From the presidency to the least radio listener, commiseration messages are pouring in left, right and centre following the demise of one of thecolossus of broadcast journalism in the country-Joseph Kwadwo Asare Baffour Acheampong (KABA)- the host of Ekosii Sen, an afternoon talks show program on Asempa FM, on the multimedia platform.
KABA’s sudden death on the dawn of Saturday at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra
has sent waves of grief across the country with grief-stricken General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, saying that he is unsure if he could ever talk on show again.
In a Facebook post the President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo wrote “Shocked by the news of KABA’s death. Undoubtedly one of the most talented journalists of his generation. Condolences to his wife, family and Multimedia. #RIPKABA”
Dr. Bawumia, the vice president also took to his Facebook page, to consoled the wife of KABA, family, and his friends over their loss.
He posted on Saturday that: “I have learnt with shock, the sudden demise of Joseph Kwadwo Asare-Baffuor Acheampong (KABA) of Asempa FM and the Multimedia Group. May God give his widow, family and the entire media fraternity, the fortitude to bear this painful loss,”
Former President, John Drmani Mahama also posted on his Facebook wall that “A sad day for us all. Received the shocking news of the passing of KABA. My condolences to the family, MBG and the media fraternity.”
A statement issued Sunday and signed by GJA General Secretary, Kofi Yeboah, said the Association is “utterly shocked” to hear the sudden death of the host of popular afternoon political talk show Ekosi Sen on Asempa 94.7 FM.
“Indeed, the death of KABA is a big blow to the Multimedia Group, the GJA and Ghana as a whole. It is in such sense of irredeemable loss that the GJA expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, especially his wife, Valentina Ofori Afriyie and little daughter, Nana Yaa, as well as the entire Multimedia family.”
The Association acknowledged KABA’s contribution towards the development of the nation through his radio programme, Ekosii Sen, which is widely listened to, both home and abroad.
“There is no doubt that KABA has paid his dues to journalism in Ghana and served his country so well. The GJA believes his death is only divine. And so in this grieving moment, and in utmost solemnity and sobriety, the GJA calls on all friends, families and loved ones to reflect on the good works of KABA in order to take a cue from them, rather than allow the pain of loss to overwhelm their thoughts and utterances.”
The statement further pledged the Association’s support to the organization of the funeral of KABA in order to give him a befitting burial.
A book of condolence has been opened at the Front Desk of the Radio building of The Multimedia Group at Kokomemle, in memory of the late KABA.
Management of multimedia have has announced, a service in memory of the talented presenter will be held at the forecourt of the Radio building, which houses Joy FM, Adom FM, Asempa FM and Hitz FM.
Staffs, as well as loved ones of the talented broadcaster, are expected to be seated by 5.30am and the dress code is black.
Brief profile about KABA
KABA was host of Asempa FM’s political talk show, ‘Ekosii Sen’. Prior to joining the Multimedia Group, KABA had worked with Top Radio from 2004 – 2008.
He got married to radio presenter, Valentina Ofori Afriyie in 2016 at Santasi in Kumasi and has a seven month old daughter with her.
He had his second cycle education at the Techiman Senior High School in the Brong Ahafo Region and completed in 1999.
He pursued Advanced Broadcast Journalism – Print and Broadcast at the Ghana Institute of Journalism and completed in the year 2005 and further enrolled on an educational course at the University of Cape Coast and completed in 2007.
He then continued to the university of Ghana for his First Degree where he graduated with honours in political science.
As a strong anti-corruption campaigner, he used his show to campaign against corruption.
He recently won the Radio Talk Show Host of the Year award at the 2017 RTP Awards.
