My job is a reflection of my life; putting smiles on the faces of others is what I live for. – Kwabena Bediako Antwi-Dako (IBK).
He might have an intimidating appearance but do not be deceived; He is a lovely person. He is full of charisma and has a great sense of humor which always leaves his listeners wanting more.
Born in the Eastern Region, Kukurantumi to be precise, to the late Mr. Kwadwo Antwi-Dako (former headmaster of Abuakwa State College) and Mrs Vida Agyepong, Young Isaac always made it a point to pursue his dreams regardless of the obvious obstacles he faced back then.
His father was a strong educationist who inspired Kwabena throughout his childhood. “Born into a family like mine, there was absolutely no room for failure.” He said, “My father always made sure my siblings and I lacked nothing and did all he could to bring us up the right way. He even got me a pet dog which I named Fafiisa. My father’s selfless nature ignited my love for humanity and he always used to say that, from dust we were formed and from dust we shall return; I am always humbled when I think of this my basic philosophy in life is live to the fullest, explore opportunities and give my best while at it.”
Isaac Kwabena Bediako (IBK) as he was originally named had his elementary education at Ofori Panyin L.A primary and later had his Junior Secondary Education at State Presby Junior Secondary School, Kyebi, where he earned the nickname Wachuku because of his rough character and tough appearance. He is an old student of Ofori Panyin Secondary school also in the Eastern Region of Ghana. At Ofori Panyin Secondary, Kwabena took a liking for the History subject and through that, he immediately discovered his interests in governmental and media related issues. He was and still is a big fan of table tennis, soccer and shot put. He had his tertiary education at the University of Ghana, where had a degree in Fine Arts from the School of Performing arts. He also holds a degree in Marketing Administration from Cambridge International College, UK.
In his words, “The University of Ghana opened a lot of doors for me. I had the chance to meet some of the great names in the movie industry and got up-close and personal with them and because of my course of study, I got a rare chance to perform with some of them on stage.”
IBK is a professional actor and a radio presenter who has worked with prestigious companies including Telecommunication giants, Vodafone. “I had my first ever job in 1998 when I worked as an accounts clerk for the PTA at Abuakwa State College; from there I started my professional acting career and starred in quite a number of commercials, movies and TV series.” In 2005, He worked at Tesco super market in London as a shop assistant; He returned to Ghana later to work with Vodafone Telecommunications as a Sales Manager for seven (7) years and all these while he acted on the side. He later moved to work with Eastern FM for only 3 months and finally ended up with the fastest growing media brand in Ghana, EIB Network.
“Working with EIB has been a dream come true because I get to do the things I love to do on a full time basis without stress. EIB is a full house which comprises of everything media related and in addition it is led by one of the men who continues to challenge me every step of the way, Bola Ray. I am a family man who is married to the beautiful Afia Pomaa Antwi-Dako and we have three (3) children who I cherish dearly. To me family is everything and that is the best Trophy I’ve ever won in my entire life and I want my children to see me as a loving father and a hero who would do anything to protect, inspire and mentor them.”
With regards to his career path, Kwabena Bediako Antwi-Dako draws inspiration from communication mogul, Kwami Sefa Kayi. His greatest fears in life are, seeing dead bodies and listening to the siren of an Ambulance.
By: Nana Yaa Asabea