One of my fondest memories of my brother Komla will always be our early morning drives from our family home in Kwabenya, Accra, Ghana to the studios of Joy 99.7FM.
Those were the very early days of his career as a broadcast journalist. Older sister duties dictated that when his car had to go for servicing and the rains were especially heavy, it would be my duty (with no democracy 😄) to get him to the studio. We would set off at 2:00am for a 3am arrival in Kokomlemle, Accra. “Komla why do we have to leave that early?,” I would ask. I can still hear his reply. “So I can sleep some more on the way whiles you drive!” 🙄😄
I remember fondly the comfortable but anxious silence, as I tried to escape getting stuck in the mud on the initial rough road from our house to the main road. I remember our huge sighs of relief and laughter as we escaped the mud bath, arriving safely at the main road. I especially remember him jumping out of the car with purpose on arrival at JoyFM and the last word as he leaned forward, “Thanks Mawun. See you later!” I remember my feelings of satisfaction that I had done my “big sister good deed” for the day and then instantly annoyed, wondering what on earth I was going to do at my office at 3am until official work hours started! Sleep some more I guess? 😄
There are multiple fond memories I have of Komla especially on this 10th anniversary of his departure. Sometimes the anguish of how much I miss him can be a lot to bear but I remain encouraged by those memories. I am thankful to GOD that today, I can be here to celebrate those positive emotions with my family and the extraordinary numbers of people who knew him and loved him too. Rest Strong and Rest Free Komla. We don’t stop!❤️ Mawun #KomlaDumorMemories
