At a public lecture held in his honour on Thursday evening at the GNAT Hall to mark his 80th birthday, renowned communications scholar and media freedom advocate, Prof Kwame Karikari, paused to celebrate a younger colleague who he says has far surpassed expectations.

Directing his words to Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Prof Karikari said, “Sule, please come here. I say thank you to this young man, please applaud him for me.”

Prof Karikari, who founded the MFWA, handed over leadership of the organisation to Mr Braimah several years ago. On this special occasion, he reflected on that decision with deep gratitude and pride.

“Because, as I said, if when I handed him the baton, to take charge of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), he had messed up, we would not be here today, but he’s carried it forward.”

He said others had acknowledged the remarkable progress Mr Braimah has made with the foundation since taking over.

“And I think as somebody, I think Prof Takyiwa Manuh or somebody said he’s built it 100 more times than the foundation I laid.”

Prof Karikari said such leadership should inspire confidence in the future and reaffirmed his faith in the younger generation.

“And that is why I said, we must be optimistic. The youth will solve the problems in their times.”

He made it clear that Mr Braimah’s success was not driven by personal gain, but by dedication to purpose.

“And he’s done that not because he’s getting a better salary than I was having, but because he believes in the whole thing, and he’s moving it forward.”

In closing, the octogenarian mentor and media icon gave his heartfelt thanks.

“So, Sule, I would like to thank you.”