People & Lifestyle

Q&A with William: Blogging and social media in Ghana today and the future!

Published

4 years ago

May 29, 2020

n a time when there was nothing to really grasp on the internet, he blazed the trail and introduced a culture and lifestyle that has widely been accepted in today’s world.

Amidst the many criticisms he constantly receives, he continues to stick his head high in the ever saturating blogging space as one of the most sought after Ghanaian bloggers with an international appeal.

To all, his name, Ameyaw Debrah is synonymous with blogging in Ghana and has, therefore, earned his spot as a household name in the blogging space.

Today on Q&A with William, he walks us through his journey into blogging, marriage life, what has accounted for lowering standards of blogging, and whether blogging is lucrative or not as perceived by many, right here in this link.

PERSONAL

Q: When we talk of Ameyaw Debrah, the first thing that comes to mind is a super Ghanaian blogger with international recognition. But aside that, who is Ameyaw?

A: Haha thanks; I like to describe myself as a cool guy who likes minding my business. But because I write about happenings in town and celebrities, I end up putting a bit of myself out there also. I am still evolving as a person and as a blogger as well. So you would notice that even the things we publish now have evolved from when I started some 13 years ago.

Q: How has life been after getting married and becoming a father as well?

A: It is different; it seriously a lot of things. My responsibilities went up and the things that take my energy and time also changed a bit. Because I am not always in one country with my family, it comes with its own challenges as well, but we are making the most out of it.

Q: How do you juggle between blogging and marriage life?

A: It isn’t too difficult I find time for both. Also now I have a team so they take some of the pressure off me.

PROFESSIONAL

Q: How did blogging start for you?

A: Well it started as a hobby, and then I had an opportunity to speak at Highway Africa’s Digital Indaba in 2008, which changed my perception after seeing what people all over the world were doing with their voices in that space. So I started to take it more seriously and it evolved to become a business. I started by writing for a number of online platforms in the US and later for Ghanaian portals. My first blog was called Jaded renegade, it was on Blogspot. I also was a columnist on Modernghana and later became the content editor for Ghanaweb and also launched ameyawdebrah.com along the line.

Q: Growing up, parents want their children to become doctors, teachers, pilots, and a whole lot. Is blogging a career path?

A: The thing about me is that growing up I showed traits of becoming a lot of these things you mentioned at different stages of my life, and my parents always supported me. When I decided to go to KNUST to study publishing with my Science background from Adisadel College, my parents supported me. In fact, I had plans of setting up a publishing business with my father after school. But sadly he dies a few months after I completed university. Blogging wasn’t a career path but it found me and I decided to explore it to my fullest potential.

Q: Many other online portals were blogging before you came into the picture. What made you think there was an opening for you?

A: Back then there were many news websites but they weren’t necessary blogs. What I brought in that was different was writing from the position of a voice, a personality so it became ameyaw Debrah says this or that. In addition to that, my vision was to build a celebrity and pop culture amongst my audience. That didn’t so much exist in terms of the direction of content from those existing platforms. I literally created my own path and directed how I wanted it to go. I knew there was space for me when people started responding to it.

Q: You obviously were part of the trailblazers and now we have a whole ocean of bloggers. How does Ameyaw Debrah keep afloat?

A: I keep to my focus and listing my content from what is around. My focus is very different from most of the other bloggers. I try to innovate new ideas all the time to stay relevant. I offer a lot more variety in my content.

Q: What do you think is accounting for the increasing number of online portals?

A: I think a lot of people have the misconception that there is money to be made easily online so that account for it. But few are taking it seriously and building their brands

Q: Has that in any way lowered the standards in your opinion?

A: Yes, it is normal that when something reaches a point of saturation, it stale. A lot of sub-standard websites with sub-standard content have popped up over the years. Some are very popular, regardless of proving people like such content too, often in even bigger numbers.

Q: What do you like most about blogging?

A: I think having a voice, standing for something, and becoming an authority in that space. When you do it well, it transcends into the global ecosystem.

Q: Have there been any moments where you have gone like “I need to rethink my approach to blogging”?

A: Yes I have been part of the evolution of what we have become today. Adding a lifestyle to what we do has made a lot of difference.

Q: Is blogging lucrative in Ghana?

A: It can be lucrative but we haven’t gotten to our full potential yet. We will get there when the ecosystem supports it, we need businesses in Ghana to explore more digital marketing.

Q: What made you decide to go into producing TV content?

A: I feel video is becoming part of online content culture globally, and we needed to be in that space and grow with it. So Ameyaw TV offers various video contents that reflect the ideas I believe in as a person and as a curator of pop culture.

Q: How has it been so far?

A: It started slow and picked up well but sadly coronavirus wiped some of the gains we made. Our content reflects my ideas and so not exactly the popular content that Ghanaians are used to in that space.

Q: When you walk into an event auditorium, what do you see that others miss?

A: I think I focus more on the event and look at what content I can create from it rather than getting overwhelmed by the fun and excitement of the event.

Q: As a professional, how do you feel when people question your credibility based on the stories you put out there?

A: I often don’t mind them because most of them don’t even know what credibility means. They don’t engage with the content as it was intended. Those who have ears to listen and learn often understand when they ask questions and I answer them. That said, we take a lot of care with the content we produce so as we remain credible.

Q: Take us through a typical working day for Ameyaw Debrah?

A: I wake up check mail and plan my day based on what I have to do in the day. Sometimes I have meetings either from our workspace or outside; sometimes I am planning how to produce content on Ameyaw TV with my team. When I can I have an afternoon nap and then resume work when I wake up, checking and replying emails. Now I focus more on publishing paid content so I check my emails regularly for such correspondences.

Q: Over a decade in the business, what would you say has kept you?

A: My focus, my ability to evolve and keep up with the trends in the space I find myself. It is very important to reinvent yourself and stay relevant.

Q: In your opinion, does the future hold anything positive for blogging in Ghana?

A: For me, the future I want to see in that space is more bloggers emerging in other sectors like health, business, environment, food, lifestyle, etc. there are too many uncreative people doing blogs on entertainment. I also wish that there would be a lot of advertising and promotions in the digital space.

Thank you so much, I’m grateful.

Editor: Joshua Quodjo Mensah

Related Topics:Blogging and social media in Ghana

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Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity

Published

13 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.

This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.

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Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

Recently got Starlink, and so far better than any residential internet provider I’ve used in this country tbh
— remi (@alo_aderemi) April 27, 2024

This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.

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#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy

Published

13 hours ago

April 27, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.

Those saying King Promise should rather win song of the year and not Artiste of the year cuz Patapaa too had one big song, did Patapaa do all this? Greg is winning this, forget the Stonebwoy shouts pic.twitter.com/ICfLI1nBaf
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) April 27, 2024

Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.

You are telling me King Promise isn't Artiste of the Year? let's be serious 😂pic.twitter.com/k8KDiilWsP
— Twilight (@the_marcoli_boy) April 26, 2024
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The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.

Ur artist of the year our artist of the year my artist of the year their artist of the year @stonebwoy #StonebwoyForAOTY 🔥🔥🔥🔥all this history was made just last year December @GHMusicAwards pic.twitter.com/R0biHkhdEx
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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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1 day ago

April 27, 2024

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

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The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

❤️ @AkwaboahMusic meets The King of Ashanti Kingdom Otumfoc Osei Tutu II. pic.twitter.com/wdvlulV7Ez
— FELICIA OSEI (@Osei_Feliciaa) April 26, 2024

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

Wow, Mr Beast is in Ghana! Look at how boys are gathering to take pictures with him. pic.twitter.com/46gawXYWnJ
— Big Kay🇬🇭 (@OfficialBigkay) April 26, 2024

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

MrBeast is in Ghana and no one is talking about it? Make I step out more times I go get new phone or car saf pic.twitter.com/AUP9CSoDoV
— Kofi Ntim (@NtimBarima) April 26, 2024
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Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.