Ghanaian media practitioner, student leader and political communicator David Opare Donkor, popularly known as Kwame Wilder, has been appointed the fifth Speaker of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Distance Learning Students’ Association (KNUST‑DLSA) Parliament. He takes over from Victor Owusu, popularly known as Kwaku Citizen, who now serves as Special Aide to the Member of Parliament for Akrofuom and Education Project Coordinator for the Akrofuom Constituency.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz about his appointment, Donkor said he was grateful for the opportunity and determined to justify the confidence placed in him. “Honestly, I feel deeply honoured and grateful. Becoming the 5th Speaker of the KNUST‑DLSA Parliament is not something I take lightly. It reflects my colleagues' trust and allows me to serve at a higher level. For me, it is also a reminder that the journey is bigger than the title. I have had my own challenges, disappointments and moments where I questioned whether I was making progress, but I kept going. So, standing here today as Speaker is a very special moment for me, and I give all the glory to God,” he said.
Donkor’s leadership journey includes serving as President of the Mass Communication and Journalism Students’ Association during the 2024/2025 academic year and on the Kumasi Technical University SRC Parliament Committee on Legal Affairs, where he gained experience in parliamentary procedures and student governance. During the 2024 general elections, he served as Campaign Spokesperson for Sports and Creative Arts for the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG). He currently works as Media Aide to the Municipal Chief Executive for Atwima Nwabiagya Municipal Assembly, Hon. Wisdom Osei Boamah, supporting communication and public engagement on programmes and development activities.
According to Donkor, his experience in media, student leadership and political communication has prepared him for the new role. “My journey in media, student leadership and political communication has taught me how to listen, communicate and, most importantly, understand people. As a media practitioner, I have learned the importance of asking questions, being objective and giving people a voice. Student leadership has taught me that leadership is not about the position you occupy but about the people you represent,” he explained.
As Speaker, Donkor said his main focus would be to make the DLSA Parliament more effective and accessible while ensuring that students’ concerns receive attention. “My biggest priority is to make the DLSA Parliament more effective, accessible and respected. I want a Parliament where members feel comfortable expressing their views, where debates are meaningful, and where the House focuses on issues that genuinely affect distance learning students,” he stated. He added that he would also promote accountability, discipline and constructive engagement between the Parliament and the other arms of the Association. “I don’t want to promise everything under the sun. I would rather set realistic goals, work with the leadership and members, and actually deliver on them,” he added.
Donkor’s appointment comes alongside recognition for his work in media advocacy and student politics. At the KNUST‑DLSA Awards, he received the Most Promising Student Politician of the Year and Student Media and Advocacy Personality of the Year awards. He said the awards encouraged him to keep working hard. “These awards mean a lot to me because they recognise two areas that have been a major part of my journey: politics and media advocacy. But I don’t see the awards as the destination. I see them as encouragement to do more. They also remind me that people are watching, and therefore I have a responsibility to use whatever platform I have positively,” he said.
