Ghana’s former Defence Minister Riley–Poku buried

Mr Samuel K. Riley–Poku, Minister of Defence in the late Dr Hilla Limann’s 3rd Republican Administration was last weekend laid to rest by the Convention People’s Party (CPP) at Bogyawe, near Bekwai.

Mr Riley–Poku was the Defence Minister in the erstwhile People’s National Party from September, 1979 – December 1981 when the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings overthrew the government.

A statement issued by Nii Armah Akomfrah, Director of Communication for CPP and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Monday said there was a church service at the Anglican Church, North Suntreso, Kumasi, preceded by the burial, and then funeral rites.

It said Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith Minister of Defence, Dr Kwame Addo-Kufuor, former Minister of Defence under Kufour government, and Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah – Ashanti Regional Minister were present.

“Been a leading member of its Council of Elders, the CPP were there in their numbers to ensure that the former minister got a fitting burial,” the statement added.

The CPP delegation was led by Samia Yaba Nkrumah, National Chair and Leader of the party, Professor Edmund Delle, former CPP National Chairman, Ivor Kobbina Greenstreet, General Secretary and Hajia Hamdatu Haruna, Acting National Women’s Organiser.

The members of the delegation included Kadri Abdul Rauf – Acting National Youth Organiser, Dr Kwaku Osafo, CPP Shadow Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and all the Regional Chairman of the party.

It said Reverend Major T. Afrane (Rtd) in a sermon paid tribute to Mr Riley-Poku for his service to his country, party and region.

Source: GNA