Death is a fact of life no one accepts. It is appointed unto man to die says the good book but the news of death always leaves many thoroughly disappointed.

It is heart breaking to lose a loved one but when the soul lost is a national icon, the pain visited on millions of souls is unimaginable. And when the death happens under very mysterious circumstances, it doesn’t matter the profile of the person or persons involved,  hearts will be broken with tears of lamentations.

In 2017, Ghana has had its share of mysterious, heart breaking deaths and the country has also buried some of its illustrious icons leaving the country completely distraught.

Here at Multimedia,  Kwadwo Asare Baffour Acheampong (KABA), the man who kept many going, attracted a lot of admirers to his late afternoon political programme Ekosii Sen and endeared himself not just to the politicians but to his listeners as well, left without saying good bye.

Difficult as it may be, Myjoyonline.com, as part of 2017 in review, chronicles the deaths, the high profile deaths which left the country in shock, in tears and completely broken.

We begin in the Brong Ahafo Region where a fun trip to Kintampo Waterfalls by students of the Methodist Senior High turned deadly. At least 20 students were confirmed dead in the most bizarre circumstances. The news about students dying was difficult to bear but to have trees crashing them to death is most heart wrenching. May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace.

Then in May came the bombshell. A military man, a captain, Maxwell Mahama, sent to Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region by the country to lead an anti galamsey taskforce and help fight illegal mining was lynched by residents in a manner, not even an animal deserves to die. His death attacked the very conscience of society and exposed Ghana’s weird culture of instant injustice. The whole country came on bended knees, with tears of shock but none was enough to bring back the soul of Maxwell Mahama who was posthumously awarded a major.

At least two weeks earlier, the country was hit by the death of the veteran actor Kofi Bucknor. He was no stranger to many and for years had brought smile on the faces of many Ghanaians. He was given a befitting burial and laid peacefully to rest.

Then in July, one of the veteran musicians, Paapa Yankson with several albums, many hit songs to his credit died peacefully in his sleep. His songs are always 

ever green and will be sorely remembered.

The last quarter of 2017 was even more heartbreaking.

In October another veteran musician, Awurama Badu also died after a short illness. She will be remembered for her track- medofo adada me- a song which will forever remain on the lips of many.

Death chooses whom it wants, when and how. Sadly first week in November came another death. This time Ghana’s famous mathematician Prof Francis Allottey, 85, died after complaining of some discomfort. Even though he was advanced in age, his death was unexpected at least for many who had limited access to him.

Then in November 18 came the death of the man who died before his time-KABA. He worked throughout the week, complained of feverishness and was allowed to go home on Friday only to die on Saturday. Such was the sudden nature of his death. He will be missed.

Then in December, the last month of the year came deaths of some Kumasi Academy Students. At least four students died in a swine flu outbreak that hit the school. Two of the students died in November with the remaining in December. There have since been some deaths across some of the country’s Senior High Schools.