Abrantie pays tribute to Baah-Wiredu

October 2-8, 2008 (Graphic Shhowbiz - Page 3)


THE death of the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu has not only sent shock waves through the corridors of power in Ghana and among ordinary Ghanaians but also in showbiz circles.
One of the hardest hit is music legend, Amakye Dede, who described the death of Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, as a "great loss to Ghana".
"Honourable Baah-Wiredu was humble, dedicated to his duties, down to earth and approachable. I have never met such a selfless personality in my life," the music legend stated with wet eyes.
In an interview with the Graphic Showbiz, the music legend said "the family, the people of Asante Akim North, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and all Ghanaians have lost a hero. I am praying to God to give us a replacement."
"We have lost a gem. People should help us mourn our departed genius”. According to the music legend, he had known Mr Baah-Wiredu since childhood and recounted how the late Minister had been very instrumental in his musical career right from the scratch.
"He encouraged me to move on when the terrain was rough. He is one person who liked my music and anytime I was playing at a function, I gave off my best especially when he was present," Amakye Dede recounted.
He explained that Mr Baah-Wiredu appreciated his music and called him to congratulate him anytime he released a new album adding that the late Minister called him once a while to find out how he was doing even after the latter had became a powerful political figure in the country.He said Mr Baah-Wiredu was a simple person who interacted freely with his acquaintances and preferred not to be treated as a Minister.
Full of acclamation for the late Minister, Amakye Dede, said words could not describe how sad and shocked he was on the announcement of the death of Mr Baah-Wiredu.
"I am sad and at a loss for words. Why should death deal such a big blow to us? This was a man who was so selfless and always prepared to assist people who came his way irrespective of their political affiliation," Amakye Dede said.
Amakye Dede recounted that Mr Baah-Wiredu formed the Agogo Youth Association and even built the Agogo Community Centre.
According to him Mr Baah-Wiredu bought a silver cup and organised a football gala for the youth in Asante Akim among other laudable laurels he had achieved for the Asante Akim North constituency.
Mr Baah-Wiredu died in South Africa on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 where he had gone to receive medical attention.
He left behind a wife and six children.