Dean of the UPSA Law School, Professor Kofi Abotsi, has delivered a moving tribute in the wake of the recent helicopter tragedy, honouring the lives of both the well-known and the lesser-acknowledged individuals who perished in the crash.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, August 9, Professor Abotsi reflected on his encounters with two of the high-profile victims, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Dr Abdul-Rashid Mutala, both of whom he praised for their character and commitment to ethical leadership.
“Dr Omane Boamah, whom I had also encountered just like my colleagues have said appeared in different settings, too many to remember the specifics clearly,” he noted. “But what stood out was his sincerity and humility in public life. His decorum and ability to relate to people at the most basic level, without the usual sophistication and political sophistry, was a true testament to his strength as a person and as a human being.”
Professor Abotsi also paid tribute to Dr Mutala, describing him as a man of vision and integrity.
“Dr Mutala equally was a great person someone I admired for his personal traits, his vision, and his desire to rid politics of the perception of corruption,” he said.
However, the law dean was careful to draw attention to those whose names may not be as widely known including members of the flight crew and political operatives who also lost their lives.
“It’s important to remember the not-so-well-known individuals the members of the crew, and others who perished. These were persons who were instructed to fly the aircraft, who had no choice in the matter, but who nonetheless committed themselves to service,” he stated.
Professor Abotsi emphasised that some among the group may not have been obligated to travel, particularly those affiliated with the political party.
Yet, their decision to join the journey was, in his words, a clear expression of dedication to national service.
“There were members of the political party who perhaps didn’t need to be there this was, after all, a state enterprise visit but they chose to follow, because of their commitment to the service of Ghana,” he remarked.
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