If tears could wake a dead person up, late ace broadcaster, Komla Afeke Dumor, will have been resurrected as relatives and friends cried their hearts out for him on Saturday the liturgical service held for him at the forecourt of the State House in Accra.
Present were President Mahama, high ranking government officials, Ministers of state, members of the diplomatic corp, colleague journalists from within and outside Ghana, relatives and friends all cladded in either black or white and black attires.
As early as 7 o’clock, the hearse carrying the casket containing his mortal remains was ushered into the grounds by the Naval Cadet Corps of St Paul Senior High School Denu in the Volta Region. The casket was made from mahogany, the wood that was used for the late American President, John Fred Kennedy’s coffin and was shaped like that of the late Pope John Paul II.
There were solemn song ministrations by the Winneba Youth Choir, Holy Spirit Cathedral Choir, Glorious Ways International Church Choir and the Atentenben Group.
Amidst the tears, tributes were read as testimony to a life well lived. Herbert Mensah whom Komla looked up to as a big brother and who mentored him in his tribute said Komla was a friend, a brother, a confidante and an all-round wonderful person he has been privileged to know.
“He had a joyful soul, he was a courageous enquirer and a strong conversationalist. He was an ambitious and insightful journalist and an unassuming role model. He was a child of Africa, a proud Ghanaian and a dutiful son, a faithful brother, a loving husband, a devoted father and a loyal friend, ”he eulogized. He said he would forever miss him.
Komla Dumor’s widow, Kwansema revealed how she met him 18 years ago when they were students at the University of Ghana , Legon and how she instantly fell for his charm, intelligence, confidence and eloquence. She saw their meeting as divinely directed and “he was one of the best gifts God had given me as a friend a husband and a companion.”
She indicated that though they will miss him as a family, she will take consolation in the knowledge that he is in the bosom of the Lord.
The children in a tribute read by Elinam, the eldest, recounted their close interaction with their father especially on Sundays when he would prepare ‘Daddy’s Special’ stir fries and other meals for them and the way he had always been encouraging them to dream big and eschew mediocrity.
They promised their departed father that they will continue to stoke the flame of excellence that he had lit in them and will make him proud.
Peter Horrocks, Director, BBC World Service lauded Komla for his un-daunting courage, focus, hard work and commitment. He described him as a radiant human being with a razor sharp journalistic mind.
There were tributes from many people including numerous dignitaries in Ghana, across Africa and all over the world.
A cousin of the deceased, Rev. Father Wisdom Lomotey Larwe who preached the sermon stressed that Komla’s simple message to the world is that he is done and has accomplished all that he could very well in the allotted time of 41 years. The Reverend prayed that God would give to those alive a heart full of grace and a soul aflame with love to serve with commitment and dedication as Komla did.
The ace broadcaster was later buried in a private ceremony.
Yesterday, a thanksgiving service was held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral to climax the three day funeral and burial ceremonies for Komla Dumor. In attendance were family members and friends of the late broadcaster. Rev. Father Wisdom Larwe praised Komla for living a life worthy of emulation and called on Ghanaians to emulate him and strive for perfection.
Komla Afeke Dumor was born in Accra on October 3, 1972 to Professor Enerst Dumor and Cecilia Dumor. His journalism career began when an Accra based radio station Joy FM employed him aa a traffic news reporter while a university student. He became a household name when he later became the host of the Breakfast Show program on the same station.
He had a short stint with the BBC and died in his London home on January 18 after a heart attack.