It was an emotional moment in Parliament on Friday, March 31, 2023, when Members of Parliament were recounting fond memories of their departed colleague, Kumawu MP, Philip Basoah.
Some MPs took turns to relive moments they spent with the deceased MP and also express their grieve over the incident.
Member of Parliament for Juaben, Ama Pomaa Andoh, was in the House and rose to contribute to the discussions.
The MP was recounting some fond memories of her ‘friend’ in the House and how they were strategising to win their primaries but could not finish her speech as she got choked with emotions and broke down in tears.
“I remember on Thursday we strategised on how the next four years or how the next two years we are going to work so hard and make sure that we win our primaries.
“I’m still in shock. He always mentors me. He always tells me to hold on. He was so hopeful and I still can’t believe that he’s gone but we miss him and we know that God will keep him safe wherever he is,” she said but just before she could land, she broke down in tears.
Realising her devastation, Ayawaso Central MP, Henry Quartey, interjected and asked to continue on her behalf.
“Mr Speaker, I like to continue for her,” he said. But his gesture was greeted with an uproar of laughter as his voice cracked in the process of wanting to help.
Prior to his demise, Philip Basoah was the representative of the people of Kumawu in Parliament.
According to family sources he passed away Tuesday morning, March 28.
He died at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital at the age of 53.
On Friday, March 24, 2023, during a crucial vote to ratify President Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominees, Philip Atta Basoah was noticeably absent from parliament.
Neither his Personal Assistant nor anyone close to him knew his whereabouts until his room was forcibly opened, only to find him collapsed.
He was rushed to the hospital in comma but passed away while plans were underway to fly him out for further care.
He first came to Parliament in 2017 after winning in the 2016 general elections in the Kumawu constituency.
Prior to sailing to Parliament, Mr. Basoah was a Chief Executive for the Sekyere East District from June 2005 to January 2009 and was also a tutor at the Agogo State College.
In the 2016 Ghana general elections, he won the parliamentary seat with 21,794 votes making 78.2% of the total votes cast on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party.
In the 2020 Ghana general elections, he won the parliamentary seat with 14,960 votes making 51.1% of the total votes cast.