Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, led a host of delegates in paying glowing tribute to the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South, Theresa Tagoe, at a funeral service in Accra. The funeral service was held at the Ebenezer Society Methodist Church at Dansoman, a suburb of Accra. The NPP leader hailed the late MP as a “dynamic and uncompromising” lady who helped in strengthening the party at its grass roots, especially in Parliament. Nana Akufo-Addo praised her for her stewardship, as well as highlighting the fact that she was one of four women pioneers to secure a seat in Parliament for the NPP. He added, “The party’s women’s wing, which is growing from strength to strength, owes Theresa Tagoe, its founder, an immense debt of gratitude… Our party and country have lost a great servant of freedom.” Other dignitaries who also mounted the podium to pay their last respect and remembered Theresa Tagoe’s immense service to the nation and party were the NPP Chairman, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey and the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Ocquaye among others. The late Theresa Tagoe was born in Apedwa in the Eastern Region near Kyebi to Teacher James Tagoe and Madam Janet Oponmaa Bempong. Her father passed away when she was only six, leading to her paternal grandmother, Abeley Kooko, bringing her down to Accra to start school at Bishop’s Girls School. She continued to Krobo Girls and obtained her Ordianry and Advanced Level Certificates at Aburi Girls School. She continued to the University of Ghana, Legon and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, History and Sociology. Between 1970 and 1980, the late MP worked at three different agencies; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations Economic Development and Planning Institute (IDEP), Senegal, and Agric Development Bank ending up as Assistant Director to the Director of Research. Her Parliamentary career began in 1996 when she was elected as an MP for Ablekumka South and won two subsequent elections to retain the seat until her decision not to contest in 2008, which coincidentally led the NPP to concede that seat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Her remains were laid to rest at Akyem Hemang. Story by Fidel Amoah/Myjoyonline.com