Slain Member of Parliament for the Mfansteman Constituency in the Central Region, Ekow Hayford has been laid to rest.
The funeral saw in attendance state dignitaries including the President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye and a host of others all taking turns to pay glowing tributes to the deceased MP.
The MP was murdered by persons suspected to be armed robbers on October 9 after a campaign tour.
The widow, Ophelia Hayford who is also the parliamentary candidate of the constituency, in her tribute described her late husband as caring and compassionate towards humanity.
“I honestly don’t believe you are gone because I still picture you telling me ‘Adwoa, it is well’. The bond we have is still strong. Diana, Prince and I and all the children are saying we love you.
“We are proud of you because you made us proud. Love, rest well. Rest in the bosom of the Almighty… Please tell the good Lord to give mw strength and peace in this difficult time,” she said.
The General Secretary of the NPP John Boadu who read a tribute on behalf of the party said the only befitting tribute is for the Constituency is to retain the NPP in power.
“Ekow, having died in the line of duty and in service to your people, it is right to say that the greatest tribute that the people of Mfantseman can pay to honour your memory is to vote massively for your replacement,” he said.
Ekow Kwansah Hayford was sworn in in parliament on January 7, 2017 to begin a four-year mandate in the legislature but his untimely death meant he could not complete his full term.
He served on the Judiciary, Lands and Forestry as well as the defence and Interior Committees of Parliament.
Majority Chief Whip Kwasi Ameyaw Cherremeh who read a tribute on behalf of the House described the late MP as diligent and hardworking who put the country and his community ahead of personal interest.
“Indeed, the family, the children, Parliament, Constituency (Mfantseman), the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the nation as a whole have lost a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a nephew, a Parliamentarian, a true friend and a young devoted stateman. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
The late MP died aged 50 and is survived by three children.