Hon Ernest Henry Norgbey
Ashaiman
With a heavy heart and deep sense of loss, I rise to pay tribute to a remarkable son of the Ashaiman Constituency, a distinguished lawyer, an exemplary legislator, a faithful servant of the people, and above all, a man whose life radiated kindness, humility and devotion to the service of humanity, the Late Hon Lawyer Alfred Kwame Agbesi.
As I stand in the shoes he once filled, I am humbled by the weight of his legacy and the magnitude of his contributions to this Constituency and our beloved nation. Born with a passion for justice and humanity, Hon Agbesi lived a purposeful life anchored on service, empathy, and fairness. As a lawyer, he carried his profession with dignity and used it as a tool for social transformation. As a politician, he gave meaning to leadership by listening to the people, standing with the vulnerable, and representing Ashaiman with unyielding commitment to progress and peace.
Hon Agbesi served three terms as a Member of Parliament for the good people of Ashaiman on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Throughout his years in this august House, he distinguished himself as a principled, calm, and thoughtful legislator who placed national interests above partisanship. His contributions to debates were always marked by insight, legal depth, and unpretentious desire to make laws that uplifted the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians. Hon Agbesi’s parliamentary career was marked by a significant milestone that brought honour to Ashaiman and Ghana.
He served with distinction as Deputy Majority Leader of the Sixth Parliament under the John Dramani Mahama Administration, demonstrating exceptional leadership in steering the legislative agenda of this House. His wisdom and counsel were sought after by Colleagues across party lines. Beyond our national borders, he represented Ghana in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament in 2009 and 2013, contributing his voice to regional discussions that shaped West Africa’s future. He was a firm believer in the ideals of democracy, development, and social justice. In Committees, he worked with diligence and decorum; in Plenary, he spoke with clarity and conviction. Hon Agbesi was never loud, yet his words carried weight.
He was never confrontational, yet his presence commanded respect. His Colleagues on both Sides of the aisle admired him for his calm disposition, his sense of humour, and his ability to bring people together even in moments of heated political divisions. But beyond politics, Hon Agbesi was a man of the people, a father, a mentor, a friend and a listening leader. He was deeply loved by the people of Ashaiman because he lived among them, shared in their joys and burdens and gave selflessly of what he had. His door was always opened; his hand was always extended to help.
Whether it was struggling students seeking assistance, a widow in need of comfort, or a youth yearning for direction, Hon Agbesi made everyone feel seen, heard, and valued. He was in every sense a bridge builder between the young and old, the rich and poor, the political and the ordinary. His humility endeared him to all and his generosity became a lifeline for many. Indeed, his legacy in Ashaiman will forever be remembered, not only in the projects he championed or the development initiatives he led, but in the countless lives he touched with compassion and sincerity.
Mr Speaker, the people of Ashaiman have lost a father figure. The National Democratic Congress has lost a loyal stalwart. Ghana has lost a fine gentleman whose patriotism, discipline, and sense of duty reflected the best of our democratic values. Yet, even in our sorrow, we celebrate the fullness of his life, a life lived for others, a journey marked by service and a faith anchored in hope. The late Hon Alfred Agbesi leaves behind an enduring example that leadership is not about power or titles, but about humility, humanity, and heart.
Mr Speaker, as we bid farewell to Hon Lawyer Alfred Kwame Agbesi, we do not merely mourn a political leader, we celebrate a life beautifully lived in service to others. As his successor, and as one of the many who benefited from his wisdom and mentorship, I stand here today to say, “Ashaiman remembers you, Ghana honours you, your legacy lives on.” To his beloved family, we extend our deepest condolences. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Hon Agbesi's labour or love was not in vain. His footprints are deeply engraved in the story of Ashaiman, in the records of Parliament, and in the hearts of all who knew him.
Mr Speaker, in the words of the Apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”. Indeed, Hon Alfred Kwame Agbesi fought well, served well and loved deeply. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Farewell Hon Alfred Kwame Agbesi, servant of the people, friend of Ashaiman, and faithful son of Ghana.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Hon Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah
Ho West
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity and also let me thank my Colleague, Hon Ernest Norgbey, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, for this tribute.
Mr Speaker, in 2009, when we came to this House, we met the late Hon Alfred Agbesi, whom we all know hails from the Volta Region, but is a Member of Parliament for the people of Ashaiman, as well as the good people of the Greater Accra Region.
Mr Speaker, one remarkable thing about the late Hon Agbesi was the fact that he was a jovial person; he did not take things to heart at all. When there was an issue, he would want us to resolve it once and for all. Even though he was a Member of Parliament for the good people of Ashaiman, he did not forget about his roots of being from the Volta Region, more especially from the South Tongu district. When he decided not to run again and left, we were thinking that because he was a very experienced person, being the Deputy Majority Leader at that time, and a lawyer of course, he could come and serve in the South Tongu area of the Volta Region. But when we approached him, he told us point-blank that, “I have done my best for this nation and it is time for me to rest”.
Mr Speaker, Hon Agbesi, we all know, especially those of us who met him here in 2009, has credited himself very well. There was no scandal on Hon Agbesi. One could go to him as the Deputy Majority Leader in his office, and he was open to receiving us, especially, we the young ones, and he led us on what to do in the House. We have lost a great man, the party has lost an astute politician, and Ghana has indeed, lost a Member who credited himself well in this Chamber.
On that note, Mr Speaker, I thank you so much and I wish the families well. We will all be there on Saturday to bid him farewell.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.