Tulips of Herald

By Shine Esi Kwawukumey The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) on Saturday, October 11, 2025, climaxed the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) with a grand ceremony at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, celebrating outstanding journalists from across the sub-region for excellence, ethics, and impact in journalism. The event, which concluded two days of discussions on “Journalism and Digital Public Infrastructure in Africa,” drew over 200 guests, including journalists, diplomats, civil society leaders, and development partners. Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, was the special guest of honour.  In an impassioned, unscripted address, he extended a warm Ghanaian welcome to participants and delivered frank reflections on the current state of journalism in Ghana, revealing that one of his first actions as minister was the closure of 63 radio stations for regulatory violations. He stressed that the move ...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Executive Director, MFWA, Sulemana Briamah The 2025 West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) brought together journalists, media practitioners, digital innovators, and policymakers from across the continent to deliberate on the theme “Journalism and Digital Public Infrastructure in Africa.”  The two-day event, organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), explored the intersection between technology and journalism, highlighting how digital public systems can strengthen transparency, accountability, and inclusion in governance and the media space. The opening session set the tone for a deep, thought-provoking exchange on the evolving relationship between digital technology and the media.  Panelists and participants emphasized the urgent need for African countries to build and sustain digital infrastructures that serve the public good, systems that not only enhance communication and access to information but also...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Exactly a week ago, something truly beautiful happened.  Apostle Philip Dela Fiator, Founder of the Living Word Charismatic Church International (LCCI) at Nungua Cold Store, honoured me with a touching citation and invited me to dine with him, the Chairman, and the pastors of the church. It was a wonderful surprise, one I never expected.  Honestly, it never even crossed my mind when I was invited to attend the church’s 5th anniversary celebration. Apostle Fiator on the left  Five years ago, Apostle Fiator, who was then Reverend, called me one Saturday evening to decorate the church auditorium for Sunday service.  It was very short notice, but I agreed because I wanted to support his ministry.  Out of love, I said, “Let’s get it done.” That night, we ran around, gathered what we could, and worked late to make the place look beautiful in the church’s colours.  When we were done, he asked how much ...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Sir Sam Jonah @ WIUC Fire Side Chat The School of Communication Studies at Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-GH), on Wednesday 24th September, 2025 hosted a captivating fireside chat with Sir Sam Jonah, the distinguished Ghanaian business executive and former President of AngloGold Ashanti.  The session, themed “My Leadership Journey”, brought together students, faculty, and guests for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration. The event formed part of the School’s ongoing seminar series, instituted in 2016 to bridge academia and industry by engaging thought leaders in conversations that inspire and prepare students for real-world challenges. Mrs. Baaba Cofie, Dean School of Communication studies  Delivering a warm welcome, Mrs. Baaba Cofie, Dean of the School of Communication Studies, described the encounter as an opportunity for students to learn beyond textbooks.  She highlighted the School’s commitmen...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Ghana’s vulnerability to climate change is deepening, from destructive floods to erratic rainfall patterns that threaten food security. Accra played host to a landmark dialogue on climate action on September 16, 2025, as policymakers, financiers, academics, and youth gathered at the AfCFTA Secretariat for the Ghana-China Climate Summit 2025.  The event, organized by the Africa-China Centre for Policy & Advisory with support from the African Climate Foundation and Sino Africa, focused on strengthening partnerships for climate finance and resilience in Ghana. Speakers emphasized that addressing these threats requires not only global cooperation but also strong domestic responsibility. Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, reaffirmed Beijing’s pledge to support Africa’s green transition through climate finance and technology transfer. “China has established two major funds to support climate action the South-South Cooperation Fund for Cli...

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  The nation has wept.  From the tragic crash of the GAF Z9 helicopter in Adansi on August 6, 2025, to the candlelight vigils, the solemn laying of sympathy flower bouquets, the funerals, and the final prayers of farewell, Ghana has walked together in grief.  But beyond the mourning of eight gallant patriots, lies a deeper question: what lessons do we carry forward from their lives of service and sacrifice? The crash claimed the lives of eight distinguished Ghanaians — Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manean Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. On Sunday, August 10, the nation witnessed the Islamic burials of Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed and Alhaji Limuna...