Accra, June 4, GNA – Parliament, expressed its sadness over the death of Michael Coffie Boampong, immediate past MP Parliament for Bia West Constituency, in the Western Region, and called for the improvement of welfare schemes for former members of the House.
Members from both Sides of the House eulogized their former colleague, describing him as a counsellor, friend of the disabled, a unifier, and to the Majority Leader and MP for Suame Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the late MP popularly called MC, was « an epitome of humility. »
The sad event of the late Boampong occurred on January 29 2018 at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
The late former MP became a member of the august House in January 2001, and again represented the people of Bia in Parliament from 2005 to 2008, and 2009 to 2012 and 2013 to 2016.
The glowing tributes followed a statement, read by Mr Richard Acheampong, MP for East, on the floor of the House.
« Mr Speaker, the late MC Boampong became a member of this August House in January 2001, having been elected on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) until 2017.
« The late Honourable Member (aka MC Boampong) was born on 6th March 1962 at Sefwi Essam in the Bia West District of the Western Region to the late Opanyin Kofi Boampong of La Cote d’Ivoire and the late Obaapnyin Abena Fremah Taatuo of Sefwi Essam, » Mr Acheampong said.
According to the tribute, the late Boampong schooled at the Sefwi Wiawso Secondary School, and after being employed as a clerk with the Social security Bank Limited enrolled at the Kumasi Polytechnic in 1985 to study Business Administration, for which he was awarded Diploma in Business Studies in 1987.
In the same year, he was employed as a clerk with the Internal Revenue Service and stationed at the Sefewi Osei Kojokrom Border post.
He rose through the ranks to attain the District Accountant position for Wiawso-Babiani operational area in the year 2000.
In the same year, the late Boampong won the bid for the first time to contest the Bia Constituency Parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NDC, which he won massively, having obtained 76 per cent of the total votes cast.
Mr Boampong served on a number of Parliamentary Committees, including the Committees on Mines and Energy, Poverty Reduction, Special Budget, Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs; and chaired the Committee on Roads and Transport for some time.
The statement by Mr Acheampong said the late Boampong served his constituency and the nation with great devotion. » Indeed the Good People of Bia and later Bia West, will never forget the role he played in the creation of the Bia Distrcit out of Juaboso Bia with its capital at Essam Debiso in 2004.
The tribute noted the contributions of the late Bompong to development of infrastructure among which were school and hospital buildings; as well giving towards the education of brilliant but needy students. Other contributions, the tribute noted, are that he initiated the construction of a nursing training school and a mortuary, which are yet to be completed.
« His facilitation role in rural electrification can never go unnoticed, » the tribute said, and noted that he supported person with disabilities with canes, wheel chairs and financial support.
« We have lost the devotion of a true former member of the House, » Mr Acheampong said.
Calling the late Boampong « my uncle » Mr Alexander Afenyo Markin (NPP) MP for Efutu, described the late former MP as a « man of honour » and acclaimed him for counselling him (Afenyo Markin), as debutant MP to learn.
Minority Chief Whip and MP for Asawase said the late Boampong was a hardworking gentleman, » and « we wish and pray that he rests in the bosom of the Lord. »
Majority Leader Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu concurred to a suggestion by the Minority Chief Whip for the House to establish a Provident Fun, dedicated to MPs.
« We should revisit the Pension, to sandwich members who leave this House, » the Majority Leader said.
GNA
KKY
