Kade, May 08, GNA - Burial took place at Kade, in the Kwaebibirem District, on Saturday, of Mrs Mercy Owusu-Nimo, a former Member of the Council of State.

She died at the St Dominic Hospital at Akwatia, on February 14, after a protracted illness, aged 76.

A woman of many parts, she was an educationist, librarian, economist, banker, writer, farmer and a politician.

Mrs Owusu-Nimo was a member of the second Council of State of the Fourth Republic, from 1997-2001.

In a tribute, the Council of State said by her death, the country had lost one of her illustrious daughters and might have to wait a while to fill the vacuum, especially in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area and the Kwaebibirem District.

The Council described her as a contentious, hardworking and patriotic counsellor, who brought her rich and varied experience to bear on the governance of the country.

"She was an accomplished woman, full of integrity and exuded confidence wherever she found herself".

Other notable traits of Mrs Owusu-Nimo were humility, kindness and friendly disposition.

The tribute further said all those who were privileged to know her would not easily forget her independent mindedness and strong convictions. "Mrs Owusu-Nimo has undoubtedly paid her dues to humanity by rendering selfless and devoted service to her community and the nation at large".

During her political career, Mrs Owusu-Nimo also served as the Kwaebibirem District Chief Executive.

She and her husband, Mr Kwabena Owusu-Nimo, formed the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in the district and stood on the party's ticket in the 1996 parliamentary elections but lost.

Among the distinguished personalities who graced the funeral service were Ex-president Jerry John Rawlings, the Eastern Regional Minister, Dr Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi and the Okyen Hemaa, Nana Adutwumwaa Dokua.

Former President Rawlings arrived very early at the funeral to a rousing welcome long before any government official showed up and was at the grave side for the burial to bid his comrade, friend and confidant a final farewell.

Mrs Owusu-Nimo was educated at the Abuakwa State College, Kyebi, Holy Child College, Cape Coast and the Hull University in the United Kingdom, where she obtained Diploma in Librarianship and Bachelor Degree in Economics.

After years in public service, she established the Ama Nipaa Memorial School at Kade to promote education in the district.