Accra, Jan. 27, GNA, Parliament on Friday observed a minute's silence in memory of Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Amanokromhene. Alhaji Malik Alhassan Yakubu, Second Deputy Speaker, who presided said: "Let us pay respect to this great son of the land. Mr William Ofori Boafo, Member for Akropong, had read a statement in the House describing the late chief as, "an elder, statesman and a progressive leader."

He said the man who was known in private life as E N Omaboe, was a renowned, talented and pragmatic economist who had the natural knack for his job.

"If ever there was a hardworking fellow that excelled and walked the surface of this planet, it was Oyeeman: ever energetic, ever truly humble, ever committed, devoted, loyal and faithful, ever smiling, ever vivacious, ever friendly, ever ready to assist without prompting and ever insightful."

The member said Oyeeman's life was filled with several sterling achievements both within Ghana and beyond and stands as a model for all Ghanaians.

"As a traditional ruler, Oyeeman was committed to peace, stability and unity among his people and was extremely keen to foster real development among Akuapen Gyaseman in particular and the Akuapem State as a whole.'

Mr Hackman Owusu Agyeman, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing said Nana Ampem was "pillar of everything that is desirable in human existence."

"He has left a gaping hole in the affairs of his town and the country as a whole." Captain (retired) Nkrabea Effa-Dartey, Member for Berekum, told his own story: "I was a little boy in elementary school in Jinijini when I heard about him. In fact, I saw him as a personal role model." He said: "I looked up to him as an almost immortal but I just managed to see him once I my lifetime."