Eight, almost nine, weeks after Castro disappeared during a Jet Ski cruise on the Volta River, there has been no definite news about his whereabouts or that of his pylon companion, Janet Bandu.
Most people who continue to comment on the mystery disappearance of the entertainer, do so carefully so as not to suggest that Castro and his lady friend were dead.
In some media circles, however, the speculation has been rife that Castro is dead and people should better accept that fact and move on with their lives. But a police officer, Chief Superintendent Dodzi Hlordzi, the District Commander of Ada where Castro was last seen has come out to say that no matter what anyone says, Castro and his female companion cannot be said to be dead until after seven years have passed.
Speaking with the online portal of Accra based radio station StarrFmonline.com, Mr Hlordzi said that the families of Castro and Janet may only organise funerals for them after seven years and their estate, if any, can also be inherited, only after that period.
That position of the law was confirmed by entertainment lawyer, Kwame Koduah Atuahene on Tuesday when Showbiz consulted him on the issue.
He said according to The Evidence Act of 1975, Section 33, a person can only be declared legally dead after seven years by a court, where the person in question has not been seen or heard from in seven years despite diligent and persistent efforts to find him.
He added that in the event the missing person left a Will, anyone who stands to derive any benefits such as spouse, parents or business partners, would have to be withheld until after seven years have elapsed.
�If there were any proceeds to be derived from joint ventures such as businesses and song collaborations that Castro has done with anyone in terms of sales and proceeds, it would still have to split jointly, this is done to ensure no one tramples on his rights,� he said.
Lawyer Atuahene however explained that these were presumptions and as such, if anyone could provide any facts or evidence of Castro�s availability or if he could be found before the seven years elapses, then everything would proceed as normal since he would be deemed as being alive.
From reports, Castro was in the company of Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan who together with friends were spending the weekend at an Ada resort on July 5.
Castro was said to have taken one of the Jet Skis available out on a cruise on the Volta River, along with Janet Bandu, while the others continued with their relaxation at the shore.
According to the reports, the Jet Ski was found later floating on the river but Castro and Janet have not been found since.
Castro De Destroyer, real name, TheophilusTagoe, was born in 1982. His debut album, Sradenam, released in 2003, shot him to public prominence and he followed up with subsequent hit albums including Toffee, Comm Centre and African Girls.
He earned the accolade, �The Destroyer� which was attached to his Showbiz name because most of his songs became instant hits. He was also called 50 Cent by close pals due to his striking resemblance to American rapper and artiste, 50 Cent.
Castro endeared himself to many last year when he released OdoPa which featured AsamoahGyan and Kofi Kinaata. The song earned him the Highlife Song of the Year at this year�s Ghana Music Awards.
�It has always been my prayer that God will bless me so that I can help the society, family and unearth talents that are hidden. My dream is to help bring talented but hidden young artistes to limelight,� he told Showbiz in an interview last year December.
Source: Daily Graphic
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