View source for Bishop Bob Okala

{{short description|Veteran Ghanaian comedian}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2019}}
{{Family name hatnote|Samuel Kwadwo Boaben|lang=Ghanaian}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| birth_name          = Samuel Kwadwo Boaben
| birth_date          = 1957
| death_date          = 2016
| nationality         = Ghanaian
| occupation          = comedian and Actor
| citizenship         = Ghanaian
}}
'''Samuel Kwadwo Boaben''' (1957–2016) also known as '''Bishop Bob Okala,''' was a Ghanaian comedian and actor popular for the comic roles he played on [[GTV (Ghana)|GTV]] program ''[[Key Soap Concert Party]]''. Bob Okala gained popularity in the 80s, 90s and the turn of the millennium when stand-up comedy and pantomime began to gain widespread appeal on television. He is widely regarded as one of the comedy giants of [[Ghana]] and a pioneer of stand-up comedy. Okala was a household name and a fan favourite during his height of his fame.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-15 |title=Notable Ghanaian public figures who died in 2016 |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/ece-frontpage/pulse-list-2016-notable-ghanaian-public-figures-who-died-in-2016/y74jpn6 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Pulse Ghana |language=en}}</ref>
== Career ==
He started his career as a footballer but his career was cut short as result of a long-term injury. He then joined a drama group called Kusum Agoromma. In the 90's his performance at the Key Soap Concert Party attracted [[Eddie Donkor|Senior Eddie Donkor]] and Obuoba J.A Adofo to join them when they were having shows.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-10-07 |title=I’m the father of comedy - Bob Okala |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/I-m-the-father-of-comedy-Bob-Okala-386193 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref> He performed with the likes of [[Waterproof]], [[Nkomode]], [[Agya Koo]], [[Bob Santo]], [[Abusuapanin Judas|Judas]], [[Akrobeto]], [[Margaret Quainoo|Araba Stamp]], Koo Nimo and many others on [[Key Soap Concert Party]].
Bob Okala took part in Ghana's 59th Independence Day celebrations where he donned colonial style police uniform with other veteran actors to dramatize a short play for the spectators. [[John Dramani Mahama]] and other dignitaries were in attendance. Okala died a week later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-06 |title=Agya Koo, Kyeiwaa, Bob Okala match at 59th Ghana's Independence day parade |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/television/news/FLASHBACK-Comedian-Bob-Okala-dead-29498 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://allafrica.com/view/group/main/main/id/00041789.html|title=Ghanaian Comedian Bishop Bob Okala Dies|date=2016-03-14|website=allAfrica.com|language=en|access-date=2018-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/FLASHBACK-Comedian-Bob-Okala-dead-631949|title=FLASHBACK: Comedian Bob Okala dead {{!}} Entertainment 2018-03-06|website=www.ghanaweb.com|access-date=2018-12-14}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Star Media Ghana|title=Bob Okala and Dr  Paa Bobo Live In Concert|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzBR5M3_0BM|access-date=2018-12-14}}</ref>
== Death ==
He collapsed shortly after a stage performance at Koforidua Jackson Park and later died when he was admitted to the hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-13 |title=Comedian Bob Okala is dead |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Comedian-Bob-Okala-is-dead-422964 |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-02 |title=Late comedian's family demand state burial |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/ece-frontpage/bob-okala-late-comedians-family-demand-state-burial/98kj4xj |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Pulse Ghana |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boateng |first=Kojo Akoto |date=2016-03-13 |title=Comedian Bob Okala is dead |url=https://citifmonline.com/2016/03/comedian-bob-okala-is-dead/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always |language=en-US}}</ref>
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boaben, Samuel Kwadwo}}
[[Category:2016 deaths]]
[[Category:Ghanaian comedians]]
[[Category:Ghanaian television actors]]
[[Category:1957 births]]