A joyous wedding ceremony in Akyem Anamase near Oda in the Eastern Region took a tragic turn on Friday when the groom, Chief Inspector Godwin Beniba, passed away suddenly.

Chief Inspector Beniba, who was the station officer at the Anamase Police Station, collapsed moments after arriving at the Anamase Hotel, where the event was taking place.

According to eyewitnesses, the groom had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of his bride, Florence Debrah, who was preparing in a room at the venue.

Upon entering the event hall, he reportedly complained of dizziness.

Before help could be rendered, he collapsed to the floor.

Efforts to save him proved unsuccessful as he was rushed to the Anamase Clinic by some guests, but medical personnel pronounced him dead on arrival.

The devastating news shocked the hundreds of guests who had gathered to celebrate the union.

Among the attendees were police officers from Accra, Koforidua, Oda, and Akyem Swedru, many of whom were seen weeping uncontrollably at the sudden loss of their colleague.

Food and drinks prepared for the celebration remained untouched as the festive mood turned into one of deep sorrow. Guests, overcome by grief, left the venue in silence.

The family of Chief Inspector Beniba, who had travelled from his hometown in the Northern Region for the wedding, made arrangements to transport his body to the Oda Government Hospital mortuary for an autopsy and preservation.

When reporters visited Akyem Anamase on Saturday, the community was shrouded in grief.

Residents mourned the untimely passing of the respected officer, as the tragedy overshadowed the usual festive spirit of the Christmas season.

What was meant to be a day of celebration has left a community and a family grappling with profound heartbreak, turning their joyous plans into a period of mourning.