Bishop Bernard Nyarko
Ghana’s movie industry has been thrown into a state of mourning following the death of a popular Kumasi-based Kumawood actor, Bishop Bernard Nyarko.
Bishop Nyarko, who was a familiar face on television screens, died suddenly on Saturday evening at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, aka Ridge Hospital.
Reports said Bishop Nyarko, while on admission, prevented some of his colleagues in the movie industry from visiting him.
He was a member and associate pastor of Grace Redemption Chapel.
News of his death spread like wildfire on social media, with almost everyone expressing shock.
The sad incident was confirmed to BEATWAVES by veteran female movie actress, Mercy Asiedu.
Before his death, Bishop Nyarko was reported to have said he had quit acting to do ‘God’s work’ and nothing would make him rescind his decision.
According to him, there were ‘evil spirits’ controlling the movie industry in the country, for which reason he decided not to be part of it any longer.
The exact cause of death is not officially known, but there are already speculations that he might have died as a result of colon cancer even though his family is yet to speak on his death.
Soon after his death, a number of personalities within the showbiz industry took to social media to express their shock at the tragic incident.
In a telephone interview with BEATWAVES, actress Mercy Asiedu said Bishop Nyarko had been doing well as an actor and his death would affect the industry.
She revealed that he was sick for some time but recovered, adding that she was on set shooting a movie when she received the devastating news.
According to her, Bishop Nyarko’s commitment to the industry was ‘unparalleled’.
Daniel Kofi Ewusie, Chief Executive Officer of Philmtools Productions, said, “Bishop Nyarko was one of the most dedicated actors Ghana has produced. He lived acting; he enjoyed it. So we should thank God for his life.”
An emotional Abraham Kofi Essuman Davis, known in the movie scene as Salinko, described the late Bishop Nyarko as an actor with a ‘difference’.
“Rest well Bishop…I still remember the conversation you and I had when we were filming. God bless you for the kind words. Rest in Peace,” John Dumelo said in a post on Instagram.
Also in his Instagram post, Kwadwo Nkansah, aka Lilwin, said “Ooo my God, why please why so soon… RIP Bishop Bernard Nyarko.”
The late actor has worked closely with popular people, such as Mercy Asiedu, Kwaku Manu, Lilwin, Nana Ama McBrown, Emelia Brobbey, Bill Asamoah, Yaw Dabo, among others.
Bishop Nyarko, who had an exciting acting career, featured in several Kumawood movies and starred in other Ghallywood productions, including ‘Side Chic Gang’.
By George Clifford Owusu