That’s wonderful news! Paa Kwesi Asare from Ghana winning the 2023 BBC News Komla Dumor Award is truly an achievement. The Komla Dumor Award is a prestigious recognition given to outstanding African journalists who have made a significant impact in their field.
The 36-year-old, like the late Komla Dumor, is the award’s seventh recipient and the first Ghanaian.
Asare is currently the head of business news at Ghana’s private TV3, where he previously served as one of the channel’s primary news anchors for seven years.
The award was established to remember Dumor, a BBC World News presenter who passed away unexpectedly in 2014 at the age of 41.
He had put in a lot of effort to show the world a more complex African story that reflected the continent’s self-assurance, sophistication, and entrepreneurship.
The judges were impressed by Asare’s strong journalism and his ability to explain complex topics compellingly and clearly.
“This for me is a watershed moment in my career and an opportunity I’ll grab with both hands,” said Asare, who will spend three months working with BBC News teams in London across TV, radio and online.
The Ghanaian broadcaster will also receive training and be mentored by leading BBC journalists.
As part of the placement, he will travel to a country in Africa to report on a story that will be broadcast to the BBC’s global audiences.
“I feel very elated to have won the BBC News Komla Dumor Award,” Asare said.
“This is arguably the most prestigious award for any African journalist. Komla’s talent is one that I greatly admired and to be found worthy of walking in his shoes is not only a joy but also a great privilege.”
It’s great to see talented individuals like Paa Kwesi Asare being acknowledged for their hard work and dedication.
Now, I’m curious, have you ever come across any other African journalists who have made a notable impact in their respective fields? Feel free to share your thoughts!
Kwarteng Seth