The 40th-day Adua (final funeral rites) of the late Issah Yabre Yahaya, former Chief Director of the Ministry of Communications, was yesterday observed at the National Mosque in Kanda, Accra, with Qur’anic recitations for the repose of his soul.
Mr Yahaya, affectionately known as Issah Y.Y., passed away on July 19 in Accra and was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic tradition. Imams led prayers, asking Allah to grant him eternal peace and to strengthen his family.
Tributes described him as a dedicated public servant who, as Chief Director from 2014 to 2018, championed the implementation of ICT policies and regulatory frameworks that advanced Ghana’s digital transformation.
His expertise also earned him international recognition. He represented Ghana on the Council of the International Telecommunication Union and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, and served on the UN Secretary-General’s Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group on Internet Governance.
The ceremony drew dignitaries, including former Minister of the Interior Ambrose Dery, former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Alhassan, former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal (Rtd) Samson Oje, past and present Chief Directors, and officials of the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Digitalisation and Innovation, the National Communications Authority, and the National Information Technology Agency.
Also present were old students of Navrongo Senior High School (NAVASCO), his alma mater, led by Global President, Sakpe Naa Ibrahim Alabira, and Greater Accra President, Alhaji Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation. The Nabia fraternity donated GH¢30,000 to the family in support of the rites.
In a tribute, his children said: “We are who we are because you loved us. While our grief shows how deeply we loved you, we find solace in knowing you are at peace in the mercy of Allah. You fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”
Delivering the sermon, Lt. Col. (rtd) Umar Sanda, former Chief Imam of the Ghana Armed Forces and Ghana’s ex-Ambassador to Egypt, urged all to embrace forgiveness, stressing its centrality in the Abrahamic faiths. He also reminded mourners of the inevitability of death.
In recognition of Mr Yahaya’s service, Imam Sanda suggested a national memorial in his honour, while communication specialist Amin Lamptey proposed the institution of annual lectures to celebrate his legacy.
BY ALHAJI SALIFU ABDUL-RAHAMAN