Quashigah is dead

Accra, Jan. 5, GNA - Major (retired) Courage Emmanuel Kobla Quashigah, former

Minister of Agriculture and Health, is dead, a family spokesperson told the Mr Kobla Asamani, Executive Officer at the Office of Major Quashigah, on Tuesday, described the death as "sad news" and "a major blow".

"The loss is not only to the family but to the nation as a whole," he said in a tribute.

He described Major Quashigah as "a distinguished man, a statesman who distinguished himself in all his careers".

"It is about time we honour his legacy. We're all sad. The family and entire nation are in a state of mourning."

Mr Asamani last Thursday confirmed the former minister was not well, but said since he had been invited to Israel to share his experiences in Public Service in a special program called, the "Enlightened Speakers Series," he seized the opportunity to participate in the programme and get the second opinion on his health.

Major Quashigah said he looked forward to returning home soon, by the grace of God.

A distinguished Ranger in the Ghana Armed Forces, he was born on September 9, 1947 at Kedzi in the Volta Region.

He had his secondary education at the Keta Secondary School, where he sat for the GCE Ordinary and Advanced Level Examinations.

Major Quashigah then had his military training at the famous Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, United Kingdom, where he obtained a Diploma in Economics, War Studies and Communication Studies.

In 1989, he had a stint at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and came out with a Certificate in General Management. He also studied at various military establishments throughout the world, to improve his professional efficiency.

These include the United States Army Infantry Schools in 1978, Canadian Staff School, Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College (1987) and the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (1989).

Major Quashigah achieved excellence in his soldiering career and received awards and commendations among which included, Everand Award for Oratory and Presentation at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Prince Abdul Faisal Award for War Studies and the Sandhurst Military Academy and Distinguished Honour Graduate Ranger at the USAIS in the United States.

The rest are Cane and Certificate of Honour as Best Overseas Cadet and Highest in the Order of Merit at the RMAS, U.K. and Commendation for Efficient and Effective Command at UNIFIL, Lebanon.

His working experience dates back to 1978 when he served as the Intelligence Officer at the headquarters of the Second Infantry of Brigade, Kumasi; Chief Instructor, Jungle Warfare School, Achiase; Chief Operations Officer at the Provisional National Defence (PNDC) headquarters; Commanding Officer, Ghana Military Police; Commanding Officer, Force Reserve Battalion; Directing Staff, Military Academy and Training School and Member of the Police Council.

He joined the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and contested for the position of national organiser, which he won at its 1998 congress in Accra. Major Quashigah served as Minister of Agriculture and Health under the NPP administration.