Former broadcast journalist Emefa Apawu has opened up about her quiet but powerful decision to step away from mainstream media, revealing deeply personal reasons behind her exit — and firmly pushing back against claims of political patronage.
In a candid conversation on the ‘Talk No Dey Cook Rice’ podcast, the respected former Joy FM and Joy News anchor explained that her transition from journalism to the corporate world had nothing to do with politics, contrary to speculation linking her new role to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“This wasn’t a political appointment,” she stated firmly. “It’s something I wanted — the opportunity came and I took it. The timing may seem suspicious to some, but it has nothing to do with any government.”
For Apawu, the decision to pivot was rooted not in politics but in personal reckoning — a blend of burnout, emotional fatigue, and the financial realities of a demanding profession. After years of working relentless schedules in Ghana’s media industry, the toll, she admitted, had become too heavy.
“I worked six, sometimes seven days a week. My son was shocked to see me home during the day — that shouldn’t be a surprise to a child. It made me pause,” she reflected.
She also laid bare the sacrifices that came with her career, particularly as a single mother of two. With her daughter soon to turn 18, Apawu spoke of lost moments and a desire to reclaim her role as a present parent: “I’ve missed so much of her life. It’s time to stop chasing and start living the motherhood I once imagined.”
Her reflections have also brought to light a broader conversation about the journalism industry in Ghana, which she described as financially unrewarding and emotionally draining.
“Let’s be honest — journalism isn’t rewarding, not in this country,” she said bluntly, challenging the romanticized image often associated with the profession.
Emefa Apawu’s story has sparked fresh debate on work-life balance, the hidden cost of public service, and the urgent need to make journalism in Ghana more sustainable for its practitioners.
