Desmond Lamptey

Biography

Desmond Lamptey doubles as a broadcast journalist and a lecturer of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He was born in Osu and is the first child and only son of a family of five. He had his basic education at Presbyterian boys school and Presbyterian Salem boys school both in Osu. He attended Koforidua Secondary Technical School in the Eastern Region. He had his first Tertiary education at Kumasi Polytechnic and graduated with second class upper in building technology. After National service, he worked for a year as a teacher in English and building construction in Kumasi. In 1995, while in the Senior High School, he became addicted to radio and as a result realized his passion for Journalism. He then decided to work at the school's Radio station, hosting a late night program marking the beginning of his radio career as a presenter. In 2005, after completing his building technology course, he went for a short course in the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) to acquire knowledge and skills in Communication. In his quest for more knowledge, he enrolled in a Diploma course in 2008. He then continued with a top-up in the same school till 2013 when he graduated with a first class degree in communication. In 2016, he graduated with an MA in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism taking the coveted award of best student in Journalism. His hardwork further won him the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant in the same institute. Because of his passion to impact knowledge, he is a lecturer in the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Desmond Lamptey has been into radio for 19 years and has worked as a radio presenter, producer, morning show host, late night presenter, and sport presenter just to name a few. He has worked with a number of radio stations including the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Radio Continental, Radio B.A.R, Radio XYZ, Obonu FM and Space FM. He is currently the host of the program 'Country on Class' on Class 91.3 FM. In an interview with gijonlinenews.com, Desmond explained that, the aim of his program was “to create an atmosphere of a friendly community for audience to relax and enjoy the music together with the information." Regarding radio presentation as a ministry, Desmond was of the view that, "radio goes beyond educating, informing and entertaining. It is a calling; it is a religion.” “When I am on radio and someone sends a message that he was about to commit suicide but changed his mind because of my message; and when I am standing in front of my students and share knowledge with them, I am fulfilled" he emphasized. Married to Gifty Lamptey and blessed with a beautiful daughter, he says combining journalism and lecturing with family life is not an easy task. "I am blessed to have a partner who understands my profession. And as much as it is not easy, I try as much as possible to make time for my family." In his concluding remarks, he encouraged upcoming media practitioners to seek education through training, love what they do and also read wide.

Research Interest

Journalism, Social media.