I looked up to two people as a young journalist – Christopher Opoku and Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. My love for the two was cemented during their perceptive coverage of Ghana’s first ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2006.

I was a first-year student at the University of Ghana and had the privilege of listening to Chris on Asempa FM every morning when he took charge of their sports morning show. I could barely speak a word of Twi back then but still tuned in every morning because of Chris. It was almost as if he knew I was listening and for my sake, would sneak in more than a few lines of his impeccably carved English.

I could go on and on about how many more times I’d gone on to watch Chris on TV or listen to him on the radio. But that would take months to finish.

After I graduated from school and moved to Kumasi for my year of national service, I was also racking up internship hours at Kapital Radio’s sports department; working and learning from Listowell Yesu Bukarson, Nathaniel Abankwah (Natty Bongo) and Benjamin Yamoah.

While I got better at sports news writing and broadcasting, I never quite learned how to commentate. I consistently turned down opportunities to do commentary with flimsy excuses. I was afraid of performing so abysmally, I’d disappoint my bosses. I could speak fluent English; I just couldn’t figure out how to string words together to spontaneously describe the ongoing action.

It was a painfully harrowing experience. It was a fear I could never overcome up until I quit Kapital to focus on the teaching job I was offered after my national service.

Between 2011 and late 2013, I was out of the media. And in November 2013, I got an offer from Ultimate FM for a part-time job as a sports broadcaster. Most mornings, I would listen via TuneIn radio to Chris and his Power FM crew as they doled out some of the best sports discussions Ghana has ever seen.

Ultimate FM only ran short bulletins. There was no commentary show which meant my commentary weakness would not be exposed. I was partly relieved because my bosses were under the assumption that I was by default, a fantastic commentator. But deep down, I was insecure.

But not for long. Five months later, I had my date with commentary. It was May 2, 2014 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The game between Great Olympics and Tema Youth was a crucial one with the winner guaranteed a return to the top flight of Ghana football for the 2014/15 season. On a hot Friday afternoon, I was not to miss a game of that significance.

I went to the stadium to watch the game and get a few post-match interviews after. Ten minutes before kick-off, Kwaku Ahenkorah, the venue media officer at the Baba Yara stadium came over to inform me Chris was on the other end of the line and wanted to speak to me. I was confused.

But then Chris asked my name and proceeded to ask how I was doing. Then he told me how his commentator had disappointed him by not coming to the stadium and then politely asked if I could run commentary for Power FM in Accra. My heart missed a beat; not only because my broadcast idol was asking for my help, but because I was ill-equipped to help.

I remember saying excitedly; “Yes, I’d love to”, before quickly adding, “I’ve never done commentary before.” The conversation that followed was similar in tone if not in style to General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s speech when he ordered the Normandy Invasion in 1944. And I needed that speech because running commentary was a battle I was often too afraid to fight. I needed a General to lead me into battle. Chris was that General.

“Do you speak English?” was the next question he asked me when I told him I had never done commentary prior. “Fluently, sir,” I responded. “Do you believe you can do it?” He asked again. “I don’t know sir, I’ve never done it before,” I retorted. “I said do you believe you can do it?” Christ pressed on. “I will try, sir,” I responded. “I don’t want you to try. I want you to tell me you can do it,” Christ hit back, with his voice rising in tone. “Ok sir, I can do it,” I replied, out of abdication rather than in real belief of the words I uttered.

Then Chris hung up the call and told me to get ready in the next five minutes and expect a call from the studio soon after. I hurriedly got a team sheet, found myself a nice spot, and waited for the call. When the call came, it was Henry Asante Twum, another broadcaster I had only watched on TV and admired from afar. He introduced me as “Pentuo Tahiru”. I heard him say my name wrong but I was so nervous I missed out on the chance to correct him.

This was just so difficult on so many levels. Not only had I never done commentary before, I had not watched Olympics or Tema Youth all season, and didn’t know any of their players. But somehow Chris made me believe I was capable. In the opening 30 minutes of the game, I swore I was merely putting English words together, barely running any half decent commentary.

At halftime, I was expecting Chris to call and destroy me for a poor job done, or that better still he had found his commentator and would be more than happy to dispose of the garbage commentator that I thought I was. But no. He called alright, but to tell me I was doing a decent job; told me to slow down a bit; only describe what I see and move the phone away from my mouth because it was giving bad feedback.

By the beginning of the second half, the Power FM commentator had arrived and he only acted as a summarizer as I completed my first 90 minutes of commentary in what was a very controversial game which Olympics won 2-1 while Tema Youth threatened to abandon the game over poor refereeing decisions by referee Joseph Lamptey.

After that game, my commentary fears were conquered. I’ve since gone on to run commentary for all sorts of matches – from Ghana Premier League games to La Liga matches and everything in between. When I attempted my first tennis commentary, I was not afraid. When I did my first basketball commentary, I was not afraid. When I did my first squash commentary, I wasn’t afraid. And because of Chris, when I attempt my first rugby or cricket or boxing commentary, I know I will not be afraid. Every time I turn on the microphone to run commentary, I’m on a path to make Chris proud.

Chris believed in me so much to offer me a writing role at his website footy-ghana.com. If there’s one thing I learned writing for footy-ghana.com, it’s “accuracy over speed”. Chris always emphasized the need to be accurate with reports instead of rushing to be the first to break a story that would later turn out to be false. That compromises your integrity, he always said. And Chris never compromised.

Of the new generation of sports journalists, not many have had the privilege of personally working with this great man. I did and I’m truly honoured by that. Everything he stood for – truth, honour, integrity, accuracy without fear or favour – the best way to truly honour his absence is to stand for these things.

Chris spent his last years as a journalist in the Citi FM newsroom. I’m honoured to be working at the same place he once did. I feel sad that I did not come in early enough to work closely with you.

I will miss your counsel; your sense of humour; your wisdom and above all, your kindness. You will never be forgotten, Chris.

Happy Birthday, Christopher Colombus! Continue to rest in peace!

–

By: Fentuo Tahiru/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Fentuo writes: How Christopher Opoku brought out the commentator in me appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Some of them helped in carrying the coffin to the grave after the final funeral rites.

Christopher Opoku passed away on May 10, 2017 in a London hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Hundreds of Ghanaians made up of family, friends and well-wishers also attended the funeral service held at the KNUST campus to mourn the beloved icon.

About Christopher Opoku

He started as the host of a gospel show on Luv FM, a station based in Kumasi where he was student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Chris then evolved to become one of Ghana’s known sports journalists. He worked with Asempa FM and Power FM before it was re-branded Starr FM.

On both stations, he hosted their morning sports shows.

In 2013, he was appointed General Manager of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), and he worked with the entity until 2014 when he resigned.

He was named Best Football Commentator and Best Football Journalist (PLB) in 2008 and 2009.

Aside his work as a sports broadcaster, he had a strong passion for music, and he was heavily involved in running the music department of his church.

He will be remembered as a dedicated, passionate and very lively person and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Christopher Opoku is survived by a wife and three children.

–

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

Photos by: Lauretta Timah

The post Sports journalists mourn Christopher Opoku [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The funeral, ongoing at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology  (KNUST) at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, has attracted many, including those who have ever worked with Christopher Opoku.

His widow, Vivian Opoku in her tribute said, “Friends began to question why I chose you over all others. Little did they know that you were the complete, total package meant for me. You were and still are my all in all and meant more to me than words would ever explain. God must have brought us together for a reason.”

“Though you were in the lime light you managed to stay humble and took great care of your home and family.”

His wife described him as a man who was humble despite his fame and prominence in media. She said he was a wonderful husband and father to their 3 young daughters.

Staff of Citi FM, where he worked before travelling to the UK for medical treatment eulogized Christopher Opoku as a man who was ever willing to learn despite his rich experience.

“Even though he came in with a bag of experience he was very willing to learn and understand how things worked at the station. He was never too proud to ask his colleagues for any clarification and he was very ready to take up any task he was given.”

“Our listeners will miss his unmistakable voice on the premier league show to talk about his dear Liverpool and on our Eyewitness News programme where he sat in for the regular host,” Citi FM‘s tribute said.

About Christopher Opoku

He started as the host of a gospel show on Luv FM, a station based in Kumasi where he was a student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Chris then evolved to become one of Ghana’s known sports journalists. He worked with Asempa FM and Power FM before it was re-branded Starr FM.

On both stations, he hosted their morning sports shows.

For several years he worked with Accra-based Metro TV before joining Citi FM for a brief period.

In 2013, he was appointed General Manager of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), and he worked with the entity until 2014 when he resigned.

He was named Best Football Commentator and Best Football Journalist (PLB) in 2008 and 2009.

Aside his work as a sports broadcaster, he had a strong passion for music, and he was heavily involved in running the music department of his church.

He will be remembered as a dedicated, passionate and very lively person and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Christopher Opoku is survived by a wife and three children.

–

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Tears flow at Christopher Opoku’s funeral [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He passed away in a London hospital in May after battling cancer, sparking an outpouring of grief from the Ghanaian public.

A number of Ghanaians paid their respects to the broadcaster at a ceremony in May to mark the one-week anniversary of his passing, and offer their condolences to his family at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Christopher Opoku was a news editor at Citi FM, until he traveled abroad for treatment. He had worked in the media for more than fifteen years.

He started as the host of a gospel show on Luv FM, a station based in Kumasi when he was a student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Chris then evolved to become one of Ghana’s known sports journalists. He worked with Asempa FM and Power FM before it was re-branded Starr FM.

On both stations, he hosted their morning sports shows.

For several years he worked with Accra-based Metro TV before joining Citi FM for a brief period.

In 2013, he was appointed General Manager of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), and he worked with the entity until 2014 when he resigned.

He was named Best Football Commentator and Best Football Journalist (PLB) in 2008 and 2009.

Aside his work as a sports broadcaster, he had a strong passion for music, and he was heavily involved in running the music department of his church.

He will be remembered as a dedicated, passionate and very lively person and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Christopher Opoku is survived by a wife and three children.

–
By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Christopher Opoku goes home today appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He died on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 in a London hospital after a long battle with cancer.

His family, at the observance of a week’s anniversary of his passing at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on Saturday, announced the date for his burial and other funeral arrangements.

Family, friends, and sympathizers of the late broadcaster were present to mark the anniversary and also offer their condolences, as well as donate to the bereaved family.

About Christopher Opoku

He started as the host of a gospel show on Luv Fm, a station based in Kumasi where he was student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Chris then evolved to become one of Ghana’s known sports journalists. He worked with Asempa FM and Power FM before it was re-branded Starr FM.

On both stations, he hosted their morning sports shows. For several years he worked with Accra-based Metro TV before joining Citi FM for a brief period as a news editor.

In 2013, he was appointed General Manager of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), and he worked with the entity until 2014 when he resigned. He was named Best Football Commentator and Best Football Journalist (PLB) in 2008 and 2009.

Aside his work as a sports broadcaster, he had a strong passion for music, and he was heavily involved in running the music department of his church.

He will be remembered as a dedicated, passionate and very lively person and he will be missed by all who knew him. Christopher Opoku is survived by a wife and three children.

–

By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Christopher Opoku to be buried on July 15 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The sympathizers offered condolences and donations to the family of the deceased.

Christopher Opoku, the celebrated Ghanaian journalist, best known for his role in the sports fraternity, sadly died at a London hospital on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 of cancer.

His burial has however been slated for July 15, 2017.

Mr. Opoku until his trip abroad for treatment was a News Editor at Citi FM and had worked in the media for more than fifteen years.

The solemn event saw many paying glowing tribute to Mr. Opoku and reminiscing fond memories of him.

The family of Christopher Opoku has set July 15 for his burial.

–

By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post One-week celebration for late Christopher Opoku held [Photos] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Having worked with Christopher Opoku on different levels, he recalled how the two on several occasions disagreed and agreed on a number of issues.

Mr. Mensah who was once the Chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC, reckoned that Chris’ death “is something really terrible” for the sporting fraternity.

“Chris and I both share the sense of taking on what is wrong, because what is wrong is wrong and what is right is right…I charged him to come forward and find people like him to help change the face of sports and indeed even politics in the country,” Herbert Mensah stated.

He recalled meeting Chris and the wife about eight months ago where they discussed the future and “inevitability of now and I tried to provide comfort for him because he was a great person.”

Pointing to the “massive respect” that existed between them, Mr. Mensah recounted that “there is so much going wrong that Chris was passionate about…he was one of the unsung heroes for those outside sporting world.”

He called on all to support the ace broadcaster’s family at this difficult moment.

“I know that the good Lord will bless and protect his soul, and we must pray for his family and beautiful daughters so that they can also survive knowing that their father was truly a great man.”

Christopher Opoku died on Wednesday, May 10, at a London Hospital, after a long battle with cancer of the rectum for which he underwent a medical operation on September 24, 2012.

The heart-breaking news was confirmed to Citi News by his father, K. O. Opoku, who revealed that Chris’ health had deteriorated over the past four weeks.

“Christopher has not been well for some time now. He went abroad about 3 months ago and we’ve been communicating with him. But for the past 4 weeks, I’ve not been able to speak to him. So it was just on [Wednesday] evening at about 8:00pm that I was informed by the mother of Christopher’s wife that they had informed her to inform me that Christopher has passed. My mother in-law confirmed that Christopher had passed,” Mr. Opoku said.

About Christopher Opoku

Opoku, affectionately known as Columbus, died of cancer on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Christopher Opoku, who until his trip abroad for treatment, was news editor at Citi FM, has worked in the media for more than fifteen years.

The management and staff of Citi FM are profoundly broken-hearted at Chris’ passing. We will miss his intelligent contributions in the newsroom and his gentle digs at team members.

He started as the host of a gospel show on Luv FM, a station based in Kumasi where he was student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Chris then evolved to become one of Ghana’s known sports journalists.

He worked with Asempa FM and Power FM before it was re-branded Starr FM.

On both stations, he hosted their morning sports shows. For several years he worked with Accra-based Metro TV before joining Citi FM for a brief period.

In 2013, he was appointed General Manager of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), and he worked with the entity until 2014 when he resigned. He was named Best Football Commentator and Best Football Journalist (PLB) in 2008 and 2009.

Aside his work as a sports broadcaster, he had a strong passion for music, and he was heavily involved in running the music department of his church.

He will be remembered as a dedicated, passionate and very lively person and he will be missed by all who knew him. Christopher Opoku is survived by a wife and three children.
–
By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post I’m saddened by Christopher Opoku’s demise – Herbert Mensah appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed to Citi News by his father, K. O. Opoku, who revealed that Chris’ health had deteriorated over the past four weeks.

“Christopher has not been well for some time now. He went abroad about 3 months ago and we’ve been communicating with him. But for the past 4 weeks, I’ve not been able to speak to him. So it was just yesterday [Wednesday] evening at about 8:00pm that I was informed by the mother of Christopher’s wife that they had informed her to inform me that Christopher has passed. My mother in-law confirmed that Christopher had passed,” Mr. Opoku said.

Opoku, affectionately known as Columbus, died of cancer on Wednesday, May 10, 2017.

Christopher Opoku, who until his trip abroad for treatment, was news editor at Citi FM has worked in the media for more than fifteen years.

The management and staff of Citi FM are profoundly broken-hearted at Chris’ passing. We will miss his intelligent contributions in the newsroom and his gentle digs at team members.

He started as the host of a gospel show on Luv Fm, a station based in Kumasi where he was student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Chris then evolved to become one of Ghana’s known sports journalists. He worked with Asempa FM and Power FM before it was re-branded Starr FM.

On both stations, he hosted their morning sports shows.

For several years he worked with Accra-based Metro TV before joining Citi FM for a brief period.

In 2013, he was appointed General Manager of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), and he worked with the entity until 2014 when he resigned.

He was named Best Football Commentator and Best Football Journalist (PLB) in 2008 and 2009.

Aside his work as a sports broadcaster, he had a strong passion for music, and he was heavily involved in running the music department of his church.

He will be remembered as a dedicated, passionate and very lively person and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Christopher Opoku is survived by a wife and three children.

–
By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Beloved journalist Christopher Opoku passes on appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.