Former MP for Atiwa laid to rest

Akyem Abomosu Aug. 29, GNA - The mortal remains of the late Mr Kwasi Annoh Ankamah, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Atiwa, was laid to rest at the Roman Catholic Cemetery at Abomosu on Saturday.

The funeral attracted people from all walks of life including MPs led by the majority chief whip, Mr Garshon K. B Gbediame, ministers and former ministers of state, diplomatic corps, the clergy and party faithful.

The Abomosu Presbyterian School Park where the memorial service and the final funeral rites were held was decorated with New Patriotic Party (NPP) paraphernalia.

Reverend Father Nimo Appiah, Priest In-charge, Akrofufu St. Peters Parish, in a sermon said before the ascension of Jesus Christ, he assured his disciples and the entire world that he would come back and take the righteous to be with him.

He therefore urged the people gathered to accept Christ as their personal saviour in order to inherit the Kingdom of God after death.

In a tribute read on behalf of Parliament, Mr Gbediame said the late MP exhibited a high sense of political maturity, which won him an admiration from both the Majority and Minority in the House.

He said the Ghanaian legislature could say with justification that the late MP possessed a vision, a fertile energy and an abiding commitment not only to his constituency but also to the development of Ghana and her people.

Mr Gbediame described the late Ankamah as trustworthy, hardworking and indeed a God-fearing gentleman who had positive influence on any one who came into contact with him.

He said as an MP, he served on the Subsidiary Legislation, Judiciary, Local Government and Rural Development where he placed his expertise in order to deal with Bills and other issues expeditiously.

In another tribute read on behalf of the NPP Parliamentary caucus by Professor Issac Amoako, he described the late MP as an active member of the party since its formation in 1992 and became a special assistance to the former Chief of Staff, Mr Kwadwo Mpiani, before entering into parliament in January 2009.

Mr Baba Jamal, Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, who led a government delegation to the funeral, in a tribute said the late Ankamah, although belonged to a different political party, did not show any kind of division whenever they met at a function.

He said the death of the MP had created a big vacuum in the politics of the region.

Other tributes were read by the widow, Mrs Elizabeth Ankamah, the children, the NPP, the NPP branch in UK and Ireland, friends and other relatives.

Former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama and the Flagbearer of the NPP, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo were among the dignitaries.