A Cleveland-based Ghanaian activist, Kwame Botchway, has been found dead in his apartment on the West side of the City.
The 33-year-old Ghanaian was found dead on Sunday, August 18, 2024.
Although law enforcement has yet to give details on the circumstances surrounding his death, authorities have begun an investigation into the case.
Announcing his death, the Cleveland National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) where Botchway worked, said his work has left a lasting impact on the community.
“The Cleveland NAACP mourns the loss of Kwame Botchway, affectionately known as “The Cleveland Optimist” and a former member of our Executive Board. A passionate advocate for social justice and economic development, Kwame’s work with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Citadel Impact Consulting left a lasting impact on our community. His commitment to uplifting Black and Brown families and elevating minority contractors will be remembered. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and all who were touched by his life,” it said in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, friends in Ghana and globally have taken to social media to pay tribute to the fallen activist.
35-year-old Ishmael had been living in Chicago from 2020 until his death.
According to a GoFundMe account created to raise funds for his family to transport his body home, he went missing on July 31, 2024.
Days later, authorities found him unresponsive in the river and he was declared dead on the scene.
The events leading to his death are still unclear.
Meanwhile, the Chicago police are actively investigating the matter, pending autopsy results from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.