At a time in our nation when political and tribal acrimony has become all too apparent, one individual who epitomizes reconciliation and tolerance has departed us. Major General Courage Quashigah was an exemplary public servant with an unparalleled devotion to duty and country. We members of NPP-USA are truly saddened by his passing, and know our nation has lost a very valuable son.

Born in Volta Region and raised in Ashanti, Major Quashigah is one of the few high profile figures in our political discourse with some of the most thorough insights to the two regions. Always aware of this unique position, he tirelessly worked behind the scenes to quell the growing distrust between indigenes of these two regions. It is as such no surprise that although he served as the Chief Operations Officer at the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) headquarters under the Rawlings administration, his personal noble convictions led him to the NPP where he run for and won the position of National Organizer in 1998.

As Minister of Food and Agriculture, Major Quashigah trained a sharp concentration on technological innovation which set the pace for mechanized farming that promises to help Ghana to attain self-sufficiency in food production. That same zeal for innovation served him well as Minister of Health. Today Ghana has helicopter landing pads at major hospitals such as the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.

One of the most difficult accomplishments is to succeed in politics and not develop personal adversaries in one way or another. Quashigah accomplished this seemingly impossible feat. Within the NPP or any party circles, it is not unusual to run across someone with some not too complimentary things to say about a unanimous favorite. Yet when it came to Major Quashigah, one almost never heard any unfavorable comments. That says a lot about a gentleman who got the job done while stepping on no toes.

The NPP-USA joins with millions of Ghanaians who will undoubtedly feel the absence of a great national hero to mourn this great loss to our nation. To the rest of the Quashigah family, we say Thanks for sharing him with us. We will have you in our prayers and will stand with you to mourn your irreplaceable loss. May the Lord keep him safe until we all meet again.

Nana Kwaku Agyei Yeboah Chairman, NPP-USA