“I Will Educate The People Through Radio”

Nana Osei Bonsu

UNTIL THE advent of a particular radio station, whose main medium of broadcast was Twi or vernacular language; many people did not know that a majority of listeners of radio found the Twi language more appealing than any other language.

This is because other Ghanaians, including the educated, find it difficult appreciating something said in raw English or the Queen's language, particularly when it comes to interactive programmes.

For fear of being mocked, listeners who enjoy a particular programme on air would not risk calling into the show when the phone lines are activated, for fear of being jeered for speaking particularly bad English.

Currently, making the waves in view of the simplicity of language used, particularly interlaced with idiomatic and proverbial expressions in Twi, are the shows dubbed 'Mpanyinsem, Kan me hwe, and Ewiase ye hu' hosted by the versatile Nana Osei Bonso, aka Asonaba Osei Bonso on Asempa FM 94.7, an Accra-based radio station.

Asonaba Osei Bonso is well-known for his maturity and intelligence in the use of Akan proverbs, novels, and the history behind any ethnic group in the country and Africa in general.

His shows are interesting and quite comical; relating more to skills and creativity. The 'Mpanyinsem' and 'Kan me hwe' programmes have been carved solely to educate Ghanaians about their cultural traditions, norms and histories.

He told BEATWAVES that as a radio presenter, his duty was to use the radio to educate Ghanaians about issues affecting society including the lives of the people.

“It is my duty to educate the people on issues affecting their day to day activities. As a radio presenter I will use the opportunity I have on radio to educate everybody including listeners”, he stated.

His programme 'Ewiase ye hu' features some renowned spiritualists and powerful men of God, who share their experiences with listeners on how spiritual forces affect one's life on earth.

A product of the Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL), Asonaba, who went through tutorial at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation School, has been a lover of radio for as long as he can remember but his interest was ignited when he featured as guest host on a radio station in Kumasi called Otec FM on a programme called 'Mpanyinsem' in 1997.

Taking a trip down memory lane, the well-spoken gentleman explained to BEATWAVES that after his first appearance on Otec FM, he had the chance to compete in an Akan proverbs competition organized by Garden City Radio (GCR) in Kumasi where he came in first. He narrated that in mid 1998, he moved to the first private TV station in Ghana, Crystal TV, where he appeared in most of the stations's Akan programmes.

He added that after a successful experience at Crystal TV he crossed carpet to Luv FM to host a programme called 'Ananse Sem' in late 1998.

Asonaba noted that the experiences he had from the above FM and TV stations made him land a job at Mercury FM in 1999 where he hosted  a programme called 'Gyeduasi Nkomo' which was about traditional cultures.

“From Mercury FM, I moved to GBC 1 radio in 2000 to do a show with Amankwa Ampofo called 'Amanforso' which was to educate listeners on the histories associated with the different ethnic groups in the country”, he disclosed.

Continuing, he noted that in 2004 he had the chance to work with Adom FM, one of the multimedia group of companies, as a host of a show called 'Ebibigoro' from 7 to 8pm on Mondays, which he still hosts.

“I am able to make it because I always try to create something new anytime I am on radio”, he remarked.

He believes that life is not about what one learns at school only but the talent within one's self, since it helps to become what one really is.

Asonaba pointed out that the only problem he has identified in the profession is the lack of unity among members and urged members to come together to have a united front.

This, he said, would enhance the vibrant profession all are craving for.

To catch Asonaba Osei Bonso live in action, tune in to Asempa 94.7 on Tuesdays and Fridays, on 'Mpanyinsem' and 'Kan Me Hwe' respectively at 7 to 8 pm and also on Saturdays 9:30 to 11:30 on a programme called “Ewiase Ye Hu”.