Former President John Mahama has joined the tributes being paid to the late General Manager for Joy Brands at The Multimedia Group, Elvis Koku Kwashie.

The seasoned media professional passed on in the late hours of Tuesday, December 28, after a short illness.

According to an internal memo by The Multimedia Group, the sad incident occurred at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).

John Mahama says the development saddens him.

"I was by his bedside briefly during his period of hospitalisation and feel indeed sad that he was unable to pull through," he said in a post on Facebook.

The NDC leader eulogised Elvis Kwashie and his immense contribution to shaping the country’s media landscape.

"He was a good person, and his days with the Multimedia Group showcased his professional journalistic trait and a classic example of how to play the gatekeeping role as a media person," he wrote.

He further commiserated and prayed for guidance for his wife and children and the media conglomerate in this difficult moment.

"We can only thank God for his life, and my heart goes out at this time to his wife, Cynthia, the children, family and The Multimedia Group."

Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

About Elvis Kwashie

Elvis Kwashie was a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in news media and communications (Print, Online, Radio & Television).

Before rejoining the Group in 2010 as News Editor, Elvis worked with Metropolitan Life Insurance Ghana as the Head of Corporate Marketing & Communications.

Before that, he worked mainly as a journalist with the Multimedia Group Limited, Network Herald and Groove FM.

He had rich experience in recruiting, grooming, coaching and supervising reporters and correspondents across the country. His strong leadership led to the receipt of numerous awards by journalists.

Mr Kwashie holds a certificate in Multimedia & Online Journalism from the International Institute of Journalism, Berlin-Germany, a certificate in Public Relations, Marketing and Advertising and a Diploma in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

While at MGL, he undertook courses on leadership at Harvard University in the United States.