Petra Maria Efuavi Amegashie was born on September 4, 1959, in Dzodze, Volta Region, to Chief (Togbui) Amegashie Afeku III (Master Alfred Amegashie), Dufia of Keta, and Madam Agnes Naniwa Agblehor of Alakple — both of blessed memory. Her father, a product of Achimota College, devout Catholic, and respected headmaster, was a strict disciplinarian. Her mother, by contrast, was quiet and confident.

Petra was a delight to both parents. Bold, open, and truthful, she often shared her thoughts candidly with her father, who encouraged her honesty. She loved to accompany him to church, attending both the early Mass for pupils and the long Latin Mass for adults. Her mother fondly called her “the first among the cooking oils,” a humorous endearment borrowed from an old Ewe Frytol advert, whenever Petra served joyfully or filled the home with her spontaneous songs.

She attended the R.C. Girls’ Convent School in Keta from 1964 to 1974 and then O.L.A. Secondary School, Ho (1974–1979), where she earned her O’ Level certificate. Although she didn’t qualify for science sixth form, she encouraged herself with her motto: “I take advantage of failure to succeed.”

During her break, she read widely, taught catechism at the Good Shepherd Church, helped her mother in business, and gave birth to her only son. Later, she joined the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR).

In 1983, Petra gained admission to Tema Secondary School to study English Literature, French, and Government at A’ Level, completing in 1985. She served with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) for her National Service, where several of her reports were published. GNA offered her a scholarship to pursue a university degree, but she declined on moral grounds, choosing instead a path of self-development and spiritual growth. The Bible became her constant companion.

In 1989, she joined Novotel, Accra, where she worked until 1995. By then, her passion had shifted from secular work to divine service.

A chance meeting with the then Archbishop of Cape Coast, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Turkson, changed her life. At his invitation, Petra joined the Program of Evangelization proposed by Pope John Paul II for the Great Jubilee 2000. She trained at the K&T Catholic School of Evangelization and was commissioned as an Evangelist in May 1996, later joining the staff until 1998.

Her evangelistic ministry took her across Ghana and beyond. She participated in ecumenical programs, leadership training, and Kerygma Team courses from the USA. Petra’s intellectual depth and grace amazed many — she could engage anyone, from scholars to youth, with wisdom and humility.

Returning to Tema, she briefly worked with Standard Newspapers and Magazines (SNAM), writing compelling articles such as “The Millennium Catholic” and “The Dress Code Saga.”

She also founded a youth evangelization group, “Come Follow Me,” which performed at major church events, including the 30th Anniversary of the National Catholic Laity Council (NCLC) in 2005. She ministered widely to youth and university students, including as keynote speaker at the KNUST Pax Romana Crusade 2000.

In 2002, Petra served as Secretary to the Coordinating Committee of the international missionary congress Missio ad Gentes organized by the Institute of World Evangelization (ICPE) in collaboration with SECAM. She shared her testimony before an international audience and led worship through song — one of her greatest loves.

On SECAM’s recommendation, Petra joined BCM Ghana, a mining contracting firm, as Personal Assistant to the CEO (2004–2006). Immersed in a new professional world, she continued to live by Pope John Paul II’s exhortation:

“It must be an authentic witness backed with a resolute lifestyle.”

A born leader, Petra held various leadership roles throughout her life — prefect in school, founder of the “Queen of Virgins” praesidium of the Legion of Mary, and a pioneering influence in the performing of nativity plays now common across Tema’s parishes.

Her 2008 political journey marked another bold chapter. Initially announcing her independent presidential candidacy, she later joined forces with Dr. Edward N. Mahama of the PNC, becoming the first and only female vice-presidential candidate to participate in Ghana’s historic first vice-presidential debate.

Her campaign message — “Introducing High Feminine Presence in Politics” — reflected her belief in dignified womanhood and godly leadership. Petra’s signature rasta hairstyle became a symbol of cultural pride and authenticity.

Petra was an encourager, a forgiver, and a champion of truth and righteousness. She stood with the weak, comforted the afflicted, and prayed for the oppressed. She gave generously and secretly, preferring to serve unnoticed — trusting that the God who sees in secret would reward her openly.

Her later years were spent in quiet reflection, study, and prayer. One of her favorite hymns declared:

“I love the life You gave to me.”

Though her plans for the nation, church, and family were unfinished, her work in the Kingdom of God was complete.

Petra Maria Efuavi Amegashie departed this life a few days before her 66th birthday, after a short illness. She lived with purpose, served with humility, and loved deeply.