Uncontrolled weeping and wailing by mourners including staff, children, family and friends climaxed the burial service of the late News Editor of the Spectator Newspaper, Mr Castro Zangina-Tong, at Dansoman “Russia” at the weekend in Accra.
Mourners clad in red and black wailed and shouted “Castro,’ ‘Uncle Castro,’ as the coffin was lifted to the Ambulance for burial at the Awudome cemetery in Accra.
The solemn programme was attended by the Board Chairman of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Dr Kweku Rockson, management, staff, executives of the Ghana Journalists Association, members of the inky fraternity, former editors, family and friends who filed past the casket containing the remains of Castro.
In a tribute from the management and staff of NTC, they described the late Zangina-Tong as hardworking, who worked “passionately and diligently to the admiration of his supervisor and colleagues.”
“Due to his devotion to duty and hard work, he was later transferred to the regional office in Tamale on January 1, 2000, he was promoted to a senior reporter during his transfer to Eastern regional office in Koforidua on January, 1 2024.”
“Dad you could not bid us proper goodbye as you used to do anytime you were leaving for Accra,” the children in a tribute stated.
They said it was painful and sad to say “good bye” to you at this stage of our lives” we were innocently hoping to see you smile charmingly and cuddling us only to receive your cold attitude toward us.
The siblings of Castro acknowledged their brother, saying “It was a heartbreaking to hear of your sudden demise and little did we believed that you could succumb unexpectedly to death without sickness.”
Preaching the sermon, the founder of Jesus Fire Chapel, Reverend Moses Azumah advised all to prepare their exit as human beings.
“No matter who you are, you will answer the marker’s call one day and with all the earthly things acquired will be left behind,” he added.
He urged the gathering to seek salvation from God, prepare for their calling and be at peace with everyone.
Rev. Azumah said there was judgement after death and called on all to seek righteousness while on earth.
He urged the gathering to worship “God in truth and humble themselves in all that they do.”
The late Zangina-Tong joined the New Times Corporation (NTC) on December, 1998 and worked till his demise on August 1, 2023 at his residence at Russia, a suburb of Accra.
BY ANITA NYARKO-YIRENKYI