The host of Africa Rising Podcast and Chief Operations Officer of Digital Plugin Limited, Francis Doku, will be the keynote speaker for Joy FM’s forthcoming Manifesto Debate on Creative Economy. 

The Pan-African tourism promoter will be speaking on the theme: 'Harnessing the Creative Economy for National Development: Policy, Innovation, and Sustainability.'

His speech will precede the main debate involving the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) to present their policy ideas on Ghana’s creative economy. 

The Manifesto Debate on Creative Economy will air live on Joy FM and Joy Prime on September 14, 2024, from 2 PM to 6 PM.

The event hosted by Kwame Dadzie, produced by Philip Nai and Anita Teye, is powered by Showbiz A-Z, your most authoritative entertainment talk show in Ghana.

Speaking for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will be Baba Sadiq (NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Okaikoi Central Constituency) and Rex Owusu Marfo (Member of NDC Manifesto Committee).

From the camp of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will be the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman. 

About Francis Doku 

Francis Doku is a distinguished figure in the Ghanaian marketing communications and media industry, renowned for his extensive experience and significant contributions spanning over two and half decades. 

With a solid background in media planning, buying, digital marketing, and marketing management, Doku has worked with and on some of the biggest global blue-chip brands.

His media career began with Graphic Showbiz, where his exceptional reporting skills and editorial insight quickly propelled him to influential positions as the country’s foremost newspaper columnist and radio and television pundit on arts, tourism and entertainment, radio and television. 

He transitioned into Media Planning and Buying when he joined Premier Media Company (MediaCom) as an Account Manager.

Doku later became the founding General Manager at media independent shop, Adams Media (Carat Ghana) Limited. He drove the agency to success by multiplying its  billings by over 1000% and winning several accounts, including MTN, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Vlisco.

In August 2017, Doku assumed the role of General Manager of digital at the Media General Group before taking up the role of General Manager, of TV in 2020. As head of digital media, he was instrumental in expanding the company's digital presence, developing strategies that significantly increased online engagement and presence while creating bespoke platforms for content distribution.

His innovative approach to digital media paved the way for Media General Group's success in the digital landscape.

As the General Manager of the leading television channel in the market, TV3, Doku brought innovation and leadership to the channel in a very competitive television market. He introduced several successful programmes and initiatives that boosted viewership from 15% to 40% market share and attracted significant advertiser interest.

His career is highlighted by his contributions to content innovation and digital transformation within the media industry. He has been at the forefront of introducing groundbreaking media programmes and driven initiatives that have transitioned traditional media operations into the digital age. His influence extends beyond organizational roles, as he is a regular speaker at media conferences and a mentor to young journalists and media professionals.

Doku who was recently appointed as the Supervising Editor of Festivals Afriq Magazine is passionate about travel and tourism in Africa and has worked to ensure that Africa is marketed and promoted as one destination.  He previously hosted Travel Pass, a travel show on Accra-based 3FM, and has been hosting the travel podcast, Africa Rising since 2023. l life, he is dedicated to community and charitable activities, contributing to the development of media literacy and education in Ghana.

He currently works as Chief Operating Officer of Digital Plugin Limited, a 360-degree marketing agency, but has previously held such positions as Country Manager, RedSky Advertising, Group CEO, of Rave Marketing Solutions Limited, and Group CEO, of Maestro Africa Group.

Francis Doku graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration (BSc. Admin) and an Executive MBA in Marketing both from the University of Ghana Business School. 

Beyond his professional life, he is dedicated to community and charitable activities, contributing to the development of media literacy and education in Ghana.