Grandmaster Avenorgbo goes home September 14

The body of the late veteran broadcaster, Godwin Avenorgbo, popularly known as “The Grandmaster”, will be laid to rest at the Lashibi Funeral Home, near Accra, on September 14, 2024.

The solemn event is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., with attendees requested to adhere to a black-and-white dress code.

This was made known by the Head of the Avenorgbo Family, Kanghla Blasu, during a briefing with the National Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) concerning the funeral arrangements in Accra last Monday (August 26).

Background

Godwin Avenorgbo, who passed away on August 19, 2024, after a sudden illness, was a a respected and towering figure in the media space.

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

He was the Chairman of the GJA 75th Anniversary Planning Committee and a former Director of Radio at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

His contributions to journalism and broadcasting in the country had earned him widespread respect and admiration, making his death a significant loss to the media fraternity and the country.
 

Book of Condolence

To this, the GJA last Monday (August 26) opened a Book of Condolence at the Ghana International Press Centre in memory of the late Godwin Avenorgbo.

The book will remain open for 10 days, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, allowing former colleagues, friends, and admirers to pay their respects and share their memories of the esteemed broadcaster.

The Press Centre was adorned with pictures of Mr Avenorgbo as journalists, media executives, and public figures took turns to sign the book, sharing stories of how Avenorgbo's work and personality impacted their lives and careers.

They include President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour; Minister for Information, Fatima Abubakar; the Avenogbo Family Head, Kanghla Blasu; and a member of the GJA 75th Anniversary Planning Committee, Kobby Asmah.

The President of the GJA, Mr Kwabena Dwumfour, led the solemn event, paying his respect, saying the news came as a big shock to him and the entire media fraternity in the country.

In his remarks, he said the man he fondly referred as “Senior“ and described as “a man of great energy and spirit, whose legacy would continue to inspire and whose influence will be felt for generations to come.”

Mr. Dwumfour, on behalf of the GJA expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for God’s strength for them.

He acknowledged Mr Avenogbo's tireless service to the association, even at the age of 78, and his vibrant presence at recent events.

“Grandmaster He is a trailblaser when it comes to the history of GJE.  He has contributed his quota. He has paid his dues.He died in the line of duty.He has the winning spirit. And he will always urge people on, encourage us on, drive us, lead us”, he said.

“As the media fraternity and the nation mourn the loss of a broadcasting legend, the legacy of Godwin Avenorgbo will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of journalists and media practitioners in the country,” he added.

In the book of Condolence, he wrote, “The Grandmaster” lived a life deserving of celebration. “We are yet to come to terms with your demise. Your legacy will continue to live with us.”

The Minister for Information, Fatima Abubakar, who was among the first to sign the book, described Avenorgbo as a principled and intelligent man who dedicated his life to journalism.

She said the news of Avenogbo's passing was met with shock and sorrow, particularly as he had recently played an active role in the 75th-anniversary celebrations of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

She said Mr Avenorgbo was known for his willingness to share knowledge and inspire others and never missing an opportunity to empower those around him.

"He never stopped teaching people. Every given opportunity, if he was giving a statement, it was always empowering, always motivational. It was to share an idea and he never held back until the time of his demise," she added.

"We pray that his gentle soul, his happy soul, his humorous soul will rest in perfect peace until we meet again."

In the Book of Condolence, she also wrote ,  “The Grandmaster, you brought so much joy and enlightenment to media practice in Ghana. You touched many lives and encouraged all of us to do the right things. You left a mark that cannot be erased in a lifetime. Thank you for your service to our beloved country.”

The Family Head of Avenorgbo, Kanghla Blasu, said Mr Avenorgbo had journey from humble beginnings in the small village of Sokpoe to becoming a revered figure in journalism.

"From very, very humble beginnings, he set out to conquer the world and he has done so brilliantly. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here today," he said.

Mr Blasu said the Avenorgbo's family would work closely together with GJA on the arrangements for his final farewell, with further details to be shared in due course.

Mr Asmah, also described Mr Avenorgbo’s death as “an extremely sad moment, indeed.” He lamented, “We can’t believe Big Godwin is no more with us.”