Determined to achieve his dream of becoming an influential radio presenter in Ghana, Micheal Boateng did not allow his small beginning as a barber and a taxi driver to derail his ambition.
Though life was tough after Senior High School, he made some difficult and bold decisions, which have yielded positive results for his life and family today.
To encourage others not to despise small beginnings, Michael Boateng, affectionately called Mike 2, of Adom FM fame, shared his story.
He was born at Abetifi-Kwahu in the Eastern Region to Samuel Bright Boateng and Esther Boatemaa, both of blessed memory.
Education
According to him, he started schooling at Brukuwaa-Kwahu Primary School, then to Tema Community 2 Corporative L/A. For his Junior High School Education, he went to L/A Junior High School in Kwahu and to Abetifi Technical Senior High School (SHS).
Though he was a business student, he had an interest for radio and Disc Jockeying. On why he opted for business, he said it was the decision of his grandmother who wanted him to be a typist.
Mike2
Revealing how the name Mike 2 came about, the broadcaster said one of his seniors who was the Boys Prefect back in SHS was also called Michael Boateng, and to strike a difference, between them, he added the figure 2 to his.
“He called me and said, we are all Michael Boateng, I will be Mike 1 and you will be Mike 2, which I readily accepted. That is how I got my Mike 2,” he said.
After School
After school, he did a lot of jobs including barbering and later became a taxi driver for some time.
Determined to achieve excellence in life, Mike enrolled into a media school and luckily after school, he had the opportunity to do his internship at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in Koforidua in 2003.
“At GBC, I met Prince Tsegah, Bismark Brown, Ekorba Gyasi, among others who shaped my life,” he added
Mike later had the opportunity to work with GBC for two years before moving to Obuoba FM at Nkawkaw as the drive-time host from 2005 to 2010.
While there, his salary became a problem, making life as a presenter challenging. However, tied to his conviction of becoming one of the best presenters, he continued to pursue his dream.
One day, he bought the New Crusading Guide newspaper, and called the editor and told him he has the flair to write for the paper and to his amusement, he was offered the opportunity to achieve his dream.
Adom FM
He described his move to Adom FM as the work of God. He revealed that upon reflections on his career one day, he realised the need to move on to a higher height.
Against this backdrop, he decided to visit Multimedia’s Adom FM in Accra to meet the Programmes Director. Luckily, he had the opportunity to meet Nana Appiah Nti, the then Programmes Manager. “I told him I’m Michael Boateng, a radio presenter from Kwahu and informed him of my capabilities on radio.
Fortunately for him, Kofi Asare Brako and Professor Enock Worlanyo Wallace, who were the staff of the station [Adom FM], showed up to endorse him and he was asked to submit an application letter.
He was later called to play on one holiday, leading to a call for an interview. He was offered the job as a producer and later given a slot on Saturdays before he was made to take up the Entertainment programme after the exit of the host.
Mike, who is now a level 400 student of African University College of Communication, wants to read law to understand issues and enhance his work as a journalist.
Family
Mike 2 is married to Eva Boateng, with whom they have three boys, Stefan, Evan, and Pastor Chris Boateng.
Mike is the last born of 15 children.
Leisure
He loves to spend his leisure time with his family at home. He is a staunch member of the Church of Pentecost.
Advice
Michael Boateng believes hard work pays and thus, urged the young ones who are offered such opportunity to exhibit their talents.
He encouraged the youth to be honest and truthful in all their endeavours.
Food
“I can eat fufu from Monday to Monday,” he revealed with a laugher.