Legon Student laid to rest

One of the two students of the University of Ghana, Legon, who died in an accident at Okponglo in Accra, was buried Friday at the Osu Cemetery after an emotional church service at Lapaz, Accra.

Tears, grief and a sombre atmosphere filled the auditorium of the Light of Life Gospel Mission Church at Lapaz, when friends and family members of Debbie Akosua Denkyira Benaye, a first year student who died in an accident on January 18, this year, gathered to bid her farewell.

Debbie, 18, was one of the victims who died in the accident at the Okponglo traffic lights in Accra in the early hours of that day.

Family members, fellow students and friends struggled to hold back their tears.

Nothing was as painful as when her mother, Madam Dinah Wule watched on as her daughter was put into a coffin and later lowered into the grave. 

Madam Wule had wailed throughout the service.

The funeral was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryeetey; the Member of Parliament (MP) for Central Tongu, Mr Joe Gidisu; and Mr Patrick Boamah, the MP for Okaikoi Central.

Tributes were variously paid by family and friends who described the deceased as friendly and caring.

“She made an impact on everyone she met,” said friends from her alma mater, Holy Child Senior High School in Cape Coast.

Students from the Elizabeth Francis Hall of the University of Ghana, said their departed mate would always remain in their hearts.

Debbie’s stepfather, Mr George Laing, said she was full of great potential and promise. Debbie will be sorely missed by everyone in our family,” he said.

Described by friends as enterprising, Ms Benaye was a promising student who wished to be a lawyer, after obtaining her degree in Arts but death snatched her and friend Lordina Fobih.

The two deceased friends were killed when the taxi in which they were travelling, collided with a waste disposal truck at the traffic intersection.

The students were returning to the University campus at the time of the accident.

DAILY GRAPHIC