Mike Eghan deserved the national honour - Former President Kufuor

Former President President John Agyekum Kufuor has eugolised veteran broadcaster Mike Eghan for his immense impact and influence on the electronic media.

He said he discharged his role as a radio and television with pride and finesse, setting standards that truly years later have now become the norm.

Former President Kufuor said it was in recognition of that impact that made him honour Eghan with the highest national award, the Grand Medal Civil Division in 2008.

" Mike Eghan was honoured  with the highest national award because he deserved to be honoured.  

He served his nation well," the former President told a delegation from Mike Eghan's family, who paid a courtesy call on him at his residence at Peduase last Wednesday. 

The family had called to formally inform the former President of the passing of the man he called "My friend" and also to brief him about the burial details.

Mr Kufuor said despite having such hold on the media because there was only one radio and television station, Mike Eghan did not take his role for granted or carry himself as a star, but rather worked with the highest level of professionalism and humility.

He recollected Mike Eghan's time with BBC in the 1970s and how many Africans listened to his programmes with pride and enthusiasm. 

"He proudly showed Ghana and then Africa to the world through his stint at BBC.

Mr Kufuor said that despite the fame his media career brought him, Mike Eghan was very humble in dealing with his contemporaries and others.

"Mike Eghan was so humble that I thought I  was older than him, until I eventually found that he was, in fact, the older one. He had a sense of pride in what he did but never exhibited pride or self-importance in his dealings with people.

"He has played his part and will be well remembered for the impact he has made in broadcasting, setting the pace in many areas are now guiding today's broadcasters," former President Kufuor said.

Burial

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mike Eghan Jnr, a son of the veteran broadcaster who passed away on June 5, aged 89, said the burial and funeral will take place on June 25, at the Lashibi Funeral Home. 

He, on behalf of the delegation, expressed their appreciation to the former president for granting them audience and also the honour which through him, the nation bestowed on their father.