Farewell J.B. Danquah-Adu

On February 9, 2016, Mr Joseph Boakye Danquah-Adu, 51, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North in the Eastern Region, was murdered in cold blood in his room at Shiashie in Accra.

The death of the MP caused fear and panic in political circles, especially among parliamentarians, who had to put their sitting as well as other activities in Parliament that day on hold.

 Today, in his hometown, Akyem Old Tafo in the Eastern Region, the late Danquah-Adu’s remains will be laid to rest after a state funeral was held yesterday at the forecourt of Parliament House in Accra.

The murder of the MP, described by many as a decent, easy-going and philanthropic entrepreneur and politician, was not only a big blow to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which he belonged to before his death, but also his family, beneficiaries and the state as a whole.

This was evident in the huge turnout of dignitaries from all the political divide who were at the funeral yesterday to pay their last respects, including President John Dramani Mahama.

Ghana has not been noted for targeted killings but with the late MP’s murder, perhaps we need to revise our notes as a country and be more security-conscious. 

A suspect, 19-year-old Daniel Asiedu, who is alleged to have carried out the brutal murder, is currently in court, but we urge the security agencies not to rest on their oars in order to bring all other persons connected with the dastardly act to book.  

The death of the MP must be a wakeup call, not only for the security agencies, but the government and all Ghanaians as well. We must not take our security for granted.

The late Danquah-Adu was beautifully eulogised by friends and compatriots at his funeral yesterday, but if his death would count, then our laws must not remain in the statute books – they must be made to bite.

Estranged and very bitter couples, spouses and even mere friends have taken the law into their own hands and bathed friends suspected of infidelity in acid, with such rampancy that it has become very alarming.

Others, especially males who felt cheated by their spouses or girlfriends, have also literally butchered them with machetes.

The Daily Graphic believes that incidents like these need special attention from both the law enforcement agencies and the Judiciary. People who are found guilty of inflicting fatal wounds on others for whatever reason must be made to face the full rigours of the law.

We urge the general public to also treat with scorn, anyone found to have engaged in cowardly acts that put the lives of others at risk.

Mr Danquah-Adu may be gone with his death resulting in a great loss to his children, family, friends and nation but the state can do a lot in his memory by nipping the callousness and wickedness that do not put premium on human lives in the bud.  

The Daily Graphic bids the departed MP farewell and extends its condolence to the bereaved family.