Komla Dumor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Komla Dumor
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| Born |
Komla Afeke Dumor
3 October 1972 Accra, Ghana
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| Died | 18 January 2014 (aged 41) |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Education | University of Ghana Harvard University |
| Occupation | BBC Journalist |
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Notable credit(s)
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| Spouse(s) |
Kwansema Dumor
(m. 2001) |
| Children | Elinam Dumor (b. 2003), Elorm Dumor (b. 2005), Elifa Aruba Dumor (b. 2011) |
| Relatives |
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Komla Afeke Dumor (born October 3, 1972 – died January 18, 2014) was a famous journalist from Ghana. He worked for BBC World News and was well-known as the main presenter of the show Focus on Africa. Komla was a talented broadcaster who shared important stories about Africa with the world. He was known for his unique style and his passion for journalism.
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Early Life and Education
Komla Dumor was born in Accra, Ghana. His father, Ernest Dumor, was a professor who taught about society. His mother, Cecelia Dumor, had a special degree in Mass Communication. Komla came from a family of important people. His grandfather, Philip Gbeho, wrote the music for Ghana's national anthem. His uncle, James Victor Gbeho, was a top diplomat for Ghana.
Komla first started studying medicine in Nigeria. But he later returned to Ghana and studied at the University of Ghana. He earned a degree in Sociology and Psychology. He also went to Harvard University in the United States. There, he earned a Master's degree in Public Administration. His sister, Mawuena Trebarh, was also a successful leader in Ghana.
Broadcast Career Highlights
Komla Dumor began his career as a morning show host for Joy FM in Accra, Ghana. He was very good at his job. In 2003, the Ghana Journalists Association named him Journalist of the Year. This was a big award for him.
Joining the BBC
In 2006, Komla moved to London to join the BBC African Service. He hosted a radio show called Network Africa. From 2008 to 2012, he presented The World Today on the BBC World Service. In 2011, Komla started presenting on TV. He hosted World News and Africa Business Report on BBC World News. He also appeared on BBC One and the BBC News Channel.
Influential African Journalist
In December 2013, New African magazine named Komla as one of the 100 most influential Africans. They said he had become one of the most important African faces in global broadcasting. As a main presenter for BBC World, Komla helped shape how Africa was shown to the world. He was committed to telling Africa's true stories.
At the time of his death, Komla was the only West African news presenter on BBC World News. Many people admired his work. Mishal Husain, another BBC presenter, said Komla had a unique style. She said he moved easily between TV and radio. He also greatly influenced how the BBC covered Africa. Peter Horrocks, the BBC's global news director, called him "a leading light of African journalism."
Komla interviewed many important people. These included Kofi Annan, Bill Gates, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. He also covered major news events. He reported on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He also covered President Barack Obama's trip to Africa. Komla also reported on the funeral of Nelson Mandela.
Personal Life
In 2001, Komla Dumor married Kwansema Quansah. They had three children together: Elinam, Elorm, and Efika Aruba. Komla was from the Ewe ethnic group. His wife is from the Fante ethnic group.
Death and Tributes
Komla Dumor passed away on January 18, 2014. He died at his home in Hertfordshire, England, due to a cardiac arrest. He had been on air, presenting, just the day before. The President of Ghana, John Mahama, shared his sadness on Twitter. He said Komla was one of Ghana's "finest ambassadors." He called him "a broadcaster of exceptional quality and Ghana's gift to the World."
On February 3, 2014, Komla Dumor's body was flown back to Ghana. Family, friends, and government officials met his body at Kotoka International Airport. People from his hometown of Aflao also performed traditional ceremonies. Funeral services for Komla were held in Accra from February 21 to 23, 2014.
Legacy and Awards
Komla Dumor left a lasting impact on journalism.
- In November 2014, The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) gave a special award to Komla's family. This was a Founders Award given after his death.
- At the 2014 African Achievers Awards, Komla received another award. He was honored for his excellence in broadcasting.
- In 2015, the BBC created the BBC World News Komla Dumor Award. This award honors Komla's legacy. It is given each year to a talented journalist from Africa. The winner gets a three-month training program at BBC News. Past winners include Nancy Kacungira (2015), Didi Akinyelure (2016), Amina Yuguda (2017), Wahiga Mwaura (2018), Solomon Serwanjja (2019), and Victoria Rubadiri (2020).
- In February 2020, two books were launched to honor Komla. These books were written by his brother, Dr. Korshie Dumor, and his father, Professor Ernest Dumor. The books are titled The Dreamer, Komla Dumor the Boss Player in His own words and Komla Dumor in His Element.
