GJA opens book of condolence for Godwin Avenorgbo - Melcom commiserates with family

A book of Condolence, dedicated to the memory of Godwin Avenorgbo, a veteran journalist and broadcaster, will open on Monday, August 26, 2024, by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

It would be opened at the Ghana International Press Centre on Gamel Abdul-Nasser Avenue, Accra, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 10 days.

Until his passing last Monday at the age of 78, Mr Avenorgbo was the Communications Director of Melcom Group, the largest retail chain store and other operations in the country.

He was also the Chairman of the GJA 75th Anniversary Planning Committee.

This was contained in a statement issued by the GJA and signed by its General Secretary, Kofi Yeboah, in Accra.

Mr Avenorgbo, popularly known as “The Grandmaster,” was rushed to the hospital from home after a sudden illness, but was pronounced dead on arrival. 

Big shock

The death of “Big G” came as a big shock to the GJA and the entire media fraternity in the country, and there had been an outpour of tributes in his memory.

The National Executive of the GJA, led by the Vice-President, Linda Asante Agyei, visited the residence of the late renowned broadcaster at the Regimanuel Estates on Spintex Road to commiserate with the family.

They expressed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for God’s strength for them in their trying moments.

They discussed ways of collaborating with the family to give a befitting burial to the former Director of Radio at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

Melcom loses exemplary leader

In a statement, the Melcom Group of Companies also described its Communications Director as “an exemplary leader whose visionary approach to communication left an indelible mark on the organisation”.

The company said throughout his tenure, the Grandmaster demonstrated unparalleled dedication to directing both internal and external communication affairs.

“His industrious nature and non-negotiable leadership style set a high standard within the company, earning him admiration and respect from all levels of the organisation he joined in 2013,” the statement added.

Achievements at Melcom

The statement further said that one of his most significant achievements was serving as Chairman of the Melcom Education Scholarship, and under his guidance, the scheme was transformed, earning many commendations from recipients.

“His influence in the media landscape was profound; he pioneered morning shows on GBC's platforms, a format that has since been adopted by numerous media houses across the country,” the management of Melcom said, adding that Mr Avenorgbo's legacy extended beyond his professional achievements.

The group described him as a mentor, a visionary, and a leader who believed in the power of ethical communication.

“His contributions to both Melcom and the broader community will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” the group said.

It extended its condolences to Mr Avenorgbo's family, friends, and colleagues for the loss.