10 notable Ghanaians who died in 2020

The past year will go into the history books as one of the deadliest with the outbreak of coronavirus. Without doubt, 2020 is the deadliest in the 21st century. Notable global figures lost their lives to the virus but others also died of other causes. In Ghana, a similar turn of events was recorded as coronavirus took dear lives – 335 as of end of year – with many others also dying of other causes. Below are 10 notable Ghanaians who died in 2020: 1. Former President Jerry John Rawlings The former president died of Covid-19 complications, reports say, after being hospitalised at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. He had buried his mother just days before taking ill. He died on Thursday, November 12, 2020. 2. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie – Sir John The former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was one of the big wigs lost to coronavirus. He was serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission when he lost his life. He also died at the Korle Teaching Hospital, on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. 3. Professor Jacob Plange-Rhule

The renowned physician also lost his life to Covid-19. He was the first major casualty when the disease broke out in Ghana in March. He was a former President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and was the Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons until he succumbed to the deadly virus at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). 4. Kofi B Born Kofi Boakye Yiadom, the popular Highlife musician was getting ready for a show in honour of the Chief of Abeadze Dominase in the Central Region when he lost his life. He died on Sunday, February 2, 2020 from medical complications for which he was being treated. 5. Ekow Kwansa Hayford – Mfantseman MP The Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency lost his life after a deadly attack by armed robbers on the Abeadze-Dominase-Mankessim road. He was returning from a campaign tour of the area a few hours after filing his nomination for re-election. His wife, Ophelia, was later selected by the NPP to represent him in 2020 polls and she won. 6. Bishop Bernard Nayrko The popular Kumawood actor had suffered a long illness before he died on Saturday, May 2, 2020. He had recovered from the unknown sickness but later lost his life. 7. Anthony Kobina Sam

The Sekondi-Takoradi mayor was one of the big wigs lost to coronavirus. Days before his death, he had received commendations for the policies put in place for traders in the Sekondi-Takoradi municipality. He died at UGMC. 8. Prophet Seth Frimpong The popular Gospel musician in the first decade of the century had been off the scene for a long time. As a result, news about his death came as a shock. His songs were a toast for all for every new year. He died in April reportedly after battling a long illness. 9. Nana Agyei Sikapa The popular voice on radio also had to battle a long illness. The Peace FM presenter was adept in Akan tradition and customs. He is said to be a walking encyclopaedia in this area. He died on Friday, June 19, 2020 at age 55. 10. Beatrice Chinery (Miliky Micool) The veteran actress also lost her life, adding to the list of deceased in the arts and entertainment industry. She was a populary face in Akan series ‘Kejetia’. Aside the above list there are others like Reverend Emmanuel Kwaku Apraku – Apraku My Daughter – musician Nana Tuffuor, Ray Styles and a ot more who also lost their lives in the past year. May their souls rest in perfect peace!!! Compiled by Emmanuel Kwame Amoh Follow @kwame_amoh