Media fraternity bids farewell to Albert Sam

Hundreds of people yesterday (Friday May 28, 2021) bid a tearful farewell to veteran journalist, Mr Albert Sam, at a burial service held in Tema.

Mr Sam died on March 21, 2021 at the Greater Accra Hospital, after a short illness, aged 65.

As early as 6 a.m., mourners including government officials, relatives, journalists both old and young, friends, church members and other well-wishers started gathering at the Calvary Methodist Church at Community 3 in Tema, where he was a member of the Men’s Fellowship, for the funeral service.

Among the government officials was the Minister of Information, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah. Also present was the Director of Human Resource at the Presidency, Mr Sam Ellis, who represented the Chief of Staff, Mrs Akosua Frema Osei Opare.

The three-hour service was held under strict COVID-19 protocols.

All mourners wore face masks, and had their hands sanitised.

Inside the church, social distancing guidelines were respected .

Arrival of remains

The coffin carrying the remains of Mr Sam arrived on the church premises in a hearse at about 7.35 a.m. for the service.

Inside the church, scores of mourners, mostly in black, struggled to hold back tears as the coffin was wheeled on a stretcher onto the bier.

There were some emotional scenes, as the widow, children, and family members , with tears in their eyes, filed past the body to pay their last respects. Other mourners also took their turns to file past.

His remains were later conveyed to Breman Kokoso in the Central Region for burial.

Sermon

In his sermon, the Tema Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church, the Rt Rev. Samuel Ofori Akyea, quoted extensively from the scriptures that after death comes judgement day.

In that respect, it was important that human beings live godly lives to prepare a place for themselves in Heaven.

He said Mr Sam was very active in the service of God.

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Paul Kwabena Boafo, performed the commendation rites.

Wife pours gratitude

The tribute by Edith, his wife of over 40 years, read in part: “I am still in deep thoughts as you did not show the slightest sign of distress when we were leaving you [ at the hospital] around 8.30 p.m.

“You taught me to live an independent life and that had its accrued benefits to the extent that I am in a better position to soldier on after your demise.”

Big Graphic presence

His 38 years working life was spent at the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), where he served in various capacities, the last being Manager, Corporate Affairs.

The company was well represented at the burial service.

The Managing Director, Mr Ato Afful, the Editor of the Daily Graphic, Mr Kobby Asmah, other senior management staff and unionised staff were in attendance to pay homage to the man who was popularly referred to as Alberto by his colleagues.

Graphic retirees’ eulogy

Colleague retirees of the GCGL also paid glowing tribute to him.

“Albert defined his work based on internationally acclaimed journalistic standards. His ethics and integrity propelled him to greater heights of the profession, not to talk about his courage and boldness to unearth newsworthy people and stories.

“The courage to take on investigative stories where majority of his colleagues shied away from was unimaginable. His export communication skills made him the toast of his editors and superiors -a skill that he imbibed in his subordinates when he rose to leadership position,”the tribute, read by Mr John Tagoe , a retired Strategy Manager of theGCGL, said.

Dedicated service to GJA

Mr Sam was adjudged the Journalist of the Year in 1991 at the time the award was organised by the Ministry of Information, and was presented with a brand new Peugeot saloon car as his prize.

Having been a long-standing and active member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the association showed gratitude by paying him a well-deserved tribute at the burial service.

The tribute, read by the President of the GJA, Mr Affail Monney, said: “ Yours was dedicated service to the GJA, and there is no doubt that you left your mark on our sand of time .”