Ghanaian journalist Paa Kwesi Asare is the recipient of the 2023 BBC News Komla Dumor Award. Presently, he serves as a presenter for TV3, a prominent Ghanaian television station, where he has been employed since 2016.
As a component of this prestigious award, Paa Kwesi will be granted a three-month tenure with BBC News teams in London, encompassing television, radio, and online platforms. This opportunity will enable him to enhance his journalistic abilities through training, workshops, and mentorship with renowned BBC journalists.
The accolade was established in 2015 with the intention of commemorating the legacy of Komla Dumor, a BBC World News anchor renowned for his unwavering dedication to delivering comprehensive and authentic coverage of African narratives.
Previous winners include Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya (Zambia), Victoria Rubadiri (Kenya), Solomon Serwanjja (Uganda), Waihiga Mwaura (Kenya), Amina Yuguda (Nigeria), Didi Akinyelure (Nigeria) and Nancy Kacungira (Uganda).
Paa Kwasi Asare says: “I am absolutely thrilled to have won the Komla Dumor Award. This is arguably the most prestigious award for any African journalist, and I am honoured to be in the company of such incredible previous winners. 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.”
The judges were impressed by the quality of Paa Kwesi’s journalism, his ability to grasp complex topics and explain them clearly, and a commitment to telling stories that matter.
Liliane Landor, Senior Controller of BBC News International Services and Director of the BBC World Service, says: “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.”
