General News of Monday, 7 May 2007

Source: GNA

Hawa Yakubu laid to rest

Pusiga (U/E), May 7, GNA - The remains of Madam Hawa Yakubu, the First National Vice Chairperson of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), were laid to rest in her hometown, Pusiga, near Bawku on Saturday. The burial ceremony was witnessed by thousands of Ghanaians from all walks of life and foreign dignitaries, including Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, who led a government delegation.

Former Vice President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer, Professor John E A Mills together some members of the party also attended as well as a delegation from the People's National Convention (PNC).

The top brass of the NPP led by its National Chairman, Mr. Peter Mac Manu, Ministers of State, Members of the Council of State and Parliamentarians were there in their numbers to celebrate the life of an illustrious daughter of Ghana.

Regional ministers from Upper East, West and Northern Regions were also there so also were traditional rulers from Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and a delegation from the Asantehene.

Reverend Father Moses Akebule, the Bolgatanga Cathedral Administrator, said in a sermon that a meaningful life was based on one's selfless dedication to serve humanity and to ensure that others have a cause to see the future.

He said the late Hawa espoused this attribute in all her encounters.

"She went about doing good and this she did not find so easy. She met with misunderstanding, envy, hatred and dangerous circumstances from some quarters' even with us her own people".

Rev Fr Akebule said in the face of all these difficulties the late Hawa was not deterred from accomplishing her mission. "The mission for the under privileged, the downtrodden, the vulnerable, the poor village girl, the youth, women and children in trying to make the future better for all."

"Though not on the streets of Calcutta, Mama Hawa was another Mother Theresa in her own way and worked herself to death, which she did for the sake of humanity just as Jesus Christ did" he said. He said Hawa's life was full of vision to give every Ghanaian a hope to trust in a world of mistrust and to see to it that the world was a united one without a class.

Mr. Bomiface Gambilla, Upper East Regional Minister, said the late Hawa helped the region in every aspect and fought for the reduction of poverty among women.

Her children, the government, parliament, friends and the NPP read tributes.

The government donated 180 million cedis to the family.