Accra: Management of Labadi Beach Hotel, Ghana’s indigenous five-star hotel, has handed over the renovated residence of the late Mawuli Yao Semevor, a veteran actor, to his family as part of efforts to honour his legacy.
According to Ghana News Agency, the renovated residence, redesigned to reflect the standards of a five-star hotel suite, serves as a tribute to the late actor’s contribution to Ghana’s creative arts industry, while preserving his memories for his family and loved ones.
The veteran actor died on Thursday, February 20, after a tragic fire incident that occurred at his residence at the Adentan Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Flats on Friday, February 17.
President John Dramani Mahama, upon hearing of the fire incident, called on the corporate world to help renovate the destroyed residence and followed up to furnish the residence after the renovation by Labadi Beach Hotel.
Mr. David Eduaful, Managing Director of Labadi Beach Hotel, said in the wake of the loss, it became clear that they needed to do more than mourn and remember the late actor in a way that honoured the depth of his contribution.
“The gesture forms part of the Hotel’s corporate social responsibility, underscoring its commitment to supporting Ghanaian cultural icons, the creative sector, and giving back to society beyond the hospitality industry,” he said.
The Managing Director said their effort was also in response to the vision and compassionate appeal of President Mahama, who called for action to restore the home of the departed national icon while cultivating the habit of taking care of the country’s living legends.
Presenting the keys of the newly refurbished residence together with Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney, Director General of SSNIT, to the late Semevor’s family, Mr. Eduaful said they gathered not just to celebrate the completion of a renovation project, but to pay tribute to the life and enduring impact of the iconic actor.
“Mawuli Semevor was more than an actor. He was a pillar in the creative arts, a mentor to many, and a proud son of our land who used his craft to tell the stories of our people with authenticity and passion. His tragic passing has left a void in our hearts and in the soul of our cultural community,” he said.
The Managing Director said the gesture, modest as it may be, served as a small token of the nation’s gratitude to the late Semevor and his family for all he gave to Ghana.
“To you the family, no words, no ceremony can ever replace your loss. But we hope this home, now restored, will stand as a place of comfort, reflection, and pride. A symbol that your beloved Mawuli was seen, valued, and will never be forgotten,” he said.
Miss Comfort Mawunyo Semevor, daughter of the late actor, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to President Mahama, Labadi Beach Hotel, SSNIT, Mr. Beautiful, and all individuals and institutions that contributed to restoring the residence.
Mr. Afreh Biney said the refurbished residence reflected the life and works of a legend who taught Ghanaians valuable life lessons through his craft, and commended Labadi Beach Hotel for its humanitarian gesture, noting that a nation that failed to honour its heroes was not worth dying for.