On January 18, 2014, Ghanaian host of BBC’s Focus on Africa and former host of Joy FM’s morning show, Komla Dumor passed on.
Also READ:
Kevin Taylor blasts Kennedy Agyapong
Africa’s richest woman eyes Angolan presidency
News of the demise of the outstanding international journalist rocked the nation that fateful Saturday as he was one of Ghana’s astute media persons.
Almost instantly, tributes started pouring in from dignitaries and prominent figures across the world.
Komla and former US President Bill Clinton
Before his demise at his home in London, he was on air the previous day.
On February 3, 2014, Komla’s body was flown back to Ghana, where it was received at Kotoka International Airport by family members, friends, government officials, sympathisers.
Present that day were members of the Aflao Traditional Council, who performed some traditional rites since Aflao was his hometown.
Funeral ceremonies for Dumor were held in Accra from 21 to 23 February 2014.
Then President John Mahama tweeted that Dumor was one of Ghana’s “finest ambassadors” describing him as “a broadcaster of exceptional quality and Ghana’s gift to the World.”
At the time of his death, Dumor was the only West African newsreader on BBC World News.
BBC Global News Director Peter Horrocks called Dumor a leading light of African journalism who would be deeply missed.
He was “committed to telling the story of Africa as it really is,” Mr Horrocks said in a statement.
“Africa’s energy and enthusiasm seemed to shine through every story Komla told.
“Komla’s many friends and colleagues across Africa and the world will be as devastated as we are by this shocking news,” he said.
