Thousands of mourners, including friends, family, and colleagues of the late Asempa FM presenter, Kwadwo Asare Baffuor Acheampong popularly known as KABA gathered at the forecourt of the State House in Accra to bid him farewell today [Saturday] as he was laid to rest.
The mourners, clad in red and back, could not hold back their tears as they filed past the lifeless body of the former presenter.
Some of them, who were still in a state of shock said they were yet to come to terms with his death.
KABA’s widow, Valentina Acheampong, with whom he had a daughter, said in her tribute that she could not believe KABA was dead.
KABA’s widow, Valentina Acheampong (M)
“What should I tell Nana Yaa when she asks of Dada?…You made fatherhood effortless and a sight to behold…you made me the happiest woman…There was never a dull moment with you. You were the perfect husband anyone would wish for. I can’t believe you are gone but I take consolation in the fact that you are in the bosom of our Lord. I am glad you knew the Lord,” she said.
Read the full tribute below:
“Good morning MaryVal Happy anniversary! Wow, So soon it’s been a year. A year of God’s love, favour, mercy and abundance of Grace.
Exactly a year today you formally agreed to be my wife and me your husband. I’m grateful I chose you and you chose me: you know why; because in the last one year, I’ve had no reason to ask why I married and to you. As far as I am concerned I made the right decision.
In the last one year, God has also blessed this family with the miracle baby Nana Yaa. What else can a man ask for in marriage?
So as we mark this milestone, I want to say thank you for choosing me. But it hasn’t all been a smooth sailing experience. We’ve had our own peculiar challenges and even through it all you stood by me……sicknesses, financial, my family, my mum, and most of all from me.
I know you sometimes complain I don’t listen to you or that when you speak I don’t let you finish and I cut in I know sometimes it’s bothersome to you. I promise to make amends. Forgive me if I hurt you in any way.
In the years ahead, I can only promise with God’s help to be a better husband and a father in all spheres.
There’s only one thing which lacks in our journey, getting closer to Christ. We must take steps to formalize our relationship with him again soon as we leave this place God willing to our house.
There’s only one thing I ask of you; don’t give up on me Don’t give up on us Never stop praying for us- Myself, Yourself and Nana Yaa.
When I go wrong please correct me Have never stopped loving you. Ours was not a mistake It’s the envy of all Let’s guard it jealously If I were to be asked again the same question KABA do you take Valentina Ofori-Afriyie as your wedded wife? I’ll answer that a thousand times, Yes!!! Happy anniversary MaryVal Love you”
This is what you wrote to me on our anniversary and how come the dream has been cut short? You are an exceptional human being. God-fearing, lover of God, humble, respectful, tolerant, understanding, smart, and caring no wonder the first word that came out of Nana Yaa’s little lips was Dada.
You made fatherhood effortless and a sight to behold. You made me the happiest woman. There was never a dull moment with you. You were the perfect husband anyone would wish for.
I can’t believe u are gone but I take consolation in the fact that you are in the bosom of our Lord. I am glad you knew the lord.
Me Kwadwo as I called you and your response was MVOAS the abbreviation of my name. Fare thee well sweet Joe.
I promise to continue to pray for us, can you also promise me you will do same?
What should I tell Nana Yaa when she asks of Dada?
Me Kwadwo can I ever stop asking WHY?
But I take consolation in the word of God in the Bible in your favourite book Philippians 4:13 which says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…
I will also teach Nana Yaa to memorize Philippians 4:19 which says …and my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.
I will also remember to tell her what a wonderful father and husband you were. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t have more, but like everyone tells me the Lord knows best. You will continually be in our hearts.
Thank you for being a huge part of my life. My Husband, My friend, My Love, rest well in the bosom of the Almighty!!!
About KABA
KABA had been with Asempa FM since 2008. Prior to joining the Multimedia Group, KABA had worked with Top Radio from 2004 – 2008.
The broadcaster was a trained teacher at the University of Cape Coast after which he moved to the Ghana Institute of Journalism for Communications Studies.
He later enrolled at the University of Ghana to study Political Science. KABA had also hosted Adom TV’s Morning Show on Multi TV.
The ace broadcaster, was among a group of selected senior journalists, who joined the President at the Flagstaff House this year, to ask him questions about critical national issues.
He married Valentina Ofori Afriyie [in June 2016], a staff of Accra-based Class FM, who had moved from Radio Gold.
They welcomed their first baby girl a few months ago.
On Friday, November 17, 2017, KABA passed away at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness.