Patrick Quarcoo
Ghanaian Kenya-based entrepreneur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Patrick Quarcoo (born 23 May 1957),[2] commonly known as PQ, is a Ghanaian-born, Kenya-based entrepreneur and media executive. He co-founded and served as CEO of the Radio Africa Group, an East African media conglomerate operating radio, television, print, and digital platforms in Kenya and Uganda.[3] Quarcoo received the International Recognition Award at the 2012 Ghana UK-Based Achievement Awards.[4]
May 23, 1957
- BSc Administration, University of Ghana (1977–1980).
- MBA, Manchester Business School (1984–1986).
- Senior Executive Program, Harvard University (2017).
Patrick Quarcoo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Patrick Quarcoo May 23, 1957 |
| Other names | PQ |
| Education |
|
| Occupation | Entrepreneur · Media Executive |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Known for | Founder & CEO of Radio Africa Group |
| Spouse | Late Gifty Quarcoo (married until her death in 2020) |
| Children | 3 |
| Notes | |
The information in this infobox was sources from Tuko News[1] | |
Early life and education
Quarcoo was born in Cape Coast, Ghana, into a family that valued education and print media—his grandmother told him, “Book no lies,” inspiring his lifelong passion for journalism.[1] He earned a Bachelor of Science in Administration from the University of Ghana (1977–1980).[1] He completed an MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School (1984–1986), specializing in International Marketing and Corporate Strategy.[1] In 2017, he attended Harvard University’s Senior Executive Program.
Career
Early journalism career
After university, Quarcoo joined Reuters in Uganda, where he worked as a reporter throughout the 1990s.[5] In 2000, he relocated to Nairobi to launch his own media venture with British journalist William Pike.[6]
Radio Africa Group
In 2000, Quarcoo and William Pike co-founded the Radio Africa Group, headquartered in Westlands, Nairobi. Their flagship station, Kiss 100 FM, quickly became the top youth-oriented radio channel in Nairobi.[7] Over the next decade, the group launched a series of other stations[8] and a newspaper, The Star (Kenya).[9] In 2014, the group entered television with Bamba TV, its free-to-air digital channel.[10] Radio Africa also expanded regionally, co-owning Capital FM and Beat FM in Uganda.[11]
Retirement and legacy
After 24 years at the helm, Quarcoo stepped down as CEO in June 2024 to pursue personal interests, remaining on the board as a major shareholder.[12] Under his leadership, Radio Africa Group launched six radio stations, one newspaper, a television channel, and multiple digital platforms, solidifying its role as an East African media powerhouse.[12]
Personal life
Quarcoo was married to Gifty Quarcoo, who died from cancer in April 2020; the couple had three children.[1]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award ceremony | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | GUBA Awards[4] | International Recognition Award | International Recognition | Winner |
| 2024 | AllAfrica Media Leaders’ Summit[13] | Lifetime Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement | Winner |
| 2024 | Marketing Society of Kenya Awards[14] | MSK Warrior Award | Outstanding Achievement in Marketing | Winner |
