Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has paid tribute to the late broadcasting icon, Godwin Avenorgbo, describing him as "a principled and intelligent man."

She offered the government's sympathies to the family, stating that she got news of the death of Mr Avenorgo affectionately known as "The Grandmaster" with "shock and sadness".

Madam Abubakar said this after signing the Book of Condolence opened by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Monday, August 26, for the veteran media practitioner.

"As Chairperson of the GJA 75th Anniversary Planning Committee, he was very active, and we had a great time at La Palm...We were hoping that the next news would be his 79th birthday but the will of God prevailed.

"We can only express our sympathies to the family and the media family for this unimaginable loss," the information minister stated.

Madam Abubakar added that the late Avenorgbo positively impacted his colleagues and the younger generation in media practice, and "never stopped teaching people."

"At every opportunity, his statements were encouraging and emotive, and it was to share an idea...He never held back until the time of his demise," she noted and said the government would support the family to arrange a befitting burial.

On his part, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said the late Avenorgbo, was "a trailblazer when it comes to the history of the GJA."

"He died in the line of duty...At age 78, he was still serving the Association...There was life in him, and nothing showed that he was going to leave us. He was always putting us on our toes, and those of us who worked with him learnt a lot.

"He was a go-getter; he had a winning spirit and always encouraged us", Mr. Dwumfour said, adding that the GJA "has plans to honour his memory."

Prior to retiring from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Mr Avenorgbo held various positions in the media, including Director of Communications for the Melcom Group of Companies, until his death.