Komla Dumor must be accorded a state funeral – GJA proposes

The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) has suggested that the late Komla Afeke Dumor – whom the Association describes as Ghana’s best journalist in recent times – should be accorded a state funeral.

The GJA added that the recipient of its flagship award in 2003 must be posthumously awarded national honours deserving of a professional hero.

The suggestions were contained in a statement issued on Sunday, January 19, 2014 and signed by the Association’s President, Dr Roland Affail Monney, as regards the demise of the BBC World TV presenter.

“In appreciation for his unparalleled achievement nationally and huge impact internationally, the GJA propose that Komla Dumor be accorded a state funeral and awarded posthumously a prestigious national honours deserving of a professional hero.”

Read below the full,unedited statement from the GJA:

STATEMENT OF GJA ON KOMLA DUMOR

The Media community in Ghana is struggling to come to terms with the reality that Komla Dumor of BBC and Joy FM fame is dead. Indeed 18th January, 2014 will go down in history as one of the saddest days in Ghanaian journalism, the day we lost one of our purest gems at all times.

For ten years Komla Dumor did justice to his professional mettle at Joyfm where he gave its Super Morning Show a superlative quality. He also showed his knack for investigative journalism and will stop at nothing to expose dark spots in high political circles and hold people in position or power and responsibility to account. In all these Komla Dumor displayed an impeccable sense of independence and incredible commitment to objectivity. His fearless disposition and command of the English language were also extra ordinary. It was natural therefore, when Komla Dumor won the GJA Journalist in 2003.

It was also not surprising when his professional excellence catapulted him unto the world stage precisely the BBC World Service. In his capacity as the African anchor on the BBC World Service Komla Dumor held aloft the flag of Ghanaian journalism and projected the country’s image beyond measure. By his sudden death Ghana has been robbed of a broadcaster par excellence and its best journalist in recent memory.

In appreciation for his unparalleled achievement nationally and huge impact internationally, the GJA propose that Komla Dumor be accorded a state funeral and awarded posthumously a prestigious national honours deserving of a professional hero.

We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Mrs. Kwansema Dumor, his three children, his father Prof. Ernest Dumor and the entire family.

Meanwhile the GJA and the family of Komla Dumor will open a book of condolence at the Ghana International Press Centre from tomorrow Monday 20th January 2014 at 10am.