Charlene Ewurabena Hamilton moved through life with a gentleness that left deep marks on everyone she encountered. Friends often said she made every room feel calmer and every burden lighter. Those who knew her speak of a woman whose kindness was instinctive, whose loyalty was unwavering, and whose presence had a way of stitching people and moments together. She died on 3 November 2025 at the age of 40, following complications from a routine thyroid surgery in Accra.
Charlene was born on 26 March 1985 at Central Middlesex Hospital in London to Madam Frances Caiquo Arthur and Mr Vincent Nana Mensah Hamilton. Baptised at Hendon Methodist Church that June, she spent her early years between the United Kingdom and Ghana, wrapped in the love of her parents, her grandmother and an extended circle of family and friends. As the only child of her mother, the bond between Charlene and Frances was especially deep.
Her education began in England before she joined St. Anthony’s Preparatory School and later St. Martin De Porres School in Dansoman. Charlene stood out for her academic ability, love of books and the way she carried herself among her peers. She belonged to a close-knit group known as the Bandana Girls and became known across the school for her compassion and reliability. She served in the Ghana Army Cadet Corps, earning the award for Most Committed Cadet, and was a member of the Spelling Bee team. As Compound Overseer, she approached her duties with a sense of responsibility far beyond her age, completing junior high in 2000 with outstanding results.
Charlene entered Holy Child School in Cape Coast in 2001 and quickly became a beloved figure in “Our Lady’s” House. She was known as a big sister to many younger students and a dependable voice in her Science class, S2. She earned several school and church recognitions, including a 2002 award as the Overall Highest Fundraiser at the Vocational Fair. Her friendships extended across Cape Coast’s secondary schools, and many of those relationships lasted the rest of her life. She completed her SSCE in 2003 and remained active in the Holy Child Past Students Association, serving for more than five years on the executive committee of HOPSA 2003.
At the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where she studied Biological Science from 2004 to 2008, Charlene again found ways to make community wherever she lived. After starting in Africa Hall, she later moved to Kinshasa Court Flat 9 in the Ghana Hostels Facility, becoming one of the first women to reside in the formerly male-only block. The group that formed around her there became another chosen family. Friends recall her room as a gathering point filled with food, laughter and long conversations about school, relationships and life. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and carried forward a new circle of lifelong friends.
Charlene had an uncommon ability to understand people. She made others feel seen, valued and safe. Hospitality came naturally to her. She began her professional journey at Gold Coast Securities during her national service before joining the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra in 2011, becoming part of the first team to launch the luxury property in Ghana. She excelled in operations, administration, food and beverage service, and human resource support. Her work ethic and warmth earned her the Employee of the Month award in July 2011, and colleagues across departments admired her. For many at Movenpick, she became an anchor in the bustling environment of a major hotel, remembered for her sincerity and infectious humour.
In parallel, she served as editor of the Writers, Drama and Debaters Club, organising secretary of the Ghana United Nations Students Association and a member of the Entertainment Committee. At every stage, she found new ways to connect and uplift.
Her friends often called her “Archives” for her extraordinary memory. She remembered everyone’s birthdays, family details, favourite colours, preferences and significant moments. She remembered because she cared. She was a confidant, a mediator and a calm source of truth. She was also known as a matchmaker, bringing people together with the intuition of someone who understood the human heart. Many marriages began because of her gentle interventions.
Charlene lived her faith with quiet devotion. Although raised Methodist, she worshipped at Word Miracle Church, later Perez Chapel, and eventually Potters Family Chapel in Dansoman and Weija. She served as a church administrator, coordinator and executive member of the Potters Ladies Ministry, offering structure, leadership and warmth. Even after long workdays, she often attended night services.
In 2016, she joined Platinum Grey Limited, the hospitality group behind the Polo Club Restaurant and later People Social Eatery and Dragon Room. Over nine years, she became central to the organisation’s operations, trusted completely by colleagues and management. She did not need a title to lead; her influence came from character, consistency and kindness. She remained with the company until her passing, and for the Polo Club family she was more than an employee — she was kin.
Charlene spent her final evening at Accra Medical Centre on 2 November, preparing for her surgery the next morning. She was hopeful and expected to be recovering by Tuesday, asking friends to visit her then. When the procedure lasted longer than expected, concern spread quickly. News of her death came with devastating force. For those who knew her, it felt as though a pillar had fallen.
Charlene leaves behind her parents, her extended family and a wide network of friends who became family. She leaves behind a world softened by her presence and shaped by the countless acts of kindness she gave freely. Her legacy is defined by love, service, humility and grace.
To those who knew her, the world now feels dimmer. Yet her life — marked by gentleness, generosity and unwavering faith — continues to shine in the people she touched.
