You are too young to be this conservative!
That is what Marlon used to say to me all the time. And this, was, usually, after passionate debates we used to have. Obviously, they were political debates.
However, that never stopped us from getting closer. He saw in me, a calmer young version of Marlon
I first met Marlon in the year 2010 when, as the then Secretary of the Milton Keynes chapter of the NPPUK, I represented my chapter at its General Branch Council (GBC) meeting. Marlon just took over the meeting. He was dictating to the then chairman, Mr. Atta Krufi, what to say to the general membership at the pending Annual General Meeting (AGM). My jaw just dropped in amazement and I asked myself, who the hell is this? From the meeting, we met up at Bongo Bar, to refresh ourselves. An argument then ensued between Marlon and I only for the then 1st Vice Chairman, my uncle, Wofa Afum Dankwa to sort it out.
Fast forward to 2013, Marlon, my good friend Andy Owusu, Michael Nana Yaw Sarpong, Noble Adjei Boakye and a host of others were instrumental in the revival of the Milton Keynes Chapter. For his troubles, Marlon was named the Patron for the chapter and continued until his untimely demise.
He was a teacher and a mentor at the same time. He will spend time researching and educate us, the young ones on how to communicate and what to expect. Whenever the youth are engaged, particularly during trainings and workshops, we always came out enjoying Marlon’s better than anyone else’s.
Marlon never let any occasion or opportunity go by without getting his message across. On one such occasion, I had brought the MK Chapter members to see then Candidate Akufo-Addo; only for Marlon to hijack the man. I was going crazy and signaled to then chairman Atta Krufi to get him off the oldman’s presence so we could engage him. I had to go whisper into his ear that my people are ready and that Nana Addo had limited time and needed to engage him just for a little while. That, was Marlon.
If Marlon wants you out of office, be rest assured that you will be an officer of the past and if he backs you, you’ll most probably win.
Marlon was full of life and full of knowledge. There is no way one would not take something away after engaging him. His deep knowledge in history and politics was there for all to see and his impact on some of us will remain with us until the end of time.
He wore his heart on his sleeve, particularly, when it had to do with politics and history.
Marlon was at Kyebi in October 2021 when I informed him, just before his nomination as the DCE of his beloved Guan district in the Oti Region and he nearly fell!
He said in his enigmatic voice and I quote: ‘’charley, what I am going to do there erh!!! By the time I’m done erh, by the time I’m done, the Guan constituency and the whole of OTI would become a stronghold for the NPP’’.
In fact, knowing what Marlon has done with the likes of Chairman Krufi, Ansah and Kwabena Agapong, I was under no illusion to disbelieve what he said.
Marlon, now, I am not too sure if we have the kind of people of your calibre to turn things around here. I am scared for the party here in Guan and Oti because you are no more.
Marlon, it is time, the NPPUK elections as well as Constituency, Regional and National Officers elections are here and your input, arguments and campaign is going to be sorely missed.
You were a man full of conviction and there was no changing your mind when you got into your groove.
This government has lost a great asset in you Marlon, the NPP party has lost a stalwart. Oti has lost a patriotic son and the Guan district has lost an irreplaceable son.
This is so unfair but, then again, life is unfair but we say, you will forever be missed by your family, friends, the NPP and above all Oti.
Journey well my friend, until we meet again!
May the Almighty keep your soul as you peacefully have eternal rest.
Damirifa due, due ne amanehunu.
