<<Print>>A section of the stakeholders in the creative arts industry have kicked against the call on the government to give the late comedian and actor, Samuel Kwadwo Buabeng, aka Bob Okala, a state burial.
They were of the view that the late Bob Okala’s decision to campaign for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) does not give his family the right to request for a state burial for the comedian.
One of the celebrated Ghanaian music and movie producers, Ahmed Banda, popularly known as Bandex, also rubbished Bob Okala’s family request, adding that the family should rather asked the government to assist in burying the beloved son instead of requesting for a state burial.
Speaking on Atinka FM Saturday, Bandex again said the family should have rather requested for “a state healthcare” to be named after the comedian instead of requesting for state burial now, adding that the request should not be granted on the basis of Okala’s affiliation to the NDC.
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Rex Annan, entertainment analyst and a panel member on Atinka FM Showbiz, who supported Bandex, also added, “Looking at people who have been accorded state burial in recent times like Professor Atta Mills, Komla Dumor, Kofi Ansa, then Bob Okala did not fall within that category therefore he does not deserve a state burial.”
The family of Bob Okala in a letter to the government, requested for a state burial for the late comedian as a reward for his selfless contribution to the growth of comedy in Ghana and Africa in general.
The late comedian passed away at the Koforidua Hospital on Sunday March 13 after he collapsed on stage during a carnival at the Koforidua Jackson Park.
The final funeral rite for the late comedian, 64, will come off on May 6 and 7 at the Arts Centre in Accra. He will be laid to rest at the Osu Cemetery on May 7.
The late comedian until his untimely death was very active on several campaign platforms of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to canvass for votes for the party.
He was part of the Kumawood actors who reenacted the Gold Coast police performance during the 59th Independence Day parade held at the Black Star Square on March 6.