Parliament celebrates Ferdinand Ayim

Accra, May 19, GNA-Parliament on Friday eulogized Mr. Ferdinand Ayim for " making his short life worthy of emulation". Mr. Ebenezar Sakyi Hughes, Speaker, after presiding over a wave of praise from members, ordered a minute of silence for the man who was once the Special Assistant to Mr. Jake Obestebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Diasporian Affairs.

In a tribute, Mr. Okerchire Adusa, Member for Nkwakwa, said Mr Ayim was affable and humble.

"All those who came into contact with him could bear the incontrovertible testimony that he was a workaholic, affable, humble, unassuming but always on hand to offer a helping hand." He described him a seasoned journalist and a prolific writer whose pieces braced the pages of the "Statesman", a newspaper he wrote for, before entering politics.

"Freddie has left footprints... and as we brood over his death, may we take a cue from his short life and contribute our quota to the development of mother Ghana."

Alhaji Alhassan Malik, Second Deputy Speaker, called him:" A fine human being. I know this as a fact. May God Almighty have mercy on his soul and forgive him for his shortcoming." According to Mr. John Mahama, Member for Bole Bamboi,"even though we did not agree politically, we were good friends. He left a mark and impact wherever he went."

He said ordinary people die on the roads everyday but nothing seemed to be done to stop "the carnage". "We would be paying a more fitting tribute to his memory if we are able to reduce or stop the slaughter on our roads." Mr. Ferdinand Ayim died in a lorry accident while on his way to Kwahu Attibie to do the preparatory groundwork for the recent paragliding event held there. He was 46 years old. 19 May 06