Parliament has paid tribute to the late Amon Kotei, the designer of the national Coat-of-Arms, who passed away on October 17, 2011. Contributing to a statement made by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Dade Kotopon and the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Nii Amasah Namoale on the death of Mr Kotei, the Majority Leader, Mr Cletus Avoka, said the death of Mr Kotei was a loss to his family and the country as a whole. He said the deceased was a genius and unique person who distinguished himself both during the pre and post-colonial eras. “Today, we are all proud about the Coat-of-Arms which has become the symbol of the country's authority”. He said the fact that the House put aside its numerous scheduled programmes to pay tribute to Mr Kotei was ample testimony that the whole country appreciated the contribution of Mr Kotei to the development of the country. “This is a clarion call to all Ghanaians that those who make sacrifices towards the growth of the country will be recognised,” he said. For his part, the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu said for the Coat-of-Arms to last till today was an ample testimony of the craftsmanship of the late Kotei. He wondered whether the deceased received any recognition in his lifetime, adding that if that was not done “then we have not done well as a country”. In his statement, Nii Namoale said Mr Kotei was an inspirational hero to Ghana and the world at large because he was heroic, brave, dedicated, hardworking, selfless and strong willed. He said Mr Kotei believed in the cause that he could use art to inspire young Ghanaians born out of the colonial Gold Coast. “Madam Speaker, we, as a country, needs inspirational heroes like Mr Amon Kotei as a role model. He is one exemplary inspirational hero with proven values demonstrating respect for fellow humans,” he stated. Mr Kotei won a competition among many other great artists in Ghana and the world at large when the call for a fitting Coat-of-Arms for Ghana was made. Nii Namoale said that Mr Kotei laid a foundation, left an important and unique heritage behind and a legacy for society to follow. He added that the achievements of Mr Kotei had laid down a foundation on which the statutory Arts Council of Ghana could not fail to build on with success. A state funeral is to be held for Mr Kotei today after which he will be buried at La.