Remains of the Ghanaian BBC journalist, Komla Afeke Dumor, arrived Ghana yesterday evening, as clearance has been sought for the body to be flown into the country.
Komla died in London two weeks ago, of cardiac arrest at age 41.
A memorial service was held for him by his colleagues at the BBC at London’s St Martin-in-the-field Church, Trafalgar Square on Saturday.
Josephine Hazeley, deputy editor of the BBC Africa Service, paid tribute to a man “who represented all that is good in Africa”. It was attended by family, friends and colleagues of the late Komla Dumor. Leading the service, Reverend Richard Carter said Komla Dumor was not only a shining light but the light.
Among those who read tributes during the service were colleagues and friends including Herbert Mensah, who said Komla Dumor has become a dream for Africa’s youth to aspire to.
Komla’s widow, Kwansema, and his 11-year-old daughter also read tributes in honour of their husband and father.
Ghana’s First Lady Lordina Mahama has attended a similar memorial programme held in honour of the late Komla Dumor.
It was organized by the Ghana Embassy and the Ghanaian community in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In a solemn gathering, dignitaries such as former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the UN and AU Special Envoy for Darfur, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, Foreign Minister Hanna Tetteh, some Ghanaian Ministers of state, friends of Komla Dumor and members of the community, paid tributes in memory of the late BBC journalist and host of Focus on Africa.
They praised Komla’s ability to stand up to all competently and professionally, and the passionate manner in which he told Africa’s story the African way.
Former President Kufuor said he arrived in London the day Komla Dumor passed away.
He noted that though Komla became a ‘big’ icon promoting the welfare of Africa everywhere he went, he was still humble, diligent, and acquitted himself well in his choice of profession.
He called on all to emulate Komla’s lifestyle.
Dr Ibn Chambas acknowledged that Komla’s death rekindled global mourning and celebration of a great young man who dared to bring out the best in Africa.
He said lessons from his courteous mannerism, courage, and competence should not be buried with him, adding that Komla fulfilled his mission on earth.
The President of the Ghanaian community in Addis Ababa, Aida Opoku-Mensah, fondly referred to Komla as Ghana’s Global Brand (GGB).
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