Eric Sagraza popularly called Jamaica, was a very popular young man full of vigour and passion for work especially NDC activities. You were such a loving and caring young man, the reason you have lots of friends across the country.
We were served a letter which informed us the about the death of your mother, Mrs Edith Sagraza, and her funeral rites scheduled for 15th & 16th November, 2019. As we prepared to come commiserate with you and the family at your mom's funeral on Saturday 16th November, exactly a week today, we were told you were suddenly taken ill on the Friday 15th November, (while your mom was yet been mourned) and admitted at the Nandom St. Theresa's hospital. We thought it was stress and hoped that you would walk through the hospital gates the next morning to witness the burial of your mom (who was so fond of you).
This expectation of ours however was never to materialize.
On Saturday we got to the funeral ground and you were no where to be seen, as we were told, you were still on admission and in critical condition, contrary to our expectations.
We rushed to the hospital to see you and indeed our spirits were troubled. There laid the muscular strong hearted, candid, vociferous, jovial, high spirited, lively, lovely Eric, on his sick bed battling for life.
A transfer was sought for you and you were moved to Wa same Saturday night. On Sunday, you were airlifted to Akomfo Anokye hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.
Hope returned to our hearts and spirits as we prayed with you, believing that you were in the hands of specialists and God on our side you would walk through the gates back home to us.
But alas, never were we to hear your voice nor see your smile in this life again. Death had wickedly laid its cold hands on you in that emergency room at KATH.
Then came Monday morning (18th Nov. 2019), the calls were unusual and jittery, there were mixed feelings in an unusually stale air,,,, and the shocking breaking news came: the Iroko tree had fallen,, the maker had recalled his own without warning, and our beloved brother, friend and comrade 'Eric Sagraza' had joined the mom in the lonely journey to the creator; a journey indeed *Gone Too Soon*.
It was difficult for us to internalize the news and so we hoped for the counter news, the news that you were yet alive and responding to treatment.
We came here to satisfy our curiosity and truly truly Eric is gone forever. Oh! God!
Eric, you were a very passionate, enthusiastic and charismatic person. You commanded lots of respect from many people because you were unrepentantly honest and truthful.
Eric was a lion who feared nothing and indeed, you replicated the appellations of your clan (the Kusiele clan)... Eric would tell you the truth in your face without fear or favour and without blinking an eyes. You were never ever intimidated or threatened by anyone. You were simply a just man and would always standup to fight just courses for others. Without ill motives, you would simply always speak your mind and move on...
You were a political icon, an inspiration and an epitome of leadership with integrity and honesty in modern day politics in Nandom constituency and beyond.
You were a political strategist and had great control over the political language and excitingly you would never lose a political argument because you would not engage in a debate without facts and envidence.
Eric Sagraza, a very brilliant, humble but principled and fast learning young man, you received grooming from varied personalities: the ordinary man, bishops, school teachers, peers and high profiled politicians in our country. You learnt bits and pieces from all of them,, gradually mastering the art of politicking in a dynamic social space.
The workaholic that we know you to be, you never got tired working, and would often not have time for food until set tasks were accomplished.
You indeed carved an enviable nitch for yourself in this short life
Naturally you had a loud deep voice and so you could not speak in a low tone on any discussion. You were a strong man and so anytime you spoke or argued you did that with vigour, the reason why others think you as aggressive.
Yet, you were humble, respectful and charismatic. These attributes of yours, among others, maintained the constant admiration of multitudes, both young and old in school, work, among peers and especially in the political space of Nandom and beyond.
Your vision was to see to resounding victory for Dr. Richard Kuuire and the NDC in the 2020 election,,, yet you left him and us all without a final word... but your vision yet lives on, and so is the determination to achieve this vision for you, to comfort you even as you rest with your maker.
Eric! Eric! Eric! your Regional Youth Organiser/Class mate/room mate/ Osofo/brother and bosom friend, (Nicodemus NBD Dery) is calling you for updates on the youth agenda in Nandom for victory 2020, get up and respond to his call. Where you are sleeping now is not your room. Wake up,, the task is not accomplished yet. We can not control our tears. Get up and let's go back home.
Eric, only if this story about your death, could be one big bad dream!!!!
If only grieve could bring you back,,
If only money could buy back a life for you,,, and
If only tears could give you back life on this earth, Eric, then you would live again.
But we are consoled word of the maker you served whilst yet with us to wit: Ecclesiastic 3:1-2; 1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
It is St Augustine of Hipo that said:
"Celebrate what you have become and become what you celebrate"
the regional youth wing of the NDC- UWR, will ever remember you our dear comrade for that special touch and flair you brought aboard.
Your legacies left behind: honesty, respect, humility hardwork, sincerity, generosity and your brave attitudes... will ever linger in our hearts and minds.
Fare thee well Eric, Rest in the bosom of the Lord until we meet again.
Ride on,, Ride on,,, Ride on
.....signed.....
Dery Joshua
(PRO, NDC Regional Youth Secretariat, Upper West)
0245096658.
