‘I Lost My Only Daughter Nine Days Before Her 21st Birthday’ — Fred Amugi

Veteran Ghanaian actor Fred Amugi has opened up about the painful loss of his only daughter, who died from cancer just nine days before her 21st birthday.
Speaking on the Father’s Day edition of Floral Voices of Strength hosted by gospel musician Piesie Esther, the celebrated actor reflected on fatherhood, sacrifice and one of the most heartbreaking chapters of his life.
Amugi revealed that he is a father of three children, two sons and a daughter, but sadly lost his daughter after a prolonged battle with cancer. According to him, she was a young nurse working at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and was already building a promising career before her untimely death.
Recalling the difficult period, the veteran actor said he was serving as Director of Supply at the Ministry of Finance when his daughter was diagnosed with the illness.
“There were times we would spend days at the hospital, return home, and then have to rush back because her condition had worsened again,” he said.
The actor explained that his work supervisors were understanding and granted him permission whenever he needed to accompany his daughter for treatment. He noted that much of the caregiving responsibility fell on him because his wife’s employer was unwilling to offer her the flexibility required to care for their daughter.
“I even told the minister that the days I missed work could be deducted from my salary, but he refused,” Amugi disclosed.
He further revealed that one of the most devastating moments of his life occurred while he was attending classes at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). He received an urgent call directing him to the 37 Military Hospital after his daughter had been transferred there.
“When I arrived, I was told my daughter had passed away,” he recounted.
Despite the immense pain, Amugi said he found solace in his faith.
“I loved my daughter dearly, but I believe God loved her even more and decided it was time for her to rest,” he said.
The veteran actor described himself as a devoted and hands-on father who dedicated much of his life to providing for and caring for his children, often sacrificing personal comfort to ensure their well-being.