Ghana's 'Einstein' Prof Allotey Laid To Rest

The farewell tribute to the doyen of Africa's Mathematical Physicists, Professor Francis Kofi Ampenyin Allotey, has started with a pre-burial State Service, at the forecourt of the State House.

People from all walks of life, especially from the world of the Sciences, have gathered to pay their last respects to the Saltpond boy, who gave the world the Soft Xray spectroscopy, which established the Principle, widely known as the Allotey Formalism.

Amidst solemn hymnals from the Ghana Armed Forces Band, the filing past of the mortal remains this strikingly humble genius, begun at 0800 hours.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, is leading the mourners, who include Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Aaron Ocquaye.

Also present are Former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor, Flight Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, and Mr John Dramani Mahama.

Education Minister Dr Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, Prof. Kwabena Frempong Boateng, Minister of Environment Science and Technology and Innovation, Mr Dominic Nitiwul Minister of Defence, Prof Kwesi Yankah, Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education are also among those from the Executive Arm of Government.

Other mourners, representing the Council of State, the Legislature, Judiciary, other state institutions, the Diplomatic Corps, academicians, the hierarchy of the Ghana Armed Forces, traditional authorities, Alumni, as well as family members and friends are all present to honour the academic gem, who has been invariably described as 'irreplaceable.'

Prof. Allotey, exited this earthly realm at the ripe age of 85, having worked relentlessly to champion the transformation of Africa through a holistic investment in Science and Technology.

GNA
By Yaw Ansah/Julius K. Satsi, GNA