NII COMMEY HANDWRITING

Last Sunday, I had the wonderful opportunity to engage with a dynamic group of communication enthusiasts on the fascinating topic of intercultural communication. The discussion was both enlightening and thought-provoking, allowing us to explore the nuances of effective communication across cultures and the impact of cultural awareness on professional and personal interactions. During this engaging conversation, I reflected on my journey as a communicator,  through diverse cultural landscapes. Having spent the majority of my career in the development sector, most recently within the West African and European space, I have had the privilege of working with colleagues, stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries from vastly different backgrounds. Over the past decade, I have come to appreciate the richness of cultural diversity and the importance of fostering mutual understanding in all interactions. One of the key lessons I have learned is that intercultural communication is more than ...

Just concluded an incredible International Stocktaking Conference on Climate Change in Africa in Banjul, The Gambia. As the Communication Focal Person, alongside my colleagues from The Gambia and Burkina Faso, it was a thought-provoking moment to realise that community-based communication emerged as one of the key climate action areas deserving greater attention. If we are to drive meaningful change, the voices of the grassroots must be heard. Intentionally and consistently. Effective climate communication is not just about disseminating information; it is about fostering dialogue, ensuring accessibility, and empowering communities to take ownership of climate solutions. From a climate diplomacy perspective, the conference provided an excellent platform for North-South cooperation, reinforcing the need to deepen climate resilience strategies. The discussions underscored the importance of collaborative policymaking, knowledge exchange, and capacity building as critical components of...

  Every time I get the opportunity to tell a story, I am reminded of how African lore, woven by "Ananse" the spider, (Anaanu in my dialect),shaped the morals and destiny of our communities. With his intricate web of wisdom, Ananse taught us that stories are more than words.Tthey are vessels of heritage, identity, and transformation. Today, storytelling remains a force that moves societies. Through our stories, we shatter silences, act as  voices for the voiceless, challenge conventions, and spark collective action. A single story can stir emotions, shift perceptions, and set change into motion. Like the delicate yet unbreakable threads of Ananse’s web, our stories interlace with the lives of others, binding us in shared understanding and empathy. They echo across generations, shaping how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. So whenever we are granted the privilege to tell Africa’s story, whether on a global stage, in a quiet gathering, or through the whispers of his...

I had the privilege of attending the premiere of "OMO GHANA", a captivating docudrama that masterfully weaves the fascinating story behind the iconic "Ghana Must Go" bag. This 60-minute film reveals the intriguing history and cultural significance of the bag, and shares spine-chilling stories of surviving migrants from Nigeria to Ghana. Through expert insights from University of Ghana to University of Cape Town, archival footage, and personal testimonies, "OMO GHANA" sheds light on a pivotal moment in Ghana's history. As a storyteller, I was in awe of Kwame Boadi consistent quality and standard, showcased once again in this docudrama. The immaculate cinematography, cocktail of Nigerian and Ghanaian languages yuroba, in the narratives, the culturally appealing visuals and addictive storytelling make for an unforgettable experience. Congratulstion to all the wonderful cast and crew. Today, the deportation story may sound trivialized, but OMO GHANA is ...

  In the fight against what has become a global threat, scientists and researchers in Africa must recognise and embrace the power of strategic communication in disseminating their findings and engaging with diverse stakeholders. While scientific discoveries play a crucial role in shaping policies and interventions, their impact is significantly diminished if they are not effectively communicated to governments, industries, communities, and the general public. Climate change, in particular, demands a well-coordinated communication approach that bridges the gap between research and real-world action. Africa is at the frontline of the climate crisis, experiencing rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events that threaten livelihoods and food security. Yet, the continent is often underrepresented in global climate discourse, with narratives shaped by external actors rather than Africans themselves. Strategic communication has the ability to tra...

At COP29 in Baku, I had the opportunity to moderate two insightful side events: the West Africa Climate Café, organised by WASCAL in partnership with AGRHYMET and the Centre Climatique Régional pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest et le Sahel (CCR-AOS), and the official launch of the report on West African Governments' progress on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The report presents an in-depth analysis of climate ambitions in the region, providing valuable insights for state and non-state actors. As someone deeply involved in climate communication, I find this kind of data-driven reporting crucial. Why? Because effective climate action begins with information, clear, accessible, and compelling enough to drive decision-making at all levels. One key takeaway from the report is that West African nations are stepping up their climate commitments. Every country in the region has either strengthened existing targets or introduced new ones, demon...