Final Journey Of P.V. Obeng

By Rose Asamoah

This was one man who used the biblical principle: 'wisdom is the principal thing and at thy getting get understanding', Proverbs 4:7. This worked pleasingly for P.V. Obeng—politically, physically and mentally—to achieve his goals. He was an astute politician and a principled man, a consensus builder and a man of foresight.

Paul Victor Obeng was an engineer of high calibre who qualified from the Kumasi University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and duly became a polished politician. He jelled not only with his political party members, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and all other political party affiliates as well.

He actually jelled among his peers, not mindful of divisions as far as politics was concerned. What Ghana would miss most is his ability to express himself ex-tempore and accurately to the admiration of all Ghanaians who had ears to listen. The moment of grief is telling on all Ghanaians and even people in the diaspora. He was a doer, an action man. He actually walked the talk; he held everybody spellbound in his activities. Paul Victor Obend was the de-facto President (Prime Minister) of this nation at a point in time, though it was not spelt out. That was during former President Jerry John Rawlings' rule; and he performed his role professionally and perfectly.

During former President John Agyekum Kufuor's presidency, PV no doubt made his mark and was given an appointment in the top ranks of Kotoko. He never glued himself to one particular stance where he could not be free. He loved deep without being found wanting. Testimonies about PV would not cease in the nearest future. He was a bullock of activities.

Certain people he confided in noted he expressed the desire to pass on the baton unto the youth, and prophetically it has happened. Such genuinely brave and brainy characters are hard to come by; unfortunately they do not live long. They come onto the scene, lead a fruitful and awesome life, rub it in and disappear, leaving all in tears and despair. He has left a large footprint.

Recently I watched a programme on GTVgovern where Members of Parliament on both sides of the House gave brilliant testimonies about P.V. Obeng. I was simply amazed and awed.

Until his death, he was the Senior Presidential Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama. He was a complete unifier and complete institution, not only to himself, but to all who wished to tap from his source. He was a strong pivot of all shades. His life ran effectively throughout the Fourth Republic. It is true his wife, children and family members have lost a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a grandfather but Ghana is the biggest loser, a f-r-i-e-n-d.

Sir, Engineer, Paul Victor Obeng REST IN PERFECT PEACE!

Mother Earth in Adansi Akrokeri received him into her bosom on August 16, 2014.

By Rose Asamoah