The Speaker of Parliament, Alban S. K. Bagbin has described the late Hon. Modestus Ahiable as a man of conviction who approached his earthly endeavors with calculated precision and strong principles.
According to him, this attribute of the late former regional chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) endeared him to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings who appointed him regional minister for the Volta Region.
Speaker Bagbin paid this tribute when the family of the late Modestus Ahiable called on him in Parliament on Monday to formally announce his passing and details of the funeral arrangements.
They were led by the Member of Parliament for the Ketu North Constituency Hon James Klutse Avedzi who is also chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
Recounting the memory of Mr. Ahiable who was popularly called ‘Eku’, Speaker Bagbin expressed the need to celebrate the contributions and memory of people who dedicated and devoted their lives to serving their nation.
This he said helps to inspire and uplift younger generations to commit themselves to a life of service.
“When I was the minority leader, these were the men of wisdom whose support I could count on in my moments of difficulty. He sparingly spoke and when he did, you will see commitment in it,” Speaker Bagbin said.
He also described the passing of the man he called his friend as a great loss to humanity, the country, the NDC and the family.
The Speaker therefore assured the family that Parliament would support them to give him a befitting burial.
Late Modestus Ahiable died aged 75 on Sunday, January 21, 2024, and according to the family, the mortal remains of Mr. Ahibale will be laid to rest on April 27, 2024, in Dzodze, Volta Region.
Mr. Modestus Ahiable served as the Volta Regional Minister from 1993 to 1997 in the Jerry Rawlings administration.
Additionally, he held the role of Volta Regional chairman for the NDC and later served as Ghana’s ambassador to Benin from 2009 to 2013 during the John Mills and Mahama era.