Parliament Eulogises Dumor

Parliament Thursday paid glowing tribute to the late BBC anchor, Komla Afeke Dumor, describing him as a man of great intellect, consummate professional, icon and worthy ambassador of Africa.

The house also observed a minute’s silence in his honour.

Contributing to a statement made by the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey (NDC), the members said Komla was not only an accomplished broadcaster and interviewer but also a superlative ambassador for Ghana and Africa.

Mr Kwetey, in his statement, said Komla was not just a man of great stature and intellect but also a man of great heart who lit up every room he walked into with his warm and genuine smile.

He said Komla was a fine human being with an infectious personality who was adored by the people who worked with him and others whose lives were affected by his magnetic persona.

“Komla was a man driven by a cause that was far greater than him. Like many other true heroes, Komla was not afraid to pay the ultimate price exacted sometimes on people who are not prepared to abandon their convictions and beliefs. Komla’s example calls on us to always remember that we can only succeed if we collectively understand that right can never be compromised and that wrong will always be wrong.

“Komla Dumor continues to be a great mentor and an inspiration to all young people in Ghana and Africa. Even though he left us at a prime age of 41, he has left behind a legacy worthy of inspiration and emulation. His success and achievements, far from being limited to himself, should be viewed as the potencies dormant in our youth – capacities that our young people can harness in our quest to bring a transformation to our dear country and continent. Komla amply demonstrated that the youth of Ghana and Africa have what it takes to rise to the challenge and bring radical change to our dire circumstances,” he said.

“Although his body is gone, we know his spirit lives on. May his legacy continue to inspire all of us especially the millions of youth in Ghana and Africa.”

The member for Ablekuma West, Ms Ursula Owusu (NPP), described Komla as a man who had sterling qualities and an example of what Africa had to offer.

She urged all Ghanaians to emulate him and strive hard to leave good legacies in their various areas of endeavour.

She, however, advised Ghanaians to, in their quest to achieve excellence, take good care of their health, saying Komla appeared not to have paid much attention to his health as he worked hard to excel.

Mr Mahama Ayariga (NDC, Bawku Central) said Komla emerged on the international level at a time when Africa was fast democratising and needed someone who had lived through that experience to tell the story.

He said Komla excelled in telling the African story.

Ms Freda Prempeh (NPP, Tano North) urged young journalists to emulate him.

Mr Richard Quarshigah (NDC, Keta) said Komla took journalism to heights that would be difficult for anyone else to attain.

Ms Adwoa Safo (NPP, Dome/Kwabenya) urged the government to consider naming the street leading to his family house in Haatso after him.

Mr Isaac Osei (NPP, Subin) said Komla had taught all Ghanaians that there was no substitute for hard work.

Mr Haruna Iddrisu (NDC, Tamale South) said the government was considering naming a street in the area from which Komla hailed after him.

Other contributors to the statement were Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini (NDC, Sagnarigu); Mr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed (NDC, Nanton); Mr Alex Afenyo Markin (NPP, Effutu); the Leader of the Majority, Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, and the Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.