None of us lives to himself
And none of dies to himself
If we live, we live to the Lords,
So then whether we live or die,
We are the Lord’s.
-Roman 14:4-8 (R.S.V)
We, in the NPP received with shock and disbelief news of the passing of our good friend and brother, Marlon Praises Anipa, which sad event occurred on 16TH November, 2021. It is thus with heavy heart and great sorrow that we pay this tribute to his memory.
Even though, they say, death is inevitable and sometimes sudden, it nonetheless devastates when it strikes, and leaves in its trail pain and grief especially when it strikes people who lived a good life in service of humanity and society at large.
Undoubtedly, one of such great men whom death laid its ugly hands on at the expense of humanity and society, is the man we are mourning today; the man because of whom we have all gathered here today; the man we all call our good friend and brother.
So, today, we say goodbye to a great member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), our beloved party. It is said that those who touch lives inspire us, and they do so for a lifetime. Marlon, as he called by many, thought us many different qualities through his selflessness, humility and commitment to duty.
That is why today we have all come here to honour and celebrate his life, the life of loyal and true patriot. Our party and our lives are have become colourful because he was a part of it. As party members, we are deeply saddened by his passing, and will miss contributions for a long time to come.
The Late Marlon was undoubtedly a founding member of the United Kingdom Branch of the New Patriotic Party; and held many other positions at the Branch including Branch Organizer from 2005 to 2009, Branch Assistant Secretary from 2009 to 2014. He was also a lead-patron of the Melton Keynes Chapter of NPP UK.
Whilst he was living in the UK, Marlon had been frequenting Ghana to among other things, directly support the NPP in prosecuting political campaigns ahead of every General Elections. His exploits and impacts in the Party were seen greatly in the Hohoe Constituency, where he became the Party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the 2016 General Elections.
Our brother, Marlon, would also forever be remembered as one of the lead crusaders for the creation of the Oti Region, and for that matter the Guan District as a consequence. It was therefore not surprising that he was appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the first District Chief Executive of the newly created Guan District, a position he held until his sudden demise.
Equally worth mentioning is the fact that, as a man of principle and exceptionally high standards, Marlon stood, at all times, for honour, humility, hard work, commitment to duty, integrity, accountability, compassion and service to motherland and mankind. Though very strong in character, he had a very liberal and down to earth persona; a trait which endeared him to all.
He spoke his mind and was not afraid to rock the boat when he felt it was the right thing to so do. He was a good friend to many people and always responsive and supportive to the needs of man. Marlon was such a gentle and affable person. He always stood out among his compatriots, and had a very big heart.
Finally, while the NPP mourns with the good people of Akpafu and Guan at large on his death, we also, once again, share with Ghanaians and the bereaved family in particular, our deepest condolences for the irreplaceable loss.
May he continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord, and may generations continue to learn from his selfless service to God and country.
Rest in peace our brother and friend, and may the good Lord preserve you till we meet again on the last day of resurrection.
Damirifa Due!!!
