The Member of Parliament for Bunkpurugu, Dr Abed-Nego Lamangin Bandim, has paid tribute to former MP Duut Emmanuel Kwame, praising him as a selfless leader whose commitment to education, compassion and public service left a lasting mark on his community and Ghana.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, 31 July 2026, Dr Bandim said the death of the former representative of the then Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo Constituency was a significant loss to his family, the people of Bunkpurugu, Parliament and the country as a whole.
Duut Emmanuel Kwame, who was affectionately known as Teacher Yupiong, was remembered as an educationist, public servant and statesman who dedicated his life to improving the welfare of others.
Dr Bandim said the late legislator spent almost 30 years working in education before entering politics. During that period, he served as a teacher, headmaster and assistant headmaster, helping to shape successive generations of students through discipline, academic excellence and strong moral principles.
His record in education and grassroots leadership, the Bunkpurugu MP said, helped him earn the trust of the community and eventually led him into public service and politics.
Duut was elected to Parliament in 2008 to represent the then Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo Constituency in the Fifth Parliament of the Fourth Republic. According to Dr Bandim, he used his time in the House to serve his constituents with dedication and to promote their welfare.
The current MP said Duut’s commitment to his community continued even after he left Parliament. He said the former legislator personally funded the education of students to honour promises he had made to them, showing that his sense of responsibility was not limited to the period in which he held public office.
“His transition into politics was driven not by personal ambition but by an enduring desire to serve his people,” Bandim told the House.
A life of service
Dr Bandim also highlighted Duut’s support for vulnerable people. He said the former MP used his own resources to provide food for widows, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged members of society.
That support continued even after donor-funded assistance had come to an end, he added.
The late parliamentarian believed that a leader’s success should be judged by the service provided to humanity rather than by personal benefit, Dr Bandim said.
He also described Duut as a committed Christian and an active member of the Catholic Church. His religious faith, the MP said, influenced both his public responsibilities and his private life.
Duut was further remembered as a devoted husband, father and mentor. His humility, peaceful nature and ability to command respect across political and social divisions were among the qualities praised during the tribute.
Dr Bandim said the former MP’s honesty, sacrifice, compassion and selfless service should remain an example for leaders in the present and future.
He urged public office holders to regard leadership as a sacred responsibility, with the central purpose of improving the lives of citizens rather than pursuing personal gain.
On behalf of the people of Bunkpurugu Constituency, Dr Bandim offered condolences to Duut’s widow, children and wider family. He also extended his sympathies to the people of Najong, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and all Ghanaians mourning the former legislator.
Parliament observed a minute’s silence in honour of Duut Emmanuel Kwame and other departed lawmakers.
