The year 2022 is passing with life-long memories for some. Others, unfortunately, faded into eternity and bid the year goodbye before its end.
Among these were prominent Ghanaians whose achievements will linger on for years to come even if their names are forgotten.
POLITICS
Former Finance Minister Kwesi Botchwey
The longest-serving Minister of Finance, Professor Kwesi Botchwey died in the early hours of Saturday, November 19 while receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
He had served between 1982 and 1995 and later worked with the World Bank, the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in various capacities.
He was a member of the Council of Elders of the largest opposition party in Ghana – the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He was buried on Thursday, December 22.
PNC’s John Akparibo Ndebugre
One of the vociferous members of Parliament (MPs) of the stock of the People’s National Convention (PNC), lawyer John Akparibo Ndebugre, popularly called Nde, died on Friday, May 6 after a short illness.
He represented the people of Zebilla in the Upper East Region in the Fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.
He had later switched carpets to join the New Patriotic Party (NPP) but prior to the 2020 Presidential Elections thrown his support for NDC’s John Dramani Mahama.
As a lawyer, he challenged many conventions.
He had predicted that the premier Special Prosecutor, Martin ABK Amidu, will resign even before his term ends.
He was laid to rest on Saturday, July 1
Former NPP Chairman Harona Esseku
The man who served the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the first Chairman during the party’s first taste of power, Harona Esseku, who was two years short of becoming a nonagenarian, died on Wednesday, August 3.
He had served the people of Awutu, Effutu and Senya as their MP in the Second Republic.
He died a few weeks after his Vice Chair, Stephen Ntim, finally ascended the reigns as National Chairman after several years of asking.
NDC’s Alhaji Mobila
The Northern Region Chairman of the NDC also died mid-year, having battled illness and receiving medical care at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Alhaji Ibrahim Mobila died on Tuesday, August 16.
Nuamah Donkor of NDC
Alhaji Mobila’s death was a second blow to the NDC, who had lost stalwart Samuel Nuamah Donkor a few days earlier.
Mr Nuamah Donkor was the Member of Parliament for New Juaben North Constituency in the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic and also served as Minister of Health and Ashanti Region Minister at some points.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama’s wife
Not a frontline politician, Hajia Ramatu Mahama was behind the success of Ghana’s longest Vice President, the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama.
Her death came almost 10 years after the demise of her husband.
She was the mother of current Yendi Member of Parliament Farouk Aliu Mahama.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Psalm Adjeteyfio
Popularly known as T.T for his role in the Taxi Driverseries, Psalm Adjeteyfio succumbed to a heart condition he had been battling with for years.
He died on April 8.
Ekow Blankson
The death of the veteran actor came as a shock to many on the morning of Monday, October 3.
Until his demise, he was the Commercial Manager of Ghanaweb, moving there after years of working for big media firms like Media General, TV Africa and others.
Prince Yawson aka Waakye
Another veteran actor, Prince Yawson, popularly known as Waakye, also passed on.
Waakye, who had graced the screens for years, died at the 37 Military Hospital.
He had survived a cardiac arrest years earlier and had dedicated his life to serving God before his untimely demise on Tuesday, August 2.
AB Crentsil
One of the controversial musicians, Alfred Benjamin Crentsil, ABC, died on Wednesday, July 13 at the age of 79.
One of the hi-life greats Ghana has produced, AB Crentsil stirred controversy during the regime of the late JJ Rawlings with his song ‘Moses’, which was considered too profane at that time.
SPORTS:
Nana Yaw Bawuah
The chairman of Asante Kotoko from 1981 to 1985, Nana Yaw Bawuah superintended over the historic triumph over Al Ahly to win the Porcupine Warriors their second continental trophy in 1983.
He died on Friday, January 14.
OTHERS
While compiling this piece, the death was reported of the King of Football Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele.
Pele had visited Ghana in 1969 as part of the Santos FC squad on tour in Accra.
The following year, he led Brazil to another World Cup triumph, scoring the opener in their 4-1 win over Italy in the final game.
He died on Thursday, December 29.
Another global figure to have visited Ghana but passed away in 2022 is Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen of the Royal Family of the UK died on a Thursday, on September 8.
She had visited Ghana on two separate occasions – 1961 and 1999.
Source: 3news.com
