One-week observance of Awuni’s death

Scores of people yesterday converged on the Police Social Centre in Accra to mark the one-week since the passing of the Eastern Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Angwubutoge Awuni.

The sympathisers, joined the top hierarchy of the Police Administration to mourn and commiserate with the family of the man who was widely described as an exceptionally brave and outspoken police officer.

A former Director of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Mr Awuni died at the Police Hospital in Accra on Monday, March 14, 2016 after a short illness.

Dignitaries

Notable among the mourners were the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr John Kudalor, who led the Police Management Board; a former IGP and Paramount Chief of the Jirapa Traditional Area, Mr Peter Nanfuri; a former MTTU boss, Mr Victor Tandoh; the Deputy Attorney General, Mr Dominic Ayine and the Chief Executive of the National Road Safety Commission, Mrs May Obiri Yeboah.

Others were the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Mr James Agalga and the Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, Mrs Adelaide Anno-Kumi.

Big wigs in the media, including a former Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr Kabral Blay-Amihere and Dr Doris Yaa Dartey, who once lectured Mr Awuni at the Ghana Institute of Journalism were also in attendance.

Also present were the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr Affail Monney who led some executive members of the association to the ceremony.

Family

Dignitaries signed a book of condolence opened at the centre, while organisations and individuals presented items including cartons of drinks, water and cash to the family towards the  funeral of the late police officer.

A minute’s silence was observed for the man who rose through the ranks of the Police Service to become the first director of the MTTD.

The deceased’s mother, Madam Abogre Aborigia, and his wife, Mrs Florence Angwubutoge, could not control their tears as other family members tried to console them.

Mr Awuni was survived by two children, Akaaha Ngwibutoge and Nareyore Ngwibutoge.

Awuni spoke his mind

Later, a representative of the family, Mr John Aganah, announced that the date for the final funeral rites and burial would be communicated later, as the family was still holding consultations with some stakeholders.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Nanfuri said the late Awuni had served under him as the Director of Public Relations of the Police Administration, now known as the Public Affairs Department, while he (Nanfuri) was the IGP.

“The news of his death came to me as a shock; I cannot believe that he is dead. He died at a time when the service needed his contribution most. The service has lost a hardworking, honest, committed and bold man who spoke only the truth and his mind, without fear of who you are,” a teary Mr Nanfuri said.