On a night where the media, political and celebrity heavyweights turned out in droves to show their support, Bola Ray’s biography was launched with much pomp and pageantry the likes of which this nation has rarely seen.
From the start of events with the arrival of dignitaries, including Bola Ray’s parents, till the purchase of the very first copy of the book by former President John Dramani Mahama; the event was elegant yet not overly convoluted, as it should be.
‘It Is Possible, The Bola Ray Story’ – written by journalist Obed Boafo and chronicling the life and career of the celebrated broadcaster turned business executive Nathaniel Kwabena Anokye Adisi – was officially lifted from the minds of Bola and turned over to the Ghanaian people on the night of Thursday, September 21, 2017.
On the night we celebrated the birth of the single most important person in Ghanaian history, another star of Ghana wrote his name into the history books.
The Labadi Beach Hotel provided the background for this high-minded event, but the official launch of the book itself was simplicity personified.
The night officially began with the introduction of the Chairman, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, by the impeccable Master of Ceremonies Kwame Sefa Kayi.
Singer Eboo then performed the official theme song for the book, his single ‘It Is Possible’.
The best part of the night was the official book launch itself, which took less than five minutes to do. It entailed the airing of a short film showing a man carrying a briefcase, in a race against time to get to the office of ‘the boss’, on the 6th floor of Platinum Building, the official headquarters of the Excellence in Broadcasting Network.
It was neatly and elegantly done and the room erupted into applause at the end.
In a short interview with MC Sefa Kayi, Bola Ray laid bare his reasons for deciding to chronicle his story and why it was released now instead of any other time.
“At age 38, I dreamt of putting something down.” Bola told the Chairman General of the airwaves. After that was two years of “discipline, hard work and commitment”, alongside his biographer Obed Boafo, to get to the big night.
“I want it [my book] to touch lives.” Bola added. “I want people to see the other side of Bola Ray… They know the name, they do not know the story”
Bola Ray said aside his story hopefully teaching people that everything is possible, it is also to inspire others to tell their own stories, especially those who have weathered the storms to get to a level where that wisdom can impact the lives of others.
“We all have books in us [and] we tell stories everyday” the EIB network CEO added.
Bola Ray also announced that as part of activities surrounding the book, he would embark on a tour of over 80 schools across the country to talk about his book and why young people should think that with hard work and discipline, it is possible to achieve their wildest dreams. The tour would also include other prominent Ghanaians sharing their success stories.
“We need role models in Ghana” he noted.
The auction of the book was a rounding success as well, with former President John Dramani Mahama purchasing the first copy for a healthy, though undisclosed sum. Other copies were sold to dignitaries including the CEO of the Jospong Group of Companies, Joseph Siaw Agyapong (Ghc 50,000), as well as Dr Kwabena Duffour Jnr (Ghc 100,000) among others.
The big night was graced by celebrities from all walks of life, showing the staying power of the man being celebrated and the great number of lives he has affected. Those present included KSM, Lydia Forson, the French Ambassador to Ghana – Francois Pujolas – Counsellor George Lutterodt, Kafui Dey, KOD and KKD, Joe Mettle, among many others. Patrons on the night where thrilled with music from Stonebwoy, Eboo, Efya and Wutah.
The event was sponsored by several companies including but not limited to; the Labadi Beach Hotel, Belaqua, Direct Savings and Loans, UniBank and Starlife Assurance.
Grab a copy of ‘It Is Possible, The Bola Ray Story’ from BolaRay.Com