Florence Debrah’s father, Mr. Debrah, has recounted the tragic events that led to the death of his daughter’s fiancé, Chief Inspector Godwin Beniba, during their wedding ceremony in Akyem Anamase.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Debrah shared that his daughter’s fiancé had not been well the day before the wedding, and he was hospitalized on Thursday.

However, on Friday—the day of the wedding—he was discharged and went to the hotel where the ceremony was being held.

Unfortunately, shortly after his arrival, the groom complained of feeling unwell.

“He said he wasn’t feeling well and was taken to the hospital. But on Friday, the wedding day, he came to the hotel. He complained of a sudden sickness, and we struggled to get him on a drip. The nurse realized the situation wasn’t improving. Then, the nurse pronounced him dead. Some people started calling the town to inform them of the tragic news” Mr. Debrah recalled.

The father continued, emotionally recounting how the news devastated the family.

“When my daughter, Florence, heard the news, she collapsed. We immediately began praying hard for her. It was as if she was going to die too. She couldn’t believe it. It was a very tough moment for all of us. We rushed to revive her. By God’s grace, we managed to bring her back” he said.

Mr. Debrah shared that, in the midst of this tragedy, a glimmer of hope emerged when some people brought word that Chief Inspector Beniba might still be alive.

“Some messages came in saying he was not dead, so we rushed to the hospital. But when the doctors checked his body, they confirmed that he had indeed passed away,” he said.

The family’s devastation was compounded by the fact that the wedding preparations had to be halted.

“The food and decorations were all prepared, but no one was interested in eating. The guests were too grief-stricken. We had to pack everything up, and all the food was wasted. The sadness was overwhelming” Mr. Debrah said.

He also spoke highly of Chief Inspector Beniba, describing him as a highly respected man in the community.

“He was an affable man, a protector of the community. Even during events, as a police officer, he ensured safety. He was a man of integrity. He always gave us his protection, even when we had gatherings. He was a good man, and it’s all in God’s hands. We can’t complain.”

In his emotional final remarks, Mr. Debrah urged people to value life and rely on God.

“Life is precious. Let my daughter’s experience be a lesson to everyone. We should rely on God, not on humans or anything else. We should worship God, for anything can happen at any time. Always walk with God,” he said.

The tragic incident unfolded on Friday at the Anamase Hotel, the venue for the wedding in Akyem Anamase near Oda in the Eastern Region. Chief Inspector Beniba, the Station Officer at the Anamase Police Station, collapsed shortly after arriving at the venue.

According to eyewitnesses, the groom, accompanied by his best men, complained of dizziness upon entering the event. Before anyone could assist him, he collapsed on the floor.

He was rushed to the Anamase Clinic, but sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The news devastated the hundreds of attendees, including police personnel who had traveled from Accra, Koforidua, Oda, Akyem Achiase, Akyem Swedru, and other parts of the country. Many were overcome with grief, and tears flowed freely as the tragic event unfolded.