Hadja Mariama Kankalabé Baldé is a prominent figure in the Guinean media landscape. Born in central Dalaba and originally from Kankalabé, she graduated from the École Normale des Instituteurs de Macenta and dedicated eleven years of her life to teaching History and Geography. She also held leadership positions at the Examinations Service and the Women’s Promotion Center in Macenta.
Her career took an unexpected turn when she joined Radiodiffusion Télévision Guinéenne (RTG), where she became the lead presenter of "Kibaro" in the Pular language, serving with distinction for nearly 37 years. A mother of two daughters (one of whom is still alive), she has been honored by presidents and ministers and is a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She is widely respected for her professionalism, perseverance, and dedication, passing on to younger generations the values of respect, hard work, and education, which she inherited from her father.
Introduction
Hadja Mariama Kankalabé Baldé is a prominent figure in the Guinean media landscape, whose remarkable journey reflects unwavering determination and commitment to serving her country. From teaching to journalism, this dedicated woman has left a lasting mark on her era through her professionalism and devotion.
Origins and Education
Born in central Dalaba, Hadja Mariama Kankalabé Baldé hails from Kankalabé, specifically from Dankolo Balaya Bhè. She is the daughter of the late Malal Baldé and granddaughter of the late Thierno Aliou Balayanké. Her academic journey began in Kankalabé, where she completed her primary education before passing the entrance exam to Dalaba Central College.
Her father later transferred her to Conakry, where she continued her secondary studies at Donka and Bonfi College, eventually obtaining her baccalaureate from Coléah High School. Her academic excellence secured her a place at the École Normale des Instituteurs (Normal School for Teachers) in Macenta, where she distinguished herself not only in academics but also in sports, excelling in basketball, volleyball, and handball.
Teaching Career
After three years of training at the ENI in Macenta, Hadja Mariama began her professional career as a History and Geography teacher at the CER 2nd and 3rd Cycles of Ouezin Coulibaly in Macenta. Her competence and sense of responsibility quickly earned her a promotion to Director of the Examination Services in Macenta, followed by her appointment as Head of the Women's Promotion Center in the city.
Over her eleven years of service in Macenta, she demonstrated exemplary dedication, earning the respect of her colleagues. At her request, she was later transferred to Conakry, where she joined the Regional Directorate of Education of Conakry 2, serving at the Centre 2 School in Dixinn.
Transition to Journalism
Hadja Mariama's destiny took a decisive turn when her school director, Barry Thierno Amadou, strongly encouraged her to participate in a recruitment competition for broadcasters at RTG (Guinean Radio and Television). Initially reluctant, she eventually gave in to her superior’s insistence and took part in the competition.
Despite initial setbacks—her name was not on the official candidate list—she was fortunate to be noticed by the late El Hadj Siaka Sylla, then Director of Programs, who decided to include her among the applicants. After several rigorous selection processes, she was finally recruited to work in the national languages section.
Media Career at RTG
Her training at RTG’s studio school lasted two years under the supervision of demanding instructors such as Chief Odilon Théa, the late El Hadj Alpha Soumah, Madam Foly Ayoko, and His Excellency Mamady Condé, the latter of whom added "Kankalabé" to her name. Her early days at RTG were marked by a live national-language advertisement, which the late M’Baye Diagne "Black" later transformed into a commercial spot.
Over the years, Hadja Mariama rose through the ranks to become the lead presenter of national-language Pular programs, notably the popular "Kibaro" news program. Her career at RTG spanned nearly 37 years, during which she became a recognized and respected voice across the country.
Memorable Moments in Her Career
Among her proudest professional memories, Hadja Mariama fondly recalls the day when Minister Justin Morel Junior officially appointed her to represent him at a seminar in Guéckédou. This mark of confidence, which unsettled some within the hierarchy, remains a source of immense pride for her.
Other significant moments in her career include her decoration by the late President General Lansana Conté, another honor received from her former Minister Hadja Aissatou Bella Diallo, and the exceptional privilege of being publicly invited to the People’s Palace to provide a live translation of President Professor Alpha Condé’s speech.
However, her career was not without challenges. She recalls being unjustly suspended from RTG for five months before being reinstated through the personal intervention of President Lansana Conté. Another painful memory was the denial of administrative housing in Boulbinet, which ultimately led her to purchase her own plot of land in Conakry.
Commitments and Values
Married and a mother of two daughters—one of whom is still alive—Hadja Mariama Kankalabé Baldé is well known for her advocacy for women’s rights. During the March 2025 International Women’s Rights Day, she paid a heartfelt tribute to Guinean women, highlighting their bravery and invaluable contributions to society.
"To be honest, I am proud of the Guinean woman, of Guinean women," she declared, emphasizing their determination and entrepreneurial spirit in various fields such as textile dyeing, market gardening, and agriculture. She has also been a strong advocate for greater representation of women in political and administrative institutions.
Legacy and Advice for the New Generation
Drawing from her extensive experience, Hadja Mariama Kankalabé Baldé shares valuable advice with young journalists and professionals. She urges them to "take their work seriously" and follow the guiding principle of "listening attentively, keeping their eyes open, their mouths shut, and focusing on their tasks." She stresses the importance of training, respect for elders and superiors, and upholding the wisdom of her late father, who taught her to respect "the leader, the wealthy, and the wise."
Even today, Hadja Mariama Kankalabé Baldé remains a role model of professional success and civic engagement for many Guineans. Her journey—from teaching to journalism—embodies the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity, which have guided her throughout her life.
