Ismail Akwei is an international journalist, digital media specialist, media viability consultant, media trainer, product manager, editor, writer, and media manager with over a decade’s worth of experience working with multinational media companies across the world.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Media Literacy Development Foundation, Ismail Akwei founded the non-profit organization out of his passion for media literacy and community development. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing media and artificial intelligence literacy education and skills in Ghana.

As the Co-Founder of AfricaMediaPro, Ismail Akwei plays a pivotal role in the digital solutions company that provides advanced publishing and advertising services to online publishers and content creators in Africa. He also founded AMV Africa, a media viability, events, and tourism consultancy that implements high-quality strategies for global clients. Notably, he has successfully streamlined business processes and workflows for clients such as FactSpace West Africa.

Previously, Ismail Akwei served as the Editor-in-Chief of the AfricaWeb group, where he was responsible for guiding the editorial vision, establishing media collaborations, and managing digital offerings for prominent platforms such as GhanaWeb.com, CamerounWeb.com, TanzaniaWeb.com, and MyNigeria.com, which he directly managed as its founding editor. A few years prior, he used to be the editor of GhanaWeb and the founding editor of CamerounWeb.

During his tenure as Editor-in-Chief, he led a transformative shift in news and content production at GhanaWeb and played a key role in creating the annual GhanaWeb Excellence Awards in 2021 to recognize excellence in Ghana. Under his leadership, GhanaWeb received accolades such as the Best Online Portal award at the Ghana Election Coverage Awards 2020 and the GACA Excellence in Digital Media 2021 award for its commitment to the growth of the creative arts sector.

A true innovator, Ismail Akwei developed and hosted numerous programmes, including the sociopolitical talk show “The Lowdown,” which aired on GhanaWeb TV. He also fostered over 80 editorial partnerships with local and international media outlets, including the BBC, on behalf of the AfricaWeb platforms.

Prior to his involvement with AfricaWeb, Ismail Akwei held prestigious roles, including serving as the editor of the New York-based Pan-African online portal, Face2FaceAfrica.com. He also worked as a senior journalist and television presenter at Africanews, a subsidiary of France-based Euronews. Before that, he was the editor of GhanaWeb and the founding editor of CamerounWeb.

With a solid journalistic foundation, Ismail Akwei’s experience spans from his early roles at Ghana’s Information Services Department (ISD), the Ghana News Agency (GNA), and the University of Ghana’s campus radio station, Radio Univers.

Ismail Akwei further demonstrated his pioneering spirit by accepting a position in the Republic of Congo, where he played a crucial role in developing an online strategy as a senior web journalist for the newly launched Africanews. His efforts contributed to the brand’s widespread acceptance, particularly in Anglophone countries. Furthermore, he served as the pioneering presenter of “Sci-Tech,” a science and technology segment on the flagship morning show of Africanews TV, “The Morning Call.”

Upon joining Face2Face Africa as the editor, Ismail Akwei facilitated the company’s ascent to become the principal source of Pan-African history and culture stories. His innovative strategies provided the brand with a competitive edge over other Pan-African news and culture websites.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ismail Akwei is dedicated to mentorship and inspiring young talents. In 2019, he founded Zongo Media and the Junior Journalists and Communicators Club (J2C2) as initiatives under the Media Literacy Development Foundation. Zongo Media aims to equip Zongo youth with media literacy and entrepreneurial skills, while J2C2 empowers high school students to develop their journalism and communication skills.

Furthermore, Ismail Akwei founded the professional networking organisation Ghana Media Club, a platform for journalists and media practitioners in Ghana to discover opportunities and stay updated on the latest trends and insider information. He also founded the Ghana Tourism Club, an association of travel and tourism enthusiasts based on campuses, with the aim of promoting Ghana by exploring sites and sharing experiences with the world.

Ismail Akwei’s extensive writing covers a wide range of topics, including African and international politics, arts, culture, tourism, human rights, Pan-Africanism, digital technology, history, and international relations. He has covered elections across Africa, including those in The Gambia, Ghana, Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Republic of Congo, Cape Verde, and Seychelles.

He has been featured on programmes, podcasts, and articles by influential international media platforms such as the BBC, Newzroom Afrika, The Guardian, RT, Africanews, Euronews, KCRW Radio, and Cape Talk Radio, among others.

As a speaker and panellist, Ismail Akwei has participated in events and conferences on digital journalism, media freedom, fake news, and blogging. Some of the notable events and conferences where he has shared his expertise include the Media Foundation for West Africa’s WAMECA 2019, the annual Ghana Bloggers Summit (where he has been a speaker since 2019), and the 2022 YouTube Creators Festival Ghana.

He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Media Management from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Ghana, and a Diploma in Communication Studies from the African University College of Communications (AUCC). Additionally, Ismail Akwei has earned several certificates from various institutions, further enhancing his knowledge and skills.

As an active member of professional and social groups, Ismail Akwei is affiliated with organizations such as the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Online News Association (ONA), and the Internet Society, among others.

With his unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and commitment to transformative leadership, Ismail Akwei continues to make significant contributions to reshaping the African media landscape into a globally recognized and competitive brand. His ultimate goal is to change the African narrative and project a positive image of Africa and its global diaspora.

www.ismailakwei.com