She is known and well-loved for her charisma, charity, altruism and grit. The former DCE of Assin South, under the John Evans Atta-Mills government, Sabina Appiah Kubi is no more.
Sabina is reputed for being one of the few politicians who, through sheer charisma and resolve, continued to blur rancorous and divisive party lines in a major political party’s stronghold. Her strong principles and policy of inclusivity saw Residents of Assin South losing their political colours in favour of a mother who loved and cared for all equally.
Assin South, which formerly could be safely described as an NPP strong hold, can no longer be viewed as such. Sabina, through a systematic grassroots style of mass organization, managed to win over support in the constituency, from the very lofty 29.5% lead of the NPP in 2004 to a lowly 5.02% in 2012. She was strongly tipped to have won the 2016 polls in the constituency; unfortunately, the NDC suffered an unprecedented nationwide political setback in that election year, which denied her victory.
Through the formation of community cooperatives and women empowerment groups, as well as scholarship support for the needy, this maverick female politician changed the entire landscape of politicking in Assin South. Her unparalleled conflict resolution skills which she deployed to resolve a number of chieftaincy disputes in the area has won her the unflinching support of the chiefs and people.
Sabina always held the view that true investments in the people and communities are investments that will continue to yield dividends for both leaders and the citizenry forever.
Interviews in the constituency reveals that Assin South Residents are not only shocked, but absolutely grief stricken over what appears to be her sudden passing. Residents of the constituency were unanimous over her legacy of radical infrastructure projects and the revival of communal spirit during her single term as DCE, and during her attempts at wrestling the Parliamentary Seat from the NPP.
“Mama Sabina built Schools, Clinics, Bridges, Road Networks, and a Market Centre for us, that I can see with my eyes. She supported us with capital to trade and farm. Because of these things, we can never turn our backs on her, even in death” one of the market women said. A farmer, in Aworoso, a rural community in Assin South, said “We thought she was crazy when she came with the idea that she will help bring electricity to us, the communities here in the bush.
But she did it! Because of her, today we can also watch TV.” An official at the District Assembly disclosed that, though their area was not captured for rural electrification during her time in office, she lobbied that for them. He also added that her singular ability to bring a court to their district, cutting down on the age-old tedium of having to travel all the way to and from Cape Coast and other areas, is a great feat which is still admired highly by the people and the District Officers.
Sadly, the Charismatic light of the NDC in Assin South battled with cancer over the past year and eventually departed this life on April 14, at age 61. She is survived by a daughter and a son, 3 Grandchildren as well as her mother and 7 siblings. She will be fondly remembered.
STory By: Adnan Abdul-Aziz.
