When people think of Citi FM — Ghana’s award-winning English radio station — they often see the success: the polished broadcasts, confident voices, and programmes that dominate the airwaves. But behind that excellence lies a deeper story of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering belief.
In a candid reflection, Bernard Koku Avle, General Manager of Citi FM and Channel One TV, shared one of the station’s most difficult chapters — the year 2011 — which he described as a true test of the team’s strength and resolve.
“When you enter a market that’s already decided what it wants, sometimes you can be seen as a nuisance. The market wasn’t very welcoming. It was a difficult moment. In 2011, we lost about half of our newsroom staff to a new station offering nearly three times what Citi was paying; some even got cars. It wasn’t gradual; it happened all at once,” he recounted on The Upside Down Show on Sunday, November 9.
Bernard, one of Citi FM’s founding voices since its inception in 2004, has become a household name known for his thoughtful interviews, calm delivery, and commitment to ethical journalism. His reflections remind listeners that Citi’s journey was not built overnight, but through years of persistence, teamwork, and faith.
That persistence continues to bear fruit. On Saturday, November 8, at the 29th GJA/KGL Media Awards, Citi FM was once again named Best English Radio Station in Ghana — a fitting testament to two decades of consistent excellence and resilience.
For Bernard, Citi FM’s story is more than radio — it’s about belief in people, purpose, and the courage to stand firm when the odds seem stacked against you.
Below is the full video of the Hard and easy times
