As the year 2024 comes to a close, Ghanaians are reflecting on the joy and sorrowful memories that have shaped the past 12 months.
While many celebrated milestones and achievements, others mourned the loss of influential personalities who have left an indelible mark.
Several iconic figures from politics, business, and entertainment died, leaving their families, friends, and fans in shock and grief.
The outpouring of tributes and condolences has been a testament to the impact of these individuals on society.
As the nation bids farewell to 2024 and welcomes 2025 with hope and optimism, The Ghana Report takes a moment to honour the memories of those who have departed.
1. Akua Donkor
The founder of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Akua Donkor, passed on, following respiratory complications.
She died at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) on Monday, October 28.
Initially, she was taken to the Nsawam Government Hospital in the Eastern Region after complaining of breathing difficulties and was later transferred to Accra.
However, she died a few hours later.
She was one of two female presidential candidates out of 13 for the 2024 elections.
2. Hon. John Kumah
The late Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, Dr. John Kumah, was laid to rest on May 18, 2024.
The 45-year-old lawmaker passed away on March 7, 2024, after a short illness, according to his family.
He left behind a wife and six children.
The late John Kumah was the first Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).
3. Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh (Labianca CEO)
Eunice Jacqueline Buah Asomah-Hinneh, the owner of Labianca Company, passed away at the International Maritime Hospital (IMAH) in Tema, Greater Accra Region, on June 11, 2024.
Until her demise, Ms. Asomah-Hinneh was the representative of the Western Region on the Council of State.
She was also a member of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) Board until 2021.
She left behind a husband, former Tema Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Nana Asomah-Hinneh (RTD).
4. Auntie Muni
Popular Waakye seller Auntie Muni died on January 3, 2024, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre in Accra.
Auntie Muni, who was 72 at the time of her death, was buried according to Islamic customs on the same day.
She was the operator of the popular Auntie Muni Waakye joint located in the heart of Labone.
5. Wofa K.K
Wofa KK, a broadcaster who worked at Oman FM, died mysteriously on February 14, 2024, after a short illness.
Wofa K.K. was laid to rest on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Wofa KK contributed significantly to Oman FM’s programming, notably on shows like ‘Boiling Point’ and ‘National Agenda’, where he often filled in for the regular host, Fiifi Boafo.
He also served as a parliamentary and presidential correspondent at Net2 TV.
In 2017, Kwabena Kwakye was appointed to the Board of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) by President Akufo-Addo under the chairmanship of former acting National Chairman of the NPP, Freddie Blay.
6. Actor Vincent McCauley
Ghanaian actor, popular for the ‘Things We Do For Love’ TV show, Vincent McCauley, died on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
Although the cause of his death remains sketchy, it is alleged the iconic actor battled with a brain tumour.
The late Vincent McCauley contributed to other popular TV series like ‘YOLO’, ‘Games People Play,’ ‘Fortune Island’, ‘Office Palava’, ‘Living With Trisha: House of Secrets’, and ‘The Idiot and I’.
He left behind a wife with whom he tied the knot in 2017.
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7. Actress/Evangelist Agnes Annan (Agaga)
Ghanaian actress and evangelist Agnes Annan, the mother of gospel singer Empress Gifty, died on Saturday, December 14, 2024, after a short illness.
Empress Gifty took to her Facebook page to announce the sudden incident amidst tears.
She eulogised her late mother as the family’s pillar of strength and love.
8. Actor Nana Yaw Saah Aboagye
Ghanaian actor and lawyer Nana Yaw Saah Aboagye, popularly known as Shaka The Zulu of the famous Sun City series, died on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
The alumnus of the University of Ghana who was residing in the UK until his demise is said to have taken ill for a short while.
Nana Yaw graduated from the Ghana School of Law last year and studied BFA Theatre Arts at the University of Ghana.
He holds an MA in International Affairs from the University of Ghana.
9. Romeo Ricky Roy
Romeo Ricky Roy, the physical trainer of Ghana’s Black Stars, tragically passed away on Sunday, April 28, in Accra, after expressing that he was feeling unwell.
Roy gained widespread recognition in 2020 when he saved a player’s life during a Division One League match between Vision FC and Agbozume Weavers.
This heroic act propelled him into the spotlight and ultimately led to his inclusion in the Black Stars’ backroom staff in 2021.
Until his untimely demise, Roy had been working closely with Milovan Rajevac during his second tenure as the head coach of the senior national team.
10. Cynthia Anim
The headmistress of Aburi Girls Senior High School (SHS), Cynthia Anim, died on September 30, 2024, while on an official assignment in Rome.
She was in Italy, attending an educational workshop with the deputy minister of education, other heads of senior high schools, and some selected students.
Cynthia Anim was a dedicated educator known for her commitment to improving the quality of senior high school education in Ghana.
The international workshop in Rome was aimed at enhancing educational standards in senior high schools.
11. Actress Mercy Little Smith
Ghanaian actress Mercy Little Smith, popularly known as Benyiwa, in the local television series ‘Efiewura’, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Mercy Smith gained widespread recognition for her role as the wife of renowned actor Kwame Dzokoto, who played Judge Koboo in the ‘Efiewura’ series.
She also starred in many local movies, contributing significantly to the development of the Ghana movie industry.
Her versatile acting skills allowed her to take on a variety of roles, captivating audiences with her charm, humour, and talent.
12. Traditional singer Naa Amanua
Legendary Ghanaian traditional singer, Naa Amanua Dodoo, better known as Naa Amanua of the legendary Wulomei band fame, died on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
She has also been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and used her music to promote social change.
13. Kofi Owusu Duah (KODA)
Renowned gospel singer Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, popularly known as KODA, died on March 25, 2024, after battling kidney disease for a while.
The gospel music community gathered in solemn unity to bid a final farewell to KODA at his burial service held in Accra at the Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) on Friday, September 20, 2024.
The service was a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to gospel music touched countless lives.
14. Osman Idris (Yogot)
Junka Town actor Osman Idris, popularly known as Yogot, passed away on June 11, 2024, at the Great Faith Family Clinic.
Yogot is known for his ability to play scammer roles in movies, earning him the name Baba No Face.
According to family sources, Yogot had been treating a carbuncle, locally known as ‘nantwi pompo’ or ‘cow boil’ which developed inside his throat and eventually led to his death.
