Parliament Eulogizes Oppey Abbey, Steve Akorli

Parliament has eulogised a former colleague, the late Kojo Oppey Abbey, bringing to the fore his contributions to the development of communities in the Awutu Senya area in the Central Region, culminating in he being described as dying a “political citizen”.

Nenyi George Kojo Andah, a Deputy Minister of Communications, and Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, in a “statement of remembrance,” quoted the Book of Revelation 14:13, part of which reads: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; yeah saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

The late Abbey, a mechanical engineer, former MP for Awutu Senya West, was the first to win the seat on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2004 and made his entrance into Parliament on January 7, 2005.

He served on the Foreign Affairs and Business Committees of Parliament.

Nenyi Andah recalled fond memories of the MP, and recent fruitful conversations he had with the late lawmaker, and with a heavy heart brought the attention of the House to his death at the 37 Military Hospital on February 22, 2019, after a short period of illness.

“The death of the late Oppey Abbey came to the constituents as a shock,” Nenyi Andah said.

He described the deceased as a selfless gentleman, who crowned his political ambitions with winning the seat to become a “Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West Constituency between the years of 2004 and 2008, serving his constituents and contributing his quota to the development of our great nation.”

Nenyi Andah told the House that during his term the late MP helped build the Bawjiase New Market, ensured the acquisition of a piece of land for the operation of a rural bank in Bawjiase, and served on the board of the bank until his demise.

“Mr Speaker, the late Hon Oppey Abbey was influential and helped secure land to relocate the District Assembly Office from Winneba to Awutu Bereku. Again, he played an active role in the commencement of the Ayensu Starch Factory.

Nenyi Andah described the late Abbey as a great contributor to development, peace and unity in Awutu Senya West, after the former national chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Haruna Esseku, and died a political citizen.

“He achieved many feats for the constituents and is worthy for us to remember his contributions as he goes on this long journey,” he said.

He recalled how the late MP was of great counsel to him in his personal aspirations to become an MP, and that he taught him political tolerance and sacrifice, “providing valuable lessons” to him in his quest to serve his (Awutu Senya West) Constituency and many others who looked up to him.

“I could recount the long deep into the night strategic planning and reconciliatory meetings we had with Honourable Bartels, Captain Koda, Abban Quaye and Stephen Quaye, to mention a few, that laid the foundation for victory in 2016.”

Nenyi Andah recalled that the late Abbey in last December (2018), in what turned out to be his last public engagement in the Constituency, spoke to the NPP to maintain him and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo in the next general election to retain power for another term.

He invited colleague MPs to the funeral of the late Abbey, scheduled for May 25, 2019 at 0900 hours at the Great Wonders Community Football Park near Bawjiase D/A Basic School.

The House also eulogised the late Steve Senu Akorli, former Minister of Roads and Transport and MP for Ho East (now Adaklu Agotime Ziope), described as a “model Parliamentarian.”

“He took the work in the House of Parliament seriously, and dutifully attended sittings of the House and actively participated in proceedings both at the Plenary and in Committee sittings.”

The late MP was eulogized for his tenacity, who, through hardwork, had his first degree in Administration at the University of Ghana, to equalise with would be mates at the Teacher Training College.

“The late Steve studied privately, sat and passed the GCE O Level and A Level Examination and eventually graduated from the University of Ghana, Legon in 1977 with BSc (Hon) Administration Degree.

“This was a great achievement considering, especially in the light of the family’s financial circumstances at a time when the entire family also looked up to him,” the statement said.

He was described as having led a humble life and found pleasure in service to humanity.

According to the statement, “Steve voluntarily retired from Parliament and therefore did not contest the primaries toward the 2004 elections.

“In 2008, when his party (National Democratic Congress) returned to power, he was called upon to serve on the Parliamentary Service Board, and as a member, he chaired the subcommittee on infrastructure that worked towards the development of offices for the MPs, the Job 600.”

He was appointed to the Ghana Highways Authority Board, between 2009 and 2013.

According to Mr Governs Agobdza, the MP for Adaklu, the funeral of the late Akorli would be held on May 25 at Adaklu Kpetsui in the Volta Region.