Emulate Mandela's selfless life- Speaker urges politicians

Accra, Dec. 12, GNA - The Speaker of Parliament Edward Doe Adjaho on Thursday exhorted politicians to learn from the exemplary life of principles, sacrifice and selfless service that the fallen South African statesman Nelson Mandela exhibited.      

Describing Madiba as 'one individual who spurred him on to become a politician', he said Nelson Mandela's iconic hallmark of distinctive values should be the aim of every young politician and that his (Mandela's) life and times should guide their political journey.

Mr Adjaho gave the advice when he signed a book of condolence at the residence of the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Janette Ndhlovu in Accra.

He said in 1992, when his people asked him to contest as the Member of Parliament for the then Avenor Ave Constituency in the Volta region, he was indecisive but on remembering the sacrifices of Mandela he found the courage to enter the race.

He was accompanied by a former Majority Leader Cletus Avoka and the Minority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu.

Mr Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu said the considerable number of world leaders who attended both the inauguration and memorial service of President Mandela was an acknowledgment of the esteem in which he was held. 

He said Mandela throughout his life exhibited forgiveness and consensus building and ought to be collectively celebrated as a political symbol for all of Africa.

Mr Cletus Avoka, former majority leader said Mandela stood for reconciliation, humility and nationalism and that all should learn to live by this virtues.

Jannette Ndhlovu said Madiba worked hard to bring dignity to the people of Africa and expressed her country's appreciation to Ghana for the show of solidarity in their time of sorrow.

She said a memorial service will held for Mandela at the Accra International Conference Centre on the morning of Saturday, December 14, 2013.

GNA