Whoswhos2020

WHO'S WHO 2019

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CONTENTS

05 Publisher’s Page
06 Tribute to Kofi Annan
08 Criteria for Inclusion
12 Tribute to Komla Afeke Dumor
15 Ghana’s Most Influential
57 Ghana’s Entrepreneurs
65 Ghana’s Spiritual Leaders
81 Ghana’s Corporate Leaders
93 Ghana’s Power Ladies
135 Ghana’s Statesmen
147 Ghana’s Traditional Leaders
153 Ghana’s Politicians
161 Ghana’s Music Artistes
171 Ghana’s Movie Stars
183 Ghana’s Stage Artistes
189 Ghana’s Media Personalities
203 Ghana’s Legal Practitioners
209 Ghana’s Sports Personalities
217 Ghana’s Humanitarians
223 Ghana’s Parliamentarians
250 Biographical Index

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ABOUT THE
BAMBWA GROUP

B ambwa Group is an international entity which has its
subsidiaries functioning in different economic bodies
within West and East Africa, through a common source
of control from its parent organization in Sweden.

Bambwa is committed to entrepreneurial roots and
to supporting entrepreneurs as they scale their businesses. We invest
and support Nordic and African Growth Companies to spread across East
and West Africa. Often the companies in our portfolio seek to expand
geographically and we are lucky to be able to draw on ideas together in
order to help them ascertain their goals. We have been doing this for a
long time and we understand the courage and commitment it takes to
successfully build a company.

Bambwa provides a proven growth engine framework taking companies
to that level from start to exit. We do not simply invest in businesses
through funding but also make direct investments and identify talented
teams to start businesses from scratch. With our international network,
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with Europe, the United States of America and Asia. Bambwa also
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Bambwa Unumed has a simple mission - to provide the best health
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facilities. Bambwa Media is a mission-driven media company with a focus
on high quality and engaging African content.

In our publications that aim to be Africa’s foremost directory and network
of influencers and change makers, WHO’S WHO is a platform that seeks
to profile outstanding individuals who are making impact in their various
fields of service, profession and practice.

Improving the quality of life is our mission, and we endeavor to work with
change makers and positive thinkers who strive to re-paint the future.

WHO'S WHO 2019

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A MESSAGE FROM THE
PUBLISHER

A journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step - Tao Te Ching

As we celebrate the publication of the inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Ghana, it is my pleasure
to present our honorees and appeal to our esteemed readers to bear with us and pardon our
omissions and blunders.
I acknowledge that there are numerous ways we can improve both the content and presentation of the pub-
lication. We have done our utmost best to list the most accomplished Ghanaians who are committed to ex-
cellence in their respective fields of endeavor. It is my prayer that we can get to a place where most of our
readers will accept and appreciate the accomplishments of these distinguished personalities.

We are working feverishly to establish a benchmark for celebrating authentic Ghanaian achievements, to
highlight personalities we are proud of. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard-working
publishing team at Bambwa Media - Aidoo Lord Barns, Deborah Cudjoe, Hafiz Suleman, Elvis Amoah, Kwame
Amartey and Andrew Padi Jnr. I am also very grateful for the continued support from the board and man-
agement team of Bambwa Group with a special appreciation going to Michael Mathiesen, our CEO and Hakan
Hollerup, our Chairman.
I extend my special appreciation to Mr. Charles Mensah of Trust Consult and Madam Doreen Andoh, the re-
nowned media personality of Multimedia for their enormous support and contributions towards this publica-
tion. A special thank you also goes to our team of prolific writers and editors Mr. Eric Kwame Amesimeku, Ms.
Justica Anima, Mr Oppong Baah, Mr. Kwame Appiah and Madam Nancy Arthur.
I am thrilled about all the people included in this inaugural edition, let me however, plead with all the other
deservingly accomplished individuals whom we missed. Congratulations to all the special men and women
who made it into our inaugural edition. Enjoy!

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WHO'S WHO 2019

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CRITERIA
FOR INCLUSION

WHO’S WHO GHANA is an opportunity for us to afford a measure of recognition to the men and
women who have made their mark in their specific occupations, professions, or service to others
in Ghana. A genuine effort was made to include those whose positions or accomplishments in
their chosen fields are important and whose contributions to community affairs have improved
the quality of life for all of us.

The names of those brief biographies included in this edition were compiled from public sources
of information. A list of a wide variety of personalities was consulted, and every effort was made
to reach all whose stature or civic activities merited inclusion.

In today’s society, no such publication could ever claim to be complete; some who should be in-
cluded could not be reached or chose not to respond, and for that we offer our apologies. Con-
straints of time, space and awareness are thus responsible for other omissions, and not a lack of
good intention on the part of the publisher. Our goal was to document the accomplishments of
many people from various occupational disciplines.

An invitation to be featured in the publication was extended at the discretion of the publisher.
Biographies were invited to help contribute personal and professional data, with only the informa-
tion freely submitted to be included. The editors have made a sincere effort to present an accu-
rate distillation of the data, and to catch errors whenever possible. The publisher however, cannot
assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the information submitted.

There was no charge for inclusion in this publication and inclusion was not guaranteed; an annual
update is planned. Comments and other concerns should be addressed to:

The Publisher
Who’s Who in Ghana
P.O. Box 10481, Accra North
28 Oroko Avenue
Kokomlemle, Accra
Phone: +233 (0) 205 100 700

+233 (0) 302 268 913

Email: [email protected]
www.whoswhoghana.com

WHO'S WHO 2019

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MANAGEMENT
TEAM

CEO Bambwa Group Fredua CEO Bambwa Group Liberia
Dankwa Jr.

CEO Bambwa Group Ghana

Chairman of the Elizabeth Nordic Investment
Board of Directors Boye Director

Chief Sustainability
Officer

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MEET
THE TEAM

Suleman Andrew Elvis
Yusif Hafiz Padi Jnr. Amoah

Copy Editor Business Development Copy Editor
Manager

Deborah Kwame Colin
Cudjoe Cool Amartey Yesutor

Production Manager Reseacher Art Director

Aidoo Mark Niklasson Contributors:
Lord Barns Mulvaney
Justica Anima
Graphic Designer Product Manager Oppong Baah
WHO'S WHO 2019 Kwame O. Appiah
Eric K. Amesimeku
Nancy Arthur

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WHO'S WHO 2019

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ORDER
NOW!

ORDER FORM

Ghana’s
Most
Influential

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H.E. NANA ADDO DANKWA
AKUFO-ADDO

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When on March 29th, 1940, Nana Addo Given his background, it was most natural for the
Dankwa Akufo-Addo was born to young Nana Addo to also pursue a career in law.
Edward Akufo-Addo and his wife He thus returned to England where he trained
Adeline, the gods themselves knew that it was at the Inner Temple under the apprenticeship
only a matter of time for the young William Akufo- programme at the time which allowed one to
Addo to take to the tradition of his progenitors become a lawyer without a degree in the subject.
and become a political heavyweight in Ghana. He was called to the English Bar in July 1971
They say when fate plants your feet in greatness, and four years later, he would be called to the
it does so by ushering you into a family of Ghanaian Bar as well.
prominent politicians and royals. Nana Akufo-
Addo’s feet were firmly planted in greatness from Nana Akufo-Addo worked with the Paris office of
the day of his birth. the U.S. law firm Coudert Brothers, but in 1979 he
settled down in Ghana and begun an illustrious
Ghana’s fifth President of its fourth Republic was legal career at a law firm he co-founded, the
born into a popular political family from both famous Prempeh and Co. Though long seen to
Kyebi and Akropong-Akuapem in the Eastern be coming, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s
region. His father, Edward Akufo-Addo served as ascendancy to Ghana’s highest was not without
chairman of the 1967 Constitutional Commission struggles and low moments. Having entered the
and the nation’s third Chief Justice from 1966 to political fray in the late ‘70s when he joined the
1970. He was also the non-executive president People's Movement for Freedom and Justice to
under Ghana’s parliamentary government that oppose the General Acheampong-led Supreme
lasted from 1969 to 1972 before it was upended by Military Council's Union Government proposals,
a military coup. Nana Addo’s maternal grandfather he had from that moment set himself up for
was Nana Sir Ofori Atta, the Akyem Abuakwa public office. He also became a leading figure in
monarch who served in the Executive Council the Alliance for Change, a pressure group that
of the colonial Governor ahead of the country’s organized a series of demonstrations to oppose
independence. Other illustrious relatives include the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) and
Kofi Asante Ofori Atta and William Ofori Atta, who the perceived human rights violations of the
made an unsuccessful run for the presidency in President Rawlings’ regime.
1979. The rich list of political colossuses from
which Nana Akufo-Addo traces his line cannot be After couching an image as a voice of conscience
complete without the mention of J. B. Danquah, for the nation, he decided to take a shot at
the “doyen of Gold Coast politics” who was the the presidency in 1998 competing against ex-
granduncle to the current president. President for the flagbearership position of the
New Patriotic Party. But that was not to be, and he
Starting his elementary education in Accra at had to wait eighteen (18) long odd years to take his
the Government Boys School in Adabraka and turn as Ghana’s President. Prior to this moment
later at the Rowe Road School (now Kinbu), though, he had worked variously under President
Nana Akufo- Addo moved to England to pursue Kufuor as Ghana’s Attorney-General, and the
his O-Level and A-Level education at Lancing Foreign Affairs Minister of the nation. Indeed,
College, Sussex, during which time he earned in the annals of Ghana’s political history, the list
his famous moniker ‘Billy'. From there he moved of people who have had telling imprints on the
on to the New College, Oxford in 1962, where he progress of the nation cannot be written without
enrolled for a course in Philosophy, Politics, and the inclusion of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,
Economics. He, however, cut short his studies at Ghana’s current President. His contribution,
Oxford and returned to his motherland where he both on and off the political scene, will serve an
had a short stint as a teacher at Accra Academy, important footnote whenever Ghana’s history is
before enrolling to read Economics at the chronicled.
University of Ghana, Legon, He graduated with a
BSc. Economics degree in 1967.

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H.E. DR. MAHAMUDU
BAWUMIA

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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been toasted Emile Woolf College of Accountancy in London;
as one of the best economists to come through serving as an Assistant Professor of
from Ghana and his rise to the high Economics in the Hankamer School of Business
office of the Vice President of the country was at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, USA;
largely on the prowess he had shown in finance to serving as an economist at the Research
and economics. A relatively unknown face in the Department of the International Monetary Fund
political landscape of Ghana, President Akufo- in Washington, DC, he was building a strong
Addo wasted no time in picking the then second background in the numbers which seems to have
deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana as his become an unwritten requirement to being made
running mate for the 2008 general elections a running mate to any presidential candidate in
seeing the excellent track record Dr. Bawumia Ghana’s political landscape.
had built for himself as an economist.
And when in the year 2000 he returned to Ghana,
Dr. Bawumia was born on 7th October 1963 into he was fully armed with a load of experience
a prominent political family. His father, Alhaji to gain a position at the Bank of Ghana as an
Mumuni Bawumia, a teacher, lawyer, a politician, economist. At this post, he distinguished himself
and a royal from the Mamprugu ethnic group and in no time, he rose through the ranks to
played a key role in shaping the young Bawumia’s become a Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana
future in politics. Indeed, Alhaji Mumuni was a in June 2006.
founding member of the Northern Peoples' Party
which was later merge with the United Party to As the Vice President under President Akufo-
become the current New Patriotic Party, a party Addo, he has been tasked with the onerous duty
his son is a member of. After his basic education, of being the head of the Economic Management
he proceeded to the Tamale Secondary School team and his knowledge and exploits have
in 1975 for his Ordinary and Advanced level come in handy in reshaping and rebuilding the
certificates. From there, he went to the United nation’s economy back onto the growth path.
Kingdom where he took a course in banking, Dr. Bawumia has copious amount of economic
earning a Chartered Institute of Bankers Diploma research works to his name and his distinguished
(ACIB). He later enrolled at the University of life as an economist has also earned him loads
Buckingham and earned a First Class Honours of awards and fellowships including a Fellow of
Degree in Economics in 1987. the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB), a Who
Is Who Among America's Teachers at the Baylor
With a strong appetite for education and a sharp University and the Young Researcher Award also
brain to match, Dr. Bawunia furthered his studies at Baylor University, Texas, USA. Dr. Bawumia is
for a Master’s degree at Lincoln College, Oxford, married to Samira Bawumia and the couple have
and obtained a Master's degree in Economics four adorable kids.
before proceeding to the Simon Fraser University,
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to pursue
and complete his Ph.D. in Economics at in 1995.

Dr. Bawumia’s career has been nothing but
an illustrious one. From lecturing in Monetary
Economics and International Finance at the

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H.L. SOPHIA ABENA
BOAFOA AKUFFO

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Sophia Abena Boafoa Akuffo is Ghana’s 13th appointment as a member of the Governing
Chief Justice and the 5th to be appointed Committee of the Commonwealth Judicial
to the position since the inception of the Education Institute and the Chairperson of
Fourth Republic in 1992. She succeeded Justice the Alternative Dispute Resolution Task Force.
Georgina Theodora Wood who retired from Further responsibilities would come in the form
the post in 2017, upon reaching the mandatory of an election to the African Court on Human
retirement age. and Peoples' Rights as one of the first judges in
2006. She must have been doing something right
Madam Akuffo was born into the famous Akuffo because in 2014 she was re-elected in 2014. She
dynasty of Akuapem in the Eastern Region on also served as Vice President and President of
20th December 1949 and had her secondary the court.
education at Parliament Hill School, Hampstead,
London and Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape It was scarcely surprising then that in 2017,
Coast. After an LLB degree at the University of when President Akufo-Addo had to nominate
Ghana and an LLM from Harvard in the United a new Chief Justice, Madam Akuffo, then the
States of America, she started her practice of law second most senior justice on the bench would
at prestigious law firm, Prempeh, Akuffo Addo be nominated. Her nomination was endorsed by
and Co, where she was famously the first young parliament as required by the constitution and on
lawyer to be taken on by the then infant firm. 19th June 2017, she was sworn in as the new Chief
Some stints in corporate Ghana later, she set up Justice.
her own firm, Legal Consultancy.
As Chief Justice, she has undertaken to
Her distinguished career won her many admirers, reform the image and processes of the judicial
who were mostly impressed by her deep service. Her emphasis on the use of modern
knowledge of the law, willingness to work hard to Information Communication Technology has
apply that knowledge and the even-handed way seen the introduction of several initiatives aimed
in which she applied it. These admirers included at transforming the delivery of justice in the
many in high places, including then President country. Madam Sophie Akuffo has a daughter
Jerry John Rawlings who in 1995 appointed her to and two grandchildren.
the Supreme Court. Despite having spent all her
working life up to that point in the private sector,
Madam Akuffo embraced her new role with
enthusiasm and her trademark assiduousness.
Soon, she became one of the respected members
of the bench and a dependable team member for
her colleagues in the highest court of the land.

This competence and dedication led to her

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OTUMFUO
OSEI TUTU II

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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th occupant occupant of the Golden Stool with the official
of the Golden Stool and the 19th name Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, a name derived from
Asantehene has redefined the role the founder of the ancient Asante Kingdom. This
and image of the modern African monarchy, stool name, only the second time to be taken after
emphasizing a return to traditional norms while the founder of the empire, sent an unmistakable
also playing an active developmental role that signal that the new King was ready to lead a
includes attracting investment, providing social renaissance of the ancient kingdom.
services and infrastructure and working for
peace among all Ghanaians. As Asantehene, Nana Osei Tutu quickly set
about to modernize the operation, image, and
A scion of the Oyoko Royal Dynasty, he was born functions of the office. Administrative systems
on 6th May 1950 to Nana Boakye Danquah of at the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the kingdom
Nkyenkyire and Nana Afia Kobi Serwah Ampem was revamped to make it better able to handle
II, who would become Queen mother of Asante in the demands of a modern monarchy. Otumfuo
later life and named Barima Kwaku Dua. From an has taken an active part in the development
early age, his uncle, Oheneba Mensah Bonsu, the efforts of Asante and the nation, including driving
Hiahene took him into his household to groom the investment and partnering with government
future monarch, since he was directly in line to and private sector operators in commercial and
the throne. He attended Sefwi Wiawso Secondary infrastructure projects. His Otumfuo Education
School and after his ‘O’ Levels, returned to Osei Fund and other charity projects have aided
Kyeretwie Secondary School (OKESS) for his sixth millions while setting an example to other chiefs
form education. He went on to study accounting in Ghana and Africa on how they could use their
at the Institute of Professional Studies, now office to the benefit of their people. His reign was
known as the University of Professional Studies, so impactful, even in its early years that Otumfuo
Accra (UPSA). soon came to be known as King Solomon, after
the biblical king famed for his wisdom and
As further preparation for his future role, he statecraft.
enrolled at the Kilburn Polytechnic in London,
England for a programme in Human Resource In 2003, Otumfuo was the first African monarch
Management in 1973. He also obtained a diploma chosen by the World Bank for a three-year
in Management in Public Administration from project known as the ‘Promoting Partnership
the University of North London. He then moved with Traditional Authorities Project’ (PPTAP) in
to Canada in 1981 where he joined the Mutual of which the bank provided a $4.5 million grant to
Omaha Insurance Company in Toronto, rising to expand existing programs in education, health,
the position of Senior Consultant. and capacity building for chiefs. As the lead in the
Committee of Eminent Chiefs tasked to resolve
In 1985, he returned to the UK and was appointed the Dagbon chieftaincy conflict, Otumfuo’s
Personnel Manager at the Manpower Services efforts finally bore fruit when in January 2019,
Commission of the Brent Council. It was also in a new Dagbonwura was installed following the
1985 that he was accepted into the Institute of performance of funeral rites for the late Yaa Naa.
Personnel Management in the UK as a member. He
later set up Primoda Financial Services Limited, Otumfuo Osei Tutu has received a lot of honours,
a mortgage brokerage firm before returning including an honorary doctorate at the Barbican
to Ghana to start a transport business named Centre in 2006. He is also Chancellor of the
Transpomech International (Ghana) Limited. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
These experiences in business and management Technology. He is married to Lady Julia Osei and
would later come to have an obvious impact on has six children.
his rule.

Following the passing of Otumfuo Opoku Ware
II, he was chosen as the next Asantehene and on
26th April 1999, he was officially installed as the

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SHEIKH DR. OSMANU
NUHU SHARUBUTU

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Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu is the Sunnahwal Jamaaha, Tijaniyya, Ahmadi and
Chief Imam of Ghana, the first ever to Shia – agreed that the position of National Chief
hold the title. From this position, he has Imam would rotate between them and the office
come to exemplify and represent the ideals of would now become the official mouthpiece of
faith, scholarship, tolerance, and peace that are the religion in the country with Sheikh Osmanu
central to the religion, gaining the respect and becoming the first to ascend to the office.
admiration of not only adherents to the faith but
Ghanaians from all religions. As Chief Imam, Sheikh Ousmanu has been a great
advocate and representative of the religion.
Born at Old Fadama in Accra into a prominent Due to his advocacy, two national holidays
Islamic family on April 23, 1919, he showed great commemorating Islamic events have been placed
promise from a very age. He was devout and on the national calendar. He established the
keenly interested in Islamic scripture and by age Sheikh Dr. Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu Education
12, he was able to recite the Quran, becoming one Trust Fund to provide financial assistance
of the youngest Huffaz, a term given to someone to needy students and the Nuuru Usmaniya
who can memorize and recite extensive parts Foundation for Humanitarian Services and
of the Holy Scriptures. To further develop the Development.
potential, he saw in his son, Sheikh Osmanu’s
father sent him to Kumasi to study under some of He set up the Islamic Peace and Security Council
the preeminent Islamic scholars of the time. of Ghana to promote sustainable peace in the
country has also established several schools,
His experience in Kumasi had a huge impact on including seven Islamic schools in the Greater
him and on his return to Accra, he decided to Accra Region. Sheikh Osmanu also led the
devote his time to instructing young Muslims on efforts that culminated in the construction of the
the tenets of the religion. Many of his students National Mosque at Kawukudi, a suburb of Accra.
went on to become noted scholars in their own
right. He himself continued on the path of learning In 2006, the University of Ghana conferred an
and quickly became noted for his expertise and honorary doctorate degree on him. Sheikh
deep understanding of the religion. In 1974, the Osmanu serves on the Ghana Peace Council. He
Tijaniyya sect to which he belongs nominated is also referred to as the Grand Mufti.
him to be the Deputy Imam in the country. Sheikh
Osmanu at first refused but was prevailed upon
to accept the position.

Sheikh’s qualities proved impossible to hide and a
greater calling awaited the scholar and leader. In
1993, he became head of the Tijaniyya sect after
his cousin who was holding the post stepped
aside due to ill health. After consultations, the
four main Islamic sects in the country – Ahlus

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FLT. LT. JERRY
JOHN RAWLINGS

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Jerry John Rawlings is Ghana’s longest serving popular figure in the country and after two
leader, ascending to that office at four years, returned to power in another military
different times for a total of close to twenty coup on 31st December 1981, accusing the
years. A charismatic and compelling figure, he Limann government of leading the country to
has been one of Ghana’s most significant leaders economic ruin. Mr. Rawlings’ new government,
whose impact will last for several generations. the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC),
Years after leaving office, he still remains one of sought to restructure the social and economic
the most popular leaders in the country whose fabric through radical measures. He established
words and actions are watched closely by both the Peoples’ Defence Committees and Workers’
supporters and critics alike. Defence Committees to mobilise support for his
policies. However, the measures failed and after
He was born on 22nd June 1948 and had his a crushing food shortage in 1983, he reversed
education at Achimota School in Accra. From course and adopted International Monetary Fund
there, he proceeded to the Teshie Military and World Bank approved policies in an attempt
School, also in Accra, where his professional to revive the economy. These included the
and leadership skills began to show. He was removal of price controls and subsidies and the
commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Ghana divestiture of many state-owned companies to
Air Force in 1969, winning the coveted ‘Speed the private sector.
Bird Trophy” for his skills in aerobatics. He was
promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant in 1978. While these measures largely had the intended
effect and growth returned to the Ghanaian
Jerry Rawlings grew dissatisfied with the economy, many were displaced by them.
economic and social conditions in the country, There was also wide disquiet about the lack of
which he blamed on the ruling military regime, democracy, the incidence of human rights abuses
the Supreme Military Council led by General and a culture of fear and silence which prevented
Kutu Acheampong and subsequently General criticism of Mr. Rawlings and his government.
F.W.K Akuffo after a palace coup. On 15th May In response, the government commissioned a
1979, along with other junior officers, he led report which recommended the return to multi-
an unsuccessful coup against the government party democracy. Mr. Rawlings resigned from
and was arrested and placed on trial by military the military and contested as candidate for the
court martial. What seemed like a fairly routine National Democratic Congress, winning the
trial ahead of the inevitable guilty verdict and disputed elections in 1992. In 1996, he won re-
execution was quickly turned into a public election, this time accepted by the opposition.
spectacle by the sheer force of the skinny young In 2001, after serving out his constitutionally
officer, who bravely took full responsibility for the allowed term, he handed over power to the
attempted putsch. Jerry Rawlings’ impassioned opposition New Patriotic Party, which had won
defence of his actions won him public support the elections against Rawlings’ party. This was
and fueled the discontent in the country. the first democratic transfer of power in the
nation’s history.
While awaiting completion of the trial, another
band of soldiers successfully overthrew the Jerry Rawlings won the World Hunger Prize in
government on 4th June 1979 and installed Mr. 1993 and donated his prize money to start the
Rawlings, whom they freed from jail, as the University of Development Studies. In November
new leader of the Armed Forces Revolutionary 2000, he was named the Eminent Person for the
Council (AFRC). After a short stay in office which first International Year of Volunteers. Since 2010,
was characterised by a “house cleaning exercise,” he has been African Union Envoy to Somalia. In
the climax of which was the execution of three 2013, he was named Global Champion for People’s
former leaders and other senior officers, the Freedom awarded by the Mkiva Humanitarian
AFRC handed over power to a democratically Foundation. He is married to Nana Konadu
elected government formed by Dr. Hilla Limann Agyeman Rawlings and they have three daughters
and his People’s National Party. and a son.

Mr. Rawlings however remained a visible and

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JOHN KOFI
AGYEKUM KUFUOR

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John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor was the second the 1992 elections but lost to Professor Albert
President of Ghana under its Fourth Republic Adu Boahen. In 1996, however, he won the right
and remains one of its most consequential to lead his party although he lost to Jerry John
leaders, credited with the sustenance of peace Rawlings. He gracefully conceded defeat and in
and stability, an economic revival and several a historic gesture, attended the inauguration to
social interventions. personally congratulate the victor. He was once
again chosen by his party two years later and after
John Kufuor was born on 8th December 1938 into a spirited campaign, he won the 2000 elections,
the Oyoko Royal Family which was also active in beating Professor John Evans Atta Mills, Vice
the pre and post - independence politics that President of the incumbent party in an election
seized the nation. As a boy, he was exposed to that required a second-round decider. For the
politics as his home was one of the hubs for first time in the country’s history, power passed
meetings by the Asante Movement, which formed over from one party to the other peacefully and
the base of the National Liberation Movement, a hopeful nation looked up to the Gentle Giant,
a major opposition to the Nkrumah-led as the new president was referred to, to bring
Convention Peoples’ Party that ruled Ghana after the change he had promised. With the economy
independence. He attended Osei Tutu Boarding in trouble and the country faced with crippling
school and Prempeh College in Kumasi before debt repayments, the new President chose to
traveling to the United Kingdom where he was enter the International Monetary Fund’s Highly
called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn. He also studied Indebted Poor Countries programme to gain
at the Exeter College, Oxford, where he took a some relief that the government capitalized on to
Bachelor’s in Politics, Philosophy and Economics initiate some economic and social programmes
and a Master’s degree in Economics. He returned such as the National Health Insurance Scheme
to Ghana in 1964 and joined the Kumasi City and a Capitation Grant for pupils in basic schools.
Council as Chief Legal Officer and City Manager. President Kufuor also instituted the Truth and
From this position, he must have gotten not only Reconciliation Commission to bring closure to
a kindling of his interest in politics but also his victims of human rights abuses under military
interest in local government which would later be regimes in the nation’s history. In 2004, he won
evident in his career as a politician. re-elections with an expanded mandate. During
his tenure, he served twice as Chairman of the
When Ghana returned to democratic rule in 1969, Economic Community of West African States and
he stood for and won the election to represent his once of the African Union. He handed over power
native Atwima Nwabiagya in parliament. He was in January 2009.
also appointed Deputy Foreign Minister, then a
mere 31 years old. Unfortunately, the government His retirement has been characterised by
lasted only two years before it was overthrown international statesmanship and advocacy.
by the military, and its leaders, including John He was named the first high-level Chair of the
Kufuor were thrown in jail. After his release, he Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership in
went into business, only to answer the call to 2011. He also served as Global Ambassador against
service once elections were held again in 1979. Hunger for the UN World Food Programme,
This time, his side was in opposition and he Chairman of the UN InterPeace Program, Global
was chosen as Deputy Opposition Leader and Envoy for the Neglected Tropical Diseases
Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs. Once again, Alliance, and Lead Advocate for the Partnership
there was a military intervention but in a deal for Child Development. He was also awarded the
between the political party of which he was a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, by
member and the new regime, he returned to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain
serve as Secretary for Local Government. As a and the Order of the House of Orange by Her
staunch democrat, Mr. Kufuor did not quite fit in Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. He
and before long, he returned to private life. has an honorary doctorate from the University
of Cape Coast and is currently Chancellor of the
As the nation prepared to return to constitutional University of Mines and Technology, which he
rule, Mr. Kufuor and others formed the Danquah elevated to university status during his tenure.
Busia Club, which transformed into the New He is married to Theresa Kufuor and they have
Patriotic Party. He sought to lead the party into five children.

30

JOHN DRAMANI
MAHAMA

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31

John Dramani Mahama, the fourth President After serving in Parliament for three consecutive
of the Fourth Republic of Ghana cuts a figure terms and having been appointed to various
as an affable, refined and peace-loving man. ministerial roles under President Rawlings, fate
His genteel disposition shields the stubborn came calling when the late Professor Mills called
determination that drives his life. upon him to become his running mate in the
2008 general elections, a request he gracefully
Born on the 29th of November 1958 in Damongo accepted. And when President Mills died in the
to Emmanuel Adama Mahama and his wife lead up to the 2012 elections, the mantle fell upon
Abiba Nnaba, former President Mahama spent Mahama to lead his party and the country into the
the formative years of his life in the Northern next phase of its existence. With his win at the
region of Ghana before relocating to Accra. The polls, John Mahama became Ghana’s first leader
senior Mahama, one-time Member of Parliament to be born after independence.
for West Gonja and the first Northern Regional
Commissioner in Ghana’s First Republic was Whilst some political watchers in Ghana have
determined that his son would have the best tagged Mr. Mahama as a lucky person, it seems
possible education and sent him to Achimota his meteoric rise to the top was designed and
School, one of the elite schools in the country. carefully engineered. He had worked and warmed
his way into the hearts of many Ghanaians
President Mahama was later to move up North throughout his time as MP and Minister during
again for his secondary education at the Ghana the Rawlings administration. Such personalities
Secondary School in Tamale. In 1981, he enrolled to become natural favourites in any political contest.
pursue further studies at the University of Ghana, Former President Mahama’s commitment to
where he received his first degree in History. He transforming Ghana during his time through
would later enroll at the same institution for Post- robust infrastructural development and
Graduate Studies in Communication completing investments in health and education endeared
in 1986. Still thirsting for knowledge, he travelled him to a huge section of the Ghanaian populace
to Russia where he studied Social Psychology, and even across the West African sub-region.
obtaining a diploma from the Institute of Social Such popularity even reflected and still reflects
Sciences in Moscow, the Russian capital. Before in the social media space where he is the most
his entry into mainstream politics, Mr. Mahama followed African leader.
taught at Ghana Secondary School, his alma
mater; then worked as the Information, Culture Not all people get to become presidents of their
and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan nations, but for the few lucky ones who get the
in Accra. He also had a stint as Sponsorship opportunity, the mark they leave determines
Communications and Grants Manager for Plan whether they are counted among the greats or
International Ghana’s Country Office. failures. John Mahama has left a mark on the
political and developmental landscape of Ghana
Then in 1996, his entry into politics was and his name will certainly be counted among
announced with his election into Parliament the greats whenever, wherever Ghana’s history is
as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bole- being written.
Bamboi constituency in the Northern region. His
affability and desire to always build bridges earned
him friends from both sides of the political aisle.

32

MOST REV. PROF.
EMMANUEL ASANTE

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33

Most Reverend Professor Emmanuel Sciences in 2011. He also served as president
Asante is Chairman of the National of the Trinity Theological Seminary, head of the
Peace Council of Ghana, an Religious Affairs Department of the KNUST and
accomplished academic and former Presiding Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist
Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana. As Church of Ghana.
chairman of the National Peace Council, he
occupies a sensitive position in the Ghanaian His stellar professional reputation, as well as
political and social sphere, performing a even- handedness and passion for the nation,
necessary function in preserving the famed would see him appointed Chairman of the
peace and stability that the nation enjoys. National Peace Council, the body tasked with
promoting and keeping harmony in the country.
Professor Asante studied at the Christian Service
College (now the Christian Service University Since his appointment to the leadership of
College) in Kumasi and the London Bible College, the thirteen member council, Most Reverend
which is now known as the London School of Asante has sought to build bridges between
Theology in London, England. He also studied at various parties and interest groups in the
Ottawa University and Saint Paul University, both country, including and especially around election
in Canada. A consummate academic, he holds periods, relying on his academic insight and
two Bachelor’s degrees in Theology, a Master religious instincts. He is a passionate advocate
of Arts in Theology and Doctor of Philosophy for peace, respect for institutions, due process
degree, also in Theology. and the preservation of Ghana’s democracy and
democratic norms.
A widely respected scholar, he has worked
as lecturer, part-time lecturer and external In recognition of his contribution to peace and
examiner for various tertiary institutions in tranquility in the country, he was honoured by the
Ghana such as the University of Ghana and the Methodist Church of Ghana in 2015.
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology (KNUST). Reverend Professor Asante
was ordained as a minister of the gospel in 1986
and elected to the Ghana Academy of Arts and

34

JEAN ADUKWEI
MENSA

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35

The role of women in Ghana’s governance She also led the process to broaden engagement
system has lately been amplified with between political leaders and the electorate
the appointment of a number of women through the introduction of the presidential
into key positions in certain strategic state debates which offer presidential candidates
institutions in the country. One such institution a platform to discuss among themselves the
is the Electoral Commission which is currently programmes and policies they would roll out
headed by Jean Mensa. Madam Jean Adukwei should they be given the nod to lead the country.
Mensah’s appointment came on the back of her Occupying such a sensitive position as the
long-distinguished leadership provided at the Electoral Commissioner of the country where
Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), an Accra- one wrong decision could send the whole nation
based think tank. into turmoil, means that one needs to be a cool-
headed and composed person to ensure peace
Born and raised in her native Accra, she attended and consensus building. Jean has been striving
the St Mary’s Senior High School at Korle-Gonno to do that by engendering engagement and
before gaining admission to the University of driving an all-inclusive process with her team.
Ghana to study law. With her legal background,
she has helped shape political development She has also tried to build on the successes
and discourse in the country with wide-ranging chalked by her predecessors in the area of
contributions in various areas of governance anchoring the work of the commission on modern
through the institution she headed prior to her technology.
appointment as the Electoral Commissioner.
With her pace of work and commitment to
Key among these are the Presidential Transitions Ghana’s political growth shown through years of
Act of 2012, the Revised 1992 Constitution of effort, she seems bent on leaving a positive mark
Ghana (draft), the Political Parties Funding Bill, at the nation’s electoral management body.
and the Revised Political Parties Bill, all of which
she played a major role in advocating for, drafting
and in the case of the Presidential Transition Act,
bringing it into law.

36

TOGBE AFEDE
XIV

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37

Togbe Afede XIV is the Agbogbomefia played a vital role in the development of Ghana’s
of the Asogli State in the Volta Region capital markets, which was then in an infant
of Ghana, an investment banker and a stage and is credited with the publication of the
renowned entrepreneur with several successful first ever stock market indices in 1991.
businesses to his credit. As one of the pioneers
in investment banking, a serial entrepreneur and Togbe Afede’s dexterity in the financial market has
a modern, activist monarch, Togbe Afede has had also been manifested in his entrepreneurship.
a multi-faceted impact on Ghana’s society and He has several successful businesses to his
development. name, including Africa World Airlines, the largest
domestic airline in the country; Sunon Asogli
Born James Akpo on 23rd April 1957, he had Power (Ghana Limited), a power producing
his secondary education at Kpedze Secondary company and Navigator Communications &
School and Labone Secondary School where Technology, an ICT firm.
he sat for his ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels respectively.
In 1979, he obtained a BSc in Administration He has also at various times, held or continues
(Accounting) from the University of Ghana School to hold positions on several governing boards
of Administration. He later gained a Master’s in including those of Aluworks Ltd, Bank of
Business Administration from the prestigious Ghana, National Investment Bank, China Africa
Yale University in the United States. These Company limited, Pioneer Kitchenware Limited,
academic laurels were not gained easily. He had Trans Africa Telecom Ltd and the Volta Region
to surmount several obstacles to do so but the Development Agency. He is currently the majority
same tenacity that would see him reach the top owner of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club
of the corporate ladder was already on display as Limited and chairs its board. In 2015, he was
he braved all odds to achieve his aims. Board of Directors of the World Trade Centre
and is presently Chairman of World Trade Centre
James Apko began working life at the now Accra.
defunct Bank for Housing and Construction as a
planning officer performing analysis of projects He has similarly served his nation in several
undertaken by loan applicants. He continued at capacities, bringing his vast experience and
the Cocoa Marketing Board as an accountant abilities to bear on the portfolios in which he
before moving to Nigeria to lecture in Economics has been tasked to serve. In 2009, he served as
and Accounting at Sokoto State Polytechnic’s a member of the Government Transition Team
School of Management Studies. When he and the Head of the Committee on the Economy,
returned to Ghana in 1989 after his studies at leading the preparation of the 2009 budget. He
Yale, he took up an appointment as a lecturer in was also a member of the President’s Economic
Financial Accounting and Accounting Theory at Advisory Council between 2009 and 2013.
the University of Ghana. He held this position till
1994, during which time he teamed up with others On 4th October 2003, he was installed as the
to establish Databank Financial Services. With Agbogbomefia of Asogli State. He serves as
his vast wealth of knowledge and experience President of the Asogli Traditional Council and
available, it was only natural that he would go on is currently President of the National House of
to find his own investment firm, Strategic African Chiefs.
Securities (SAS).

In 1999, he set up Strategic Initiatives Ltd, a
private equity and portfolio investments firm. He

38

ARCHBISHOP NICHOLAS
DUNCAN -WILLIAMS

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39

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams Archbishop Duncan-Williams also founded and
is the founder and overseer of Action leads Prayer Summit International, a group that
Chapel International, one of the biggest organizes revivals in cities around the world,
churches in the world with over 2000 affiliates bringing people together for intercessory
and 250 branch churches located in North prayers and prophetic sessions. He is also the
America, Europe, and Africa. He also founded strategic adviser and director of myfaithdaily.
the Christian Action Faith Ministries, a christian com. He serves as minister and intercessor for
evangelism mission. many political and business leaders in Africa. In
January 2017, Archbishop Duncan-Williams was
The Archbishop’s unlikely story began with a very invited to pray for the newly elected US President
troubled childhood that would have stretched the Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, the
boundaries of incredulity had anyone predicted first ever non-American to be given that role.
its culmination in the mission that now defines
it. While on admission at the Korle Bu Teaching His other ventures include Compassion in Action
Hospital recovering from a life-threatening injury, Africa, a non-governmental organizations that
a chance encounter with a christian nurse led is providing modern infrastructure for schools
to his conversion, setting in motion a series of in Africa, Dominion University, which aims to
events that would see him become one of the produce a generation of ethical and capable
preeminent ministers of the gospel in the world. leaders for the church, business and government
After his baptism in the Church of Pentecost, and Dominion TV, a Christian lifestyle channel
he enrolled at the Church of God Mission that is received in 16 African countries. He has
International Bible College in Nigeria where he written over twenty books and in 2017 was named
trained under renowned Nigerian pastor, Bishop one of the 100 most influential Africans by New
Benson Idahosa. African Magazine.

On his return to Ghana, he set up Action Chapel He is married to Lady Rosa Whitaker of The
International, the first charismatic church in Whitaker Group and the two of them are widely
the country. From very humble beginnings, regarded as one of Africa’s ‘power couples.’
Archbishop led his flock to grow their church;
and each milestone marked a challenge to reach
for the next one. Passionate, energetic and
ambitious, he is driven by the instruction of his
maker to carry the word to every corner of the
world and from all indications, he is making a
very good attempt of it. From its headquarters in
Accra, ACI’s presence is felt across the globe.

40

GLORIA
AFUA AKUFFO

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41

Gloria Afua Akuffo, Ghana’s current decided to challenge the results of the general
Attorney- General and Minister of Justice elections of 2012 at the Supreme Court, Gloria
is a lady of steal with an air of confidence, was made the lead council and left her mark
independence and fortitude. She has built a on the team during the nine months the case
distinguished career in the legal profession traveled.
over the years and this was capped with her
appointment as the head of government’s legal In recognition of her exceptional ability and
team under President Akufo-Addo’s government. legal knowledge, Gloria has been called upon
Hailing from Akropong in the Eastern region and and her expertise tapped into through her
Shai Osudoku in the Greater Accra region, Miss service on various boards and in different roles
Akuffo is an embodiment of the feminist spirit, and capacities. She was once a Fellow at the
willing and ready to stand and compete in a male- African Leadership Initiative and also served as
dominated world. a member of the Board of Directors of Enterprise
Life Assurance Company Ltd. Between 2001
Ms. Akuffo was born on 31st December 1954 and 2005, she was a member of the Divestiture
and had her secondary education at Aburi Girls’ Implementation Committee, the Ghana Police
Secondary School where she sat for both her Council, and served on the board of Ghana
Ordinary and Advanced Level General Certificate Airways Co. Ltd. She has served as a member
Examinations. She gained a place at the University at the Ghana Arbitration Centre as well as an
of Ghana in 1976, graduating with a Bachelor of arbitrator at the Ghana Labour Commission.
Arts Degree (Hons) in Law and Political Science.
She was called to the Ghanaian Bar in 1982 and In charting her path to the acme of her career,
began her career at the Ameyi Chambers two Gloria Akuffo has ridden on a strong conviction
years later. It was here that she remained till of self-belief, a can-do attitude and a resilient
she was appointed the first ever female Deputy character. With such a mix of personal traits, one
Attorney-General and Deputy Minister for Justice can understand why she runs one of the toughest
by President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2001. offices in the government machinery and why
she was given that position.
She was later to be appointed Deputy Minister of
the Greater Accra region and then in 2008, was
appointed Minister of Aviation in the twilight of
President Kufuor’s administration.

In 2013 when the then Candidate Akufo-Addo

42

OSAGYEFO AMOATIA
OFORI PANIN

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43

Osagyefuo Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin is AIDS Education Week to raise awareness about
the 35th occupant of the Ofori Panin the disease and the methods of prevention and
Stool, the traditional seat of the people control. Perhaps most daring of all, the social
of Akyem Abuakwa. He is one among a new breed conscious Okyehene famously tested for HIV
of traditional monarchs who are bringing their publicly to encourage others to do so too. He
professional and life experiences to modernize also ran a 5km marathon to raise awareness and
the ancient institution and deliver greater has established an Okyeman AIDS Foundation
benefits for their people. Osagyefuo’s efforts to undertake the education campaign. A keen
have seen the image of the institution revitalized, environmentalist, Osagyefuo also instituted
while development, education, health and social the Environment Week to encourage sound
infrastructure have also received a much-needed environmental practices. The Community
boost. Environment Protection Brigade (CEPB) has also
been established to encourage communities to
Born on 10th December 1952, he studied at act to protect the environment.
the Abuakwa State College and the Hartford
University, Connecticut in the United States of Osagyefuo Amoatia’s style of traditional
America where he earned a degree in Political leadership has been noted by many to be a
Science and Public Administration. He had a breath of fresh air in the institution that was fast
successful career in insurance brokerage, rising becoming out of touch and irrelevant to many. His
to the position of Manager at First Elizabeth informed engagement with social issues, focus
International Brokerage. Greater feats beckoned on development and professional management
but for the Ofori Panin fie royal, an ancestral of the traditional authority have combined to
calling was soon to come. win him plaudits from royal watchers and the
admiration of his subjects.
On the death of Nana Kuntunkununku II, the royal
search team settled on Odehye Nana Kwame Due to his passion for the environment, he
Amoatia Ofori Atta, as he was then known, was asked to and accepted to serve as Board
after scouring a number of possible heirs and Chairman for the Environmental Protection
announced him to the public on 4th October Agency (2002 - 2008) and the Forest Plantation
1999, prior to his official installation on the 11th Development Fund (2004 – 2008). Osagyefuo
of October that same year. He is referred to is a committed philanthropist and passionate
as the Okyehene, King of Abuakwa and also as advocate for the physically challenged. He is
Kwaebibiremhene, a reference to the dense Chairman and Patron of the Ghana Society for
forest in which his traditional territory is located. the Blind and is closely associated with the Free
He is considered the head of the Asona clan in Wheelchair Mission, which has supported over
Ghana. 31,000 people in 37 countries around the world.

Upon his installation, Osagyefuo promised to He is an avid golfer and is married to Elisabeth
deliver real development for his people and has Asabea Ofori Atta with whom he has two sons.
focused on education, health and the environment
among other issues. To encourage interest in
education, Osagyefuo set up an awards scheme
that honours the best performing students in the
traditional area each year. He introduced the HIV/

44

NANA OTUO
SIRIBOE II

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45

Nana Otuo Siriboe II is Paramount Chief and St Louis Secondary School. He has also
of the Juaben Traditional Area, business served as a member of the Lands Commission,
leader, governance expert and an Ghana Prison Service Council and has chaired the
electrical engineer by profession. His versatility Council that superintends the affairs of his alma
has enabled him to contribute to national mater, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science
development in many ways, earning him the and Technology.
respect and attention of many in both local and
international circles. He is currently Chairman of In 1979, he was a member of the Constituent
the Council of State, the constitutional body that Assembly that drew up the constitution ahead of
advises the president of the Republic of Ghana. the return to civilian democratic rule. This was
again the case in 1992, when he was once more
Nana Otuo Siriboe II is a graduate of the 1969 invited to join the Consultative Assembly which
year group of the Kwame Nkrumah University drafted the Fourth Republican constitution that
of Science and Technology, where he studied was approved in a referendum that same year.
Electrical Engineering. A mere two years after
leaving the university, the naturally eloquent Capable and willing to serve his nation, he was
young gentleman was so impressive in his elected to the Council of State in 2001 and re-
temperament, outlook and competence that his elected to the position in 2005. In 2017, he returned
elders saw it fit to name him the next occupant of to the body and in recognition of his immense
the Juaben stool when it fell vacant. Since then, experience and vast knowledge in government,
he has led his people with wisdom and vision, his colleague members of the august body voted
working closely with the Asantehene, to whom unanimously to elect him as their chairman.
his stool is associated. He was sworn in on 27th February, 2017. Since
then, Nana has sought to chart a more activist
He has played a distinguished part in many areas cause of the usually silent body, engaging more
of national life, serving as a board member for transparently with the public, offering robust
various institutions including Anglogold Ashanti, advice to the president and valuable commentary
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Komfo Anokye on issues of public policy.
Teaching Hospital, Ghana Trade Fair Authority

46

AKOSUA FREMA
OSEI-OPARE

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47

Akosua Frema Osei-Opare occupies When in 2004 Mrs. Frema Opare decided to test
the high office of the Chief of Staff in her luck in politics, she did so under the ticket
President Akufo-Addo’s government – a of the New Patriotic Party. She successfully
first for women in Ghana. Madam Opare’s exploits contested to become a Member of Parliament
in both professional and political life serve as for the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat. She was
a good reference point for ambitious Ghanaian made Deputy Minister for Manpower, Youth and
women striving to build a successful career in Employment from 2005 to 2008 during President
the largely crowded male world of politics. As Kufuor’s administration.
Chief of Staff, Mrs. Osei heads the administrative
machinery that runs the Ghanaian presidency and Whilst Mrs. Frema Opare mostly stays off the
is the preeminent aid to the President. But this cameras and remains unheard, she is silently
feat did not come without hard work and effort. performing one of the most difficult tasks in the
governance system – keeping the president’s
Born some 71 years ago, the indigene of team together and ensuring that the wheels of
Wiamoase in the Ashanti Region, pursued a the seat of the presidency remain oiled at every
bachelor’s degree in Home Science from the given moment. In the end, the successes of
University of Ghana. She then furthered her the Akufo-Addo government cannot be written
education at the University of Guelph in Canada without a page dedicated to the hard work and
where she earned a Master’s in Food Science. selflessness of Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
Between 1976 and 1982, Mrs. Frema Osei lectured
at the University of Ghana at the Department of
Home Science and managed to rise to become
the Head of Department. She also worked with
the United Nations as a consultant in the ‘Women
in Fisheries’ programme where her work took her
to countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, Congo, Kenya
and Namibia. Mrs. Frema Opare, up until her entry
into politics, served as the Country Director of
Action-Aid Ghana.

48

SAMUEL ESSON
JONAH (KBE)

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49

Samuel Esson Jonah (KBE) is a colossus The years of planning, the long hours of studies
in the corporate world and needs no and the unyielding determination to succeed
introduction in either the corridors of in his chosen career field finally paid off when
power or in the board rooms of corporate giants at the age of 36, Sir Sam Jonah was made the
across most African countries. Born some 69 Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Goldfields.
years ago in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region of Such feats do not come easy and he must have
Ghana, Sam Jonah, as he is widely known has demonstrated a high level of precocity to earn
made an enviable name and track record for the trust of the owners of a multi-million dollar
himself especially in the world of mining. Sam mining firm to be placed at the helm of affairs.
Jonah’s outstanding life started in the black-and-
white painted halls of Adisadel College in Cape Sir Sam Jonah did not betray the trust of his
Coast where he had his early education. employers and he truly led a transformational
agenda which saw Ashanti Goldfields turn into a
Having grown up in the historic mining town mining multinational, increasing its annual output
of Obuasi, Sir Sam Jonah might have seen the of gold production from around 240,000 ounces
glitzy life of mining executives and thus decided per annum to over 1.6 million ounces in over ten
to chart a career path in the mining industry. years. He also attained a first for the company,
His dreams and aspirations took him to the making it the first operating African company to
Camborne School of Mines, Cornwall, England be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
where he gained an Associateship in Mining
Engineering. He then furthered his studies at Indeed, the adage that “Uneasy is the head that
the Imperial College of Science and Technology, wears the crown,” could not have been a more
London earning an MSc in Mine Management. His fitting description of the life of Sir Sam Jonah.
course choices demonstrate a life well planned With the giant strides he made in life and the
as all his efforts were geared towards acquiring successes chalked, came a huge number of
knowledge and the necessary skills set in the area requests from businesses and institutions
of mine management. In 1979, after his sojourn literally chasing the mining magnate to tap into
outside the shores of Ghana, he came home and his knowledge and expertise.
joined the then Ashanti Goldfields Corporation.
He was entrusted with various responsibilities
and he indeed excelled in the various capacities
he worked in, including underground operations.

50

ANAS
AREMEYAW ANAS

WHO'S WHO 2019