By Edzorna Francis Mensah
Parliament has eulogised the former late MP for Daffiama-Bussie-Issa constituency, Mathias Asoma Puozaa, describing the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education as a humble and committed servant.
Speaker of the House, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who has seen all, said that Puozaa has worked diligently, discharged his duty as a former lawmaker, and usually paid attention to details for accuracy and value for money when it comes to matters of education. He was on record to have a cordial relationship with all.
The speaker, who was contributing to a tribute statement to eulogise the man by MP for area Dr. Sebastian N. Sandaare, promised to attend the funeral on behalf of parliament and called on the MPs to do the same if possible.
Hon. Mathias Asoma Puozaa, who was called to eternity on May 24, 2024, served three terms as the MP for Daffiama Bussie Issa, previously known as Nadowli East constituency, from January 7, 2005, to January 6, 2017, leaving some remarkable submissions in the Parliamentary Hansard for posterity.
He was born on January 10, 1948, and attended primary education in Daffiama.
Having completed his middle school education in Kete-Karachi, Hon. Puozaa proceeded to Wa Teacher Training College, where he prepared for a career in education. His first posting was to Doung Catholic Primary in 1969. Later, he earned a bachelor’s degree and continued to pursue his passion for educating both young and old.
In his statement to the floor, Dr. Sebastian N. Sandaare said Hon. Puozaa’s foray into politics was a natural progression of his lifelong commitment to serving his community. “His political activism, which began at the WaCo, continued to grow as he became increasingly involved in local governance. He was a staunch advocate for decentralised governance, believing that empowering local communities was key to sustainable development.”
He occupied different positions at different times on the political landscape, including assembly member, presiding member of the Nadowli District Assembly, 1989–2000.
He taught at Wa Secondary School and led the establishment of the Upper West Regional branch of the Institute of Adult Education (now the University of Ghana Learning Centre, Wa), a division of the University of Ghana. Recognising the critical role of education in community development, he pursued a Master of Science in Community Education at the University of Edinburgh. He also completed different certificate courses and programs at the University of Ghana, the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and the Confederation College (Canada).
He was also the NDC Upper West Regional Youth Organiser and Regional Secretary.
According to Dr. Sandaare, his tenure in Parliament was marked by a relentless pursuit of policies and projects aimed at improving the lives of his constituents.
“He lobbied for the construction of numerous schools across his constituency, ensuring that children have access to quality education close to home. His efforts in this regard have left a lasting legacy, with many of these schools continuing to serve the community to this day.
Mr. Speaker, Hon. Puozaa, was known for his unwavering presence in the lives of his constituents. Whether it was attending weddings, naming ceremonies, birthdays, or funerals, he was always there to share in the joys and sorrows of his people. This personal touch endeared him to many and cemented his reputation as a leader who genuinely cared for those he represented,” he noted.
In 2017, after three successful terms in parliament, Hon. Puozaa decided to step down, paving the way for a new generation of politicians to continue the hard work of representing the people of Daffiama-Busie-Issa in parliament.
There will be a pre-burial church service at St. John, The Evangelist Catholic Church, Adenta, on July 11, to be followed by the traditional funeral rites at Dafiamaa-Touri from July 12 to July 13, 2024.
