Politicians and other mourners besieged the Ashanti Region town of Konongo at the week-end to bid farewell to a former Regional Minister, Kofi Opoku-Manu.
The long- serving Chief Director at the Ministry of Finance passed on in Accra at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on August 1, 2017, after a short-illness.
The National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party were heavily represented, as the late civil servant and a politician was laid to rest.
The NDC team was led by National Chairman Kofi Portuphy, Vice Chairperson Betty Mould-Iddrissu , Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho, former Finance Minister Kwame Peprah, two former regional ministers Samuel Sarpong and Alexander John Ackon.
Others include National Communication Officer, Solomon Nkansah and his deputy Kwaku Boahen, Anitha De Souza, former Deputy Regional Minister Joana Appiah Dwomoh, among others.
The New Patriotic Party was led by the former Ashanti and Chieftaincy and Culture Minister, Sampson .Kwaku Boafo, Kofi Adda-Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation as well as Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, Chief Executive of the State Enterprises Commission (SEC).
Mr. Opoku-Manu served as District Chief Executive for Damongo, Bekwai, Obuasi, among others, under the Rawlings Regime.
He resigned from the Civil Service in 2000 to engage in active politics, having worked as Administrative Officer for Northern and Ashanti Regions.
Mr. Opoku-Manu is believed to have brought financial reforms at the Ministry of Finance during his tenure as Chief Director.
He is remembered for describing Asantehene a ‘Super Chief’ at his vetting for the Ashanti Regional Minister position by Parliament’s Appointment Committee in 2009.
In a tribute read by National Vice-Chairperson, Betty Mould-Iddrisu, the NDC described the late Opoku-Manu as a true party man who worked for all.
His widow, Juliet Opoku-Manu eulogised her late husband for his love, kindness and exemplary life.
“For the 21-years I have been as Kofi Opoku-Manu’s wife, I have enjoyed sweet marriage life, exciting friendship and counselling from a wiseman. I am grateful for every minute we had together Kofi,” she said.