TRIBUTE TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE LATE EMMANUEL OSCAR AMEYEDOWO BY HON. KOBENA MENSAH WOYOME MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR SOUTH TONGU AND RANKING MEMBER YOUTH AND SPORTS, TOURISM, CULTURE AND CHIEFTAINCY COMMITTEES.
Thank you Mr. Speaker for the opportunity to pay glowing tribute to H.E. the late Emmanuel Oscar Ameyedowo who was a staunch member of The National Democratic Congress (NDC) and one of the founding members of the National Democratic Congress in the South Tongu Constituency.
He contested and won as the first Parliamentary candidate for the constituency in 1992, a period when the nation had transitioned to Multi-party democracy after several years of military rule.
Mr. Speaker, H. E. Emmanuel Oscar Ameyedowo served well during his tenure both in the constituency and in Parliament. He was the former secretary to the Dabala Area Development Association and Agave Youth Association. Some of the committees he served on in parliament include; Vice Chairman of Select Committee on Local Government & Rural Development; Member of Subsidiary Legislation Committee, Trade, Industry and Tourism; and Chairman of Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Speaker, the late Emmanuel served as a parliamentarian for only a term [1993 – 1997]. But he was diligent and his presence felt. He was the first chairman of the foreign affairs committee of parliament and was part of the parliamentary delegations to; Republic of Korea, European Parliament (Brussels & Strasbourg), Investment Promotion forum & 50th Anniversary of UN (New York), International Institute of Democracy (Strasbourg), and National Assembly of Togo.
As a chairman, he managed to acquire an office for the committee that facilitated their work. This was a big feat at that time. He initiated a number of developmental projects during his tenure as the Member of Parliament in his constituency. And it was during his tenure that the Agordome water treatment was constructed.
The late Emmanuel Oscar Ameyedowo also co-edited
“Proceedings of Seminar on Parliament and Foreign Policy-Making in Ghana” in 1995, a Publication by Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Accra whiles he served as an MP in Parliament.
Mr. Speaker, after he served as Member of Parliament from 1993 to 1997, H.E. Emmanuel Oscar Ameyedowo was appointed by the then President of Ghana, the late Flt Lt. Jerry John Rawlings as an Ambassador of Ghana to the People’s Republic of China, Cambodia, Vietnam and Democratic Republic of Korea where he served diligently thereby creating a solid and friendly relation between Ghana and these countries. He served there from 1997 until 2001 after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) gave power to the NPP.
Mr. Speaker, H. E. Ameyedowo served faithfully even after he retired as an ambassador. This is evident in the words of the Former President John Mahama as he stated when he visited the bereaved family that, H. E. Oscar Ameyedowo was instrumental in arranging His first meeting with current Chinese President who was then the vice President; and he was one of the leading men who assisted government in the construction of the Atuabo Gas Project.
Mr. Speaker, Life indeed is a journey which must come to an end someday.
Today, the life of H. E. Emmanuel Oscar Ameyedowo who laboured through life as Management Executive and as a Politician has come to an end. Though gone from our sight, but never from our hearts because of his good deeds and the many lives he touched. The people of South Tongu will miss him, NDC will miss him, we will all miss him for the perfect gentleman that he was, an instrument of influence, hope and support to family, friends and loved ones. He played his part.
Mr. Speaker, those who have had the opportunity to work with him will attest to the fact that H.E. Emmanuel Oscar Ameyedowo was affable, a problem solver, a unifier, selfless, committed, kind-hearted and soft-spoken. These we are encouraged to carry and pass on to the next generation of politicians.
Mr. Speaker, the mortal remains of our brother, father, friend and loved one Emmanuel Oscar Ameyedowo will go into the sand this Saturday 11th February,2023. I therefore wish to express my deepest condolence to his children, family, the people of South Tongu and to the grate NDC and I pray for a peaceful rest for the departed soul.
Thank for the opportunity Mr. Speaker.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
