Many times accolades are hurled at those who departed us, as is customary, but in the words of the immortal Bard, William Shakespeare, "When beggars die, there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of Princes." Jake Obetsebi Lamptey was indeed a Prince in the true sense of the word. He was a true patriot, an honest man, and a dedicated politician.

Yes he was partisan, but that is because he believed with every fiber in his body, as do all of us here at NPP-USA, that the New Patriotic Party is the only party in Ghana that has the key to our nation's prosperity.

Yes he was political, but that is because he believed that democratic principles are the best ways to choose leaders for Ghana, and for those leaders to lead our nation into prosperity.

Throughout his life Jake never abandoned those qualities - the need to be accountable to the people, the need to lead with integrity, and the need to love all people regardless of ethnicity and party affiliation.

It is noteworthy that under his leadership as chairman of the NPP, he intensified the outreach to the external branches that has empowered those of us living abroad to contribute significantly to the party's success. It is an understatement that Ghana has lost an irreplaceable son, and the NPP has lost an irreplaceable leader.

Jake was a true friend of NPP-USA, and we mourn deeply with the party and his family. Our NPP flags throughout the United States will fly at half mast in honor of a great leader, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Public Relations Committee NPPUSA