TRIBUTE FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE LATE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MR. RICHARD QUAYSON.

 

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Life has a way of humbling us all in diverse forms. Whether it chooses to take from us or give to us, it surely has a way of leaving a person speechless or, in most cases, numb – like hearing about the sudden death of our long-serving Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Richard Ackom Quayson.

We still have a lot of unanswered questions but how do we, imperfect humans, question the ways of a perfect God?

As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate Mr. Quayson’s devotion in championing Human Rights, Administrative Justice and Anti-Corruption—the three-fold mandate of the Commission.

Mr Quayson’s journey with CHRAJ began in 1993 as a Senior Legal Officer, having previously served as a Legal Officer at the Office of the Ombudsman. His dedication and exceptional leadership saw him rise through the ranks, become the Regional Director for Western Region before his appointment as Deputy Commissioner by former President John Agyekum Kufuor in August 2005.

Throughout his work life, Mr Quayson demonstrated exceptional leadership and integrity. As Deputy Commissioner overseeing the Anti-Corruption, Public Education and the Research departments, he discharged his obligations exceptionally with utmost integrity.

In his role as Deputy Commissioner, he was a key reference point for issues of human rights promotion and protection in the country.  He was instrumental in various policy interventions including: the Public Service Integrity Programme leading to the development of the Guidelines on Conflict of Interest and Code of conduct for public officers, the UNCAC Review Mechanism, and the NACAP Development, and its implementation and evaluation. He also facilitated International Cooperation, signing of MOUs with Key Accountability Institutions, and the Corruption Survey, “Corruption in Ghana: People’s Experiences and Views”.

Mr. Quayson worked tirelessly for the growth of every department within the Commission. He contributed significantly in diverse ways to building staff capacity by serving as a facilitator during training, assessing staff performance, and assigning tasks. He believed in fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s ideas were valued, making him such an exceptional leader. Down-to-earth and known for his creative ways of making people laugh, he used his intelligence to keep a sharp, keen wit and sense of humour ever before him. His explanations were always clear and concise, making even complex legal concepts understandable. Most impressive was his willingness to share knowledge.

With his specialised expertise, Mr Quayson had a unique way of identifying staff strengths and capabilities and nurturing them to reach their full potential.  His visits to Regional and District Offices of the Commission were indicative of his humanity. His interactions with staff, always filled with smiles, made them comfortable discussing their professional and personal challenges.

Under his supervision, the Research Department published numerous significant reports such as those on the State of Human Rights, Prisons and Police Cells monitoring, the Right to Vote, Exploitative Child Labour, Early and Forced Marriage, COVID-19-related stigma and Discrimination, Statistical reports, and more. He was very instrumental in initiating and supporting various flagship programmes and projects such as the Basic Human Rights Course for Health Professionals, the National Human Rights Quiz and Essay Competitions, the Human Rights and Integrity Camp for Schools and Election Observations.

Mr. Quayson over time became synonymous with the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP). He firmly believed that the Commission’s work through NACAP’s development and implementation would contribute to the fight against corruption and promote national development. He co-chaired the NACAP High-Level Implementation Committee (HiLIC), chaired the Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (MONICOM) and initiated the NACAP Implementation Support Unit (NISU). He also established the National Ethics Committee and played a vital role of vice-chair of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition.

Mr. Quayson was known for his firmness and principles, always advocating for adherence to public sector rules and regulations. His usual compliments of, “my international consultants,” motivated and cheered us to give out our best. When argument ensued during discussions, Mr Quayson would call for calm with his favourite saying, “hold on for a call’. When he wants you for a discussion, he will say ‘’applicant must come for interview’’ This affable nature endeared many to him.

Mr. Quayson did not merely hold certain ideals or beliefs about God or pursue certain social obligations. His faith was an integral part of his work. We can confidently say that the life he lived is a testimony of what he stood for.

Mr. Quayson! You will be sorely missed for your favourite sayings of “Fear not”, “Jesus is Lord”, “Everything is under control”, “Consider it done” and “It is well” which resonated with us in performing our duties.

Least did we know that your response to a post by Commissioner on Commission Members WhatsApp platform would be your last message to us. You stated, ‘Please I will not be able to participate in the PCE meeting, but I have full confidence in the two of you’. Your demise is a big loss to the Commission and the nation at large.

We take consolation in the words of Apostle Paul in 1Thessalonians 4: 12-14….

“but we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” AMEN!!!

Indeed, life is fleeting, but your legacy, Sir, will be here forever. The life you lived has ignited a fire within us – a passion for justice, a craving for a corruption-free society and a commitment to making Ghana a better place. We will surely carry that torch forward, in your memory.

Damirifa Due, Mr. Quayson! God be with you till we meet again.

 

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COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE JUSTICE