The Wikimedian of the Year award was bestowed upon Sandister Tei in October 2020 by Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales. Recognized for her significant efforts in documenting the COVID-19 pandemic within Ghana, Tei has established herself as a central figure in digital media and open knowledge advocacy, balancing a career in broadcast journalism with long-standing contributions to the Wikimedia movement.
Academic Background
Born in Accra, Tei completed her secondary education at Achimota School before enrolling at the University of Ghana to study Geography. In 2013, she received a scholarship from the Tullow Group, enabling her to relocate to the United Kingdom to pursue a master's degree in international journalism at Cardiff University. During this period in Wales, she received a diagnosis for depression, a personal challenge that informed her later decision to found Purple People, an initiative dedicated to supporting individuals with mood disorders.
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Upon completing her postgraduate studies, Tei joined the digital platform AJ+ in 2014. She subsequently returned to Ghana, taking on a social media executive role at Joy FM before transitioning to Citi FM. At Citi FM, she functioned as a multimedia journalist and served as a side-kick on the Traffic Avenue show alongside Jessica Opare-Saforo. She also presented segments on technology and social media trends for the Citi Breakfast Show, eventually rising to the position of Deputy Programs Manager for both Citi FM and Citi TV. Beyond her station duties, she provided digital media training for organizations including the Young African Leaders Initiative, Voice of America, and the Office of the Mayor of Accra.
Wikimedia Advocacy
Tei co-founded the Wikimedia Ghana User Group in 2012, focusing on recruiting local editors and expanding outreach. Her international involvement began early, representing the group at the 2012 Wikimania in Washington DC to discuss strategies for increasing African content. In 2013, she attended Wikimania in Hong Kong, becoming the first Ghanaian woman to join such an international gathering of editors. She later participated in the 2019 Wikimedia Summit in Berlin to promote improved coverage of African subjects. In 2018, at the re:publica Accra event, she helped launch a petition regarding Freedom of Panorama in Ghana. Since 2021, she has maintained a professional affiliation with the Wikimedia Foundation.
Fast facts
- Born: Accra, Ghana
- Education: Achimota School, University of Ghana, Cardiff University
- Co-founder: Wikimedia Ghana User Group (2012)
- Award: Wikimedian of the Year (2020)
- Employers: AJ+, Joy FM, Citi FM, Wikimedia Foundation
- Language: English
Questions readers ask
What led to her recognition as Wikimedian of the Year?
She was honored in 2020 for her extensive work documenting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.
What was the purpose of the Purple People group?
It was founded by Tei as a mental health support group for individuals experiencing mood disorders.
