Accra, May 28, GNA - Parliament on Friday paid tribute to the late Chiana Pio Pe Rowland Adiali Ayagitam II and branded him as a paragon of virtue. The Speaker, Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo set the tone when he led the House to observe a minute silence in his memory. Mr Cletus Apul Avoka, Majority Leader who read the tribute stated that he was an epitome of justice, freedom of expression care for the weak and upheld the will of the people.

He said he was the first to occupy the then Upper Regional House of Chiefs position in 1972 when it was created in 1976 and proved his mettle as good a leader by doing well to all manner of people. He said these qualities endeared the then Provisional National Democratic Congress government in 1991 to appoint him the Speaker of the Consultative Assembly that drafted the 1992 Constitution. Mr Avoka noted that Chiana Pio became the building block of the current multi-party democracy in Ghana.

He said as a pragmatic leader he was committed to democracy and the operation of the 1992 constitution for about two decades, adding that it was a testimony of his great work in Ghana's democratic history. "Chiana Pio Pe Rowland Adiali Ayagitam II was an advocate of equity, respected human rights, rule of law and upheld democratic principles at all times."

He said his death was a tragedy to constitutional democracy and chieftaincy in Ghana.

"Parliament will remember your frank disposition on national issues. Mr Avoka said parliamentarians would rededicate themselves to the cause he stood for.

"Ghanaians have lost a rare patriot, a renowned chief and a distinguished statesman whose commitment to democracy is worthy of emulation."

He called on kingmakers in his traditional area to ensure a smooth succession as a befitting legacy they could bequeath Chiana Pio. The first to have contributed to the statement was Mr Ambrose Dery, Deputy Minority Leader, who said Chiana Pio stood for peace in an environment that concord was a rare commodity. He said even those who watched the consultative Assembly afar could testify that his performance was praise worthy. He called on other traditional leaders to emulate his humility and peace. Mr Moses Asaga, Member of Parliament for Nabdam said the late Chiana Pio championed the course of education by fighting for scholarships for needy students in his area. Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Member for Kwabre West said the late chief was among the few chiefs that people consult in chieftaincy matters. He noted that he was a good listener who sought for council before making comments on any issue. He called on the royal family to look for a successor who could conduct himself like him. Mr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo Deputy Majority Leader, called on Ghanaians to do their best for the country in emulation of Chiana Pio. He said those would suffer a little for Ghana would be recognized in future. Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Minority Leader said Chiana Pio was an advocate of equality, peace and democratic principles. He said Ghana might not had been where it was if the late Chiana Pio, Mr Justice Daniel Fredrick Annan, the former Speaker of Parliament and many others had not contributed so much. 28 May 10