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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: Crime Watch host Zeze Ballah of Hot FM has been honored with the Gender Advocacy Award by Care Humanity Liberia Inc. (CHL), in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote gender justice, community safety, and humanitarian service through radio.
By Emery Watson
“We are here today to give you your flowers. This certificate is a testimony that your efforts are not in vain. You are one of us, fighting the good fight on behalf of gender justice and community safety,” Konneh told the awardee.
The award was presented in a special ceremony on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Hot FM studios on Broad Street, Monrovia. The event brought together media professionals, humanitarian advocates, and CHL officials who praised Ballah for using his nightly broadcast to fight gender-based violence, facilitate emergency response, and support vulnerable communities.
Welcoming the delegation from CHL, Yawell Ston Gray, Station Manager of Hot FM, commended the organization for recognizing Zeze’s impact and called on the awardee to take the honor as a call for renewed commitment.
“I was told that an organization wanted to honor Zeze for the tremendous work he’s been doing,” Gray said. “We know he has been on this journey for a long time. But with this award comes more responsibility. People are depending on you. So even the energy you thought you didn’t have—you’ll need to bring it back.”
Gray continued, jokingly, “At least now I can rest a little because Care Humanity Liberia will be calling too. This win is not just for Zeze. It’s for Hot FM and all those listeners who depend on Crime Watch every night.”
Arthur B.C. Wah, Sr., Executive Director of Care Humanity Liberia, delivered a moving tribute to Ballah’s work and its alignment with CHL’s mission of promoting health, gender rehabilitation, and conflict resolution.
“It is better to give someone a flower while they are alive than after they’re gone,” Wah said. “Zeze, your work is seen. You stay up all night, leave your comfort zone, and serve the public selflessly, connecting people, responding to emergencies, and advocating for women in crisis. That is innovation. That is service.”
Wah described Crime Watch as a vital public safety tool and thanked Hot FM for supporting the program without charge.
“This is motivational. Many times, people don’t say thank you,but today, we say it loud. Your contribution is recognized not out of favoritism, but on merit.”
He also paid homage to J. Korvah Beyan, the founder of Crime Watch, calling him a visionary whose legacy lives on through Ballah’s dedication.
Ms. Odell Konneh, CHL’s Gender Coordinator, officially presented the Gender Advocacy Award to Ballah. She highlighted the importance of honoring community leaders while they are alive and actively making an impact.
“We are here today to give you your flowers. This certificate is a testimony that your efforts are not in vain. You are one of us—fighting the good fight on behalf of gender justice and community safety,” Konneh said.
“This is to certify that Zeze Ballah, in recognition of your unwavering advocacy in the fight against gender-based violence, your dedicated services to humanity, and your support to community welfare, has earned this award. Presented this day by Care Humanity Liberia, signed by Odell Konneh (Gender Coordinator) and approved by Arthur B.C. Wah, Sr. (Executive Director).”
In an emotional acceptance speech, Zeze Ballah expressed gratitude to CHL, Hot FM, and the broader community of supporters he refers to as the “Night Birds.”
“Words are inadequate to express how I feel. Like Mr. Wah said, there are many Crime Watch programs, but it was Crime Watch Liberia on Hot FM that was selected,” Ballah said. “Thanks a million to Hot FM, especially our CEO, Rep. Bernard Blue Benson (DJ Blue), for giving us this space.”
He acknowledged the critical role the radio program plays in addressing emergencies, from robbery alerts to childbirth complications—often in the middle of the night.
“We receive calls from people under attack, women in labor, or families needing urgent help. Crime Watch has become a lifeline, and this award is for all those who help make it happen,” he said. “To my manager, thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t be here.”
Ballah also highlighted the generosity of the station’s leadership.
“We have never paid a dime to air this program. I don’t know how the station buys fuel or keeps the lights on, but they have supported us without hesitation. That’s why this award is for the entire Hot FM family.”
He ended his remarks with a hopeful message: “This honor is not mine alone. It belongs to all the people working quietly behind the scenes, and to the listeners who trust us. Thank you again to Care Humanity Liberia. This motivates us to do even more.”
About Care Humanity Liberia Inc. (CHL):
CHL is a non-political, non-profit organization working across Liberia to strengthen healthcare delivery, respond to disasters, promote gender equity, and support conflict rehabilitation. Through its recognition initiatives, CHL highlights change makers who advance these causes at the grassroots level.
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