The media fraternity in Ghana and, indeed, the entire nation continue to unite and mourn the death of Geoffrey Dabietey-Paresen, former Chief Editor of the Ghana News Agency, who died on Saturday, May 9.
The writer could not have found more befitting words for solace and to dignify one of the Agency’s illustrious servants; Akyeamehene Nana Opare Dabietey, known to the inky fraternity as Geoffrey Dabiety-Paresen.
He was an astute professional with a deep sense of the principles of news agency journalism, a meticulous editor whose grasp on the tenets of the profession was elicited in the quality of his works.
Nana, a true traditionalist, was a soft-spoken gentleman who exuded lots of confidence and served as a mentor to staff on the Home Desk of the Agency.
His occasional words of good advice, caution and tutorials on chieftaincy issues and journalism made him a source of inspiration to us. We thus cherished his dual role as Akyeamehene and Chief Editor, attributes we still admire.
Always calm, cool and collected, Nana was very slow to anger and would sometimes laugh off an obvious offensive remark or exchange followed by tutorials on proper manner of speech, the trait of a true chief.
Nana Opare Dabietey shall be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to work closely with him. He has really paid his dues to the GNA, Mamfe-Akuapem Traditional Council, and country.
The late Geoffrey Dabietey-Paresen, the Akyeamehene of Mamfe-Akuapem in the Akuapem Traditional Area, was 84 years.
The Widow, Mrs Caroline Janet Dadietey-Paresen, said he died at the Lekma Hospital at Teshie.
The Late Dabietey-Paresen joined the Ghana News Agency on January 2, 1958 and rose through the ranks to the Chief Editor position before his retirement on December 31, 1997.
Due to his hard work, Management of the GNA offered him a two-year contract from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1999.
He was installed Akyeamehene in January 1993, where he served until his demise. Burial and funeral details are yet to be announced.
He was praised for his patriotism, high regard for professionalism and ethics as well as his rich sense of humour, which always served as a laudable asset for conflict resolution and peace building.
Nana Opare Paresen, Damirifia Due, Damirifa Due. Due Due ne amanehununu. May the Lord who loves you most keep you in His bosom till eternity. GNA
By Ray Ankomah, former GNA Business Development Manager
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