BAKAH DERICK

About Bakah Derick

Introduction of Bakah Derick

Bakah Derick is a seasoned media professional, award-winning journalist, and dedicated advocate for inclusive development, with nearly two decades of experience reporting from Cameroon’s conflict-affected North West Region. His career spans across radio, print, and institutional communications, marked by a consistent commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and fostering community resilience.

For over a decade, Bakah served as a news anchor and reporter at Abakwa FM Radio in Bamenda, a station at the heart of grassroots broadcasting. He later became the Bureau Chief for the North West and West Regions, as well as parts of the South West including Manyu and the Ekok border area with Nigeria for The Guardian Post, then Cameroon’s lone English-language daily. His ground-level reporting brought national and cross-border issues into focus, making a significant contribution to public discourse and accountability.

Bakah has also served as Communications Assistant at the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). During this period, he was appointed Media Officer of the Intermediate National Team of Cameroon during the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Cameroon finished in fourth place. His expertise in institutional communication was further demonstrated in his role with Hope for the Needy Association (HOFNA), where he supported strategic messaging on issues affecting women and vulnerable communities.

An influential voice within the media community, Bakah currently serves as Vice President in charge of International Relations at the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU), where he champions the rights and professional growth of journalists.

His excellence has been recognised through multiple awards, including:

The Guardian Post’s Best Journalist of the Year (2012)
The Drum’s Most Outstanding Media Professional of the Year (2017)
World Echoes Media Group’s Award for Selfless Service to Nature and the SDGs
Recognition by the Bamenda III Council for Outstanding Contributions to Council Development Initiatives
New Breed Africa Celebrity Awards 2025 Events Host of the Year

He is also a recipient of key CJTU distinctions:

Anye Nde Nsoh Memorial Award for Sports Reporting
CJTU NW–CAMGEW Award for Environmental Protection Reporting (2024)
CJTU/Rosaline Obah Award for inclusive peacebuilding reporting November 2024
Michael Ndi Award for Best Foreign News Story with Local Impact (2025)

As Administrator and Lead Strategist of Hilltopvoices Communications Group Ltd, Bakah leads efforts to document community development, inspire informed citizenship, and promote inclusive governance. His widely followed commentary series, Bakah’s Check, combines satire with critical insight to address societal shortcomings while championing positive values and cultural integrity.

A highly sought-after Master of Ceremonies, journalist, and media trainer, Bakah Derick is shaping narratives that build bridges between communities, institutions, and ideas for a better Cameroon.

High-profile events I have recently hosted

Host of the Abakwa Arts and Culture festival by Lum D Foundation at the Nkwen Baptist Center 2022

Hosting NBACA

Co-Host at #NBACA21 the #Resilience edition in Bamenda

Hosting the WOMEN's DAY celebration reception at the Cameroon Football Federation FECAFOOT

Host of the Enhancing Community peacebuilding through psychosocial support, economic empowerment and prevention of gender-based violence project by HOFNA CAMEROON in Nkambe

At the Yaoundé Conference Center to Host the graduation and convocation of Experiential Higher Institute of Science and Technology 2023

Host of the accessibility to inclusive development round table by the Socio-economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities program of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services in Bamenda 2024

Official announcer at the National Conference on the Localisation of UNSCR1325 and ending gender based violence by HOFNA CAMEROON in Yaounde

Just finished signing the condolence book ahead of duty as Announcer at the Funeral of Stephen Tataw former Captain of the National football team of Cameroon "The Indomitable Lions" in Yaoundé June 2020

Just arrived the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaounde for a role as Announcer during the opening of the 2020/2021 football season...

Bakah Derick MC at the House dedication and Birthday at one of Cameroon's biggest blockchain entrepreneur Njamnsi Roland in Douala 2021

MC at the 2022 Graduation of HiHMAtech International University Bamenda

Host of the 2022 graduation ceremony of Experiential Higher Institute of Science and Technology Yaoundé at the Yaoundé Conference Center

Host of the Project/partnership Closure Event by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) Socio-economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SEEPD) and Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Bamenda 2023

Host of the 2022 Watchdog Tribune Group National Press Award for Excellence Foumbot 2022

Host of the wedding of the CEO of El Gambo Enterprise Bamenda 2022

Host of the Bamenda III Council Festival of Heritage Arts and Culture (FEHACU 2021 and 2022) Bameda

Host of the Nkwen Cultural and Development Association (NCDA) Douala Branch reconciliation football tournament 2022

Host of the Princess Angwafo Easter Festival and Album Bamenda Congress Hall 2024

With the Station Manager of the Cameroon Radio Television NW after hosting the Special Award Night Club 58 up-station Bamenda 2024

Host of the Atoghu Festival closing event in Bamenda in 2024

Host of the Cameroon English Newspaper Publishers Association award night at Hilton Hotel Yaoundé 2024

Arrived Yaoundé to host the opening and inauguration of Bright Vision Schools in Okola 2024

Host at wedding of Engineer Viban Edwin and Mirable Bamenda 2024 November 30 2024

Hosting the Great Mind Summit in Bamenda 2024. A project of Cameroon Renewed implemented by Hope for a Better Future (H4BF), Society for the Promotion of Initiatives in Sustainable Development and Welfare (SOPISDEW) and Forestry and Agroforestry Promoters (FAP) NGO with support from the European Union, Noorderpoot from the Netherlands, Masterpeace from the Netherlands and Apro Formacione from Italy. November 22 2024