Entertainment
I approach my work as a calling with passion to succeed – AJ Sarpong
AJ Akuoko-Sarpong is one of the few women pushing the boundaries in radio and television presenting, content production and voice-over art, honing her craft from the age of sixteen and building a career over fourteen years and counting.
A veteran and respected media person as she is, it was all excitement when news broke about her joining Media General’s 3FM and she did not let listeners. Down. She lived up to the expectation of being a natural broadcast person as she smoothly slid behind the consul and took on the task of co-hosting the 3FM 92.7 Drive time show, #3FMDrive every weekday from 2 pm to 7 pm as well as the host of 3FM’s exciting girl talk and relationship show; Keeping it Real, every Tuesday at 7 pm.
Born Nana Adjoa Amaniwaah Akuoko-Sarpong to a dad who is a known politician and Chief and mum, a prominent businesswoman, AJ as she is popularly known, made it a point right from career onset to carve her niche and avoid being over-shadowed by her family’s stature in society.
And she did succeed in creating her personality and brand by approaching her work as a calling, having sustained her interest in media through self-motivation and passion for the profession.
“Personally, what drives me is my learning spirit at every point of my journey”, says AJ. She however credits her success in the media to the mentoring she received from such personalities as Anita Erskine, Apeafa Nfodjo, Samuel Atta Mensah, Nii Atakorah Mensah, Frema Adu Nyame, Apiorkor Ashong Abbey, among others who gave her the critical exposures needed to deepen the foundation and build on her interest in the profession over the years.
“My ultimate heroes are my older sisters, Afia Adoma Sarpong Baafi and Akua Sarpong who have inspired her in many ways and cheered her on,” she said.
AJ recalled being “nervous about making a change” when the opportunity to join Media General came up. “However, the rousing welcome I received from colleagues allayed all anxieties,” she said. Sharing her thoughts about Media General’s work culture, she said “I’ve been in this building for the last few weeks and everybody is so kind, hospitable and welcoming of ideas… it is incredible!… I love the company culture and especially how everyone is accepting and respectful of their colleagues”
As to where she aspires to be in the next five years, AJ says “I want to be the best at what I do and be named in the list of top 10 Presenters on the African Continent”. With a glimmer in her eye, she adds; “I don’t want to stop until I am there, I just need to put up with the grind and keep going with one show at a time, one audience at a time…”.
With close to 210,000 followers on Instagram, 45,000 followers on Twitter, and over 181,000 followers on her public page on Facebook, the Media Personality is posed to reach global audiences in a click, cutting across various demographics and platforms.
Before joining Media General, AJ worked with various media houses including Citi FM and Citi TV, the EIB Networks and Live FM
In between work, AJ acquired two Master’s degrees. The first in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and the second in Brands and Communication Management from the University of Professional Studies (UPS). She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana.
AJ has applied her hosting skills at major events organised by government institutions, international and non-governmental organisations as well as for leading private sector organisations.
She has also moderated conversations such as Women on Climate Issues Series, the Women in Science Event at KNUST, and various sessions at the Social Media Week Accra and TEDX Osu.
She is a prolific writer and has penned various editorials for notable publications including, Glitz Africa where she wrote a column sharing her thoughts on the Media industry in Ghana.
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
