“Komla Dumor is the last person who should actually be dying” -Rawlings

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has paid a glowing tribute to the life of Komla Afeke Dumor describing him as the last man deserving of death.

“His departure was a real shock. I just can't fathom it in”, a visibly distraught Rawlings told Joy News.

Family, friends, and Ghanaians will today start paying their last respect to Joy FM and BBC's ace broadcaster Komla Afeke Dumor who died on January 18th at his home in London http://www.myjoyonline.com/news/2014/January-18th/komla-dumor-dies.php .

Komla who became a global icon in broadcasting started his journey to stardom at Joy FM and later with the BBC where he hosted the 'world Today' and 'Focus on Africa'.

Komla Dumor has also been listed among 10 most powerful men in Africa 2014 http://www.myjoyonline.com/news/2014/February-3rd/komla-dumor-listed-among-10-most-powerful-men-in-africa-2014.php by U.S Magazine, Forbes.

A solemn requiem mass will be held for him at the Holy Spirit Cathedral after which the body will be laid in state for public viewing in the afternoon.

Adding his voice, former president Rawlings  put out Komla's life as an example to all journalist who want to be worth their salt.

Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings joined her husband to pay tribute.

“In all seriousness if some of the so-called professional journalists in this country had a mere fraction of Komla's intellect and integrity the corruption and performance that we see in the media would not have sunk to such depths”

A major part of parliament's proceedings on Thursday was also dedicated to the memory to Komla Dumor.

Member of Parliament for Ketu South Fiifi Kwetey read a statement eulogizing Komla after which members.

“Komla was a man driven by a cause far greater than him….like many other true heros, he was not afraid to pay the ultimate price for his convictions”, Fiifi said.

Member of Parliament for Alekuma West, Ursula Owusu Ekufful, remembered how a New Patriotic Party serial caller, Appiah Stadium, called into Komla's show to lash out at him in the infamous comment “Komla Dumor are you a fool”.

The Speaker, Doe Adjaho finalised the tributes, describing him as a “fine journalist who lived and died for what he believed in”.