Augustina KariKari Benton

Comfort Oforiwaa (Maa Fowaa) Karikari Benton was born on March 31, 1956 in Kwabeng, Ghana. She was the daughter of a respected Chief of Kwabeng Nana Twum Ampofo and a devoted saleswoman Grace Afrah Darkwa from Akim Oda. She was the fourth of five children born to her parents and lived in Akim Oda most of her childhood.

Maa Fowaa began her primary education at the age of six at St. Luke Primary Catholic School in Akim Oda, Ghana. She shared a deep bond with her aunt Akua Nyame, spending countless hours by her side at the market, where she was taught not only the value of hard work but also how to become a successful salesperson. She later attended Attafuah Senior High Technical School and upon completion, went on to become a hardworking entrepreneur and seamstress.

In 1977, Maa Fowaa was invited to the United States by her older sibling Prince Charles Karikari and she lived with him in Brooklyn, New York. In 1983, she moved to Harlem and married John Adu Nyarko with whom she had two children: Prince Attafauh-Domena Benton, born in 1985 and Renee Akyaa Karikari, born in 1988. Later, she moved to Brooklyn to live with her older sister Nana Adjoa Karikari, where she pursued a dedicated and compassionate career as a Home Health Aide.

Maa Fowaa served as a companion at Harborview Assisted Living Facility for Seniors for 18 years. She earned the respect and trust of both residents and their families. She continued her passion for caregiving by working as a Home Health Aide with Best Choice Home Health Care and Harbor Care of New York. Throughout her years of service, she compassionately cared for others and devoted several years to providing attentive and loving care to private patients, including her friends Florence, Sam, and others.

In February 2023, Maa Fowaa retired after many years of faithful service, marked by dedication, perseverance, and hard work. In July 2023, Maa Fowaa relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where she initially resided with her niece, Linda Dei-Baning, for four months. Thereafter, she moved into her own home, enjoying her independence while remaining closely connected to family. She embraced her new season of life by spending meaningful time with loved ones, including her great grandchildren, August and Jai’Lani.

Maa Fowaa enjoyed attending gatherings, dining out, taking road trips, and traveling between New York, New Jersey, Florida and Ghana. In March 2025, she returned to her homeland, where she reunited with lifelong friends and family. Her presence brought joy to everyone, she was respected and surrounded by affection by those who held her dear.

Maa Fowaa leaves behind her two children, Prince Attafuah-Domena Benton residing in Bremerton, Washington and Renee Akyaa Karikari residing in Irvington, New Jersey, along with her siblings, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered as a woman of quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering love for her family, whose legacy will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.