Quality Insurance PLC has honoured the legacy of broadcast legend Tommy Annan-Forson by bringing together dozens of his family and friends to celebrate his 70th birthday.
The event, which took place at Debate House at Adjiringanor in Accra, was attended by media and entertainment movers and shakers, most of whom have worked with Mr. Annan-Forson in his nearly 50-year career as a broadcaster.
Those in attendance included Kwasi Twum, CEO of the Multimedia Group, Kwame Safe-Kayi of Peace FM, former deputy tourism minister, Mark Okraku Mantey, comedian Kwaku Sintim-Misa and actor Fred Amugi.
Most of them paid tribute to Mr. Annan-Forson, expressing appreciation for his leadership, tutelage and mentorship.
Mr. Kwasi Twum of The Multimedia Group praised Mr. Annan-Forson for contributing to the establishment of Joy FM as one of the station’s pioneer presenters.
“The Joy FM story wouldn’t have been what it is without Tommy,” he said.
Others commended Mr. Annan-Forson for his humility, sense of humour, creative ingenuity and discipline.
An ex Joy FM presenter, Klenam Anatsui, humorously remarked: “That two-week suspension is what has made me the man I am today.”
Mr. Annan-Forson thanked QIC for organising the event and bringing his friends, family and colleagues together. “In all my 70 years, this is the best birthday party I’ve ever had,” he said.
QIC used the event to launch an initiative to draw attention to the need to give priority to senior citizens in the delivery of vital services such as healthcare and banking.
“At Quality Insurance PLC, we believe that our senior citizens are a treasure trove of wisdom and experience.
They have dedicated their lives to building our communities, and it is our duty to honour and support them,” the Managing Director of QIC, Kobena Addison, said.
“This initiative aims to create an environment where they can seek services without the stress of long queues. As we launch this initiative, let us come together to honour our seniors and ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve.”
Mr. Annan-Forson, who is the brand icon for WIC’s Golden Age Motor Insurance Policy, urged Ghanaians to support the “no queue, no wait” campaign to improve the well-being of the elderly while bringing back traditional values of respect and reverence for senior citizens.
Tommy Annan-Forson, born in 1952, is a pioneering Ghanaian broadcaster known as The Godfather of Radio and The King of Country Music.
His career began in 1977 when he joined the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) as a Program Assistant, despite having no formal media training or university education.
His passion and talent propelled him through a successful 16-year tenure at GBC, where he played a crucial role in modernising radio broadcasting in Ghana.
In 1995, he joined the Multimedia Group as Programmes Manager and became the first host of Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, setting the tone for one of Ghana’s most influential radio programs.
He later became the General Manager of Sunshine Radio, which evolved into Choice FM. Mr. Anan-Forson is well known for his humour and stage comedy, which have made him a beloved media personality.
He also founded the Rabodef Radio Academy to train aspiring media professionals. His contributions to Ghana’s media landscape earned him several accolades, including the Grand Medal of Honour.
