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The BBC News Komla Dumor Award has been in existence for several years. Despite its Ghanaian name, no Ghanaian journalist has ever won the award. However, in 2023, a Ghanaian television and radio presenter named Paa Kwesi Asare, affiliated with TV3, a subsidiary of Media General, has become the recipient of the 2023 BBC News Komla Dumor Award. This achievement marks the first time a Ghanaian has won this award.
Paa Kwesi currently serves as a News Anchor on TV3 and has been associated with Media General since 2016. Notable past awardees include Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya (Zambia), Victoria Rubadiri (Kenya), Solomon Serwanjja (Uganda), Waihiga Mwaura (Kenya), Amina Yuguda (Nigeria), Didi Akinyelure (Nigeria), and Nancy Kacungira (Uganda).
As part of the recognition, Paa Kwesi will spend three months working with BBC News teams in London, contributing to television, radio, and online platforms. This opportunity will enable him to enhance his journalism skills through training, workshops, and mentorship sessions led by esteemed BBC journalists.
Established in 2015, the award was conceived to honor the memory of Komla Dumor, a prominent figure who served as a presenter for BBC World News. Komla was renowned for his dedication to portraying African narratives comprehensively and authentically. Regarding this achievement, Paa Kwesi Asare shared, “Komla Dumor was a true pioneer in African journalism, and it’s a great privilege to be following in his footsteps. This award gives me the motivation to continue striving for excellence in my career, and I am excited to use this platform to amplify African voices and tell the stories that matter to our continent.”
Judges were impressed by the thoroughness and quality of Paa Kwesi’s journalism, his distinct approach to reporting news and explaining complex topics, and his dedication to highlighting stories of utmost relevance.
Liliane Landor, Senior Controller of BBC News International Services and Director of the BBC World Service, expressed her satisfaction, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Paa Kwesi Asare to BBC News. Paa Kwesi is a rising star in African journalism. A passionate advocate for African stories, we are excited to have him join the BBC to continue Komla Dumor’s legacy of telling the stories that matter to Africa.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Paa Kwesi Asare for this remarkable achievement, which brings pride to Ghana. Ghanaians will forever appreciate his accomplishment.