By Dr. Affail Monney, Former President of, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) & Director of Radio (GBC)
“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.” John Ruskin
It is universally acknowledged that journalism is not cash-rich but risk-prone.
When he had the option to choose between journalism with its attendant risks, and other jobs with all their juicy perks, Opanyin Sam Bonsu-Abban offered to serve His maker and nation through journalism. And it ignites the highest sense of pride to state that he rendered this invaluable service with distinction.
Opanyin Bonsu-Abban was a symbol of consummate competence and absolute dedication to work. Foremost among his repertoire of skills was editing. Indeed, he was supremely gifted with techniques to shape even badly written scripts into first-class stories. His complimentary knack for news was also incredibly high.
In the brusque, fast-paced and tension-packed newsroom environment, Oponyin Bonsu-Abban often wore infectious smiles and maintained a stoic exterior. His friendly disposition and burst of laughter were a magnet to attract both the young and old to his camp.
True to his name, Bonsu, he made a whale of a difference in the operations of GBC Radio News which aided its dominance of the airwaves in yesterday years. And as his nickname connotes, Show Boy showed the way for professional excellence and impeccable human relations.
Obviously, the highest reward for this professional gem and lovely figure is not measured in material terms, but in the fact that Opanyin Sam Bonsu-Abban will remain a reference point in broadcast journalism in general, and Radio Ghana in particular, long after he has left the shores of earth for the banks of eternity.
Show Boy, 70-70, rest in perfect peace!
