LAWRENCE YEBOAH GYAN: FROM WENCHI MODEL TO AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST AND MENTOR
The Bono and Ahafo Chapter of
the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) recently celebrated excellence in
journalism at its third regional awards ceremony in Sunyani, where seasoned
broadcasters and writers were honored for their dedication to truth, balance,
and development-focused reporting. Among the shining stars of the evening was
Lawrence Yeboah Gyan of Suncity Radio, who walked away with two prestigious
awards: Best News Anchor (English) and Best Feature Reporter.
Speaking on Sunrise Morning Show on Wisdom FM, Lawrence shared a deeply
personal journey that reveals the roots of his passion and the discipline
behind his craft. He traced his journalistic instincts back to Class Three at
Wenchi Model School, where his father’s love for newspapers and storytelling
played a pivotal role. Inspired, young Lawrence cultivated a habit of reading
widely and documenting new vocabulary in a special exercise book—a foundation
that sharpened his language skills and love for writing. His journey took him
to IBMJ in Kumasi, where he pursued journalism academically. A professional
attachment at the Ghana News Agency further polished his abilities. There,
under the mentorship of seasoned editors, one sharp-eyed mentor noticed not
just his writing talent but also his distinctive voice—an observation that
changed his life.
That
discovery led Lawrence to Mr. Ransford Antwi, CEO of Suncity Radio, who offered
him a place as an English news anchor. It was a bold experiment in a largely
Twi-dominated broadcast space. “At first, it was difficult,” Lawrence recalled,
“because the environment wasn’t used to English news. But over time, it became
the preferred source of information for many corporate bodies in Sunyani and
beyond.” Ransford Antwi didn’t just see Lawrence as a newsman; he also
introduced him to country music programming and the art of music selection,
giving him control of the mid-morning show. That segment blossomed into a hit,
further cementing Lawrence’s versatility on air.
When
asked about the uniqueness of his feature reports, Lawrence emphasized
research-driven journalism over mere event coverage. For him, good stories come
from asking deeper questions, probing community concerns, and presenting not
just the facts but possible solutions. “You must have an eye for newsworthy
issues,” he advised. “Go beyond the surface—interview, investigate, and suggest
answers. That’s what sets a journalist apart.”
Looking
ahead, Lawrence envisions himself as a mentor to the next generation of
journalists. In a major revelation, he disclosed that effective November 1,
2025, he will officially join the Catholic University of Ghana’s radio station,
Wisdom 101.1 FM. This, he believes, will provide the perfect platform to
nurture young talents and guide them in responsible journalism.
Lawrence’s
story is not just one of personal success but a testament to the power of
passion, resilience, and mentorship in shaping Ghana’s media landscape. His
double recognition at the 2024 Bono and Ahafo GJA Awards—Best News Anchor
(English) and Best Feature Reporter—is proof that excellence is possible even
when the odds appear against you. As he puts it, “Though awards are great, the
real reward is shaping minds, telling impactful stories, and contributing to
the growth of our society.” With his new chapter at Wisdom FM on the horizon,
Lawrence Yeboah Gyan stands poised not only as an award-winning journalist but
as a true builder of people, peace, and progress.
By
Adam Siaka
Broadcast Journalist
Wisdom FM, CUG
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