Monday, May 31, 2010

Profile:Kojo Oppong Nkrumah — Broadcaster with a gift of the gab


Kojo Oppong Nkrumah — Broadcaster with a gift of the gab


Story: Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah


It was a normal day at work, having hosted arguably the highest-rated morning show in Ghana, and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah was changing gear to attend to other important activities.

He had successfully anchored Super Morning Show, Joy FM’s flagship programme and stirred hot national debate on socio-political issues before leaving the studio. And whatever the topic under discussion is — politics, economics, crime, sports — Kojo handles it with passion and little ease.

Despite having no formal training in broadcasting like his contemporaries, Kojo’s reputation as one of the country’s leading broadcasters and quickly fitting into the huge shoes of Komla Dumor (who moved on from Multimedia Broadcasting Limited for a top job at Bush House in London) is ample proof that the 28-year-old man has a gift of the gab.

Kojo hits the airwaves just after the 6.00 a.m. news when others are preparing for work or taking their shower to start the day, but his day actually starts two hours earlier when he prepares to leave home for work — when you and I are snoozing and turning in bed.

He does not have the commanding baritone voice of his predecessor Komla, but Kojo gets discerning listeners to sit up and listen to him. And his dexterity in handling various topics and engaging listeners on social, economic and political issues, his choice of music and sense of humour is beguiling.

Kojo displays a high sense of neutrality and hardly displays his bias during discussions except for issues involving Manchester United where his liking for the English premiership champions is open secret.

The dark and handsome gentleman is always fired up with energy and seems to have bigger ambitions beyond broadcasting. He told The Mirror in an interview at Joy FM’s Kokomlemle office that his greatest motivation in broadcasting is to impact massively to his community to last the next generation.

Famed for his eyes for raw talent who later develop into stars, Multimedia Broadcasting CEO, Mr Kwesi Twum, spotted Kojo while doing a presentation five years ago after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Communication. Impressed with Kojo’s suave performance, Mr Twum knew he had found a suitable replacement for the departing Komla Dumor and immediately requested that Kojo joined the Joy FM family as an intern to which he obliged.

“In fact, I didn’t know the rudiments of broadcasting however, I was taught a lot of things by some of my senior colleagues on daily basis. Consequently, I found broadcasting very exciting and challenging,” he told The Mirror. 

Kojo has since executed various tasks in the newsroom. However, the exit of Kobla Dumor to the BBC gave Kojo the needed opportunity to prove his qualities, and he never disappointed Mr Twum and all those who believed in him.

Rising to the top at Joy FM takes not just talent but a lot of hard work, and Kojo invests a lot into making his programme relevant to society and discerning listeners. 

As one of the “eligible bachelors” around, his day begins quietly and lonely at 4:00 a.m. when he rises from bed. After musing over some of the previous day’s activities, he gets ready and drives to the office by 5:00 a.m. Before sitting behind the console to go on air after the 6:00 a.m. news on weekdays, Kojo and his production team meet to discuss pertinent issues to be thrashed out and the appropriate music to be played on the show. 

“The team must certify that the programme is appealing to the business community, politicians, families and individuals,” he says.

Beyond broadcasting, Kojo provides marketing service advice to corporate bodies and individuals who need his services. Beaming with smiles, he disclosed that his future ambition is to establish his own organisation to provide world-class marketing services for potential clients. He seems prepared for the future having just completed a Master’s programme in marketing at the University of Ghana.

Born on April 5, 1982 to Mr Kwame Oppong Nkrumah, the Head of Treasury of the National Investment Bank, and Mrs Felicia Oppong Nkrumah, a teacher, Kojo hails from Abora Aboase near Saltpond in the Central Region and is the first of three children. 

He started his early education at the Pentecost Preparatory School at Koforidua in the Eastern Region and later moved with his mother to continue his basic education at the St Bernadette’s Soubirous at Dansoman. After sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), he gained admission to the Pope John Secondary in Koforidua and ended at the University of Cape Coast for his first degree.

For Kojo, one person who has impacted appreciably on his life is his dad, whom he and his siblings secretly call “Killer” for his strictness and high sense of discipline at home.

Interestingly, Kojo whose favourite colour is blue, admits he has no culinary skills but enjoys eating jollof rice with beef sauce. When he is not on air or selling out marketing services to people he likes to cool off in his bed.

“I like my sleep a lot because I wake up very early each day to work. But I love to watch movies. Movies which are centred on law, politics and Mafia thrill me. However, watching my favourite team Manchester United play gives me a kick each times,” he laughed. 

2 comments:

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  2. Fine post...Just a spot I thought I'd prompt you about...Had a look at your profile and you'd think 'where eagles there' should read 'where eagles dare' in your 'favorite movies' field.Just saying..Looking forward to your next post...

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