Year in Review: Political figures who passed on 2019

The year 2019, was perhaps, a year that was hoped to be a ‘death-free’ year for prominent figures until the passing of NPP’s Bono Regional Chairman, Francis Opoku Sarfo, in July then a few others followed.

But then again, death is inevitable and therefore lays its icy cold hands on unfortunate victims.

Many of those remembered dedicated themselves to their party thus their sudden passing left a void within the political parties they belonged to.

Mass outpouring of grief followed their demise, and they were remembered by party fellows for their contributions towards the success of the fraternity each was a part of.

Below are a list of politicians who died this year

Francis Opoku Sarfo, NPP Regional Chairman

Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Francis Opoku Sarfo alias Chairman Jerry lost his life in a ghastly road accident on July 6, 2019.

The astute 50-year-old businessman was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser on his way from Achirensua to Hwidem when the unfortunate happened on his way at a section of the road at Banahene.

He died on arrival at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital.

Mark Ofori, NPP Constituency Treasurer



According to reports, the constituency treasurer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Takoradi in the Western region, Mark Ofori was shot dead in his house at Fijai, a suburb of Sekondi in the Western region by some unknown assailants.

The attack occurred on Wednesday dawn after they had already shot a 70-year-old night security man then fled to the next house which happened to be the treasurer’s residence.

The robbers’ entry, the police said was detected by Mr Ofori, 45, and immediately the robber shot him twice at close range killing him instantly.

The police source said, the brother of the constituency treasurer, Mr Kweku Ofori who was then asleep in the next room, heard the blast of the gun and rushed out only to see the brother dead.

Emmanuel Max-Voy



The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary aspirant for the Ashaiman Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Emmanuel Max-Voy died on Sunday, August 4, 2019.

The late Emmanuel Max-Voy was said to have had the backing of several supporters and well-wishers who were campaigning for him to unseat the incumbent, Ernest Henry Norgbey, but kicked the bucket during the vetting period.

The renowned educationist and Managing Director of Happy Home Academy in Ashaiman fell sick soon after picking his nomination forms and was rushed to the hospital where he has been on admission until his death that fateful Sunday.

Family sources revealed he suffered Kidney and Ulcer challenges and had been battling with them for long.

David Adakurugu

The passing of the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for the Tempane Constituency in the Upper East Region, David Adakurugu was a ‘big blow’ to the party.

David Adakurugu died in Tamale in the Northern Region at about 12:00 am on Friday, September 20, 2019 after a short illness.

Recounting few moments prior to his death, NDC Tempane Constituency Chairman, Iddrisu Atamde said, “It’s true that he has passed on. He lives in Accra and I’m also in the Tempane constituency. I called him on Wednesday to discuss some issues with him and he promised to be around on Thursday. I called his phone line several times yesterday but to no avail. It was late in the evening that I was told that, on his way to the constituency, he complained of stomach pains and he was rushed to a private hospital at Tamale for treatment. But he passed away later on,” he said.

“It’s a very shocking news. It is a big blow to the party,” the NDC Tempane Chairman said.

David Adakurugu was also a former Member of Parliament for the Tempane constituency.

Tommy Amematekpor

Tommy Amematekpor, popularly called Efo Tommy, was a leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP)

Mr. Amematekpor, who was a contractor and a native of Agbozume in the Ketu South municipality served as a Special Advisor to President John Agyekum Kufuor when the NPP was in power between January 2001 and January 2009.

Apparently, Efo Tommy was the patient President Akufo-Addo visited recently at the Nyaho Clinic in Accra when his political opponents turned the story that the President had collapsed and had been rushed to the medical facility.

He passed on at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, on Sunday, December 1, 2019, after a short illness. He was aged 77.