us. I know there are many other brothers and sisters who feel just as silenced, just as left out or sidelined. We feel forgotten.

Our grandfather left us so much — land, property, wealth, and above all, a legacy of hard work and unity. And yet, what do we see now? Disunity, hardship, and confusion. We are surrounded by poverty and apathy, even though the name Quarcoopome once stood for success, dignity, and enterprise.

I fear that if we continue like this, we will lose everything — not just the estate, but the identity that binds us. Our name "Quarcoopome" must not fade into history as a story of lost potential and family discord. It should remain a living symbol of legacy, wisdom, and strength.

"We now have children both home and abroad who proudly carry our name. What legacy will we hand them if we do not act now?"

What story will they tell about us — the generation that inherited so much, yet lost it all?

Let us not allow that to happen. Let us build something they can also be proud of. We simply cannot continue as we are.

A Path Forward

Let us rebuild our unity. Let us restore Labour House, not just as a building, but as the heart of our family. Let us bring hope, dignity, and opportunity back to the Quarcoopome name.

Together, we can rise again. Together, we can honour our grandfather's vision. Together, we can make the name Quarcoopome and Labour House shine once more — for us, for our children, and for generations yet to come.