The remains of former Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, arrived in Accra last Wednesday (Aug 27) at the VIP lounge of the Kotoka International Airport.
The veteran journalist, aged 74, passed away in May this year in London, where he had gone to seek medical treatment.
Leading members of the family and close friends, including the Asafohene of Tutu Akuapem, Dr Afua Asabea Asare; the Saanahene of Eti Amanfrom, New Tafo Akyem, Okatakyie Nana Anim I; the Atiamo Ababio Konti of Akyem Eti, Nana Baffour Twumasi, inspected the documents covering the hermetically sealed casket to ensure that the details were those of the renowned journalist and storyteller.
Also present at the airport was a delegation from the National Media Commission (NMC) led by its Executive Secretary, George Sarpong.
Ceremony, burial
The Saanhene and his linguist poured libation in receipt of the casket at an official ceremony at the airport.
Shortly after that, the District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Dzorwulu, Rev. Kingsley Asare Addo, prayed for the family.
The body was later conveyed to the morgue after the ceremony to officially welcome the columnist home.
His burial is expected to take place on October 4, with a Thanksgiving service on October 5 at Eti Amanfrom, New Akyem Tafo.
Mr Sarpong, who paid glowing tribute to Nana Gyan-Apenteng for his enormous contribution to media development in Ghana, said throughout the cultural advocate’s career, he embodied the finest traditions of public service, bringing integrity, wisdom, and a deep respect for democratic values to every role he occupied.
“His tenure as Chairman of the Commission was marked by vision, inclusiveness, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the media as a pillar of Ghana’s democracy.
“Beyond his official duties, Nana Gyan-Apenteng was a mentor and inspiration to generations of journalists, writers and cultural workers,” he said.
“The NMC mourns his passing but celebrates a life of meaning and impact. His legacy will endure in the institutions he served and in the ideals he championed,” Mr Sarpong stated.
Profile
Nana Gyan-Apenteng became Chairman of the eighth NMC from November 2015 to November 2018, after Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere had finished serving his tenure.
He was a Consultant in Communication, Media and Culture and was also the President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW).
He had extensive experience in media, having practised for over 45 years as a reporter, editor, writer, teacher and trainer.
Though he long retired as Editor of the weekly newspaper, The Mirror, he remained a columnist of the paper.
Living in London in the 1980s and early 1990s, he served as the deputy editor of the erstwhile London-based West Africa magazine.
On his return to Ghana, Nana Gyan-Apenteng worked with the Third World Network as head of the non-governmental organisation's communication unit and editor of its monthly magazine, Africa Agenda.
He served as media trainer and communication consultant for several corporate, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, including MTN Ghana, some UN agencies, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and STAR Ghana, among others.
