ADEAKYE EBIA : NEW WINDS BLOWING THE CAPE COAST AIRWAVES

On Cape Coasts newest radio station, Live FM 107.5, every Monday to Saturday from 6:30 – 10, Nana Ama Gyanmaa Obotantim hosts a morning program as Adeakye Ebia.

I sat down with Nana Ama to discuss her career so far and what she believes the future may hold for radio in the central region.

In 2004 Nana Ama, also known as Ruby Osei Kyei-Baffour, got her first break in radio when she was given the opportunity to work at Elmina Ahomka FM, this was the beginning of what soon evolved into a successful radio career. As the only person in the newsroom at AHOMKA FM , Nana Ama says she became a mentor for herself. She listened to other stations and stayed up to date on world affairs by reading as much news as possible. Eventually she became the stations new editor, a position she held for 7 years. Then one afternoon Nana Ama received a call from the editor of Live FM. She had been recommended to him as a radio show host and he wanted to offer her a job at the new station. She accepted.

Nana Ama has been working for radio Live for 4 months and says that her last radio position at an older, more established station with a large variety of employees, and working at Live FM, a new up and coming station, are vastly different experiences. Despite this, she has adapted well and is very comfortable in the new environment.

The radio host also mentions a difference in policies between the stations. Live FM has adapted what Nana Ama describes as a more Accra style of radio. It avoids vulgarity and has a more formal feel then most Cape Coast stations. She says that radio live, aims to blend the Accra flavour with that of the local people so they can associate with the station.

On her radio morning program, 'Adeakye Ebia' the host focuses on a variety of current social issues. She says that while she does not necessarily intend for the show to be political, the issues she deals with usually lead to a political discussion. As an example Nana Ama explained how her on her first show at radio live she had a panel of a student and teacher to discuss some of the issues affecting today's youth. When the phones were opened up for public response Nana Ama says the callers were quick to narrow the issue down to politics.

So far on her show Nana Ama has interviewed a wide range of public figures and politicians. Recent guests include NPPs national communication director, Samuel Ausuku to speak about the party's new policies and the Central regional public relations officer on development within the region.

When asked whether she every gets intimidated while interviewing such high profile personalities, Nana Ama answers firmly 'not at all, they are human beings just as I am.'

Through her job as a radio journalist Nana Ama says she has grown to love politics. She explains that in her line of work this is necessary as politics is a constant topic of discussion within the community 'if it isn't football, it's politics,' she jokes.

Despite the show being relatively new Nana Ama has already adopted her own individual approach to radio interviewing. She says 'I do not tolerate insults on my show, if I bring in Politians and they start insulting each other, I switch off the microphone.'

On an average day Nana Ama who on top of being a radio host is also a mother and high school teacher, wakes up at 4 to start her day. She gets everything done around the house before 5 then rushes off to the studio. Once at the station Nana Ama prepares for her show, she says she always talks to her guests as preparation before they go on air. When her show finishes at 10, Nana Ama goes straight from the studio to her other job as a teacher at Efutu Senior High School in Cape Coast. According to Nana Ama journalism in Cape Coast does not pay that much, claiming, 'I do it because I love it.'

As a woman, Nana Ama is 'happy to find herself in a traditionally male job'. She is aware of her position as a role model, and this is something she takes seriously especially when it comes to gender issues which she says is something that should never be neglected. 'I am a woman and a mother, I have a responsibility, the youth look up to me.'

At the closing of her interview, Nana Ama discusses how 'Radio in Cape Coast is a little difficult.' Most stations in Cape Coast syndicate from Accra stations and 'Maybe we have the mindset that everything from Accra is better.' But despite the current difficulties, This morning show radio presenter is ambitious and confident about the future of radio live FM and the future of radio in Cape Coast. 'There is a new wind blowing, she says, I encourage the local people, especially the women, to show their support and contribute here and now.' Nana Ama says that she hopes to become an Icon in the Industry. She says 'the central region maybe small, but I don't see myself as small.'