Newly elected National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Mr. Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, has dedicated his chairmanship victory to the memory of his campaign coordinator in the Tamale North Constituency, A.U Farouk, who died last Friday (December 16, 2022) ahead of the party’s National Delegates Congress.
The deceased campaigned vigorously for the former NDC General Secretary to become the National Chairman but died just few hours into the congress last Saturday, December 18.
He reportedly died at the Legon hospital in the Greater Accra Region after he collapsed at the University of Ghana where he was lodging with other members of the NDC who traveled to participate in the congress.
The late A.U Farouk has been a longstanding communicator of the National Democratic Congress with over 20years in party activism contributing to national and regional television and radio political discussions.
Mr. Aseidu Nketiah addressing mourners and family members stated, “I have known Farouk as a very effective party communicator in the Tamale municipality. In fact, his effectiveness attracted me to nominate him as my campaign coordinator in Tamale North and so he worked tirelessly to ensure that job would be done and he had to travel to Accra to make that the votes are cast for me – alas in the evening I just heard this shocking news.”
The NDC Chairman noted he almost broke down after receiving the sadden news of the passing of the latter but only gathered courage till the victory was eventually secured.
“I therefore deem fitting to dedicate my Chairmanship victory to the memory of comrade Farouk Umar. Again, let us consider the death of Farouk as a sacrificial lamp to heal any moods that must have occurred during the campaigning, it was unavoidable that difference will emerge in such a campaign, we have a reconciliation to do, so let us consider the death – whoever wants to continue the division please remember comrade Farouk has paid the ultimate prize to ensure the party is united for victory 2024” he stated.
He further intimated the most befitting tribute to the memory of Farouk will be winning power in the next general elections and securing the seat of government.
“May Allah bless his memory, may Allah forgive him of any transgression that must have occurred in his rather short life in this world” Mr. Nketiah prayed.
Former President John Mahama who was also at the funeral grounds presented an amount of ten thousand cedis (GHS10,000) for welfare and upkeep of the widow and the children.
He further pledged to cater for the family so as to ensure their progress and future are secured in spite of the unfortunate incident.