Presidential Correspondent Samuel Nuamah

NEWS COMMENTARY IN MEMORY OF THE LATE SAMUEL NUAMAH, A REPORTER OF THE GHANAIAN TIMES AND MEMBER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PRESS CORPS

Today, the remains of Samuel Nuamah, a reporter with The Ghanaian Times newspaper and member of the Presidential Press Corps, were laid to rest at the Osu Cemetery after a memorial service in his honour at the fore court of the State House.  In connection with this solemn moment, one cannot begrudge the management and staff of the New Times Corporation, for relieving the moments they shared with their fallen colleague ahead of his interment and wishing him a peaceful rest in the bosom of his Creator. No wonder the Editor of The Ghanaian Times David Agbenu, had this to say: “He was a very exceptional and unique person who did his work very meticulously with deep sense of urgency. Nuamah was a special kind of journalist who will be missed, dearly, by all.”  “He was a very special reporter to The Ghanaian Times because of his attachment to the Office of the President. He was sent there because he was a person you would trust to bring you the best of reports.”  The Deputy Editor Jim MaCauley, could not have minced words when he said:” He was like a junior brother to me. I mentored him and I am glad he turned up to be one of the best reporters of the Corporation.  When we needed someone to go to the Presidency, I recommended him and it was endorsed by all. He did not disappoint us.”  

The immediate past editor of The Ghanaian Times Charles Neequaye, under whose tenure Nuamah was posted to the presidency, could not be left out. He described him “as a young and enterprising journalist whose career had been brought to an abrupt end by the long arms of death “but God knows best”  “When editing Nuamah’s work, there was little for you to do because the stories were well written that it made the work very easy. We have lost a gem and it will be difficult to fill the void but we have to move on. We can only pray that his gentle soul rests in perfect peace,” he concluded.  Night Editor Douglas Akwasi Owusu, who was the Deputy News Editor at the time Nuamah was a cub reporter in the newsroom, said he never had problems editing his work.  “He was such a quick learner who never complained, even in the face of the typical newsroom pressure. Mentoring such a reporter was even a pleasure because he had the listening ear and did what was expected of him without much supervision. His demise is a big blow to everyone.”  

One person, who worked closely with Nuamah since his employment at The Ghanaian Times, is Vincent Dzatse, the photographer who travelled the length and breadth of the country and elsewhere with the deceased could not be left out. He said he was a reserved and shy looking type who was approachable and down to earth. If Sam is not happy, you will quickly notice it.”  He recalled how his companion died in that gory accident while on their journey back to Accra after covering the Presidential assignment in Ho, the Volta Regional capital.  “It was a very terrifying experience seeing the lifeless body of Nuamah lying on the ground. That week was very traumatic one for me. His death could have been prevented if the vehicle in which they rode was in the presidential convoy.”  

Many people will not understand why the members of the Presidential Press Corps were not in the convoy. That, for now, is not important. What is important is that Nuamah died whilst his colleagues sustained various degrees of injury because they were travelling in a vehicle which was not road worthy. This is a lesson that should inform the Communication Bureau of the Presidency in the proper handling of journalists today and tomorrow. William Shakespeare said that the world is a stage and men and women are merely players. Sammy played his part but he left the scene too early.  Sammy, all Ghanaians and journalists in particular, wish you farewell. To your son, Josiah Nhyira Nuamah, your wife, Julian Nuamah and the entire family, we all say hold your tears and have consolation that Samuel Nuamah is safe in the hands of his Creator.  Rest in perfect peace, Samuel Nuamah

BY: DAN OSMAN MWIN, A PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONER WITH THE NATIONAL AMBULANCE SERVICE