By Peter Agbeko
Veteran journalist Cameron Duodu, 87, visited the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra today to sign the book of condolence opened in memory of Godwin Avenorgbo, affectionately known as “The Grandmaster.”
The Book of Condolence was made available for signing from August 29, 2024, and will remain open for ten days, from 8am to 5 PM each working day, closing at 6 pm on September 6, 2024.
Godwin Avenorgbo, a revered figure in Ghanaian media, passed away on August 19, 2024, at the age of 78, after a sudden illness. At the time of his passing, Avenorgbo was the Director of Communications at the Melcom Group of Companies and served as the Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) 75th Anniversary Planning Committee.
Avenorgbo’s career in media spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to journalism, broadcasting, and public relations in Ghana. He began his career at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, where he quickly became known for his dynamic presence on radio. Avenorgbo later held leadership roles, including Director of Radio at GBC, and became a respected consultant in media, events, and communications.
His legacy extends beyond his professional achievements; Avenorgbo was a mentor to many in the media industry and was admired for his dedication to elevating the standards of journalism in Ghana. As Chairman of the GJA’s 75th Anniversary Planning Committee, he led the planning and execution of activities that commemorated this significant milestone, further cementing his place in Ghana’s media history.
Cameron Duodu, a distinguished journalist in his own right, began his career with the magazine “New Nation” in Ghana before joining the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation as a radio journalist. His editorial journey continued as he became the editor of the Ghana edition of the South African magazine “Drum” in the early 1960s. In 1970, Duodu was appointed editor of the Daily Graphic, Ghana’s largest-selling newspaper.
Duodu’s influence extended beyond Ghana’s borders, earning him recognition as a correspondent for international publications such as The Observer, The Financial Times, The Sunday Times, Reuters, and The Economist. He also contributed to The Guardian, The Independent, and New African magazine, where his column “Under the Neem Tree” became widely read. His novel “The Gab Boys,” published in London in 1967, further showcased his literary talents.
Avenorgbo and Duodu, both towering figures in Ghanaian journalism, shared a commitment to excellence in their craft. Duodu’s signing of the book of condolence for Avenorgbo marks a poignant moment in the commemoration of a man who dedicated his life to advancing the field of media and communications.
