Mr. Enoch Teye Mensah, a renowned Ghanaian politician and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo-Prampram, has passed away at the age of 77. Mr. Mensah, also known as ET Mensah, died on Sunday, October 1st, in South Africa.
Born on May 17, 1946, in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region of Ghana, Mr. Mensah made significant contributions to Ghana's political landscape.
He served as the NDC MP for Ningo-Prampram for five consecutive four-year terms, totaling 20 years. During his career, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, as well as acting as Minister of Education and Agriculture under former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Mr. Mensah's political journey began when he served as the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) Metropolitan Secretary for Accra (Mayor of Accra) for a decade, from 1982 to 1992. During his tenure, Accra witnessed unprecedented developmental projects, and he played a pivotal role in shaping the city's modern appearance.
In 1992, as Ghana transitioned to democratic governance, Mr. Mensah became the Deputy PNDC Secretary for Youth and Sports and later the substantive Minister of Youth and Sports from April 1993 to January 6, 2001.
His tenure was marked by the introduction of professional football and the Premier League, as well as the registration of clubs as corporate entities.
He also introduced important policies, including those related to player transfers, sponsorships, and the National Youth Policy in 1999.
Mr. Mensah's political involvement extended beyond his ministerial roles. He was a Founding Member, National Youth Organizer, and Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He also founded the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) of the NDC.
Beyond politics, Mr. Mensah was academically accomplished, holding a Master of Arts (MA) in Theological Studies from the Vision International University, Romana, California.
He was a Fellow of the Institute of Financial Accountants (FFA), the Institute of Administrative Accountants (IAA), a member of the National Association of Public Accountants (USA), and a member of the Institute of Public Accountant (FIBA), Australia.
Mr. Enoch Teye Mensah's contributions to Ghana's political and social landscape will be remembered, and his passing marks the end of an era in Ghanaian politics.
Reporting by By Iddi Yire: Editing by Adewale Adejoke
