25th anniversary of Busia's death Celebrated

Accra, July 11, GNA - Tribute after tribute that reminisced Dr Kofi Abrefa Busia, Prime Minister during Ghana's Second Republic, as an excellent academician, committed patriot, humanitarian and more, characterised a ceremony to launch the 25th anniversary of his death. Vice President Aliu Mahama, Chairman of the Council of State, Professor Alex Kwapong and other Members of the Council, Ministers of State and politicians attended the ceremony, which also marked the 90th birthday of the political icon of the United Party, precursor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The ceremony, described as a wedding without the couple or an outdooring without a baby, was also attended by family members and friends of Dr Busia, the Leadership of the NPP and many young and old people who shared the liberal democracy ideology, which their idol unflinchingly championed.

There was an early signal that the audience would be treated to a book of the celebrated life of Dr Busia, as 93-year-old Francis Bartels, first Ghanaian Headmaster of Mfantsipim School, Dr Busia's alma mater, and a life-long friend of his, said the opening prayer as a preamble to the chapters of a life well-lived.

Greater Accra Regional Minister I.C. Quaye took a cue from him and dedicated his Muslim prayer to talk about Dr Busia's vision to develop Accra with the development of infrastructure, including the Kaneshie market and an underground sewerage system.

As chapter, after chapter revealing the many sides of Dr Busia was flipped, it was evident that, "his memory would live long...long beyond the memory of man," as was put aptly by Mr R. R. Amponsah, a close associate of the legend, and a Former Minister of the Second Republic. Mr Amponsah, who described Dr Busia as "one of the greatest sons of Ghana, and indeed Africa," said the former Prime Minister was resolute in his passion to develop the rural areas of Ghana and to improve the quality of life of the people, during his tenure of office from August 19, 1969 to January 13th 1972. Accordingly, he said, Dr Busia established the first Ministry dedicated to Rural Development. Additionally, he set up committees in all the regions to formulate strategic plans for rural development, taking into account the specific needs of the regions, based on their levels of development. "As a Prime Minister when he met with his Cabinet, he was not concerned about how to cater for his family's need, keep his health, or remain in office after his tenure, but he was only concerned about how to improve the lot of Ghanaians.

"It is unfortunate that he was only allowed two and half years to implement his plan," Mr Amponsah said.

He said when it became evident that Ghana would return to constitutional rule in 1979, Dr Busia, who was then suffering from ill-health in the United Kingdom gave advice to members of the defunct UP, on how to organise and be able to win the elections to carry out with his dream.

Shedding more light on Dr Busia's tenure as Prime Minster, Mr Kwabena G. Osei-Bonsu, the Chairman of the Busia Foundation, who served under the PM, described him as "a highly disciplined, principled man, who was positive in his thoughts and had nothing to hide. "He was hardworking and humble. Punctuality was his hallmark and the frail-looking man who was as tough as a cane, could sit in meetings from 2100 hours to 0400 hours every other day," he said of him. Mr Osei-Bonsu said the man, who was the Chairman for the Centre for Civic Education before he became PM directed that posters, such as "Be Punctual", "Don't Accept Gifts, They Corrupt," were pasted in strategic places to encourage disciplined lifestyles.

But perhaps, the most exciting of all tributes was that of Dr Busia's widow, Naa Morkor, who described him as a "small man with a mighty mind".

"I first set eyes on him when I was 14-years old," she said to a lot of laughter.

"We used to call him 'tsitsa bibioo' (which means small teacher, in Ga). He used to teach us Latin in Achimota College and he would walk into the classroom with his hat, full of confidence," said Naa Morkor, who described herself as a bashful teenager at the time. Naa Morkor said when she married Dr Busia years later, she realised that there were many side attractions to the teacher, which demanded energy, time and resources beyond what she had been prepared for. She said Dr Busia's political career began in an era characterised by factionalism, but he managed to sell his ideas convincingly and successfully.

However, Naa Morkor, who accompanied her husband into exile on two occasions, said it was not all rosy for her husband and his compatriots, whom she often catered for.

"He was grossly misunderstood sometimes and he took a lot of abuse, but his diligence, commitment, hard work and faith moved him to pursue his cause," she said.

To help to keep the cause of the Oxford Scholar and Wenchi Royal perpetual, the Busia Foundation, which she initiated five years ago, has lined up month-long activities to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of his death, which occurred on 28 August 1975.

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Vice President of the Foundation, said the University of Ghana would host a memorial lecture on Wednesday, August 6 in honour of Dr Busia, who was its First African Professor and First African Head of the Sociology Department.

Senior Minister J. H. Mensah would deliver the maiden lecture at the Great Hall of the University.

Additionally, an endowment fund for a Professorial Chair of Sociology at the University would be launched. On Friday, August 8, Muslim prayers would be said for Dr Busia, a Methodist Lay-Preacher, while there would be a National day of Prayer, on Sunday, August 10.

A fund-raising dinner dance would be held on August 16 at the State House and a five-day exhibition would open at the National Theatre on Monday August 25.

When it came to the raising of funds at the ceremony, an Executive Member of the NPP purchased an image of Dr Busia, unveiled by Vice President Mahama for 10 million cedis while others bought many other souvenirs.

Many financial pledges were also made.

Member of Council of State Madam Ama Busia, sister and Professor Abena Busia and Akosua Busia, Hollywood Actress, daughters of Dr Busia, synchronised their roles to make the ceremony a success.

To draw the curtains, the ladies introduced Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Bekum Ashun (rtd), the soldier who personally ensured their safety and well-being when Dr Busia's regime was overthrown in a military coup and thanked him for the gesture.