Veteran Voice of Africa host Shaka Ssali passes away at 71

Veteran Ugandan journalist and broadcaster Shaka Ssali, renowned as the face of Voice of America (VOA), has passed away at the age of 71.

An official statement confirmed that Ssali died in Virginia, USA, just two weeks before his 72nd birthday.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Shaka Ssali, the longtime host of VOA’s Straight Talk Africa. Ssali, a revered journalist and broadcaster, passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind an indelible legacy in African journalism,” the statement read.

While the exact cause of his death has not been disclosed, he had reportedly been battling a longtime ailment.

For over two decades, Ssali was the voice and face of Straight Talk Africa, a program that engaged African leaders, analysts, and citizens in discussions on democracy, governance, and development. His incisive interviews and steadfast dedication to press freedom earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Notably, his most recent public appearance was in a video shared on social media, where he addressed and debunked false death rumors that circulated in April 2024.

Source: Gh Extractives