<<Print>>

The family of the late Komla Dumor, the renowned international journalist, has expressed its appreciation to the government and the people of Ghana for their support in the family�s time of grief. Speaking on behalf of the family during a thanksgiving service in Accra, Mr Victor Gbeho acknowledged the contributions of the government and the people of Ghana in various ways, especially in words of encouragement to the family. �Ever since the sad news of the passing of our son, brother and nephew broke, we have relied on you to be the pillar of our strength in coping with our loss. From our body language, you have realised how dear Komla was to us.� He expressed a special appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his concern and understanding of the loss to the family. Forgiveness In a homily, the parish priest of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Legon, Rev Fr Wisdom Lomotey Larweh, urged the congregation to show love to one another and forgive those who hurt them. �We now live in a world that forgiveness and reconciliation are struggling to survive. Instead, blackmailing, deceit, hatred, vengeance, are reigning,�� he said. Prayers were later said for the Dumor family, Ghana, the President and all heads of public institutions. It was announced at the service that a foundation had been established in memory of Komla Dumor and that proceeds from the sale of T-shirts, arm bands and publications displayed at the cathedral for sale would be deposited in an account managed by the UT Bank for the foundation. Burial Meanwhile, the remains of the international broadcaster were laid to rest, after an emotional burial service at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday. Grief, pain, outright wailing and dirges characterised the burial service, which was attended by a number of dignitaries including the President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, Ministers of State, Parliamentarians, political party representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, traditional leaders and the clergy. Both local and foreign media were on hand to cover the proceedings. Some gave live coverage to the event. Tributes Before the liturgical service, tributes by family members, the President, friends and co-workers eulogised Dumor, who worked hard, diligently and consciously to raise the flag of Ghana high in foreign lands, as a gem and God's gift to the world. They all attested to the fact that though Dumor died at the prime age of 41, his legacy would continue to live on long after his death. In a tribute read on his behalf by the Minister of Information and Media Relations, Mr Mahama Ayariga, President John Dramani Mahama said among others that the successes and achievements of Dumor were what the youth of Ghana required, "in our quest to lift our dear nation and indeed Africa onto the high levels of social economic achievement". Wife and Children Mrs Kwansema Dumor, in a tribute, described Dumor as a good and loving husband and a "wonderful father to our children" and prayed, committing his soul and the children into the hands of God. The children, in a tribute, recalled the times he used to tell them stories at bedtime and how he encouraged them to always dream big. "We will always remember our birthdays with you, when you and mummy would bring us breakfast in bed and pray with us and advise us," the children recalled. Sermon In a sermon titled �Reflections�, Rev Fr. Wisdom Lomotey Larweh called on Ghanaians to learn from what distinguished Komla and seek Jesus, "who crowns our distinction." He, therefore, asked all gathered to pray for the eternal rest of Komla�s soul, "and let us console one another in the faith of Christ Jesus�.