In 2023, Ghana lost several prominent individuals who made significant contributions to various fields.
Their legacies will continue to inspire generations to come, and their impact on the nation will be remembered. Here are some renowned Ghanaian personalities who passed away in 2023:
1. Christian Atsu
Christian Atsu, a talented Ghanaian forward, tragically lost his life in a devastating 6.8 magnitude Turkish earthquake that struck the region killing thousands and several displaced.
Ghanaians woke up to the shock of the Ghanaian International player stuck under the rubble He played for the Turkish club Hatayspor and had a remarkable international career, with over 60 appearances for Ghana.
He passed away at the age of 31 and was laid to rest in Ada in March 2023.
2. Philip Basoah
Philip Basoah, NPP MP for Kumawu, died at 53
Basoah was taken ill last week and died on Monday (27 March 2023) while receiving treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. The late MP was serving his second term for Kumawu
3. Akwaboah Snr
Kwadwo Akwaboah, affectionately known as Akwaboah Senior (Snr.), father of Ghanaian singer Akwaboah Jnr. was a celebrated Ghanaian singer-songwriter and record producer renowned for his hit songs, including “AwerÉ›kyekyerÉ›” and “Hini Me.”
He passed away on May 16, 2023, and was laid to rest on September 30.
4. Cynthia Quarcoo
Cynthia Quarcoo, a prominent legal practitioner, passed away on June 21, 2023, after battling a long illness. She served as the CEO of Africa 1 Media, an agency specializing in talent and public relations for Ghanaian musicians.
She represented numerous Ghanaian musicians and was known for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
5. Sherry Ayittey
Sherry Hanny Ayittey, a former minister of state for fisheries and aquaculture, passed away at the age of 75. She was a Ghanaian biochemist, politician, and women’s activist.
Her sudden death followed a short-term illness.
6. Daniel Aboagye
Daniel Okyem Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament and CEO of 2M Express transport service passed away after a brief illness on September 23, 2023.
He served as a spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party, focusing on economic matters, and was a member of the Economic Committee during his time in parliament.
7. Theresa Kuffuor
Madam Theresa Kuffuor, Ghana’s former First Lady (2001-2009), passed away on October 1, 2023.
During her tenure, she established the Mother to Child Community Development Foundation to promote child development and combat disease transmission from mothers to children.
8. ET Mensah
Enoch Teye Mensah, affectionately known as ET Mensah, passed away on October 2, 2023, while receiving treatment in a South African hospital and also served as Ghana’s longest-serving Sports Minister under the Sixth Parliament and represented Ningo-Prampram as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2017.
He also held the position of Minister of Employment and Social Welfare under the Atta Mills-led government.
These individuals made significant contributions to Ghana in their respective fields and will be remembered for their enduring legacies.
9. Raphael Dwamena
Former Ghanaian international footballer Raphael Dwamena died after an on-pitch collapse
The Ghanaian Footballer Dwamena, who had a history of heart issues, collapsed while playing for Albanian Superiore club KF Egnatia.
10. Ama Busia
The sister of the late Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia, is reported to have passed away on Tuesday, 12 December 2023, after a brief illness.
According to a report by Asaaseradio.com, Dr. Obeng Busia; Ama Busia’s son, confirmed her passing at the Nyaho Medical Centre in the early hours of Tuesday.
Ama Busia, aged 87 at the time of her death, remained a strong and influential figure within the NPP until her final moments.