A shocker for Parliament

Frontpage, Nov 27, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah & Ato Dapatem
MEMBERS of Parliament (MP) yesterday expressed shock and dismay at the death of the former MP for Ablekuma South, Theresa Ameley Tagoe, which occurred on Thursday, November 25, 2010, at the age of 68.
Madam Tagoe, who was the first Women’s Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), attended the then Krobo Girls’ School for her elementary education and moved to Aburi Girls’ Secondary School for her General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary and Advanced levels. She was also a French scholar.
According to her elder brother, Mr James Tagoe, Madam Tagoe had her first degree at the University of Ghana, after which she founded the Agence D'or Secretarial Institute which offered training for the youth.
Described as an ‘Iron Lady’ in Ghanaian politics, Madam Tagoe contested the Ablekumah seat on the ticket of the NPP in 1992 but the party boycotted the parliamentary election that year.
However, she was able to annex the seat from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 1996, 2000 and 2004 and voluntarily declined vying for the seat in 2008.
During the administration of former President J.A. Kufuor, the late Madam Tagoe was first made the Deputy Works and Housing Minister and later the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister.
She left behind two children.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic in Parliament House, the MP for Bantama, Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, said the nation, the NPP and women in the country had lost a gem who did her work with passion.
“She lived and died for women, the country and the party,” she said.
The MP for Weija, Ms Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, said she was sad about the death of Ms Tagoe, whom she considered as a mother and mentor.
“She encouraged me when I decided to contest the Weija seat and assisted me to win,” Ms Botchwey said.
The MP for Abirem, Ms Esther Obeng-Dapaah, said she admired the late Madam Theresa for being an inspiration and vibrant person throughout her political career and expressed shock at her death.