Parliament on Monday mourned Mrs Agnes Asangalisah Chigabatia, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Bulsa North, who died on January 9, 2024, at age 67.
The late Mrs Chigabatia was also a former Upper East Regional Chairperson of the NPP.
She was born to Prince Ananpagayie Asangalisah and Madame Magaret Akalkame, both of blessed memory. She is survived by two sons and two daughters.
Mr James Agalga, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP, said on January 7, 2005, Agnes entered the Forth Parliament of the Forth Republic of Ghana, for the Builsa North Constituency on the ticket of the NPP.
She was an active MP from day-one and served on four different committees; two Standing Committees – Gender and Children Committee and Government Assurance Committee; and two Select Committees.
The Select Committees were Local Government and Rural Development Committee, and Trade and Tourism Committee.
Mr Agalga said Mrs Chigabatia was a passionate contributor to debates on the Floor of Parliament, particularly on issues of Child Protection and Education, as well as on Women Empowerment.
She articulated her viewpoints forcefully without fear or favour, a case in point being June 15, 2006, when in concluding her submission, she stated emphatically that anyone who defiled a child “should be castrated!” he said.
Mrs Chigabatia was an active member of the Commonwealth Parliament, and of the China/Ghana Parliamentary Association from 2005-2008.
“The indefatigable MP also served her country as the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister from 2007-2008. Honourable Agnes Chigabatia was simply a pioneering achiever,” Mr Agalga said.
He said she was the first person from Builsaland to serve in Parliament on the ticket of NPP and the United Party (UP) Tradition, adding that she competed with and beat all seven strong men to become the first female Regional Chairman of NPP and the UP Tradition.
“My dear auntie, your passing was a devastating blow to me personally and I am sure to many others!” he said.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, NDC MP for Ketu South, said Mrs Chigabatia had played her part and expressed the hope that many who had the opportunity to read about what she did in Parliament and in her Constituency would be inspired to improve upon her legacy.
Mr Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, NDC MP, Tamale North, said the Mrs Chigabatia was a force to reckon with, adding: “I recall covering some of her very very vocal positions as a media man in 2005 to 2009.”
“And with the way she went, she served as a role model to many young ladies, especially from the northern part of this country.”
Mr Mahama Ayariga, NDC MP, Bawku Central, said he was one of those who came to the House in 2005 with Mrs Chigabatia, and he recalled her intelligence, courage and affability.
He remembered her advice to the young MPs at that time to be courageous and not to give up despite the challenges they were facing.
“When Mrs Chigabatia became the Deputy Minister for the Upper East Region, she was very helpful to MPs.”
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, MP, Tamale South, eulogized her for attaining a remarkable feat on her election as the Upper East Regional Chairperson of NPP.
“This means that she had contributed to the building of Ghana’s democracy, serving in that capacity.”
“It is vibrant political parties that make strong democracies,” he added.
GNA
ABD
18 March 2024
