Patrick Quarcoo


Patrick Quarcoo, 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. Quarcoo received the International Recognition Award at the 2012 Ghana UK-Based Achievement Awards.

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.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Administration from the University of Ghana.
He completed an MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School, specializing in International Marketing and Corporate Strategy.
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.
In 2000, he relocated to Nairobi to launch his own media venture with British journalist William Pike.

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.
Over the next decade, the group launched a series of other stations and a newspaper, The Star (Kenya).
In 2014, the group entered television with Bamba TV, its free-to-air digital channel.
Radio Africa also expanded regionally, co-owning Capital FM and Beat FM in Uganda.

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.
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.

Personal life

Quarcoo was married to Gifty Quarcoo, who died from cancer in April 2020; the couple had three children.

Awards and nominations

YearAward ceremonyAwardCategoryResult
2012GUBA AwardsInternational Recognition AwardInternational RecognitionWinner
2024AllAfrica Media Leaders’ SummitLifetime Achievement AwardLifetime AchievementWinner
2024Marketing Society of Kenya AwardsMSK Warrior AwardOutstanding Achievement in MarketingWinner