It was a solemn atmosphere at the Community 11 school park in Tema today, as family, friends and sympathizers of veteran hi-life musician, Jewel Ackah gathered to bid a final farewell and to pay their final respects.
Being a highlife legend and an active National Democratic Congress member, the ceremony was largely attended by members of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), and also graced by former President Jerry John Rawlings and some members of the National Democratic Congress.
Clad in the traditional attire of red and black, mourners filed pass the body which had been laid in state to pay their last respect.
Tribute after tribute, the late footballer cum musician, was described as an icon, a man of principles and value and an irreplaceable gem among other things.
Mr. Ackah who was quite unwell particularly during the latter part of his life left behind five children.
About Jewel Ackah; his life and death
Jewel Ackah was born in 1950 at Axim in the Western Region of Ghana to Emmanuel Ackah and Cecilia Dye.
He started his education at the Axim Roman Catholic primary and completed in Takoradi in 1963. Jewel had a career as a footballer and later joined a shipping company called Palm Line.
He realised shipping was not his field so he was introduced to a traditional drumming group and within a short time he became the best in the group. Jewel was picked up by a renowned musician named Ebo Tailor before going solo.
He is one of the few musicians who made popularised the gospel music genre in Ghana after he had drifted from secular music.
The highlife legend started battling stroke and other sicknesses some 10 years ago and was reported to have passed away at his home in the late hours of Friday April 27, 2018.
While the funeral service was held in Tema where he stayed, his remains will be laid to rest in his hometown Axim, in the Western Region.
Jewel Ackah has over 27 albums to his credit. Some of his songs are ‘Asomdowoe Hene,’ ‘Abena,’ ‘I’m in the Mood,’ ‘Joyce Sane Bra,’ and ‘Me Wo Bi.
