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Broadcast journalist Solomon Mensah has publicly eulogized his friend and colleague, Agodza Wisdom, known as Nyansa Boakwa, crediting him for providing the foundational opportunity of his career.
In a detailed Facebook post on Wednesday, which coincided with Nyansa’s birthday, Mensah reflected on the moment in 2013 that shaped his professional path. The post, titled “The Man Who Gave me my First Paid Job in Journalism,” described how Boakwa offered him a role at the now-defunct Agoo Magazine just two weeks before they completed their Diploma in Communication Studies at the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Mensah recalled his surprise at the offer: “I have a job for you,” Nyansa Boakwa said, a statement that left me questioning whether I had heard him correctly,” he stated.
The opportunity gave Mensah his first-ever salary in journalism and the significant title of Chief Staff Writer. “My salary at the time was modest, but I was content. Agoo Magazine, by far, remains one of the sanest places I have worked,” Mensah emphasized.
He concluded his tribute by applauding Boakwa’s enduring influence, underscoring, “I appreciate the foundation and opportunities he gave me. With you, I realized that classmates are more important than certificates.”
Below the full statement?
THE MAN WHO GAVE ME MY FIRST PAID JOB IN JOURNALISM:
“Solo,” he called my name, signaling for me to come. I approached him, and our conversation would brighten the rest of my day.
“I have a job for you,” Nyansa Boakwa said, making me question whether I had heard him correctly. It was 2013, two clear weeks before we completed our course – a Diploma in Communication Studies – at the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Nyansa was a classmate, but he was already a working journalist. I guess he only needed the certificate on his file. He hosted the socio-religious show Nsɛm Pii, one of the hottest shows in Accra at the time.
Just as I began my journalism education, I continued the legacy Manasseh Azure Awuni had left on campus – writing opinion pieces and pasting them on doors and trees. Nyansa saw and read my pieces and gave me a slot on his show.
I became Nsɛm Pii’s online writer. Before the show ended each night, I would have published no fewer than three stories from our guests. My favourite spot in the Happy FM studio was on the floor, tucking myself into a corner.
Then it happened: someone at Happy FM, who managed the famed but now-defunct Agoo Magazine, needed a writer. He asked Nyansa Boakwa for a recommendation, and my friend did not hesitate.
Nyansa gave me my first-ever paid job in journalism. My salary at the time though was modest, I was content. Agoo Magazine, by far, remains one of the sanest places I have worked in a ‘Country Called Ghana.’ My position was huge – Chief Staff Writer. Ajala!
It is Nyansa Boakwa’s birthday today, and I am here to let the world know that I appreciate the foundation and opportunities he gave me. With you, I realized that classmates are more important than certificates.
Happy birthday, Agodza Wisdom. May the LORD bless you with both health and financial prosperity.
It’s your boy,
SM
