Meet Betty Quarshie-Idun: One of Ghana's first female voices on radio

Women in Ghana have long challenged stereotypes by taking up roles traditionally dominated by men.

From politics and education to business and media, they have continuously broken barriers and reshaped societal expectations.

In media and broadcasting, one of the first female pioneers was Betty Quarshie-Idun, who became one of the first female voices on the airwaves in the Gold Coast.

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Her presence on radio not only represented a breakthrough for women in media but also helped normalise the idea of female broadcasters in a space that had been overwhelmingly male-dominated.

Historical records indicate that she was on air during the late colonial era, a period when Ghana was still under British rule.

Trained by the British after completing her education at Achimota School in 1944, Betty Quarshie-Idun brought professionalism, credibility, and a fresh perspective to radio broadcasting.

Her work as a newsreader and presenter paved the way for future generations of women in journalism, inspiring them to pursue careers in media and challenging the gender norms of her time.

Although details of her life and career remain scarce, her pioneering role remains an important part of Ghana’s broadcasting history.

“First female radio presenter in the Gold Coast: Betty Quarshie-Idun. She was trained by the British after completing Achimota School in 1944 and was on air during the 1950s and 1960s,” a user on X, Bra Yaw, wrote.

See the post below:

First Ghanaian female radio presenter, Betty Quashie-Idun pic.twitter.com/lwLhqRyomT

— Ghana Facts (@TheGhanaNation) April 5, 2026