It is sad to be writing about you in the past tense as you journey to rest with your Maker, who knows better.
Oh death, how could you lay your filthy hands on this innocent-looking veteran broadcaster, Godwin Avenorgbo, who never showed any sign of illness, even a few minutes before his departure on that fateful morning?
As we gather on Thursday, 12th September 2024, not at our usual place, Melcom Mall at Spintex for a donation exercise, but rather at Lashibi Funeral Home over your lifeless body, we celebrate a life well-lived as a remarkable man. As a broadcast journalist, I had the privilege of knowing you not only as a colleague in the ink fraternity but also as a mentor and direct boss during our days at Osu, working for Radio XYZ.
Your passion for ethical journalism and dedication to truth shaped not just your career but also the lives of those lucky enough to work with you. I remember our countless Monday meetings at the management level, discussing developments within the media space and how we could position our reporters for coverage.
Godwin Avenorgbo was a storyteller at heart. His ability to weave narratives using more than four local languages at any given time was extraordinary. Big Godwin understood the power of words and used them to light the world around him. Anyone who met this gentleman for the first time would immediately fall in love with his personality.
Mr. Avenorgbo was fantastic locally during his days at GBC and a global icon when it came to state events as the master of ceremonies. He knew the job and understood the media industry, often directing us on how to file reports and address national issues with the security of the state in mind. He was a master teacher when it came to news reading and coaching colleagues on how to maintain integrity and excellence in “talking the news on air” to keep listeners tuned in.
Beyond his professional achievements as a celebrated broadcaster and communication specialist, particularly as the Director of Communication at the Melcom Group of Companies, Mr. Avenorgbo taught us the importance of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
His compassion extended beyond his work to raising a solid family, ensuring his children received a good education. They are excelling in their respective disciplines.
As I say goodbye to you, let’s remember Big Godwin not just for his inspiring profession but also for the love he shared and the morals he imparted to us as young journalists. Let us honor his memory by carrying forward his spirit of inquiry, his dedication to truth, and the compassion he showed to others.
Oh Torgbui, may your gentle soul rest well with Mawuga until we meet again.
Edzorna Francis Mensah is a Broadcast Journalist, Social Communicator, and Public Policy Analyst.
