Meet Agnes Oteng

We recently connected with Agnes Oteng and have shared our conversation below.

Agnes, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

developing effective communication skills is crucial to me as a journalist.

A mix of writing, speaking, interacting with others, visual, and digital literacy skills must be developed. I began honing my writing abilities as a young journalist by reading widely, writing frequently, and editing my work in spite of the difficulties I initially encountered. In a similar vein, the globally accepted standards and ethics for journalists have been crucial to my survival.

My line of work primarily involves verbal communication, which is extremely important and calls for proficiency in body language, public speaking, interviewing techniques, and voice modulation. To improve my delivery, I have been practicing delivering news reports and stories. Relationship building with sources, conducting productive interviews, active listening, and dispute resolution are all components of interpersonal communication. Additionally, visual communication—which includes social media visuals, photography, and videography—is crucial. By using content management systems, social media platforms, and online security best practices, have increase my digital literacy.

For me, it’s essential to keep learning, which may be accomplished through conferences, workshops, industry publications, mentorship, and introspection. Professional associations, industry gatherings, partnerships, and audience participation are all essential components of networking. Finally, I follow industry ethics and standards, ensuring objectivity, truth, fairness, confidentiality, and source protection while also being aware of media law and regulations. As a writer, I develop into a skilled and successful communicator by incorporating these techniques and abilities into my everyday life.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Agnes Oteng affectionately called Akua Oteng Amponsah in the Ghanaian media space is a journalist who works with Kasapa FM and Agoo TV.

I started working at Kasapa FM, a division of the EIB Network, after graduating from GH Media School in 2021. I had experience working with the advertising business Lexbert Multimedia while I was in school, which gave me an advantage over how the media companies operate in terms of advertising, before I joined the brand. The majority of my stories focused on humanitarian issues and how important politics are to human survival. I am passionate about covering these topics because I have a strong desire to see people succeed in all that they do.

Reporting on issues that give society hope and ensure its advancement is crucial for
the voiceless. I’m now working on a narrative about Ann Marie, a 19-year-old who need hip replacement surgery. Avascular Necrosis has been a struggle for Ann Marie, a science student who just finished second cycle education last year. The family claims that although a $990 initial survey was completed to allow her to walk with a walking stick, she urgently needs $4,200 to have the surgery. I intend to raise the entire amount through our broadcast medium to help Ann Marie, who aspires to become a doctor in the near future, and a single mother of three.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

To be a successful journalist, one needs to have a special combination of traits, abilities, and knowledge. Integrity and objectivity are crucial because they guarantee a dedication to truth and accuracy. Curiosity and perseverance are what motivate us to find information, pose challenging questions, and follow up on leads. Empathy and sensitivity allow me to comprehend different viewpoints and deal with delicate subjects. Other essential skills of successful journalists include research and investigative skills to confirm facts and evaluate complex information; effective communication and writing to create captivating stories; time management as well as flexibility to meet deadlines and adapt to changing condition

It is essential to have a solid background in digital journalism and technology, current events and international politics,
and media law and ethics. This entails being knowledgeable about copyright, libel, and defamation laws in addition to being adept at social media, multimedia storytelling, and content management systems. other abilities, such producing music and video. Soft skills like resilience, teamwork, critical thinking, and attention to detail are just as important.

A strong basis for success in the sector is provided by a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a similar discipline, professional certifications, and continual training. A young journalist can, in my opinion, produce excellent reporting that informs and engages his or her audience by developing these traits, abilities, and fields of expertise.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

In the rich cultural heritage of the Ghanaian Akan dialect, a profound proverb reminds us that “even the mightiest tree will wither without support”, emphasizing the importance of collective growth. Similarly, the heart-wrenching yet inspiring stories of resilience I’ve encountered in my humanitarian work require collaborative efforts to flourish. As I embark on an in-depth research project in the aftermath of the nation’s general election, I eagerly seek partnerships with like-minded individuals and non-governmental organizations passionate about driving positive change in health and climate change.

Together, we can empower marginalized communities, amplify their voices, and create lasting impact. If you share my vision and are willing to lend support, I invite you to join forces. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at agnesoteng18@gmail.com. Let’s nurture the seeds of hope and cultivate transformative stories that inspire a brighter future.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: akua_o_amponsah
• Facebook: Akua Oteng Amponsah
• Linkedin: Akua Oteng Amponsah
• Twitter: Akua Oteng Amponsah
• Youtube: Agnes Oteng19
• Other: Tiktok @akua_o_amponsah

Image Credits

Akua Oteng Amponsah