To put down my thoughts on what to say, I have been reflecting on what I know of the man, Prof Akilagpa Sawyerr and asking myself 'what is it that produces a person like this' - who embodies intelligence, a penchant for excellence, integrity and incredible wisdom, exhibited with such charm, humility, wit and humour and driven by an unusually deep sense of public spiritedness and service.

I have been asking myself this question because it struck me that by impacting positively on so many of us gathered here who are leaders in different spheres of national life, Prof. has been and continues to be, a CHANGE MAKER par excellence, and if ever this country needed CHANGE MAKERS, people like Prof, it is more so now than ever. This celebration has shown me that I didn't even know half the story and I know there is even more to Prof. I look forward very much to reading your memoirs when written.

As Chair of the GOGIG SC, Prof. has been a guiding light in the way that he has created many light bulb moments with his insights, which set us thinking and re-thinking about how to make the programme bring about a real difference. He immediately picked on the 'in fashion' tag of Inclusive growth in the name of the programme and asked the loaded question "what does it actually mean"? A question he has consistently raised in his gentle but firmly challenging approach. The lecture today is part of a process to advance the discourse and understanding around Inclusive Growth and beyond. I am looking forward to Prof 's leadership as we advance the dialogue to hopefully distil insights on how Ghana can make the most of its oil and gas resources.

Compared to some of you in this room, I have known Prof for a little over eight years, since we were both nominated to serve on the SC of STAR Ghana and then more recently, on GOGIG. It has been a privilege to learn by observing him in meetings. How he can convey a clear message that a contribution is 'off the point' - 'non fa', by saying how important it is. What I have found most amazing is the cleverly articulate way in which he is able to sum up and distill insightful points from long winded, rambling, effusive discussions, which appear to be going nowhere, and make us all think we must be clever to have contributed to arriving at those points. I have learnt the wisdom of taking a slower, more considered and reflective approach, even when one thinks the way forward is clear and we can just move on.

Prof, all of us at the Ghana Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth Programme (GOGIG) salute you and say AYEKOO.