I was destined for journalism – Bright Kankam Boadu reflects on his career journey

Celebrated sports journalist with Pure FM Bright, Kankam Boadu has opened up about his journey in the media industry, revealing the challenges and defining moments that shaped his career.

Speaking on Asetena Pa with Akoto Mansa monitored by MyNewsGH, Boadu reflected on his early days, his passion for journalism, and his struggles before gaining recognition.

During the interview, Akoto Mansa congratulated him on winning Sports Journalist of the Year at the 49th Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards, held in Accra on January 24, 2025.

The honour, he admitted, was a humbling moment that reaffirmed his dedication to sports journalism.

Boadu traced his love for journalism back to his formative years, stating that his path was clear from the beginning.

“Journalism was my calling. I was destined to be on radio as both a presenter and journalist,” he revealed.

His interest in broadcasting sparked during his days at Kumasi Anglican Senior High School, where he actively participated in a youth radio program called Teen Beat.

As the show’s Master of Ceremonies, he gained exposure that eventually led to appearances on GTV, further cementing his passion for the craft.

However, his journey was far from smooth. After high school, he auditioned for Fontomfrom TV, but an unfortunate mix-up saw him arriving a day late.

Despite this setback, his performance at the rescheduled audition impressed the producers, and he landed a spot as the host of Conscious Vibes.

Transitioning to radio commentary later in his career came with its own challenges. The financial struggles in the industry made him reconsider his path, and at one point, he contemplated going back to teaching.

“There was no money in radio commentary, and I thought of returning to teaching,” he admitted.

Just when he was about to give up, fate intervened in the form of an unexpected encounter.

“I was walking home one day when a gentleman named Ken approached me and encouraged me to join Ash FM. That was a turning point,” he recounted.