Ghana loses an entertainment gem

There are several persons who are unknown and sometimes behind scenes and contribute immensely to development of music, arts and culture in Ghana.

One of such persons, Cephas Sackitey, Associate Cultural Director of Alliance Française in Accra has passed away Sunday. A source close to the family confirmed the death to Myjoyonline.com Monday.

According to the source, Mr Sackitey died at the Ridge Hospital in Accra after a short illness.

Mr Sackitey through his work and tireless dedication helped to promote Ghanaian artistes and music not only in Ghana but to the world.

He has, since the 1990s successfully coordinated countless number of shows and events aimed at not only giving good entertainment to patrons but also help project Ghanaian music to the world.

Notable shows he coordinated include the late Mac Tontoh’s Tribute Concert in 2010, The “Ghana Loves Haiti” Tribute Concert in 2010 and the annual Accra Jazz and World Music Festival. He is said to have concluded preparations for Amandzeba’s Peace Concert scheduled for the Alliance Française in June this year.

Dela Botri, traditional and contemporary musician and leader of Hewale Sounds and long time friend of Cephas Sackitey also confirmed his untimely death.

Speaking in an interview with Myjoyonline.com Monday, Dela Botri who has graced several shows at the Alliance Française and also performed at international shows through the help of Mr Sackitey described his death as a big loss.

He described Cephas Sackitey “as somebody who is very serious with what he does. He is somebody I respect. When I have a show and he is around, I am relaxed.”

His death he said “is a very big loss. I don’t know how we are going to replace him. I don’t know who will be able to replace him.”

Several personalities expressed shock at Mr Sackitey’s death on social networking sites including Facebook. Radio personality and actress Blak Kofe said, “wot??? how??? when?? why??? chale i shock…r u sure? when? but he no grow…oh chale…..my deep deep condolences…wot? r u sure???”

‎Songstress Elivava commented “Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh my God I was with him two days ago we were supposed to have a project discussion tomorrow (Monday) morning, oh why oh why do we have to go through all this hmmmmm well accept my condolences too.”

Musician and daughter of late sound engineer Faisal Helwani, Yasmeen Helwani Nsiah also said “…he tolerated all of us with open arms and he always had a smile. I am so shocked and just can’t believe I won’t be seeing that smile anymore. This is a huge loss for all of us who love culture and the Arts, who love Alliance Francaise…Thank you Cephas for your passion for the Arts, and for loving and appreciating us artists over the years. Tears are falling down for you Cephas! R.I.P”

Cephas Sackitey, who was almost 40 years, was survived by a wife and two kids.

myjoyonline.com