YFM Ghana

Skye Hill: The Excitement of an Internship at Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company

Kobina Baidoo Badu — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:40:25 +0000

As I emerged into my twenties, I felt ready to step into a new and challenging chapter of my life, one that would take me beyond familiar borders and deeper into my identity. I’ve always been eager to explore my roots as an African American and understand how learning more about my heritage could widen my perspective as a Black person. So when I discovered New York University’s study abroad program in Ghana, I didn’t hesitate, I knew I had to apply. I arrived in Ghana excited to taste the food, hear the music, and embrace the welcoming culture. What I didn’t expect was how transformative the experience would be. Now, as I prepare to leave, I carry with me not only those initial expectations, but so much more. New York University encourages students to take part in internships while studying in Ghana, so I applied to Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company. Intrigued by the company’s diverse creative outlets from journalism and social media content creation to filmmaking, I was eager to immerse myself. Between September 1, 2025 and November 26, 2025, I journeyed through various departments, starting at the Happy FM Digital Media Office, moving to E Productions, and eventually joining the YFM radio production team. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Skye in Ghana🇬🇭 (@skyeistraveling) For YFM, I wrote international entertainment news articles for the YFM website. These articles focused on covering the latest exciting reports on both Ghanaian and international stars. Under the YFM tag, “Skye Hill,” on the YFM website, my work can be found. I have also created “day-in-my-life” videos at work and at work events, showcasing my thrilling experiences as a newcomer to Ghana. Via my travel Instagram account, “skyeistraveling,” I’ve shown audiences what a typical office day entails, who I interact with, and what work I do. I’ve also posted my experience at my first professional football match in Ghana, along with the behind-the-scenes view I gained by attending the game with Happy FM. GMABC provided me not only with practical skills for future work, but with experiences that I can cherish once I leave Ghana. Finally, I created thumbnails for Happy FM YouTube videos using Canva’s graphic design tools. At E Productions, I acted in a Ghanaian school curriculum advertisement. I watched the ins and outs of a professional film set, while also getting the opportunity to be a participant! My work at E Productions employed my skills in front of and behind the camera, where I learned to recognize the time and care required for film sets and the best way to manage one professionally. I have learned sound engineering using Cubase and Logic, and have recorded radio advertisement voice-overs. With my supervisors’ help, I learned to use vocal variety and my acting expertise to create the most energetic and engaging radio voiceovers. Once these voiceovers were recorded, I utilized the intricacy of sound editing to make the audio as smooth as possible, going from a sound amateur to a master in a matter of a few months! At YFM, I have written the Traffic Convos and “What’s Trending” topics for “The DrYve” radio show. I learned to curate these topics around the concerns and news being broadcast to Ghana’s youth. I often spoke on the radio show as well, talking with the radio host, Kojo Manuel, and the head producer, Reggie Reg, about our individual perspectives on the topics presented. We engaged in riveting and productive conversations about how my experience as a young American person can compare to that of a Ghanaian person. I have also acted as the co-producer with Reggie Reg on the radio production for this show, operating the music and ads. I have gained many journalistic skills that will be valuable for journalism writing, as well as for any compelling storytelling I do through writing. Simultaneously, I learned how to be succinct and speedy in writing and developing the latest stories. I have learned the ins-and-outs of Canva, Inshot, TikTok, and CapCut for my video and photo editing needs. I know the key skills necessary for sound engineering that can apply to creating advertisements, jingles, commercials, etc. Finally, I have learned to use radio production software and equipment, and have gained skills applicable to DJing, a creative area that I never knew I’d love as much as I do. Overall, my experience at Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company has been very fruitful. I’ve gained lifelong experiences in creative filmmaking, writing, and radio production that will help my future career in creative fields. I have learned about Ghanaian culture through work excursions, and through chatting with my coworkers. At GMABC, I have received a very warm welcome for my four months here, and I will always be grateful for the community that this experience has provided me.

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Why Bryan Acheampong Is the Leader the NPP Needs Now

Kobina Baidoo Badu — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:17:53 +0000

As the NPP gets ready for its big National Conference on July 19, 2025, many are talking about one man—Dr. Bryan Acheampong. His decision to run for the party’s flagbearer isn’t just about politics. It’s about fixing what’s broken and bringing people together. Dr. Acheampong has served as MP for Abetifi, held top ministerial roles, and built strong and successful businesses in the private sector. Through his Foundation, he has helped many Ghanaians, showing he’s not just about talk but about action. Since he started engaging Ghanaians on his ambition, his message has focused on uniting and renewing the party to grow the economy fairly. Many now see him as a leader who acts, unites, and brings fresh energy to the NPP. A Steady Hand in Tough Times The NPP is facing internal challenges. There’s disagreement and doubt. But Dr. Acheampong believes this is a time to come together, not fight. He’s asked all party members to focus on building a stronger NPP not chasing personal ambition. “This is not the time for division or personal ambition. It is the time to build.” This isn’t just a quote. It shows his mindset as a leader. Someone who is focused, calm, and determined. A Global Example: Lee Kuan Yew Dr. Acheampong’s style reminds us of Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore. Singapore had serious problems, but Lee led with discipline, vision, and integrity. He built a strong country by staying focused and being honest. Dr. Acheampong is trying to do the same for the NPP: unite the party, strengthen its core, and build trust to win the love of Ghanaians again. Cutting Through the Noise Recently, some social media posts tried to paint a confusing picture about his role at National Council meeting. His team quickly responded with a clear message: any official information must come from the party’s spokespeople. This kind of calm, no-drama leadership is what the party and the country needs. Laying the foundation Dr. Acheampong’s plan is simple: rebuild the NPP first. He believes change starts with ordinary people, not just party executives. His ideas aim to restore trust and help the party connect better with Ghanaians. The Right Leader for Right Now Ghana is going through a tough time. The NPP needs someone who can bring people together, focus on solutions, and lead with strength. Dr. Bryan Acheampong has shown he has the experience, the mindset, and the heart to do it. He’s not just running for office. He’s ready to lead a real transformation. If the NPP wants to move forward, this is the kind of leader it must stand behind.

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Dollar depreciation: Intercontinental Restaurants close their doors; netizens express concern

Kobina Baidoo Badu — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:04:27 +0000

In recent weeks, a peculiar wave of closures has swept through several intercontinental food outlets in Ghana’s capital, leaving many patrons and netizens puzzled. These shutdowns, abrupt and largely unexplained have sparked concern about the sustainability of upscale, globally-inspired dining in Accra. The sudden halt of operations by three well-known modern dining establishments has taken many by surprise, especially given their popularity and strong customer ratings among both locals and expatriates. Just before the end of the first quarter 2025, the first to bow out was Ocean Basket, a seafood-focused franchise. In a brief but emotional Instagram post, the brand announced. “Sad to say goodbye! Ocean Basket has officially closed. Thank you for every moment, your support means the world to us.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ocean Basket Ghana (@oceanbasketghana) Soon after, steakhouse and grill hub Brasa Ghana followed suit. Their notice, effective June 1, 2025, read. “Dear valued customers, please note that Brasa will be closed starting from 1st June 2025. While we understand this may come as a surprise, we sincerely appreciate your loyalty and patronage throughout the years. Further information will be communicated by the business owner in due course.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brasa Grill Restaurant (@brasa.gh) Lastly, Kanvas Bistro, known for its artistic presentation and fusion menu, also issued a farewell message. “We are deeply grateful for every meal shared, every memory made, and most importantly, for your support over the years. Serving you has been our greatest honour. Thank you for being part of our journey.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by KANVAS (@kanvasbistro) The successive closures of these restaurants all offering internationally inspired menus and modern dining experiences raise questions that go beyond mere coincidence. All three establishments had positive reputations, vibrant social media followings, and were considered hotspots in Accra’s food scene. One prevailing theory is the fluctuation in the cedi-to-dollar exchange rate. As of May 28, 2025, the U.S. dollar was trading at approximately ₵15.30, a marked depreciation from earlier in the year. For restaurants importing specialty ingredients, meat or seafood, the soaring cost of foreign exchange could have made continued operations unsustainable. As of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Bank of Ghana pegs the official interbank rate at GHS 10.2949 to the US dollar (buying) and GHS 10.3052 (selling). This reflects a notable appreciation from earlier in the month when the rate hovered around GHS 11.85, marking a 24.1% gain within the first five months of the year. This decline is expected to affect many businesses in Ghana, with the recent closure of the fine-dining trio serving as a clear warning sign. By: Kobina Baidoo

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Who Controls the Truth? Ghana’s Media Ownership Crisis Threatens Democracy

Kobina Baidoo Badu — Fri, 09 May 2025 16:21:35 +0000

In a functioning democracy, citizens need reliable information to make informed decisions. But a troubling question looms over Ghana’s media landscape: how can people evaluate the reliability of information if they don’t know who provides it? As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day under the theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” we must confront an older, more fundamental issue threatening our media ecosystem: the crisis of media ownership concentration. Let’s speak plainly: Ghana’s media has become a battleground for political influence. The relationship between media owners and politicians isn’t just cozy—it’s incestuous. Many of our prominent media houses are directly owned by politicians or their proxies, creating an obvious conflict of interest that poisons public discourse. Consider this uncomfortable reality: media outlets that should function as independent watchdogs often transform into propaganda machines during election cycles. Editorial decisions shift not based on news value but on political expediency. When the same people who craft policies also control the narratives about those policies, democracy suffers. The state-owned media situation is particularly alarming. Despite constitutional provisions mandating editorial independence, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and other state outlets routinely tilt coverage to favor sitting governments. This pattern persists regardless of which party holds power—NPP or NDC—suggesting a systemic failure rather than isolated incidents. What’s more controversial is how this political control extends even to supposedly independent private media. Through licensing requirements, advertising revenue, and regulatory pressures, governments have developed sophisticated mechanisms to discipline media organizations that step out of line. The result? Self-censorship becomes institutional practice, with journalists instinctively avoiding topics that might antagonize powerful interests. The Media Ownership Monitor’s findings for Ghana reveal a startling reality behind our seemingly diverse media landscape. While Ghana boasts hundreds of media outlets, actual audience concentration is alarmingly high. In print media alone, just four companies—Graphic Communications Group Limited, New Times Corporation, Western Publications Limited, and Business and Financial Times Limited—control a staggering 95.9% of readership. Even more concerning, 72.1% of readers choose state-run newspapers for information. This concentration creates a dangerous illusion of choice. As Lisa-Maria Kretschmer of Reporters Without Borders notes, “A high number of TV outlets, radio channels or newspapers, does not necessarily mean a pluralistic media landscape.” When audiences gravitate toward a handful of sources, a small group of media owners gains tremendous influence over public opinion. The colonial legacy of media ownership in Ghana began with state control, as publications like The Royal Gold Coast Gazette were instruments of the British colonial administration. While our 1992 constitution wisely provides for both state and private media to operate side-by-side, we’ve simply replaced colonial control with domestic political capture. Perhaps most controversial is how this political ownership has fostered extreme partisanship. Media outlets increasingly function as party mouthpieces rather than public servants. When journalists become political operatives with microphones and printing presses, truth becomes collateral damage in partisan warfare. This partisan media ownership directly fuels Ghana’s increasingly polarized political climate. Citizens retreat to information silos that confirm existing biases rather than challenging them to consider multiple perspectives. Democracy requires a shared factual basis for debate—something increasingly rare in Ghana’s fragmented media environment. Today’s media faces what James Curran describes as the “re-feudalization of society”—media outlets functioning not as platforms for organic public opinion but as manipulative agencies controlling mass sentiment. This shift contradicts the media’s normative role in democracy: enabling citizens to make informed judgments about their political leaders and participate effectively in governance. The threat comes from two directions. First, political ownership and interference compromise editorial independence. Second, profit motives and dependence on advertising revenue from politically connected businesses create subtle pressures to self-censor. As McChesney argues, when financial elites control media, there’s merely “a shift in the locus of power” from political leadership to commercial interests—both serving narrow agendas rather than public good. Let’s be blunt about the consequences: wealthy business owners with political connections can effectively silence criticism through their media holdings. When the same conglomerate that owns major media outlets also holds government contracts, critical reporting on those contracts mysteriously disappears. This isn’t speculation—it’s observable reality in Ghana’s media ecosystem. We must start naming names. While our regulatory framework obscures full ownership details, Ghanaians deserve to know which politicians and business tycoons control their information sources. The same political figures who rail against media bias often quietly maintain stakes in media organizations. This hypocrisy undermines public trust in both media and democratic institutions. The consequence for Ghana’s democracy is severe. Media polarization and partisanship intensify when ownership is concentrated or politically aligned. Research by Cagé and Mougin demonstrates that party-tied media systems produce highly partisan content, undermining the balanced information citizens need. Transparency is just the first step toward addressing this crisis. How can journalists work with integrity if they don’t know who controls their company? How can media authorities address excessive concentration if ownership structures remain hidden behind complex corporate arrangements? Ghana needs stronger regulatory frameworks that ensure ownership transparency and prevent monopolistic control. We should consider McChesney’s call for restructuring the media system to reconnect with ordinary citizens, perhaps through expanded non-profit and non-commercial media spaces that prioritize public interest over sectarian or financial motives. Most controversially, we may need to consider direct public subsidies for truly independent journalism, with robust firewalls against political interference. Countries with the strongest press freedom often combine market-based media with well-funded public service journalism—a model Ghana might explore. The question we face isn’t just about who owns the media, but about who controls the narrative of our democracy. When a handful of politically connected entities dominate information flows, the marketplace of ideas becomes distorted—and with it, our ability to hold power accountable. As citizens, we must demand transparency in media ownership and support diverse, independent outlets. As media professionals, we must resist both governmental interference and commercial pressures that compromise editorial integrity. And as a society, we must recognize that a truly free press—one that serves the public

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I’m slowly going blind and no one understands”: My battle with Glaucoma in a world that can’t see my pain

YFM Ghana — Thu, 08 May 2025 11:50:09 +0000

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting approximately 80 million people. What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is its silent progression in many cases. About 50% of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it because the early stages often produce no symptoms. By the time vision problems become noticeable, permanent damage may have already occurred. When I was diagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma a few years ago, it came as a shock despite my lifelong history with vision problems. Unlike my astigmatism, which was manageable with glasses, glaucoma presented a much more serious threat to my sight. There are several types of glaucoma, each with different characteristics: Open-Angle Glaucoma The most common form, accounting for about 90% of all cases. It develops slowly as the drainage canals become clogged over time, increasing eye pressure. Most people have no symptoms until vision loss begins. Angle-Closure Glaucoma This occurs when the iris bulges forward, narrowing or blocking the drainage angle between the cornea and iris. When this drainage angle becomes completely blocked, eye pressure rises quickly, resulting in an acute attack. Congestive Glaucoma This is what my ophthalmologist diagnosed me with. During an acute attack, I experience severe throbbing eye pain, redness, headaches, and nausea. The world appears cloudy, as though I’m seeing everything through a thick fog, and lights have halos around them. These episodes come on suddenly and are terrifying experiences. Normal-Tension Glaucoma In this form, optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure levels. The cause is not fully understood, but may be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Secondary Glaucoma This type results from other medical conditions, injuries, or medications that increase eye pressure. This morning, I couldn’t see my daughter’s face clearly while helping her get dressed for school. The buttons on her uniform blurred together, and I had to feel my way through each one. These daily challenges remind me of what’s at stake with this condition. My medication routine is exhausting and dictates my entire day: Azopt: Three times daily (6am, 12pm, 6pm). Each bottle costs around GHS 250 monthly and only lasts about two weeks. It gives me cloudy vision immediately after application, worsening my already blurry vision for at least an hour. This means my vision is compromised when I’m traveling to work, during work, and on my way home. Timolol: Twice daily. I must wait 5 minutes after Azopt before applying this. Pilocarpine: Three times daily. These drops are often scarce in Ghana where I live, and when I do find them, they make it even harder to recognize people’s faces. Natural tears: Four times daily. I need to wait another 5 minutes after Timolol before using these. Oral medication: I sometimes take tablets as well as part of my treatment. This intricate regimen requires me to space out drops 5 minutes apart each time. Some days, I become overwhelmed by the routine and think “what can come, can come” because I’m just so tired of the constant vigilance. Other times, I desperately want relief from the constant congestion in my eyes. Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma: – Family history (having a parent or sibling with glaucoma) – Age over 60 (or over 40 for African Americans) – African, Asian, or Hispanic descent – High internal eye pressure – Certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure – Previous eye injury or surgery – Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness – Long-term use of corticosteroid medications Glaucoma runs in my family. My father is completely blind in one eye and has about 60% vision loss in his other eye from the same type of glaucoma I have. This family connection makes me especially vigilant about my children’s eye health, both of whom have already been diagnosed with astigmatism at young ages. While there is no cure for glaucoma, several treatments can help manage the condition and slow its progression: Eye drops are typically the first line of treatment. They work by either reducing fluid production in the eye or improving drainage. Some common types include: – Prostaglandin analogs – Beta blockers (like my Timolol) – Alpha-adrenergic agonists – Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (like my Azopt) – Rho kinase inhibitors – Miotic or cholinergic agents (like my pilocarpine) Several laser procedures can help improve drainage: – Laser trabeculoplasty (for open-angle glaucoma) – Laser iridotomy (for angle-closure glaucoma) – Cyclophotocoagulation (reduces fluid production) When medication and laser treatments aren’t effective, surgical options include: – Trabeculectomy (creates a new drainage pathway) – Drainage implants – Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) Astigmatism is an entirely different eye condition but often coexists with other vision problems. It occurs when either the cornea (front surface of the eye) or lens has an irregular curve, causing blurred vision at all distances. Unlike glaucoma, astigmatism is a refractive error, not a disease. It’s extremely common, with most people having some degree of astigmatism. – Blurred or distorted vision at all distances – Eyestrain – Headaches – Squinting to see clearly – Poor night vision I’ve had astigmatism since childhood. While it’s manageable with corrective lenses, dealing with both astigmatism and glaucoma creates additional challenges. When I read too much, my eyes hurt, and I get headaches and eye pain. Astigmatism is typically corrected with: – Eyeglasses – Contact lenses (toric lenses) – Refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK, or SMILE) Managing chronic eye conditions involves both medical treatment and lifestyle adaptations. Working in public relations means I spend most of my day reading and writing. These tasks have become increasingly difficult as the letters on my keyboard seem to dance and shift. Sometimes I see ‘e’ as ‘a’. Reading requires multiple attempts to understand the text. I’ve developed strategies to maintain my quality of life: – Using larger fonts on devices

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