Ghanaian TV presenter and journalist Paa Kwesi Asare has won the 2023 BBC News Komla Dumor Award.
The 36-year-old is the eighth recipient of the award and the first to come from Ghana, like the late Komla Dumor.
Asare is currently the head of business news at Ghana's private TV3 channel, where he has worked for seven years as one of its main news anchors.
The award was created to honour Dumor, a presenter for BBC World News, who died suddenly aged 41 in 2014.
He had worked tirelessly to bring a more nuanced African narrative to the world, representing a confident, savvy and entrepreneurial side of Africa.
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."
Previous award recipients are Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya, Victoria Rubadiri, Solomon Serwanjja, Waihiga Mwaura, Amina Yuguda, Didi Akinyelure and Nancy Kacungira, the inaugural winner.
Last year, Buyoya travelled to the Seychelles to report on how the country's ocean plants can help tackle climate change.
ABOUT PAA KWESI ASARE
Paa Kwesi is the Head of Business Desk at Media General. He is a News Anchor for TV3’s major news bulletin at 7pm and is the host of the weekly business and economic analysis program, Business Focus.
Before joining Media General, he worked as a broadcast journalist at The Multimedia Group Limited (MGL) where he wrote for the online platform, Myjoyonline.com.
His interest in business led to the development of articles covering banking and finance and commercial real estate in a real-time news environment
Paa Kwesi holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Auburn University, Alabama USA, an MSc in Digital Marketing, Birmingham University UK and a BA, Sociology/Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s Education Quality ranked 125 out of 183 countries in latest Global Youth Development Index
24 mins -
Emma Stone wants people to use her real first name
28 mins -
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Sundowns, Esperance join Al Ahly and Wydad as CAF representatives
4 hours -
CAFCL: Al Ahly set up historic final with ES Tunis
5 hours -
We didn’t sneak out 10 BVDs; they were auctioned as obsolete equipment – EC
8 hours -
King Charles to resume public duties after progress in cancer treatment
9 hours -
Arda Guler scores on first start in La Liga as Madrid beat Real Sociedad
9 hours -
Fatawu Issahaku’s Leicester City secures Premier League promotion after Leeds defeat
9 hours -
Anticipation builds as Junior Speller hosts nationwide auditions
10 hours -
Etse Sikanku: The driver’s mate conundrum
10 hours -
IMF Deputy Chief worried large chunk of Eurobonds is used to service debt
11 hours -
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II celebrates 25 years of peaceful rule on golden stool
11 hours -
We have enough funds to pay accruing benefits; we’ve never missed pension payments since 1991 – SSNIT
11 hours -
Let’s embrace shared vision and propel National Banking College – First Deputy Governor
12 hours -
Liverpool agree compensation deal with Feyenoord for Slot
12 hours