A picture of the delegation in South Africa
A delegation comprising prominent members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is currently in South Africa to facilitate the repatriation of the late Enoch Teye Mensah’s remains to Ghana.
Enoch Teye Mensah, affectionately known as E. T. Mensah, was a distinguished member of Ghana’s Council of State and a former Youth and Sports Minister. He passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, in South Africa, where he had been receiving medical treatment. He was 77 years old.
The delegation sent by the NDC and the government is led by Mr. Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, the former Greater Accra Regional Minister and former Member of Parliament for Kpone-Katamanso Constituency, currently serving as the Caretaker Chief of Kpone-Katamanso. The delegation also includes Mr Ade Coker, the former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of NDC, Mr Ebenezer Mensah (the younger brother of ET Mensah), and Madam Diana Nortey, the Queen Mother of Prampram.
Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly received by the NDC South African Chapter, headed by Mr Benjamin Kofi Quashie and other chapter executives, who have been in close contact with the family and the party since the passing of the esteemed party member. Numerous NDC sympathizers gathered at the airport to welcome the delegation from Ghana.
To express their condolences to the grieving families, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H. E. Charles Owiredu, delegated Mr. Philip Acquah, the minister in charge of Consular Affairs, to extend a welcome to the delegation at the airport.
The remains of E. T. Mensah are scheduled to be transported to Ghana on Tuesday, October 10, and Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo-Addo, intends to be present at the Kotoka International Airport, along with members of the Council of State, to receive the body of this notable Ghanaian.
President Akufo-Addo fondly remembered E. T. Mensah as a “good friend,” emphasizing his warm, generous, and intellectual character.
In honor of Mr. Enoch Teye Mensah and another esteemed party member, Dr Sidney Laryea, the NDC has directed that all party flags fly at half-mast.
Profile of the late Enoch Teye Mensah:
Enoch Teye Mensah (17 May 1946 – 1 October 2023), popularly known as E. T. Mensah, was a Ghanaian politician and a prominent figure in Ghana’s political landscape. He served as Minister for Education and was a Member of Parliament in Ghana from January 1997 to January 2017.
Early Life and Education:
Mensah was born on 17 May 1946 in Prampram, Greater Accra Region, Ghana. He attended the SNAPS College of Accountancy, completing his studies in 1968. He also achieved RSA III in 1970 and became a fellow of the Institute of Financial Accountants in 1986. Mensah worked as an Accounts Officer at the University of Ghana, Legon.
Political Career and Tenure as Mayor of Accra:
During the PNDC military regime in Ghana, Mensah held the position of Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), akin to being the Mayor of the City of Accra. He joined the National Democratic Congress when it was established in 1992.
As a Member of Parliament, Mensah contested and won the Ghanaian parliamentary election in 1996, representing the Ningo-Prampram constituency. He held this seat for nearly a decade, securing subsequent victories in the 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 elections, maintaining his role until 2016. Mensah also served as the Minority Chief Whip in parliament before becoming the Majority Chief Whip in parliament when the NDC won the majority in 2009.
In his various roles, Mensah made significant contributions to Ghana, serving as Minister for Youth and Sports during the early years of the Fourth Republic, followed by appointments as Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, and later Minister for Education.
In January 2011, Mensah was appointed Minister for Education after the resignation of Betty Mould-Iddrisu.
On 12 February 2021, Mensah was unanimously elected as the representative of the Council of State for the Greater Accra Region.
Personal Life and Passing:
Mensah was married and had seven children. He passed away in South Africa on 1 October 2023, at the age of 77.
Honours:
In recognition of his contributions, Mensah was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Volta by President Kufuor’s government.
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