WADR

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Our Team

Meet Our Team

Agnes E.J. Thomasi

Station Manager

Agnes John-Thomasi, the Station Manager at West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), boasts over 25 years of expertise in media and communications. 

Her career journey spans pivotal roles at Radio Gambia, Gambia Family Planning Association, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), and significant contributions at international institutions like UNESCO’s Africa regional office in Dakar. Agnes’s diverse skill set encompasses radio, newspaper, photojournalism, video production, advocacy, and the development of Information, Education, and Communication materials. 

She holds degrees from renowned institutions worldwide, including a B.A and Masters in Communications from Atlantic International University, USA.

Oumoul Khairy Niane Sow

Head of Finance and Administration

Oumoul Khayri Niane is an auditor-accountant with a degree from the African Center for Higher Studies in Management (CESAG). She has over 20 years of experience in auditing,

finance, and general administration, gained through her work in accounting firms and USAID projects, where she played key roles.

She also possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Sanni M. Moumouni Seibou

Programmes Coordinator

Mouhamane Sanni Moumouni Seibou is a Beninese journalist with a keen interest in security, economic, and political issues. He began his journalism career in 2003 with an internship at Solidarité FM, a local radio station in Djougou, Northwestern Benin, where he worked for 10 years. Throughout his career, he collaborated with various media outlets, particularly radio stations, before joining Agence Bénin Presse in 2010.
 

In 2014, Mouhamane pursued further studies at the Centre d’Etudes des Sciences et Techniques de l’Information (CESTI) at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal, earning a Specialized Diploma in Journalism and Communication with a focus on Television. He then worked for the Office of Radio and Television of Benin (ORTB) for two years before joining WADR in January 2020, where he currently coordinates the news and programming services.

Mouhamane is also working on his final thesis for a Master’s degree in Media and Communication, specializing in organizational communication.

Itohoimo Uduak Edet

Journalist

Itohoimo Edet is currently a journalist/producer/ assistant partnership officer with WADR. Prior to joining WADR, Imoh worked with an Abuja-based International news channel, Roots TV Nigeria as a senior anchor. He was a strong hand at Nigeria Info FM and Cool FM Abuja, heading the business desk and a Presenter.
 
With over 19 years experience in electronic and print media; Imoh’s work cuts across all platforms. He attained his Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and received his diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Uyo. He’s also expecting an advance certificate in Strategy from the University of The People.
 
A member of the Finance Correspondent Association of Nigeria, FICAN. Imoh was awarded Outstanding Presenter of the Year 2007, 2009, while with Superscreen Television and Loveworld Plus TV in Lagos, Nigeria.

Emediong Francis Boniface

Head of Digital Department

Emediong Francis Boniface is a digital media specialist with expertise in journalism, graphic design, web development, content creation, and marketing. He started as Chief Communication Officer at Wetin Dey Technology Limited in Nigeria and later worked as a Social Media Specialist in top Nigerian media houses.

He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Madonna University, a Diploma in Internet Journalism from The London School of Journalism, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Peace Studies from the National Open University of Nigeria. Emediong has also trained with the London School of Economics and Reuters.

Abdullahi Hassan

Journalist

Abdullahi Hassan heads the English service of West Africa Democracy Radio. Prior to joining WADR in 2019, Abdullahi Hassan professional career started as a film editor and an assistant program producer and director with the Nigerian Television Authority NTA –  in 2005.

In 2008 he joined Aso Radio and Television Services now Abuja Broadcasting Corporation ABC. He worked in different capacities including as a News presenter, radio program producer and presenter, senior film editor and director.

In addition, Hassan has attended several professional courses to polish his media skills including with the prestigious TV College Jos, the National Film Institute NFI and, the National Broadcasting  Corporation NBC, all in Nigeria.

 

Essouly Diedhiou

JOURNALIST

Essouly DIEDHIOU is a Senegalese Journalist/producer/Assistant Partnership Officer with WADR. She graduated from the Institut Supérieur des Sciences de l’Information et de la Communication ISSIC, after obtaining a master’s degree in philosophy at the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. 

With over ten years of experience, she started her journalism career at Africom as a producer of the daily sports news. 

 She also worked with Stades and Sunu Lamb Newspapers. Essouly also worked at Espérance Fm, the first Catholic radio station in Senegal, as a journalist and then as a coordinator of the station.

 In addition she also served the Senegalese Press Agency APS prior to joining WADR. Her passion is journalism and communication.

Augustine Kollie

Journalist

Augustine Bill Kollie is a seasoned Liberian journalist currently serving as Assistant Producer at West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) in Dakar, Senegal. He began his career in 2010 at Radio Bomi 98.9, a community radio station in Western Liberia, where he spent six years. He then joined OK FM 99.5 in Monrovia, where he worked as a reporter before being promoted to Chief Editor in 2020. In 2022,

Augustine became News Director at OK FM, a position he held until joining WADR. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from the African Methodist Episcopal University and has received specialized training from the U.S. Embassy Monrovia, the European Union, OSIWA, and the Liberian Red Cross Society.

William Ndala

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

William Ndala is an expert in statistical analysis and economic modeling with a degree in Statistical Works Engineering from the National School of Statistics and Economic Analysis (ENSAE) in Dakar. He currently serves as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), where he develops and manages frameworks to assess the impact of programs aimed at strengthening democracy in West Africa.

Before joining WADR, William coordinated economic and statistical analysis projects at the Bureau of Economic Prospective in Senegal, where he contributed to strategy development through detailed analyses.

In addition to his role at WADR, William is a freelance coach and trainer specializing in Microsoft Excel and statistical software. He provides training to help individuals master data analysis, visualization, and advanced statistical modeling.

Alpha Aboubacar

Journalist

Alpha Aboubacarr Ascofare is currently a Journalist/Producer with WADR.

A graduate of CESTI, Alpha started as an intern and progressed to the position of a producer.

With his love for sports, he is also currently the French desk sports producer.

Obierika Ogechukwu. E

Production Assistant

Ogechukwu Obierika is currently a production assistant with WADR who started as in intern in January 2022.

She studied at the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS).

Cheikh Ndiaye

Community Manager

Cheikh Ndiaye is a journalist who graduated from the Centre for the Study of Information Science and Technology

(CESTI).Passionate about digital journalism, he joined the West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) team as an intern in the Web department, where he holds the position of Assistant Community Manager.

Before joining WADR, Cheikh Ndiaye completed two internships at the Senegalese Press Agency (APS) in 2022 and 2023.

Naa Dedei Tettey

CORRESPONDENT (GHANA)

Naa Dedei Tettey is a dynamic figure in Ghanaian media and WADR’s Ghana Correspondent, Country Representative and Producer and Presenter of WADR’s Gender Programme – 50-50.

Starting as a volunteer journalist at Radio Univers at the University of Ghana, she honed her skills in news reporting and hosting, eventually becoming a prominent voice on air.

She has worked with notable media houses including The Multimedia Group, The Class Media Group, and is currently working with the EIB Network, hosting shows, anchoring news bulletins and conducting interviews on critical topics.

Naa Dedei Tettey holds a Bachelor’s degree in a combined major of Sociology and French from the University of Ghana, with various certifications from DW Akademie, MFWA, and other institutions.

Laura Hounkpeto

Intern Journalist

Laura HOUNKPETO is a journalist from Benin and a graduate of the Centre for the Study of Information Science and Technology (CESTI) at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar since 2021.

After gaining over a year of experience as a communications assistant, Laura now holds the position of intern journalist at WADR, supporting the program “Voices of Children for Peace in the Sahel.”

Usman Umar

Correspondent (NIGERIA)

Usman Katun Umar is a seasoned journalist and media professional with a strong background in mass communication, media management, and broadcasting.

He holds a BSc in Mass Communication and certified trainings in media management, film, audio-visual editing, and multimedia production.

Currently, he is a Senior Correspondent/Editor at Abuja Broadcasting Corporation and Country Representative for West Africa Democracy Radio in Nigeria.

Sankulleh Janko

Correspondent (Gambia)

Sankulleh Gibril Janko is a distinguished Gambian journalist, known for his impactful work and dedication to the field. A graduate of the University of The Gambia, he has received multiple national awards, including Radio Journalist of the Year in 2018.

Janko began his career in 2014 with West Coast Radio and has contributed to Block TV and The Point Newspaper. Currently a correspondent for West Africa Democracy Radio in Dakar, Senegal, he provides critical coverage of regional affairs.

His accolades include Foreign News Media Correspondent of the Year in 2018 and recognition in the 2022 Reporting on Migration Competition for West and Central Africa. His work reflects his commitment to journalism and shaping public discourse in West Africa.

Mame Diarra Niasse

ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCE ASSISTANT

Mame Diarra is currently an Administrative and Finance Assistant at West Africa Democracy Radio. After completing her training in Executive Assistance, management, and accounting, she held the position of secretary-receptionist at the same organization.

With seven years of experience in the commercial field, particularly at EDS (Enterprise of Distribution in Senegal) and BARAKA S.A., she was promoted to the position of stock manager at BARAKA S.A.

She also completed computer training at Edicom in Rufisque after studying modern literature for two years at UCAD.

Maodo Diouf

SENIOR TECHNICIAN

Maodo Diouf is currently the Head of the Technical Department.  He is an audiovisual engineer with training from Carthage Pictures and SAE Institute in audiovisual and cinematography.

He previously worked with different television, radio and other broadcasting and production houses such as Dakar TV international, RTF, Arc en Sons, BENCOM production, EXCAF Télécom and Malika TV.

Demba Amar Anne

Journalist ASSISTANT

Demba Amar Anne is a Senegalese Journalist Assistant at West Africa Democracy Radio.

After his initial studies in Biology. Demba obtained a degree in journalism and communication from CESTI, Dakar in November 2022.

In his first year of journalism (2020), he had his first two-month internship at Bambilor FM, a community radio. In his second year (2021), he did a two-month internship at 7TV, a private Senegalese television station.

Martin Kaba

Correspondent (Burkina Faso)

Martin Kaba is WADR’s correspondent in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. With years of experience in journalism, he brings a deep understanding of the region and a strong commitment to delivering accurate, insightful reporting.

His expertise and knowledge make him a valuable asset to WADR’s news team, ensuring that important stories from Burkina Faso are shared with clarity and integrity.

Mourtala Zoubeirou Akilou

Correspondent (Niger)

Mourtala Zoubeirou Akilou, a graduate of the Higher School of Sciences and Communication (ESSCOM), joined the WADR team in March 2021 as a correspondent for Niger.

He is currently a reporter and news presenter at Télévision Ténéré, a private media outlet in Niamey, Niger.

Mourtala Zoubeirou Akilou is also continuing his studies at ESSCOM to obtain his Master’s degree in Communication for Development (CPD).

Christian Mukidi

ASSISTANT TECHNICIAN

Christian Mukidi is Currently a technician / IT staff at the West Africa Democracy Radio. 

His previous experience started with Bralima a brewery company based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the Marketing and Commercial department after which he undertook a professional internship at Studio 7 (Maxim Agency), as an electronics technician.

Thierno Alpha Ibrahima Balde

Correspondent (Guinea)

Dakar-born Thierno Alpha Ibrahima Baldé is a dedicated Guinean journalist with a passion for his craft.

Thierno has made significant strides in his field, thanks to his education from Julius Nyerere University in Kankan.

Well-grounded in his work, Thierno is WADR’s

Moustapha Diakhité

JOURNALIST ASSISTANT (DIGITAL)

Moustapha Diakhité is a journalist who graduated from the Centre d’Etudes des Sciences et Techniques de l’Information (CESTI) with a degree in Journalism and Communication.

Moustapha Diakhité initially joined the West Africa Democracy Radio team as a trainee journalist.

Before joining WADR, Moustapha Diakhité worked at Radio Communautaire Afia FM, Time For Africa magazine, the Senegalese daily, EnQuête, and Radio Futurs Médias.

Moustapha Seck

TECHNICIAN (INTERN)

Moustapha Seck is a Senegalese Technician Intern at West Africa Democracy Radio. 

He was previously an Antenna Manager with 5 years of experience at Excaf telecom/ Dtv Senegal, Dunya Fm Dakar 88.9, Le Dakarois 221 and La Gtv. 

A Sound Operator for 3 years and a DJ and Musical Animator (Voice over/ Advertising)

Christopher Atitso

Journalist

Christopher Atitso is a  Ghanaian broadcast journalist and assistant  producer with the West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR), with the about  7 years of practicing experience.

Christopher epitomises dynamism, charisma, humility, and effective team player.

Class Media Group (CMG), TV Africa, the state broadcaster (GBC) amongst other institutions in Ghana are places he has worked before joining WADR.

Chris believes the media remains a powerful tool that can be the voice of the voiceless in society while promoting social growth and cohesion.

Warella Dorielle Bikiembe Mounguembe

receptionist assistant

Warella Dorielle Bikiembe Mounguembe, a Gabonese national, has been working as a receptionist assistant at WADR since September 2024. She holds a degree in Marketing Management and Communication from AFI l’université de l’entreprise in Dakar, obtained in 2022.

She also has training in office automation, with BEP and CAP diplomas earned in 2014, as well as a Baccalaureate from Lycée Technique Omar BONGO in Gabon in 2016.

With extensive professional experience as a secretary, management assistant, sales hostess, reception hostess, saleswoman, and customer advisor, Warella is eager to contribute to the WADR team, which has recognized her potential.

Aliou Thiam

Correspondent (Mali)

Aliou Thiam is a Mlian journalist serving as WADR’s correspondent in Mali.

Born in Diré, located in the Tombouctou region of Mali, he is a dedicated journalist with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to delivering impactful news.

His work reflects his deep understanding of regional issues and his dedication to bringing important stories to light.

Albain ADE

Correspondent (Cote d'Ivoire)

Holding a degree in human and economic geography, Albain Ade earned a diploma in audiovisual production journalism in 2017 from Studio Mozaïk, the media school located in Abidjan.

After a three-month internship at Cocody FM radio in Abidjan, he secured a position as a journalist-producer at Soungnon FM radio in Sinématiali, in northern Côte d’Ivoire, where he worked from 2018 to 2022. Seeking new experiences, Albain returned to Abidjan in 2023 to join La Voix de la Diaspora radio.

Since November 2023, he has been the correspondent for West Africa Democracy Radio in Côte d’Ivoire.

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Etsey Atisu

Producer (External)

Etsey Atisu is an experienced journalist with fourteen years in the field, currently working with GhanaWeb and serving as an external editor for WADR in Accra, Ghana. He began his career at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation in 2010, later writing for The Spectator at New Times Corporation for six years. After roles with SocioServe-Ghana and Public Service International, he contributed to Face2FaceAfrica and the Ghana Society for Education Technology (GSET).
 

Etsey holds a BA in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the Ghana Institute of Journalism and has earned additional certifications from institutions like the US Embassy in Ghana. Honored as “Prudent Journalist in Print Media” by the Pan-African Clergy Council in 2015, he is also a skilled MC and photographer in his spare time.

Oumou Dangogo

Community Manager