Paapa Yankson’s Daughter Remembers Him with Heartfelt Tribute on 7th Anniversary of His Death

Today, July 21, 2024, marks seven years since the passing of beloved Ghanaian highlife legend Paapa Yankson. In remembrance, his daughter, Hillary Yankson, has shared a deeply emotional tribute reflecting on the impact of his loss and her ongoing journey of healing.

Hillary recalls that fateful Thursday, the same day she received her WASSCE results. Eager to share her good news with her father, who had promised her a surprise, she delayed her visit to him, distracted by discussions with friends about her results. This decision meant she missed being with him in his final moments.

“It was a Thursday when our WASSCE results were released, and I was thrilled to find out I had passed. Dad had promised me a surprise if I succeeded, so I was excited to tell him. I was supposed to visit him at 10 am, but I got caught up with my friends. When I finally went to see him, I was met with the heartbreaking news that he had passed away,” Hillary said.

She described her immediate reaction as overwhelming grief and shock. The physical pain of his loss felt unbearable, and she struggled to accept the reality of his death. “I felt like my body was shutting down. I wanted to run into the streets and couldn’t stop myself from hitting my head against the wall, trying to make sense of it. My phone, which I had been eagerly using before the news, felt worthless, and I threw it away. I started throwing up, my temperature spiked, and I shook uncontrollably. My family had to hold me back because I felt like I was losing my mind.”

Hillary shared that she went through the stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, and depression—and even after seven years, she is still working on acceptance. However, she has found comfort through the support of her family, friends, and her faith.

“I had many dreams about my father, but none came true. I was very angry, especially with God, questioning why this happened and whether my prayers mattered. Looking back now, I see how God was with me throughout. For anyone who has lost a loved one, I want to say that it gets better. The pain doesn’t disappear completely, but it becomes more manageable. There will always be moments that remind you of your loss, but healing is possible.”

Despite ongoing moments of deep sadness, Hillary finds peace in the belief that her father is in a better place and would want her to continue living her life with hope and strength.