House pays tribute to Naa Abeifaa Karbo

Accra, Feb 18, GNA- Members of Parliament on Friday eulogized Naa Abeifaa Karbo 11, a member of the Council of State, saying the values he held dear are those that make a nation tick.

The man who died in December 2004 was the Paramount Chief of Lawra Traditional Area and the first Member of Parliament for Lawra/Nandom. Dr Ben Kunbour, Member for Lawra, whose tribute earned a lot of support said: "He might have not left mansions and other items of physical wealth behind. But he did leave behind higher human wealth of values of consistency in life, a commitment to one's principles and believes and above all dignity.

"We the younger generations of North of Ghana can only immortalize Naa Abeifaa Karbo by drawing from his wealth."

The member said the late chief had once told him to "let my mind decide my political actions and not my stomach."

"He advised me to always be on the side of our people and never to make enemies in my quest to be an MP."

He said: "He kept to his principles about life even under very tempting and difficult situations."

The member said Naa Abeifaa Karbo had protested against tyranny and unfair practises even at a tender age adding that, "he certainly was a leading northern figure in the anti-colonial struggle of the late 1940s and early fifties."

Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said:" This man is a shinning example for the youth. He deserves to be glorified in the history books of the country."

He described him as one of the men who belonged to the generation who suffered a great deal of vilification and abuse at a time when their views were not appreciated.

"But we are getting from their lives a better Ghana. We must recognise fidelity and principles in our national life."

He said the late Chief did not allow himself to be blown by political winds," and that is extremely important for the youth of Ghana."

Mr Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader, traced Chief Karbo's political life saying he never believed in the principles of the Federalist National Liberation Movement (NLM).

The late Chief Karbo's Northern Peoples Party had to merge with the Congress Party and the NLM to form the United Party (UP) to escape the wrath of the Avoidance of Discrimination Act passed in 1958. Mr Bagbin said the man served his nation and died in dignity ''for many have been lured by wealth."

Mr Bengyina Sekyi Hughes, the Speaker, ordered a minute's silence for his former colleague on the Council of State.

Naa Abeifaa Barbo was born on 7th January 1927 in Lawra. He trained as a teacher and pursued law when he was a Member of Parliament. He was called to the bar in 1965.