Santo didn't die of cocaine - Dr Kwakye-Maafo

While the controversy surrounding the death of the comedian, Bob Santo, ranges on with different interpretation, the medical doctor who attended to Santo before his death, has refuted the allegation that the late comedian’s death was caused by swallowing cocaine.

Dr J.K. Kwakye-Maafo, Director of West End Clinic in Kumasi and a brother of Santo, has refuted rumours that the late legendary comedian died from swallowing cocaine. He said this during a one-week funeral celebration of Santo at Akyem Awisa near Akyem Oda.

Speaking to a large gathering at the family house, Dr Kwakye-Maafo stated that there was no way Santo would have survived beyond forty-eight hours if he had really swallowed drug. He noted that nobody can survive after that period if cocaine had burst in his body. The medical doctor further stated that Santo spent one month at various hospitals in Europe and the report he received from the doctor, who attended to him, has nothing to imply that "my brother was dying as a result of swallowing cocaine."

According to Dr Kwakye Maafo, about two years ago his brother came to him for treatment. After diagnosing the disease, he realised that Santo was developing an ailment so he advised him to cut down his schedules since he needed a lot of rest. He noted that since he had given the necessary medical attention to keep his brother alive, knowing very well that he was “certainly going to die as a result of the ailment but the actual time was up to God to decide.”

“After almost two weeks in Europe, my brother was attacked by the same ailment and was given medical attention in Denmark. He became a bit okay, so he went ahead with his schedules,” stated Dr Kwakye-Maafo.

Dr Kwakye-Maafo said his condition worsened while in Holland. But due to lack of health insurance to cover him, he was attended to by Ghanaian medical officers who advised that Santo would not survive. The doctors advised that he should cut short his trip and quickly return home.

Dr Kwakye-Maafo disclosed that he was away when Santo was sent to his clinic but he quickly rushed to attend to him. “I led a team of five doctors and did all we could but he could not survive,” he said. “I will never tell you what disease killed my brother. That is against my profession but take it that Santo died naturally,” he added.

Meanwhile, the family has decided that Santo would be laid in state in Accra on Thursday 25 July for his numerous fans to pay their last respect. The body will be conveyed to his hometown, Akyem Awisa on Friday 26 July. He will also be laid in state on Saturday before his internment. The final funeral rites will be held later in the day.