Akenten Appiah–Menkah
The Danquah Institute (DI) has expressed its condolences to the family of Appiah-Menka, the late Chairman of the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region.
Appiah-Menka, a lawyer and industrialist and founding member of the NPP, passed away last week at the age of 84.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr Kingsley Nyarko, DI, the policy think-tank expressed shock over the demise of Mr Appiah-Menka.
“It was shocking, devastating and soul-wrenching when the death of Mr Appiah-Menka was announced on 13th February, 2018,” according to DI.
It said, “Although he had been unwell lately, we least expected his demise at this time. At 84 years, we thought we could continue to benefit from his wisdom, deep knowledge, great insight, pragmatic ideas and unadulterated courage that have contributed to the development of the New Patriotic Party in particular and the country in general.”
“As a founding father of the NPP, a formidable pillar of the party in the Ashanti Region and the Chairman of the Council of Elders in the region, he made sure that the party grew in strength, loyalty, commitment, service and discipline so as to position the country in a proper economic stead.”
Mr. Appiah-Menka, who was a Minister of State under Dr K. A. Busia administration during the Second Republic, was an astute lawyer, an excellent author, an amazing entrepreneur and an extraordinary industrialist, who created jobs that benefitted the nation.
He was a great statesman and an iconic personality.
He was also a member of the Governing Board of the Danquah Institute and contributed to its growth.
“We are very proud of his support of the Institute, relish in his deep passion for its success, and his unalloyed commitment to the development of the NPP tradition and the nation,” the statement said.
DI further in the statement said that “we wish him peace and good rest from his labour of love and service to the party and nation, and ask the Almighty God to keep his family and offer them the fortitude to withstand this unbearable loss at this difficult time in their lives.”
It said “we also encourage all loved ones across the length and breadth of the country to mourn with the family in Kumasi on the 24th, 26th and 27th May slated for his burial, funeral and thanksgiving service respectively. Let us attend these activities and give him a befitting farewell.”
By Melvin Tarlue