By Andrew Nsoseka
Buea on Saturday, May 17, 2025, will play host to the first book launch event of ace journalist, Charlie Ndi Chia, who will be unveiling his maiden book titled ‘Ink in My Blood’ – A Journalist’s Fight for Truth and Freedom in Cameroon. The book details the life and various encounters of Charlie, who started as a carpenter, then moved into journalism, where he made a name and became a heavyweight. His strides in journalism made many generations of journalists in Cameroon look up to him.
The much-anticipated event will officially unveil the book which many had asked for in private, and sometimes in public writings. Given his rich knowledge and experience gained through practicing through several phases of journalism in Cameroon, many have craved to have Charlie Ndi Chia put all his experiences and lessons in a book. Unlike most, Charlie the ace journalist took his journalism practice like a vocation and call to which he truly was soldier – staying true to the mission. fighting for those who deserved to be fought for, and goring whoever deserved it.
In the book, Charlie Ndi Chia narrates his experiences which due to his decision to hold power to account, often led him into uncomfortable places mostly police and gendarmerie detention cells and other detention facilities all aimed at quenching the bobbling spirit of a reporter determined to do his work and staying true to his conscience and professional ethics.
In his book, Charlie Ndi Chia also goes memory lane into other challenges from colleagues he worked with, the battles they fought together to practice real journalism, the betrayals, the hard decisions and the decision to move on and phase out to different life challenges.
Writing about the book, writer and policy advocate, George Ngwane notes, “And finally the genie has been let out of the bottle. The much awaited literary travelogue of Uncle Charlie beginning from his childhood curiosity, through his juvenile mischief to his adult epiphany is now in the hands of the reader. Filled with wry humour, graphic details and frank talk, this epistolary autobiography amplifies the voices of journalists especially those who fearlessly spill their ink at the expense”.
On his part, Francis Nyamjoh a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Cape Town in South Africa writes about about the book, “While the youth are undoubtedly the leaders of tomorrow, the timeline for their rise remains uncertain. This is the enduring message of optimism woven through Charlie Ndi Chia’s captivating life story, recounted with the inquisitive nature of his grandchild. Ndi Chia, a journalist who left no stone unturned in his pursuit of truth, proves that even a rolling stone can gather moss, leaving a lasting legacy for future.”
In a note, the publisher summarises the book as a piece detailing Charlie Ndi Chia experiences from dodging flames as a child to dodging the secret police as a journalist, “this is the story of a life spent leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth. Charlie Ndi Chia’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of speaking truth to power, and the enduring spirit of journalism in Cameroon.
“Through arrests, detentions, and exile, he has fought tirelessly to expose corruption, hold those in power accountable, and give a voice to the voiceless. This memoir is a gripping account of one man’s unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity in the face of adversity. It is a story of courage, determination, and the unshakable belief in the power of the media to shape a better future for Cameroon.”
The publisher furthers that the book goes beyond just a personal memoir. The Publisher says it also serves as a call to action for the next generation of journalists, “a reminder that the fight for press freedom is a never-ending battle, but one worth fighting”.
