How The Icons Are Falling

THE WHOLE world woke up on December 5, 2013 to the sad news of an icon, Nelson Madiba Mandela's death. He was 95. Due to the apartheid system, Nelson Mandela became a political prisoner for 27 years. He, Walter Sossolus and other associates were placed in the cooler at the Robin Island in South Africa just to make sure none of them would escape.

Nelson Mandela survived the long incarceration and became the first black President of South Africa. He ruled for five years and handed over to Thabo Mbeki. Mandela was an African National Council (ANC) member but the whole of South Africa loved and respected him. He was married to Mrs. Gracia Machel, former 1 st Lady of Angola, whose husband died in a tragic air disaster. Nelson Mandela was a unifier who fought hard against racial segregation. He actually won the battle with most part of the world on his side.

The demise of Komla Afeke Dumor, a Ghanaian journalist – another world figure – on Saturday, January 18, 2014,  who worked effectively as a broadcaster with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) London, was a shocker. Sadness was written on the faces of majority of Ghanaians. He was 41 years old. He breathed his last in a London hospital after a short illness. Komla Dumor was known for his patriotism, hard work and selflessness. He worked shortly with Joy FM in Accra before pursuing his exploits at the BBC. Komla was made for radio and radio was made for Komla, with his natural, rich and deep voice. He became an instant celebrity on radio in Accra and London.

Another knowledgeable and vibrant politician and former Kotoko football administrator, who Ghana lost so painfully was Paul Victor Obeng, popularly called PV Oben. He was 69.

PV Obeng served assiduously under former President Jerry John Rawlings, the late President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills and the current President, John Dramani Mahama. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor could not believe he had lost a friend and brother, PVO.

PV was a super unifier, a bold one for that matter. He made politics attractive and credible. Never did we hear him criticizing his political opponents or insulting anyone on any platform. He had never been vindictive - at least openly. He was a peaceful man. PVO was at peace with himself and all. He is to be buried in August.

The passing away of Prof. Maya Angelou, a highly learned black American, saddened the entire world. She was 86. Her story was one of 'from rags to riches'. With determination, she rubbed shoulders with the mighty ones like Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Rev Martin Luther King, many Kings and Queens and other very important personalities of the world in the latter part of her life. Prof Angelou was a good dancer, actress, singer, poet and an author of high standard.

Kofi Sasraku Ansah, one of the best cloth designers of this era, also died suddenly. He was 62. He was a perfect gentleman, very talented. He was not boastful of his achievements.

Maulvi Wahab Adam, Ameer and Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, also breathed his last and was buried on Thursday, June 26, 2014, according to Muslim rites. The funeral was held at the forecourt of the State House in Accra. He was a peacemaker and unifier. The Ameer was a member of the Council of State during former President John Agyekum Kufuor's administration.

May the souls of all the above-mentioned icons rest in perfect peace!

Coincidentally, today marks the second anniversary of the death of the late President Mills. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Good Lord. Amen!

Take note of one of his sayings: 'Knowledge is just a collection of experiences.'