The Department of Radio and Television Production at the University of Media, Arts and Communication’s Institute of Film and Television (IFT), hosted an Alumni Homecoming 2026 on June 11, 2026, at the Institute’s studio 3.
The event, themed “Beyond the Mic & Screen: Mentorship, Creativity & Media Entrepreneurship,” brought together alumni, faculty, students, and industry professionals in a vibrant celebration of excellence, mentorship, and innovation.
The programme began with a warm welcome and Opening Remarks from Dr. Ramatu Dadzie, the Dean of the Faculty of Cinematic and Television Arts. She acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests, including the chairperson, alumni, faculty, and students, and emphasised the importance of alumni engagement in strengthening the department and faculty. “It has become paramount that occasionally we need to meet to reflect and to see how best we can help the Institute. This forum is a continuation of our efforts to build real connections, and with your goodwill and good intentions, everything will go as expected,” she said.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Mary Ayim-Segbefia, Head of the Department of Radio and Television Production, reflected on the department’s legacy and future. She traced the history of television production at IFT back to 1978, noting that graduates have become the backbone of Ghana’s broadcasting industry.
Dr. Ayim-Segbefia emphasised three objectives for the gathering: reconnecting alumni; providing students with direct access to role models; and critically reflecting on the future of media practice and education. She highlighted expansion plans, including new degree and graduate programmes, and appealed to the alumni and stakeholders to support with training resources, equipment, and awards for outstanding students. Her words resonated deeply when he passionately said: “A world without radio is deaf, and a world without television is blind. Let us invest in training that keeps Ghana’s media strong, responsible, and future-ready.”
The Chairperson of the event, Her Royal Highness (HRH), Naa Lamiley Ajaaku Dromo II, Divisional Queen mother, Lante Djan We, a distinguished alumna of the former National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), added a personal and inspiring touch. Sharing her journey through broadcasting, advertising, corporate communications, and her role as a Queenmother, she reminded students that the skills learned at UniMAC-IFT go far beyond technical training. “This institution never just trained us to use equipment. It trained us to tell the truth – compellingly, on deadline, for an audience that owes you nothing. That skill, goes everywhere.” She stated.
She further urged alumni to leave behind more than nostalgia: “One conversation; one contact; one honest piece of advice you wish someone had given you.” With that, she officially declared the homecoming open.
The homecoming also featured a powerful address from Akosua Otchere, an alumna of UniMAC-IFT and a broadcast journalist at Citi FM/Channel One TV. Sharing her journey from graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a presidential correspondent, she emphasised resilience, networking, and the importance of building a personal brand. “Getting into the industry is very difficult because you are competing with many students from different schools. So, what do you have to do to stand out? That’s where media entrepreneurship comes in.”
She went on to urge students to leverage social media, create niches for themselves, and stay informed: “Employers now check your social media handles to see what you post and what kind of person you are. You need to be on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, TikTok – but not just for fun. Create a niche for yourself so that when people search your name, your work appears.” Her message resonated with students, reminding them that success in media requires discipline, creativity, and continuous learning
The event featured an exhibition of selected student productions, showcasing the department’s emphasis on practical training and technical proficiency. A seminar themed “Understanding Who You Are: Your Identity and How to Use It to Carve a Niche” challenged participants to embrace authenticity while leveraging creativity and entrepreneurship in the fast-changing media industry.
Among the alumni voices was Mr. Ivan Quarshigah, Head of Farmhouse Productions, who completed his studies at UniMAC-IFT (formerly NAFTI) in 1992. He described the homecoming as nostalgic, recalling memories of his student days and emphasising the importance of giving back to the institution that shaped their careers.
“This is the school that has made us who we are, and so it’s important that we learn to give back. Anytime you work and get paid, remember that before NAFTI, you couldn’t have done what you’re doing now. The facilities today need our support, and it is up to us in the industry to make this institution better for those coming after us.”
He also encouraged students to embrace the opportunities in today’s media landscape, stressing the importance of mentorship and networking: “Get a mentor, find somebody who can hold your hand and navigate the industry. It is complex now, but with guidance, you can thrive.”
A key highlight of the homecoming was a fundraising session led by Mr. Quarshigah, aimed at supporting the Department of Radio and Television Production. Alumni and stakeholders were encouraged to contribute toward strengthening facilities, enhancing training resources, and sponsoring new award categories for graduating students. This initiative underscored the alumni community’s commitment to sustaining the department’s legacy and investing in the next generation of media professionals.
Students described the homecoming as transformative. For many, it was their first opportunity to interact directly with industry practitioners and alumni who once sat in the same lecture halls.
Vivian Ofori, a level 100 Broadcast Journalism student, reflected on the impact of the seminar sessions: “The seminar really spoke a lot about how to be yourself, how to make sure you get a real mentor who is going to guide you. I think I’m going to take that, and it’s going to make a change.”
Such testimonies highlighted the event’s role in inspiring confidence and shaping the mindset of future media professionals.
The success of the programme reflected the dedication of faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Ayim-Segbefia acknowledged the contributions of colleagues and technical teams, noting that the live streaming was produced by Level 400 TV Production students – a testament to the department’s emphasis on hands-on training.
Dr. Ayim-Segbefia concluded the even with Peggy Noonan’s words: “Television gives everyone an image, and radio gives birth to a million images in a million brains.” The echoes of this homecoming will inspire students and alumni alike to keep pushing boundaries in Ghana’s media landscape and beyond.
The 2026 Alumni Homecoming was more than a reunion; it was a reaffirmation of UniMAC’s mission to nurture creative excellence and empower future media leaders. By bridging generations of storytellers, the Department of Radio and Television Production continues to position itself as a hub for innovation, mentorship, and national development.
Drafted by Level 300 Broadcast Journalism Students: Regina Deladem Kevi; Emmanuella Naa Kwarkor Quartey; Natassa Naa Yemoteley Odoi; Regina Aku Baah