5 political deaths that rocked the nation in 2018

2018 has been an eventful year for all Ghanaians. Entering December obviously means that it’s now just a matter of days before the year comes to a close.

But as we recount all the memorable events that have happened in the last 12 months, we cannot skip the sad moments too.

On the political divide, 2018 came with mixed feelings, especially as the nation lost some fine brains to the cold hands of death.

Below, we take a look at five Ghanaian politicians whose deaths rocked the nation in the year under review:

1. Emmanuel Kyeremateng Agyarko

In November, the sudden death of Emmanuel Kyeremateng Agyarko came as a major shock to all Ghanaians. The Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency passed on at the age of 61.

The lawmaker was reportedly battling with an illness and had been admitted at the Ridge Hospital in Accra before being sent abroad after his condition stabilised.

However, his condition rather worsened leading to his death in the UK. The passing of the MP came as a shock, and many have since not recovered from it.

2. Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur

Another major loss that rocked the nation was the death of the former Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur.

Amissah-Arthur passed on in July after he reportedly collapsed at the Airforce Gym during a workout session.

He was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital after falling unconscious at the gym but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

His burial ceremony drew a host of mourners from far and near – a clear sign of how mighty he was before his unfortunate demise.

3. Stacy Offei-Akoto Darko

The death of former Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the National Entrepreneurship Innovation Programme (NEIP), Stacy Offei-Darko, was also one of the saddest moments of the year.

Ms. Offei-Darko reportedly visited the Advanced Body sculpt Centre (Obengfo Hospital) for treatment but died after being admitted at the facility.

Stacy Offei-Akoto DarkoAlthough what killed her has not been officially disclosed, the CEO of the Hospital, Dr. Dominic Obeng-Andoh, is currently in court over the death of the former NEIP Deputy CEO.

4. J. H Mensah

Veteran politician and founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Joseph Henry Mensah, also passed on in July this year.

The former Majority Leader, who also served in three different ministerial positions during John Agyekum Kufuor’s time as President, died at the age of 89.

His demise came as a big blow to the nation, especially as he was one of the very experienced politicians around.

His working experience dates back to 1953 when he was appointed as an Assistant Inspector of Taxes by the colonial administration.

5. KB Asante

Another political titan who passed on in the year 2018 was senior citizen and retired diplomat Kwaku Baprui Asante.

The statesman died in January this year at the age of 93.

He served as secretary to Ghana's first President Kwame Nkrumah, as well as in the civil service for more than 20 years.

His death came as a big loss to the country, with the veteran politician being one of few Ghanaians to have served at both the AU and UN.