The tragic death of Vida Ohenewaa Ekua Asiedu popularly known as Kukuwaa, a Teaching Assistant (TA) at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, has left a deep void in the hearts of her colleagues, friends, and family. Kukuwaa, a Masters’s degree student, was an enthusiastic and hardworking individual who was loved by everyone around her. However, her sudden demise has left us all in shock and despair.
It all started when Kukuwaa bought rice with salad from a street vendor in town. She started experiencing severe stomach pains soon after, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. She was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, the doctors were unable to save her. Kukuwaa’s death was a devastating blow, and her colleagues and students at the Ghana Institute of Journalism are still coming to terms with the loss.
Read below her last message to her friends before passing to eternity.
Good morning family, hope you’re good today? I got fried rice, leaves and fish in town, and the pain I have been through,😔. I have grown lean in days. Please lets watch what we eat outside.
The pain and discomfort is unbearable . That eatery had glass door and looked organised , but don’t know what I was served.
Skef, the way I’m suffering. I may eat only fruits and roasted plantain when I’m in town.I feel dizzy, I can’t sleep, want to throw up, want to use the wash room….
I felt like someone is controlling me with a remote control.🙈 me bre oo
Her last messages to her class group chat
Kukuwaa was a brilliant student who was passionate about teaching and helping others. She had a natural ability to connect with her students and make even the most complex topics seem easy to understand. Her teaching style was interactive and engaging, and she always encouraged her students to ask questions and explore new ideas.
Kukuwaa was also an active member of the Ghana Institute of Journalism community. She was involved in various student organizations and volunteered her time and energy to help others. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others made her a beloved figure among her colleagues and students.
Kukuwaa’s death is a tragic reminder of the importance of food safety and hygiene. The street food industry in Ghana is a significant source of livelihood for many, but it is also associated with several health risks. While many street vendors take steps to maintain hygiene standards, others do not, which can lead to foodborne illnesses such as salmonella, E. coli, and cholera.
It is crucial for everyone to be aware of the risks associated with eating street food and take necessary precautions. Consumers should only buy food from vendors who maintain hygiene standards, such as washing their hands regularly and using clean utensils. It is also essential to ensure that food is cooked thoroughly and served hot.
Kukuwaa’s death is a tragic loss to the Ghana Institute of Journalism community. Her colleagues, friends, and family will miss her dearly. We hope that her passing will serve as a wake-up call to improve food safety and hygiene in Ghana’s street food industry. We must take the necessary steps to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future
