Government abandons Etornam Gorni

Authorities have failed to honour the memory of a 14-year-old girl who died after an independence day rehersal parade in the Volta Region last year, according to her family.

Etornam Gorni Attipoe died on 27th February 2012 during an Independence Day rehearsal parade. Etornam's grandfather, Adjei Worlasi, who spoke to DAILY GUIDE, noted that government and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) failed to honour his granddaughter after her burial.


Mr. Worlasi, a former staff sergeant of the Ghana Armed Forces, added that a promise to turn the tomb of little Etronam into a tourist site has not been fulfilled.


He noted that the acting Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Henry Ametefe, during the funeral, described Etornam as a true national hero and made reference to Corporal Attippoe of the memorable 28th February Castle Crossroads shootings.


He said Etornam was a descendant of Corporal Attipoe, stressing that her death exemplifies the fact that heroism and sacrifice is important to the family.


When the father of Etornam, Atsu Gorni was contacted, he broke down in tears, saying: “6th March celebration is really making me and my wife, Charity Gorni Attipoe sad.

“We have missed Etornam greatly because she was a dynamic child, respectful obedient, hearty and adorable."


Mr. Atsu, a police officer, noted that his daughter told him “daddy don’t worry, just pray for me, when I grow up I will buy a car for you.”


“We feel sad when we see her mates play on the pitch of the Volta Regional Police Training School," he said.


He prayed for the soul of her daughter and expressed the hope that her siblings would grow up to become great people to honour the memory of their sister.


Mr. Atsu hinted that Etornam’s little sister, Edem Gorni Attipoe, has already started participating in athletics, football, volley and others.

Attempts to reach the acting Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Henry Ametefe, proved futile as he failed to return many calls.


Meanwhile, students of Fiave SDA School last Wednesday, 27th February, 2013 visited the family and played football to honour Etornam.


Personnel of the police training school also organised a small get-together to remember Etornam.