Can Osei Bonsu fit in KABA’s shoes?

You certainly must have heard it already: Ekosii Sen has a new presenter.

Following the unfortunate demise of Kojo Asare Baffour Acheampong (or KABA), there had been speculations in various circles of who would likely replace him as host of the show with a few names bandied by people.

He is called Philip. Philip Osei Bonsu. The big question is, who is Osei Bonsu? Where is he coming from? What has he done to deserve to host such a big day time show on radio? Does he have what it takes?

Will the politicians and audience relate to him as they did to KABA?
I remember writing about it in this column as well.

I want to share with you what I wrote about how the replacement of KABA needed to be someone who would be able to carry the mantle as KABA and the presenter before him did.

“I am not a big fan of Ekosii Sen mainly because I get fed up with the politics.

I mean we get bombarded by politics from morning and so I prefer to listen to music-related programmes or alternative talk than getting myself immersed in a platform that was created to give opportunity to NPP and NDC apparatchiks to banter.

“That notwithstanding, I have followed the show very closely to know what happens right from the beginning when Ken Addy was hosting it through the stormy days of Nana Kwabena Bobie Ansah till KABA took over in circa mid-2012.

“Those with good memory and have followed Ekosii Sen would recall the tumultuous relationship between Asempa FM, Multimedia and the host of the show at the time, Bobie Ansah, on the one part and the NPP on the other.

“In February of that year, a good number of young members of the party besieged the premises of the station following what they called his insulting of the party’s leader, Nana Akufo-Addo.

This led to his suspension off air and in April of the same year, he was sacked by his employers.

“It would seem that the choice for the new person to take over from Bobie Ansah was done with the utmost goal of looking for the one who would be more moderate and uniting of the two bitter political party rivals to close the chasm created by his/her predecessor.

“Enter KABA. A suave character. Non cantankerous. But a tad rough on the edges. He, however, settled into the role and within time, he showed to be a good fit for the big gap created by the very popular Bobie Ansah over the year.

“Although his time saw some touchy moments, especially during the political season leading to the 2016 elections, he generally proved to be a more unifying character. The testimonies that poured in from both sides of the political divide gave credence to this particular characteristic of him.

“KABA was truly and genuinely loved by many people. The stations in the Multimedia stables all dedicated a lot of airtime to eulogise him.

His colleagues showed their loved and continue to do so till now.

I even foresee a greater show of such appreciation of his friendship, comradeship and love towards others during the one-week celebration slated for this Saturday at the stations Kokomlemle premises.

“After all is said and done, however, there would be the need to ask that one question: Who would be the one to succeed Kwadwo Asare-Baffour Acheampong?

This question would be answered when the dust is settled, but it is important to note that following how he handled the show and made it possible for all to find solace in it, it goes without saying that it would be a tough search to find a replacement.

“There are certainly a few people lined up at the corridors of Multimedia both on TV and radio who conduct good interviews in Twi, but it is important to note the unifying role KABA played when he sat in that chair to be a key factor in determining a replacement.

Whichever way it goes, someone would be had and we shall see how he/she plays the role.

“It is important to commend KABA on the role he played as host of Ekosii Sen over the last four years.

Indeed, his young wife Valentina and the family left behind as well as his colleagues at Multimedia and his many friends would feel the pain of his demise the more, I am sure they would eventually come to the realisation that above all things, KABA played his role with exception.

“I have been here and writing this column long enough to know that not many people in broadcasting utilise the opportunities that come their way in such a manner that their exit, after only four years would, cause such a stir as KABA’s has done.”

Enter Philip Osei Bonsu. The www.myjoyonline.com announcement of him as the new host of Ekosii Sen said he was the Brand and Corporate Communications Director of Skyy FM, of course, apart from being “Western Region’s celebrated talk show host.”

He was also mentioned as “a former host of Skyy Power FM’s Jolly Breakfast Show and weekend news analysis programme, News Review in the Western Region.”

Until his appointment, he was the Head of Public Relations for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Western Region.

From his background, it is obvious that this would be the first time he would take up such a major role at a commercial oriented radio station in the capital.

Eko Sii Sen is one of Ghana’s leading political talk programmes and being one that discusses issues in Akan, it sure is one of the leading ones in that category.

As it is now, we are going to be stuck on Asempa 94.7FM from 2:00pm or when the Fireman Countryman Songo has finished firing every weekday.

The question is, has OB taken on a role that is too huge for him? Is he the right successor for KABA and what he did on that show? Will he survive it? We shall be listening and watching to see how this new host of Ekosii Sen work his way to the top. Welcome to the pressure cooker, Mr. Osei Bonsu!