Wenchi: Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia paid tribute to the late Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia over the weekend, extolling the contributions of Ghana's first Prime Minister and thanking the chiefs and people of the Wenchi Traditional Area for his legacy. "Wenchi must be proud because the traditional area did not only produce a Prime Minister, but a thinker whose life history still invites us to think seriously about what leadership must mean," he stated.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Bawumia, who is also the Election 2028 Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), described Dr. Busia as an embodiment of great ideas and a scholar who understood the struggles of ordinary citizens. "He was a national leader but remains dedicated to the values of Wenchi, the place his life journey began," the former Vice President remarked at a colorful ceremony commemorating the 113th anniversary of the late prime minister's birth.
The ceremony was filled with joy as family, friends, and community members dedicated a worship center to the Wenchi Jesus Saviour of the World Church in Dr. Busia's honor. The event, themed 'Wenchi Cathedral Dedication, the Prof: A Heart of Faith,' drew politicians, traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, the clergy, and former Ministers of State, including former Majority Leader Mr. Kyei Mensah Bonsu and former Attorney General Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that Dr. Busia's life history still challenges the current generation to consider the kind of Ghana they want to build. "Busia's life history isn't behind but still before us and challenges our generation to question the kind of Ghana we build where traits still matter and leadership guided by politics," he noted.
He further urged that lessons from Dr. Busia's traits, character, and leadership should guide the nation in creating a Ghana where the poor are not forgotten and leaders are responsive to the development needs of young people. "When we listen to the youth, we strengthen our communities, their creativity, resilience, and vision which are essential to building a future that reflects their needs, dreams, and aspirations," Dr. Bawumia stated.
Discussing the theme for the anniversary, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that the present generation of youth embodies innovative technology and offers new solutions to old challenges. He stressed that faith should transcend worship, requiring active obedience, practical service, and everyday application. "While worship centers and focuses on the heart, faith translates that reverence into tangible actions, like helping the needy in society, practicing justice, and demonstrating true love," he concluded.
Archbishop Eddie Fabian, representing Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, founder of the Lighthouse Chapel International, commended the Busia family for preserving the legacy of the late prime minister. Dr. Busia, a prominent Ghanaian sociologist and politician, served as prime minister from 1969 to 1972. Born on July 11, 1913, in Wenchi, he is remembered as a staunch defender of democratic principles, opposing Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's one-party state and ultimately dying in exile following a military coup in 1978.