Naana was a bright and cheerful young woman who had a passion for journalism and a love for her family. She passed away unexpectedly last week, leaving behind a legacy of courage and kindness.
Naana was my niece and also my student at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), where I taught her and her classmates the skills and ethics of one of the world’s oldest and most challenging professions. She was always eager to learn, respectful to everyone, and had a charming smile that could light up a room.
She had faced many hardships in her life, but she never gave up on her dreams. She graduated from GIJ with flying colors and went on to work for Graphic Online, Ghana’s largest and most credible news provider. She covered various topics, from politics and business to entertainment and sports, with professionalism and flair.
She was also a devoted daughter to her mother, my sister, and a caring sister to her siblings. She was always in touch with them, even after I moved to Cape Coast for retirement. She never mentioned that her health was declining, perhaps because she did not want to worry anyone.
I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news of her passing. I wish I had the chance to say goodbye and thank her for being such a wonderful person. She was irreplaceable in our family and among her colleagues and friends.
Naana’s life was cut short too soon, but she left behind a lasting impact on many people. She was an inspiration to all aspiring journalists and a role model for all young women. She showed us how to overcome adversity with grace and dignity, and how to pursue our passions with dedication and joy.
As the hymn says, “God moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.” We may not understand why Naana had to leave us so soon, but we trust that God has a plan for her and for us. We hope that she is at peace in heaven, and that we will see her again someday.
Source: Graphic Online
