SWAG pays tribute to late General Secretary

Accra, Nov 21, GNA - A couple of months ago, you became seriously ill but death was the last thing we expected. It therefore came like a clash of thunder creeping through the skies when we got to know you had finally departed. When you were ill, we prayed to the lord to heal you but as humans we cannot understand the will of the almighty, so at the end we must say good bye.

"Paapa Richie our friend", your time came too soon, your life was over in a flash but we still remember the fun you shared; 'Kuminicious' 'Haaard one' 'Maaama' 'Oshawaa' 'iiidiot' among others with your baritone voice to the admiration of all.

The joy you brought and your conscious efforts of reconciliation in the face of disagreements, all just a memory - behind us. Life is a gift, given and taken at some unknown time, but we believe your spirit will never fade because the almighty one is like an angel watching over you.

As we mourn you, we hear you call some of us, but we turn to see who is calling only to hear just your voice. We are glancing across the room to see if anyone else hears it too, but no one seems to notice the look on our faces. We miss you dearly, because you were our best friend. We used to talk, laugh and thought it would always be the same, but the laws of nature have denied us these positive attributes of yours. For the young journalists, you taught them thoroughly and equipped them with an amazing professional guidance.

You were indeed a valued counsellor to the young ones and they will forever appreciate your role in their professional development. "Paapa Richie our friend" - your contributions to the field of sports journalism remains indelible. Indeed you remain one of the finest writers of our time who contributed immensely to sports in Ghana and Africa as whole with your insightful articles and news items which bear the traits of true grammar. We wish it could remain the same, but we trust that some day we will meet again. The Association will remember you for the instrumental role you played in its growth and development. You demonstrated that you were a true believer of democracy and remained principled. As tears rolled down our cheeks, we can not but agree to the laws of nature that it is time to let you go although we will always hold you dear.

Spiritually, we believe you are now soaring in the skies like the butterfly to the bosom of the maker. Though we can no longer hide the pain and tears, we can hear you say very gently "I love you all and "Good- Bye!" Paapa Richie our Friend, fare thee well, God will be your closest friend.