<<Print>>

The two leading contenders for the flagbearership position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, came face-to-face yesterday amidst sharing of jokes in a convivial manner. This was during the funeral ceremony of the late fashion designer, Kofi Ansah held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra. Supporters of the two personalities have been throwing invectives and casting aspersions at one another for the past week or so under the pretext of defending their preferred candidate for the position of NPP flagbearer. Unlike their supporters who are virtually at one another�s throat, trying to undo one another, it was all smiles and exchange of pleasantries when the two high-profile personalities met yesterday. They shook hands, laughed heartily and cracked a few jokes, obviously sending a message to their supporters and followers that politics is not about fighting one another. For a couple of minutes, the two had a hearty chat apparently to the surprise of many who thought there was badblood between them. The funeral brought together some prominent people of the land, including former Chief Executive of Anglogold Ashanti, Sir Sam Jonah; Ambassador Aggrey-Orleans, former Ghana High Commissioner to the UK; Dr Abu Sakara Foster of the Convention People�s Party (CPP); Madam Mary Chinery Hesse; Professor Atukwei Okai; Samia Nkrumah, Chairperson of the CPP; Tsatsu Tsikata, Frank Davids, all legal practitioners; former Accra Mayor, Nat Nunoo Amarteifio; Sam Pee Yalley; the celebrated highlife musician, Kwadwo Antwi; Dr. Kofi Amoah and a host of others. Kofi Ansah died on Saturday, May 3 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. Some highlife musicians � Gyedu-Blay Ambulley and Akosua Agyapong � put up some splendid shows, while some models performed catwalk in memory of the late fashion designer. The body of Kofi Ansah, who was 62, is expected to be cremated according to his religious belief after a short burial service at the forecourt of the State House. Tributes read by the family, friends and colleagues, described the late Ansah as a friend, brother and an incomparable star whose life changed the lives of many. �You are a mentor who shared your talent with many; you were the appetite of up-and-coming designers. �We remember you as a mentor, brother, husband, son and a friend,� Ryan Ansah, son of the late fashion designer, stated as he idolized him. �In a world of beta males, my father Kofi was the epitome of an Alpha � a true lion. The most hardworking, passionate man I have ever known. His strength, intelligence, ambition and sense of responsibility, are all attributes I will continue to aspire to,� he added. Speaking to Ghana News Agency, Abusua Panyin Paa Kwesi Yankey, disclosed that the body of Mr. Ansah was going to be escorted by close family members for cremation at Lashibi. He said the ashes would be sent to Senya Bereku on Saturday for further funeral rites. �However, there would be no thanks-giving service for Kofi,� he stated.