Media transfer window: Top personalities who switched camps in 2019

The ultimate dream of every worker is to work in an institution with conditions that meet emotional, economical and in some cases spiritual needs.

Footballers usually dominate the press when they move from one club to another but in recent years there's been a surge in the publicity that surrounds journalists crossing carpets from one media organisation to the other.

Like footballers, the movement of journalists is influenced by financial demands and personal ambitions.

Some media houses were once home to some top personalities but now, the story has changed as most of their cherished icons have ditched them for competitors or other jobs.

Hitherto, journalists switched camps with little or no media attention but the trend has witnessed significant change with the movements of journalists now taking centre stage on both traditional and social media platforms.

In the wake of MzGee’s shocking exit from the Multimedia Group, www.ghanaweb.com chronicles some of the personalities whose resignation came as a shock to Ghanaians below:

Ohemaa Woyeje

Celebrated Ghanaian presenter, Harey Adjoa Yeboah Asuama Kusi known as Ohemaa Woyeje was the first to open doors for staff of the Multimedia Group Limited to leave her job this year.

After six years of incredible service and hosting Adom FM’s mid-morning show, “Work and Happiness”, Ohemaa left the company asserting she was being less appreciated.

According to Ohemaa Woyeje, she tendered in her resignation on Wednesday, January, 30 after the terms of her contract was breached.

After seven months of staying off-air, Ohemaa Woyeje is presently hosting Y’adwuma Nie on Angel FM.

Berla Mundi

After five years of devotion to the EIB Network, media personality, Berla Mundi, also left to pitch camp at Media General’s TV3.

According to the talented presenter, “Media General is a strong brand I am thankful for the opportunity to join them and tap into that strength. I look forward to this new family and the opportunities available to further grow. It’s an honour and I promise to give my best”.

Afia Pokua

One big and surprising news was that Gladys Arthur resigning from the Multimedia Group Limited. The long-serving vociferous news editor and host of boiling political talk shows “Burning Issues” on the station joined their arch-rivals, Despite Group.

Afia Pokua’s posted to her Facebook page to confirm the rumours making the rounds that she had resigned.

Vim Lady on the Multimedia channel was like the axiomatic living room furniture, she was always there and you would hardly think that she would part company with the station one day. Afia had been there for many years despite many presenters.

She shared on the Facebook that, "For 17 years, I have done my best, even left my father on his death bed to read my bulletin before running to the hospital to bid him farewell. I have learnt from great people and taken lessons from my bad experiences. I'm indebted to all those who helped me on that journey. It's been fun, tears but a great experience. I hope to learn more on my next chapter,” Afia Pokua added to the Facebook post.

Manasseh Azure Awuni

After producing a documentary that ended up causing serious embarrassment for the Multimedia Group Limited, Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, also resigned serving seven years with the outlet.

We can, however, not confirm if his exit had anything to do with his production.

Manasseh’s resignation came few days after the National Media Commission disproved Multimedia Group’s attempt to label D-Eye as a militia Group.

He also said in a statement “I wish to announce my resignation from The Multimedia Group.”

“I thank the management of the company for the opportunity to work with what in my view is the most credible, influential, impactful and daring media organisation in Ghana. I thank them for their support and encouragement all these years,” he said.

“It is no doubt that if I were to work again in a media house in Ghana, I would choose The Multimedia Group.”

Mabel Aku Baneseh

Award-winning journalist, Mabel Aku Baneseh also officially resigned in October from the Graphic Communications Group Limited.

Aku made her formal public statement about her intention on social media after working with the state-owned media organization for 18 years.

Her statement posted to her Facebook page said she was resigning to “concentrate on my family, my personal wellbeing, private consultancy services, my second book, and charity work.”

Mabel Aku Baneseh is an award-winning journalist who won the 2013 GJA journalist of the year, best political reporting, best crime and court reporting all in the same year.

Saddick Adams

Reigning GJA Sports Journalist of the year, Saddick Adams, known as ‘Sports Obama’, also resigned in August from Media Village as the Group's Head of Sports.

Sports Obama as affectionately called worked with Atinka Media Village for five years. He has now joined Angel TV and is now editor of the channel.

Kemini Amanor

Broadcast journalist, Keminni Amanor also left EIB Network on August 30 for another field after being with them for four years. She stated that she is faced with the option of moving on to pursue other opportunities and challenges.

She posted, “My journey with EIB network over the last 4 years has been very eventful. Being on set has been fun especially with the love, support, and encouragement of the several thousands of viewers and fans. I am glad for what we have achieved together. Very proud and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the team that gave birth to the GHOne TV brand.”