General News of Monday, 19 September 2005

Source: ghanaian times.

Confirmed - Rawlings in NOT Suzzie's Father

I?m Suzzie?s father- Faisal Hozaifeh

Faisal Hozaifeh, 53, a Ghanaian of Lebanese descent, has claimed paternity of the late actress Suzzie Williams.

This could put to rest wild speculations about who the biological father of the deceased actress was.

? I am the true father. I was in constant touch with her before she died. I spoke with her two weeks before she died,? he said.

The Sekondi-Takoradi based professional artist is asking for forgiveness for both himself and Cecilia Williams, mother of the deceased for the tragedy that has led to the death of their daughter.

Mr Hozaifeh is the younger brother of Raid Hozaifeh, who testified for former president Rawlings at the National Reconciliation Commission-NRC.

This probably has been the reason for recent media reports linking Suzzie?s paternity to former president Jerry Rawlings, an issue Mr Hozaifeh has flatly dismissed. But conceded that Rawlings knows him very well.

Mr Hozaifeh who lives with his wife, Anita Hozaifeh at Ekuase in Sekondi Takoradi said he wept like a baby when he was told of the news of his daughter?s death.

? I couldn?t speak again, I lost my speech instantly. This is because I had earlier on spoken to her on Friday,? he said.

Mr Hozaifeh said the name given to Suzzie at birth was Maleki Hozaifeh and that Suzzie was the second of his 14 children.

He said he was taking care of Suzzie until she completed elementary school and also confirmed that the deceased was living with her grandmother before moving to live with her mother and step dad.

Mr Hozaifeh said about a year ago, he discussed with her late daughter the need for her to revert to her ?original? name, but she said, ? She had to seek the opinion of her mother and step father.

Asked about her relationship with her late daughter, he said, ? She was always happy to be in touch with me.?

? I am obviously saddened by her death and I?m mourning my daughter in my own way,? he said.

Suzzie, a 23 year old actress died through a motor accident at dawn a fortnight ago on the La Beach road in Accra.