Sir Ben: The Quiet Giant Behind The Catholic Standard

In every institution, there comes a time to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to those whose tireless efforts, quiet leadership, and steady hands have helped to steer its course. Today, I do so for a man I have come to deeply admire and personally thank—Mr Benedict Batabe Assorow, affectionately known as Sir Ben—who, after nine years of dedicated service, has handed over the reins of The Catholic Standard and Standard Newspapers and Magazines (SNAM) Ltd.

As the incoming Managing Editor of The Catholic Standard, I step into very big shoes. I am not just succeeding a seasoned journalist and manager. I am following in the footsteps of a man who transformed challenges into opportunities—a man who saw SNAM not merely as a business, but as a mission—a ministry, even. And it is no exaggeration to say that much of what I bring to this new chapter in my life has been influenced and inspired by Sir Ben.

A Steadfast Steward of the Faith and the Press

Sir Ben’s journey at the helm of SNAM began in December 2016, when he was appointed Managing Editor. At the time, SNAM was navigating turbulent waters, both financially and structurally. Under his leadership, the organisation underwent strategic restructuring, reducing its staff from 31 to 14 through a rationalisation process, while still managing to increase output, maintain a weekly publishing schedule without fail, and expand its commercial print portfolio. This was no small feat.

Sir Ben is not only a veteran media professional, but also a man of deep faith and dedicated service. His stewardship of The Catholic Standard was consistently guided by the mission to complement the Church’s evangelisation efforts through principled journalism and faith-based content. He also brought strong business acumen to the role, achieving an impressive 77% increase in revenue between 2016 and the end of 2024—despite challenging national economic conditions.

His leadership was not confined to SNAM alone. Prior to assuming the Managing Editorship, Sir Ben had already made significant contributions to Church communications, having served earlier as the Executive Secretary for Communications at the National Catholic Secretariat of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and later as Director of Communications for the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). These roles gave him a continental perspective and made him a vital link between the Church in Ghana and the global Catholic media network.

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He leaves behind a legacy of growth, reform, and quiet resilience—a legacy I am proud and humbled to inherit.

Institutional Anchor and National Servant

Sir Ben’s service extended to national media governance as well. Over the past six years, he represented the Christian Religious Bodies on the National Media Commission, where his voice was instrumental in advocating responsible journalism and upholding media freedom with moral accountability. At various times, he also served as a Board Member of major state-owned media institutions, including the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and the Graphic Communications Group Limited. In each role, he brought thoughtful deliberation, professional integrity, and a quiet but unwavering commitment to the public good.

Many will also remember him for his impeccable integrity and forthrightness during his tenure as Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Elections Committee—an office I also had the honour of holding during the 2025 GJA national and regional elections.

In this role, Sir Ben helped to preserve the integrity of the GJA, steering its electoral processes with dignity, fairness, and transparency. It was a position that demanded both toughness and tact, both of which Sir Ben embodied naturally. When I was later entrusted with this same responsibility, I often found myself drawing from the example he had set—steady, firm, yet compassionate and deeply committed to the principles of good journalism.

A Mentor and Gentle Torchbearer

As I look back at the path that brought me here, I am filled with gratitude. Sir Ben did not simply walk away when it was time to pass the baton. He made it a point to help guide my transition into this role with warmth and selflessness. His thorough handing-over notes, meticulously documented, show a man who does not merely leave; he prepares. From staff structures, finances, editorial processes, equipment maintenance, circulation issues, to detailed suggestions for improving SNAM’s cash flow and rebranding The Catholic Standard, Sir Ben left no stone unturned.

Even more touching has been his personal encouragement—never showy, always gentle, always supportive. He believed I was the right person to take up this new chapter, and in many ways, it is his belief in me that finally convinced me to accept.

Legacy in Ink and Spirit

During his tenure, The Catholic Standard became more than a newspaper; it became a mirror of the moral conscience of the nation. Through carefully curated editorials (with input from editorial consultants like Dr Anthony Bonnah-Koomson), Sir Ben ensured the paper maintained its high standards and moral authority. Under his leadership, the publication never missed a beat—even as the nation, and the world, confronted the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruptive shift to digital.

Sir Ben also oversaw the celebration of The Catholic Standard’s 80th anniversary in 2018 and began laying the foundations for the paper’s 90th anniversary in 2028. His foresight and commitment to continuity were always evident. Thanks to his efforts, we now have a re-registered SNAM with plans to expand digital subscriptions, improve printing infrastructure, and engage with new donor partners like the USCCB and the Italian Bishops’ Conference.

He believed strongly in prudent stewardship. He restructured operations to cut waste, engaged pro bono legal services, secured international printing grants, and introduced electronic payment systems to ease circulation logistics. Indeed, his fingerprints are on every major transformation at SNAM over the past nine years.

Farewell, But Not Goodbye

Sir Ben, though you are retiring from your official duties, your influence will remain palpable at SNAM and in the pages of The Catholic Standard for years to come. Your steady hand, editorial wisdom, and quiet mentorship have left an indelible mark not just on an institution, but on those of us privileged to walk beside you.

On behalf of the staff of SNAM, the wider Catholic media family, and my own family, I say thank you. Thank you for your service, for your faith, for your leadership—and above all, for believing in people. As I begin my own journey as Managing Editor, I carry forward your torch with humility and a deep sense of purpose.

May God bless and keep you in this next phase of your life. May He reward you richly for your selfless service to Church and country.

Sir Ben, you have run the race. Now rest, knowing that the Standard is still standing—because of you.

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