In a remarkable achievement, Paa Kwesi Asare, a dynamic television and radio presenter from Ghana, has clinched the prestigious 2023 BBC News Komla Dumor Award. The accolade serves as a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to journalism.
Currently anchoring shows for Ghana’s esteemed TV3, Paa Kwesi has been an integral part of the station since 2016, bringing his unique flair to the airwaves.
This illustrious award holds a lineage of remarkable recipients, including luminaries like Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya of Zambia, Victoria Rubadiri from Kenya, Uganda’s Solomon Serwanjja, Kenya’s Waihiga Mwaura, Nigeria’s Amina Yuguda and Didi Akinyelure, and Uganda’s Nancy Kacungira.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to journalism, Paa Kwesi will embark on a transformative journey by spending three months at the heart of BBC News in London. His immersion will encompass diverse mediums, including television, radio, and online platforms. This holistic experience will empower him to hone his journalistic prowess through tailored training, workshops, and invaluable mentorship from accomplished BBC journalists.
The award’s inception in 2015 reverently commemorates the legacy of Komla Dumor, an illustrious BBC World News presenter celebrated for his unwavering commitment to authentically and comprehensively covering African stories.
Paa Kwesi Asare, beaming with excitement, expresses, “The Komla Dumor Award is a profound honor that fills me with joy. To stand among the ranks of the distinguished past winners is humbling. Komla Dumor was a trailblazer in African journalism, and I am truly privileged to follow his path. This accolade propels me to relentlessly pursue excellence in my career, and I am eager to utilize this platform to amplify African voices and share the narratives that resonate across our continent.”
Eminently impressed by Paa Kwesi’s journalism prowess, the judges laud his adeptness at simplifying intricate subjects and rendering them intelligible to audiences. His unwavering dedication to unveiling impactful stories also garnered considerable acclaim.
Liliane Landor, the Senior Controller of BBC News International Services and Director of the BBC World Service, extends a warm welcome to Paa Kwesi Asare within the BBC fold. Recognizing him as a rising luminary in African journalism, Landor enthuses about his fervent advocacy for African narratives. She expresses eagerness about his involvement with the BBC, where he will perpetuate Komla Dumor’s legacy of narrating Africa’s pivotal stories.
Paa Kwesi Asare’s triumph not only cements his standing as a journalist of extraordinary merit but also underscores the profound importance of storytelling in bridging continents and illuminating vital issues. His journey exemplifies the enduring impact of the Komla Dumor Award in championing journalistic excellence and showcasing the power of African voices on the global stage.
