By:Yesmeen Abubakar Tetteh.
The Minority in Parliament is mourning the passing of the former Ayawaso East MP, Dr Mustapha Ahmed who passed away at the age of 63. The death of the former Youth and Sports Minister, which occurred on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, while he was undergoing medical treatment in India, has deeply saddened both the political and sports communities.
A delegation from the NDC caucus in Parliament, led by Second Deputy Minority Whip Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe visited Dr Ahmed’s family on Thursday, to offer their condolences. The visit, on behalf of Speaker Alban Bagbin, the entire Parliament, and the Minority Caucus, aimed to express sympathy and support during this difficult time.
Deputy Minority Whip Comfort Doyoe assured the family of the Speaker’s and Foreign Affairs Minister’s efforts to assist in repatriating Dr. Ahmed’s body to Ghana for burial. She emphasized the commitment of the entire caucus to standing by the family throughout the mourning period.
“The news of Dr. Mustapha Ahmed’s passing has deeply shocked the House. We assure the family that the Speaker, along with the Foreign Affairs Minister, are coordinating to assist the family in bringing Dr. Ahmed’s body back to Ghana for burial.”
Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central and spokesperson for the delegation, reiterated Parliament’s interest in ensuring a dignified farewell for their former colleague.
“Parliament is keen on receiving the details of the arrival of the corpse, the burial, and the funeral arrangements, to ensure we give our former colleague a befitting burial,” the Bawku Central MP assured.
Dr. Abdulai Alhassan, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude for the support received from the delegation and Parliament. He confirmed that the family would communicate their decisions regarding the burial and funeral by Islamic customs to the House.
Dr. Mustapha Ahmed’s political career, spanning from 2001 to 2016, was marked by notable contributions, including his tenure as Minister of Youth and Sports in 2015.
Despite brief controversies, such as a legal issue resulting in a seven-day prison sentence for contempt of court and a fine in 2016, his dedication to public service remained prominent throughout his years in office.
The delegation comprised the current Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Yussif Jajah who played glowing tribute to the memory of his predecessor. He assured the family of his commitment to offering a befitting burial to the late former MP.
