Old Tafo (E/R) July 16, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama at the weekend called for a new Ghana united in the vision to make functional the national aspiration of freedom and justice.

He said this was the tribute the country could pay to the memory of the late Kwaku Boateng, Minister in the First Republic, whom he described as a utility player in the political game who would be missed by all.

He said the life struggle and death of the Former Minister would be meaningless unless his experiences were used as lessons in the challenge of sound nation building.

Vice President Alhaji Mahama was speaking at a memorial service for the late Minister at Old Tafo Presbyterian Church in the Eastern Region. Mr Boateng, a Barrister-at-Law, died at the age of 80 on May 1, 2006 in South Africa, where his son; Paul, is the British Ambassador and was buried in Britain.

"He was a man of many parts, who served his country with all his heart and might. Indeed, he proved himself a man of immense capability and competence," the Vice President said.

He said as a staunch member of the Convention People's Party, Mr Boateng fought alongside Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah towards Ghana's independence.

"A nation that treasures its heroes even in death enjoys the pleasure and privilege of creating more heroes," Vice President Alhaji Mahama noted.

Mr Paul Boateng described his late father as a patriot, who had immense love for his country.

"If you heard him talked, you would believe what he talked. What he talked was love for Ghana, love for his country," he said. The Ambassador said his father entered the tough world of politics, where he served well.

Recalling the incarceration of his father in imprison after the 1966 coup that overthrew Nkrumah's regime, he said it was during that time that he developed his love for God and started his life as an evangelist.

The late Mr Boateng served as a Minister of Justice and Attorney-General; Information and Broadcasting, Higher Education and Local Government.

Surviving him was his wife, Peggy and nine children.