1 * A Message from the Editor
Ben Anim-Antwi,* Editor-in-Chief & Director of Communications
2 “What good is knowledge if it’s not This growing network will be integrated shared ?” within our Me Firi Ghana Members network which we soft launched simple statement really… what’s earlier this year. The MFG Members A the point in having knowledge if network is a digital platform enabling you don’t share it? Collaboration and Ghanaian youth to Learn, Connect, generosity are what drive innovation Collaborate and Grow with like-minded and engagement and yet people and entrepreneurs and professionals within organisations are often obsessed with the global Ghanaian community, hiding things away. My lecturer at because again ‘what good is knowledge University once told me that; “institutions if it’s not shared?’ devise courses on ‘data protection’ and ‘data security’ in multiples, but never do Thus as we release the second edition so on ‘generosity’ and ‘collaboration’”.. of the Future of Ghana Publication, you If we are to see a self sustaining Ghana will see it is prominent in quite a few we must share knowledge, experience of the top 30 U30 pioneer profiles that and best practice for benefit of this and there is a desire for them to share their future generations. Moreover if we are knowledge and experience in an effort to to mobilise as a collective we cannot do contribute to the development Ghana. so effectively without collaboration. This ties in nicely with our theme for the year which is; Governance: Changing 2015 was a successful first year for the levers of accountability - The role the Future of Ghana initiative. With of Ghanaian Youth. It is an important the release of our maiden publication year for Ghana with the elections in and delivery of the Future of Ghana December but beyond just voting Leadership Forum last summer our (if eligible) what is the role of young core objectives were met amongst Ghanaians? With a global population additional milestones. On meeting of young Ghanaians blessed with skills these core objectives it’s become and talents, should the accountability apparent just how important the with governing the country just sit with sharing of knowledge is; the publication those in power? is essentially an information resource, which can be archived and referenced By this time next year we would for years to come. Whilst the leadership have already celebrated 60 years forum allows for some of the best young of independence from Britain, no talent in Ghana to be connected with doubt there will massive celebrations forward thinking experienced thought worldwide due to reaching this leaders/ companies globally who share landmark. By then it would be nice that experience and knowledge. to also celebrate the emergence of a global Ghanaian community committed You will be able to read about the fruits to shaping and influencing the destiny of the forum in this publication, as of Ghana… we document a story from one of the attendees who highlights their thoughts We believe we are on our way to and the impact attending the forum had achieving this and invite you to join us on him. in helping to positively promote Ghana and the next generation of future As an initiative we have expanded our leaders. Let’s share this publication reach. We now have Youth Chapter within our communities, work places, heads mobilising the Ghanaian youth to other young people so that they located in Toronto, Paris, Hamburg and and the world can see the positive, Accra; focused on realising the Future inspirational yet amazing contributions Ghana’s mission in their respective young Ghanaian’s are contributing to countries. It is significant to note that the world. half of these appointments came from collaborations and existing relationships. Publisher: Me Firi Ghana Ltd Editor: Ben Anim-Antwi Deputy Editor: Jermaine Bamfo Programme Manager: Sandra Osei Researcher: Lois Mensah-Afoakwah Creative Director: Samuel Mensah-Bonsu
Contact: [email protected]
3 About Me Firi Ghana *
Vision: A first world self-sustaining Ghana
Mission: Connect the world with Ghana
About Us: We consult individuals, organisations and government recommending opportunities and tailored strategies to engage Ghana and the Diaspora communities. We provide accessible routes to quality and trusted professional support, working closely with established partners within our network.
Who we’ve worked with:
!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!! !!! !! !
!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!! !!!! !!!!! !!! !!! www.mefirighana.com [email protected]
4 About the Wam Campaign *
About the charity: WAM is a UK registered charity established to advance the education and training of children and young people living in marginalized communities in Ghana.
Charity vision A world where young people are placed at the centre of development, using and developing knowledge and skills to transform their lives and that of their communities.
Charity mission: We consult individuals, organisations and government recommending opportunities and tailored strategies to engage Ghana and the Diaspora communities. We provide accessible routes to quality and trusted professional support, working closely with established partners within our network.
5 Meet the minds behind * The Future of Ghana * The driving forces behind the Future of Ghana initiative are young, intelligent, British-Ghanaians who are passionate about engaging and inspiring young Ghanaians to use their creativity, skills and talents for the development of Ghana.
6 Arnold Sarfo-Kantanka (Chair) * Is a social entrepreneur and advocate for youth participation with development within Africa. He is Chair of the Future of Ghana project and founder of multiple award winning company Me FiRi Ghana & sister charity WAM Campaign.
The impact of the company & charity’s work has permitted Arnold to represent Ghana during the 2013 World Economic Forum, speak on platforms such as TEDx SOAS and interview Virgin Group’s Founder Sir Richard Branson on entrepreneurship, for MTV Base Africa. He was recognized as INDIAFIRCA’s Young Visionary Award Winner for Ghana and was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet HRH The Queen of England and Prince Charles for his contributions to the Ghanaian community.
Ben Anim-Antwi (Editor-in-Chief & Director of Communications) * Is a creative thinker, someone who strongly believes in the empowerment of young people and the development of Africa through Diaspora engagement.
Since leaving university in 2006 where he graduated in BA (Hons) Law & Politics he has embarked on a career in central government within the UK specialising in foreign affairs and local government specialising in service improvement.
Ben is also a freelance journalist and the Editor/Director of Communications for Me Firi Ghana . His aspirations for the future are to publish an as yet untitled book and ensure the Future of Ghana initiative has the kind the kind of impact that is felt for decades to come.
7 Sandra Osei (Project Manager) * Is a strategist and qualified PRINCE 2 Project Manager with a track record working in high profile organisations and programmes. Her current role at the Mayor’s Fund for London as a Portfolio Performance Manager means she is responsible for managing performance and contractual agreements across various delivery partnerships. Prior to this, Sandra worked as part of the Security and Resilience planning team at the London 2012 Olympics Committee, contributing to the deployment of 23,000 security personnel.
Born and raised in East London, Sandra has been proactive in seeking international pursuits. She volunteered in remote villages across India where she taught in community schools and advocated development policies around Health care and Education. Sandra enjoys project consulting and has a passion for Africa’s advancement. She considers it a ‘responsibility’ to give back what she was given – an opportunity to progress.
Samuel Mensah - Bonsu (Creative Director) * Has created and been credited in crafting Award-Winning Campaigns and artistic treatments globally for clients such as: BFI, Renault, MTV, Virgin & Nike. His Personal work has also been featured on prestigious platforms and magazines such as Creative Review, Adobe.com, Abduzeedo, & DesignYouTrust to name a few.
Samuel is currently a Designer at AKQA London on the Nike Global Team. Having Worked on Global Football campaigns during the 2014 World Cup as well as Nike NTC and Nike Running Campaigns.
Samuel holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic & Media Design for Advertising from University of Arts London.
An active member of the Art directors Club and maintains a Practice maintaining Self-Initiated works under the personal outfit SMBStudios, committed to exploring new ways of creating innovation and visual storytelling for various industries.
8 Tracy Aryee-Quao (Intern/Administrator) * Is a second year Politics and International relations student at the University of Westminster. Tracy has a fiery passion for international relations, which she hopes will propel her into the field of development and business in her home country, Ghana. Moving from Ghana at a young age, Tracy felt out of touch with her homeland and decided to commit her future to trying to contribute to the rise of a potentially strong nation in Africa by co-founding The We Rise Initiative and by joining the Future of Ghana team.
She believes that Africa is a huge force globally but without the right vision, direction and opportunities stemming from its youth population, the risk of a vicious cycle continues. Tracy believes the Future of Ghana Initiative will help Ghana achieve its first world sustainable nation status and believes it will help stimulate youth empowerment and increased participation in Ghana’s future. Tracy’s goals are simple encompass all things affecting Ghana, whether that be women’s education, sexual health, career and empowerment, whilst also working on becoming a better individual and woman.
Andrea Amaning-Okyere (Intern/Administrator) * Is a 17 year old student from London. She was chosen to intern on the Future of Ghana project because of her unique insight, knowledge and aspirations for Ghana’s development. In her own words “Ghana has so much potential that has been shown throughout many years and it only takes one generation to make this flourish, this generation”.
Andrea believes Ghana is headed in the right direction and feels that sooner rather than later young and older people alike will have a suitable place to live and a stable job, leading Ghana to be a first world country with a good economic system. She is confident in the years to come the Future of Ghana initiative can be the catalyst for this.
9 Dr Jermaine Bamfo (Deputy Editor) * Is a qualified medical doctor. He holds a first class Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Liverpool, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychiatry & Mental Health from Queen’s University Belfast, as well as twin degrees of Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery from Imperial College London. He has successfully completed two years of medical foundation training in Northern Ireland. A freelance artist designer & photographer, Jermaine is involved in the creation & daily running of multiple social media outlets, while his artwork has been recognised by celebrities such as Meagan Good & Tinie Tempah.
A fierce proponent for the forward progression of Ghana and the burgeoning responsibility for today’s Ghanaian youth, he is passionate about improving communities in the UK and Ghana, and spotlighting young Ghanaians making an impact in these communities. Jermaine is a regular and long-time contributor to the Me Firi Ghana Blog and is also the PR & Communications Officer for the GUBA Foundation, taking a prominent role in the ‘Closing The Gap’ project aiming to reduce infant mortality in Ghana and the UK.
Sha Osei (Chair of Regional Managers & RM for France) * Known by the nickname Sha, Akosua Osei is a writer, Publisher, public relations and events owner residing in Paris, France. Raised in the UK, in a West Indian household, but dreaming of returning to Africa (she is Ghanaian on her Father’s side)
Sha has enjoyed studying and travelling internationally, which has given her the thirst and drive to live and work abroad. Working within the Fashion Industry for over five years, she has developed great rapports with industry insiders and clients who have enabled her to live her dreams of running her own magazine and creative agency.
Sha plans to visit Ghana for the very first time in association with the Future of Ghana initiative.
10 Lucy Larbi (Regional Manager for Germany) * was born in Kumasi, Ghana and is a well travelled young lady. She was raised in Germany where she resided until she completed her A-levels. From there she moved to Paris to learn French and to understand the culture. Later she would leave for the Netherlands, as she wanted to discover the world of politics and diplomacy, thus completed a three year Bachelor at the University of Groningen.
Whilst in Madrid, Spain to study Spanish, Lucy found herself being accepted on a Masters course in Public Policy and Human Development at the United Nations University in Maastricht. She is also actively involved in establishing a community of learning for African PhD students, in the form of an e-learning platform that caters to the needs of students while completing their studies.
Lucy is currently doing an internship in Addis Ababa at the German Development Cooperation which is initiative of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. There she is working on the development of Pan African University. Which is one of the flagship projects of the African Union and is a network university in 5 geographical locations on the continent aiming to exemplify excellence in African higher education
Evelyne Afaawua (Regional Manager for Italy)
Based in Northern Italy Evelyne is a TEDxMilanoWoman* speaker, occasional radio personality and the founder of Afro-Italian Nappy Girls (Nappytalia), a platform with over 5000 followers and members which acts as an online community at brings together African-Italian girls, who have decided to abandon chemical straightening to show off their natural curly Afro proudly. Raised in Italy Evelyne is proud to call herself a “Black-Italian” but is equally proud and passionate about Ghana and is active in expressing her roots and culture through Nappytalia.
11 Tom-Chris Emewulu (Regional Manager for Ghana) * is a dynamic change maker with a distinctive track record of pioneering projects that have impacted hundreds of youth. While a student of Radford University College where he pursued a B.Sc. in Business Administration majoring in accounting, Tom-Chris founded Stars From All Nations (SFAN) in 2013 as a tool for bridging the gap between college and career, and to help raise the next generation of African leaders.
His accomplishments in youth development have been rewarded recently with a placement in the second Cohort of President Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) West Africa in November 2015. Tom-Chris is a published author of an inspirational book entitled “Breaking the Limits”. He enjoys focusing on topics pertaining to youth education and youth entrepreneurship.
12 Gabriel Odartei (Regional Manager for Canada) * is a social entrepreneur and the founder of the award winning multimedia enterprise called Ghanalinx Media Group, based in Toronto Canada. GhanaLinx Media Group (GMG) is a multi-faceted media enterprise that focuses primarily on Ghanaians (and other African ethnicities) living abroad. Its mission is to bridge the cultural gap between Ghanaians and the global community, an initiative that has been the sole mission for its founder Gabe. He has a wide range of experiences and has been an active member in the Ghanaian Canadian community for many years. His company organize many special events in the community, such as African movie premieres, Ghana Independence Culture expo and concerts.
He has also collaborated with many event organizers in the community to put together various events and programs. Gabriel is also very passionate about public service; He has established his own Ghanalinx Foundation, which is a non profit organization with a mission to collaborate with other organizations to promote Diaspora initiatives and to also provide social assistance to disadvantaged youths in the Ghanaian community. He also volunteers with the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario as a media relations officer and youth outreach rep. He has been part of the executive and planning committee for many Diaspora initiatives such as Youth Leadership summits, Ghana Flood Relief Program and many others.
Gabe’s work and efforts in the African community has not gone unnoticed, he was awarded in 2011 for Best African Entertainment website at the African Entertainment Awards. He has also being honoured as a Role Model at the annual Black Canadian Awards and has also been awarded as a Canadian Achiever at the 15th annual Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Awards.
13 Meet the Patron * James Barnor *
ith a career that spans six decades, it is a travesty that for most of his Wcareer his work was not widely known. In his street and studio photography he represents societies in transition: Ghana moving toward Independence, and London becoming a multicultural metropolis. Moreover the legendary James Barnor is credited with introducing colour processing to Ghana!
His photographs have been collated by the London-based charity Autograph ABP during a four-year project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and in 2011 became part of the new Archive and the Research Centre for Culturally Diverse Photography.
In 2011, Mr Barnor was honoured with a GUBA (Ghana UK-Based Achievement) special “Lifetime Achievement” award. On receiving it, he revealed that it was the first award he had ever been given.
Barnor had work included in the show Another London: International Photographers Capture London Life 1930–1980 at Tate Britain in August 2012, with his 1967 photograph of BBC World Service reporter “Mike Eghan at Piccadilly Circus, London” featuring on the cover of the catalogue.
His photographs are represented in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate and Government Art Collection in the UK, as well as in numerous international private collections.
A true pioneer and living legend, Mr Barnor’s knowledge of Ghana’s past and his enthusiasm for its future makes him an exemplary patron.
14 15 * Meet the Judges
The task of deciding on the final* 30 pioneers for the publication fell to five individuals who are pioneers in their own right and represent Ghana with distinction in their various careers. It was only right that the pioneers of the present decide on those under 30’s who are making an impact now and/or will be in the future…
16 Isaac Babu-Boateng
Was named by Forbes Magazine as one of* Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs under the Age of 30, he is one of the leading voices of the pan-African millennial generation. With an ambition matched only by a grandeur vision, Babu-Boateng is at the forefront of the mission for this generation of Africans to control the image of Africa and the rest of the world’s perception of the continent.
Mr. Babu-Boateng is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of ambitious and fast growing digital media company Face2face Africa, which he founded in 2011 with no more than his own pocket savings and a strong passion for telling the African story.
Today, Face2face Africa is a multi-niche media company that has created several platforms to engage the pan-African community. Mr. Babu-Boateng believes that Africa is his and every Africans calling, and deems it prudent and necessary to contribute towards a better future for the next generation. In 2015, his alma mater named him as part of 40 Under 40 brightest and most successful young alumni.
Ethel Cofie
Is CEO and Founder of EDEL Technology* Consulting (An IT Consulting and Digital Products Company) and also a Mandela Fellow for President Obama’s Young African Leaders initiative (YALI).
A High calibre IT Professional with a wealth of technical and commercial skills acquired across a wide range of demanding roles and Over 12 years’ experience working in the UK, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone on projects for organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Mobile Technology for Health project, the Ford Foundation’s Election Monitoring project for Nigeria and as Head of Commercial Solutions for Vodafone; conceptualizing, executing and working with teams to align Corporate strategy to IT strategy and to develop and manage creative technology solutions.
She has been featured in BBC and CNN for work in technology and women leadership. Ethel is also the Founder of Women in Tech Africa, initiator of the 1st Pan African woman in tech meet up and was shortlisted for the United Nations GEM – Tech Award for work supporting women in ICT. Women in Tech Africa brings together women in over 30 countries across Africa and will be opening offices in Zambia,Nigeria,Canada, DRC and Benin in the coming months. Ethel also sits on numerous boards of numerous companies in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa .
17 Adrien Victor Sauvage
Is a British designer, director and photographer* of Ghanaian descent. Establishing himself as a stylist and lifestyle consultant, Sauvage drew clients from society and celebrity circles and the worlds of rock, fashion, film, sports and politics. While working with these clients, Sauvage moved from styling to designing when he realised that men’s sartorial needs weren’t being met.
Established in early 2010, British fashion house A.Sauvage has acquired a reputation for its understated luxury and no-nonsense approach to contemporary tailoring, applying the principles of Adrien Sauvages founding philosophy, ‘Dress Easy’ (D.E) and focusing on the changing needs of its clients, to create menswear with an emphasis on a perfect cut and casual elegance.
Emmanuel Edudzie
Is Founder and Executive Director of Youth* Empowerment Synergy, Ghana’s foremost youth development organisation delivering initiatives in youth policy, practice and research with wide-reaching impact across the nation’s ten regions.
A seasoned programme director, Emmanuel has more than 12 years of combined experience in both executive leadership and consulting positions with technical expertise in the areas of civil society development, youth policy and empowerment, education and employment. He is highly experienced in managing full-cycle donor- funded programmes from proposal writing to monitoring and evaluation.
Over the years, Emmanuel has demonstrated success serving in an advisory capacity and providing strategic guidance on policies and programmes resulting in the improvement of development effectiveness at all levels. In Ghana, this led to an expansion in the United Nation’s engagement with civil society and allowed for more civil society participation in the creation of country strategies for achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Emmanuel is internationally educated with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ghana and a second Master’s degree from the United Kingdom. He is a published expert and recipient of awards, scholarships and fellowships from the World Bank and the United Nations. He has also travelled widely, with business visits to over 35 countries in Africa, Europe, North America and Asia.
18 Lorraine Wright
Is a Director at UBS Wealth Manager and Investment* bank, University of Oxford (SAID Business School) Executive MBA Student and founder of the multi award winning University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) operating in both UK and Ghana. At the age of 29 she has not only rapidly climbed the career ladder but has established a televised competition celebrating the talents of university students across the country.
Following her graduation from Brunel University, Lorraine went on to work in project management, working for the likes of Volkswagen head office and Accenture. Based on this and her community achievements during university, Lorraine was named as Powerful media’s top 10 Future Leaders. Not satisfied with working in the UK, Lorraine ventured to Chicago, USA to work for a distribution company managing their IT projects. Upon returning to the UK, Lorraine landed a graduate position with one of the top management consultancy firms (Accenture) where she was quickly promoted to a management consultant within a year.
In her client-facing role, she was subsequently head hunted by her client at the time – UBS. Three years later Lorraine was promoted to Director whilst on a secondment in Switzerland leading one of the banks high profile and strategic group wide IT programs with a 50 million CHF budget.
Lorraine runs University Gospel Choir of the Year, together with a team in the UK and in Ghana ; they seek to provide an unprecedented platform for university gospel choirs to showcase their talents on a national scale. As an undergrad, she identified a gap in the market for University Choirs that needed opportunities to perform outside of their rehearsal rooms. In 2010 Lorraine created a platform for University Choirs to perform and showcase their talents. Since its creation, UGCY has held five annual competitions, celebrating the talents of 4000+ individuals, with presence at over 35 UK and 15 Ghanaian universities. The UGCY platform in the UK has offered choirs nationwide opportunities including performances at the Royal Albert Hall, backing choir opportunities for the last 4 years on Britain’s Got Talent and The X factor, features by MOBO.com, BBC, attempts to break the world record provided choirs for firms like Deloitte, PWC and KPMG, performed at the BBC Proms and frequently work with media outlets like ITV and the BBC to name but a few. If you tune into X Factor UK, you would have seen our choirs feature as the backing choirs to a number of the contestants. UGCY is aired on ABN TV in UK and Viasat 1 in Ghana.
19 Reflections of the Future of Ghana * Youth Leadership Forum 2015 *
20 he Future of Ghana Youth Leadership During the morning we entered into a TForum at Ashesi University was highly charged and passionate panel monumental in more ways than one. discussion on ‘Re-imagining Africa’s Since we returned to the UK from the future’. Panellists included Me Firi forum in August 2015 we have shared Ghana’s own Creative Director, Samuel our own personal experiences amongst Mensah, Cecil Nutakor, Dr Yemisi Bokini ourselves. However it’s not until we Founder of the Daily Run series, Papa actually take some time out to reflect Akhurst founder of the BWP Series and as a collective that we realise the Dansoaa Siaw-Misa, Sales Manager for magnitude of what was achieved on Appolonia Development Company. those 3 days. Strong views were expressed which led to the Q&A session So let’s look back……. running well into the lunch hour. Later Day 1 saw eager students under the age that afternoon attendees were treated of 18 descend on Ashes to take part in a to addresses from panellists Dansoaa day that was tailored to their immediate and Cecil but it was clear what the needs. First up they were treated to a highlight of the day was. morning Keynote address from Cecil Nutakor, CEO of Equinox Intercom Day 3 started with an interactive and Limited on the ‘irony of failure’ engaging session led by Seth Tandoh,
"The forum has also reignited the passion I had for seeing Africa as a continent transform and blossom into one of the world’s greatest continents"
Arguably the highlight of the day was founder of Leadership Ghana on Romeo Effs, CEO of Aspyre Group leading yourself and others. Attendees Session on ‘How To create amazing‘ discovered there were 6 key human which was uplifting as it was inspiring personalities (social, technical, for attendees. artistic, investigative, conventional and enterprising) of which each of us The result – the forum hashtag has three main ones. Seth’s probing #FOGYLF2015 was trending in Ghana questions made for a humorous and for 1 hour! The Ghana Think Foundation enjoyable session. continued the empowerment theme by providing team members who After lunch Ben Anim-Antwi, Director individually mentored attendees. of Communications moderated a panel Later in the day we were joined by discussion on learning from leadership 2015 Future of Ghana pioneers Donald that included Award-winning journalist Ward, President of Era Global LLC and Ameyaw Debrah, Future of Ghana Elizabeth Patterson, founder of Girl Programme Manager Sandra OseiAsare, Education initiative Ghana as well as Nii Atakora Mensah, Content Manager for Ghana Music who participated in a panel discussion on developing careers and using soft skills effectively.
The first day closed with a powerful closing address from Lord Michael Hastings, Global Head of KPMG UK.
21 22 British High Commission (Accra) Comms Manager Estelle Sackey, Romeo Effs and CEO of the Sixth Sense Manifesto Nadia Takyiwaa-Mensah. The final panel discussion of the forum proved to be insightful as it was informative and inspiring!
Estelle Sackey was next up to deliver a session on the UK Government’s Chevening programme which allows foreign students to study UK universities. Arnold Sarfo- Kantanka, Chair of the Future of Ghana then wrapped up the day’s activities with speed networking session which got attendees off their seats and engaging with one and other.
It was an emotional end to the day/forum as the Future of Ghana Team wrapped up with closing remarks and acknowledged Volunteer co-ordinators Justice Kanu and Kalm Paul-Christian from Oxford University as well as the rest of Ashesi volunteers who all received certificates for their efforts. A few tears were shed as the magnitude of what had been achieved over three days slowly sank in.
The feedback we’ve received upon the conclusion of the forum have been mind-blowing. Below are snippets of selected feedback from attendees and volunteers;
• “The presentation and panel discussions were inspiring, motivating and soul stirring”
• “The forum has also reignited the passion I had for seeing Africa as a continent transform and blossom into one of the world’s greatest continents”
• “I would more than love to partner with Me firi Ghana on your next project, even if I have to sweep the Halls for the forum, I gladly will”
• “You Elevated my mindset and skills to a whole new level. I feel more powered and ready. I believe, Africa needs a Change.”
• “Although am not Ghanaian, I believe that I am a global citizen thus the future of Ghana is relevant to me too”.
23 Derrick’s Story * errick Seyram Vormawor is a Dfreelance Investment consultant and budding entrepreneur who attended the Future of Ghana Leadership forum in August 2015. At the time of the forum Derrick admitted he was depressed. He said “Honestly, I was at a very low point of my life. I was devastated back then and I was confused and a sad fellow. So I needed help. When I saw the Forum flyer I just got moved by my inner man to take the opportunity to be among people I didn’t know and use it as a getaway to clear my head”
In light of this Derrick attended the two days of the forum he was eligible for with not much expectation. However by the end of the forum he was a man transformed. It was his first time at the prestigious Ashesi University so Looking back at his most memorable he was impressed straightaway by his moment of the forum he recalled when surroundings. Having attended and Chair, Arnold Sarfo-Kantanka gave an participated in all the sessions with an impassioned speech at the end of the open mind Derrick began adopt a new forum Derrick added; “when Arnold way of positive thinking and self belief. was giving his speech at the end of the forum. It was deep. He cried and I connected to that. I knew my wild dreams would come true someday too”.
"When I saw Derrick is of no doubt of the impact the forum has had on his life ever since. He reflected by saying; “Once upon a the Forum flyer time I was a sad fellow and at the point the forum came I had lost my job in a I just got moved sad way which caused me lots of pains. Some few months down the lane after the leadership forum, by God’s grace, by my inner I own a growing global consulting firm with satisfied clients in Ghana, Nigeria man to take the and Dubai” Derrick also manages his own NGO, is writing his first book titled; Testing opportunity" the paint and speaks at various Youth events with the intention of developing an Entrepreneurial boot camp he is hoping will commence by 2017. Derrick stated; “ The leadership forum taught me how to move on like a river and gave me a new mindset which has now become my lifestyle. The good thing? I am still becoming...”
24 Feature Poem * White Sands
by Benjamin* Bennett
When the epiphany came, It came to me in the sultry sea breeze, Whilst I sat on a wooden deckchair With white sand between my toes. The sand was like granules of diamonds Consuming my feet, And I realised that Ghana Is more than just a precious place with pathways to my past.
She holds my future in the ruby-maroon hue of her terrain; In the aural cocktail of overzealous traffic and hawkers; In the revered architecture of Nkrumah's legacy. My ambitions to dwell in her capital are Accentuated by my happiness in her humidity, Whilst locals express their hatred of the harsh heat of Harmattan. My British accent is a double edged sword;
The catalyst for extortion in bustling markets, And a fast track to employment in corporate offices. Work is a concept that follows the same schedule As the Cockerell and the Sun, Leisurely carried out until dusk brings about a feeling of satisfaction. Maybe it's the bitter chill of winters in London but I am dissatisfied daily with this place of domicile. The golden shores of Ghana's coast are coaxing me to come back to them.
Benjamin Bennett is a performance poet from South London. He is also a producer who has founded event brands 'Vocals & Verses', and 'Project 1957'.
25 Feature Interview * The Mind of a Young Creative Genius!
An exclusive interview* with Papa Oppong
26 e caught up with the young, talented Wand in demand fashion designer/ illustrator to find what makes the 23 year old creative tick! In this insightful interview Papa informs of his early influences, current ventures and future of up and coming illustrators.
FOG: What prompted your interest in fashion and design/ where you influenced by anybody?
PO: For as long as I can remember I've always been into fashion. I think my love for fashion was greatly influenced by my mother Cynthia and her sister “Aunt Stella”. I would watch them dress up and couldn't help but notice how exciting the whole process was. I was fascinated by the colors, the prints, the shoes, the hair and all the little things that went into putting together a look. I would be more interested in playing with Barbie dolls than the soccer ball and this made growing up a little hard because I would get picked on a lot but I never really cared that much. I would try to draw the Barbie doll in their little outfits and that's how my interest in fashion illustration grew. I would later go on to study visual art in Achimota school and then to Radford University College for a degree in Fashion Design.
"I always wanted to end up on CNN but I never actually thought I would. It was one of those moments I will cherish forever. "
FOG: Was your choice to pursue a and that's when I got into Radford career in fashion supported by your University College in Ghana where I peers and parents or did you come studied under Mrs Yvonne Ntiamoah up against any resistance from who is a fantastic professor and Head naysayers? of Department of fashion design at Radford. My friends always had my PO: It did take some convincing in the back as well. Lol. They always fed me beginning when I decided to pursue with flattering comments and although fashion. As usual, with Ghanaian they made my head bigger than it parents, there was that conversation already is, they really did give me the about studying to be a lawyer or encouragement I needed to keep going doctor or something "safer". After a lot of back and forth they decided to allow me pursue fashion design
27 FOG: How did your collaboration with FOG: Do you believe there are renowned Jewelry brand Swarovski structures/resources in place in Ghana come about and are the plans for any for creative people like yourself to other collaboration’s? thrive?
PO: That's a very interesting story - PO: Not really. I haven't noticed any The collaboration with Swarovski was a resources or structures yet (correct very last minute arrangement. I actually me if I'm wrong). But I feel like now, didn’t design the collection with with so many people venturing into Swarovski in mind at all. Let me tell you the creative industry, there will soon how it happened. During the course be some startups aimed up promoting of last semester, we had a rep from the work of talented individuals in the Swarovski Ghana come give a seminar country. in school about Swarovski and how the elements are affixed onto garments. FOG: What was the experience After the seminar, I had the chance of like being interviewed by a media meeting the reps: Gisela and Judith. I powerhouse like CNN and are more had a little chat with them about the people aware of your work because of collection I was working on from there it? we decided it would be really cool to collaborate. “A Celebration of Joy” PO: Oh my God. What a surreal was a really fun collection. I wanted experience that was. I received an email to push myself a back in April 2015 little further. For from the producer that collection, I of the show African designed my very Voices and for own batik print "I wanted to give about ten minutes in my favourite I wasn't sure if it colour: blue. There was spam or real were two separate the audience a stuff. I couldn't prints: believe it. A month the “Math Is A fresh fashion after I received the Problem” (because email, there was a I absolutely suck camera crew in my at math – haha) experience and home and I was print by Papa actually shooting Oppong and the an interview with “Papa Oppong” since the reviews CNN. I always monogram print. wanted to end up I also used cotton were good, I on CNN but I never pique which was actually thought I also dyed blue. The would. finished garments guess it was a were then sent It was one of those to Swarovski moments I will Ghana for crystal success." cherish forever. embellishment. The interview aired in July The collection was showcased at my and I was amazed at the number of school’s second graduate fashion viewers worldwide who reached out show held in June 2014 as part of the to congratulate me and show their exhibition before the main graduate support. It definitely helped push my show began. Since I had done a runway name further to a much more global showcase the year before, I decided audience and for that I'm forever to show this collection differently grateful to Amanda Sealy. by having live models installed on podiums, pose as mannequins. I wanted to give the audience a fresh fashion experience and since the reviews were good, I guess it was a success. For now, there aren't any plans for future collaborations but we'll see....
28 FOG: There are number of FOG: What are your plans for the illustrators coming out of Ghana immediate future? such as Peniel Enchill, Sarboat and Danny OW have you seen PO: I definitely want to go back to their work and do you expect to school and get a graduate degree see more illustrators gain similar still in fashion, in an international popularity? institution. I still feel like I still have a lot to learn. The fashion industry is very huge with so many PO: Yes I have seen the work components and I want to make of all those talented illustrators. sure I'm doing the right thing and Absolutely stunning. I especially am well equipped for the right love the work of Peniel (who I call sector. So yes- I really hope to get Penie). I love her illustrations and into grad school soon and polish how they depict the modern African up my knowledge in fashion and to woman in very real and honest gain a more global perspective on situations. I feel like illustrators like the industry. Peniel and myself have given many young upcoming illustrators the confidence to put up their work and to show the world what they can do through platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. I definitely see more illustrators emerging in Ghana in the near future. I only hope this influx of new illustrators doesn't end up becoming a fad where we lose quality to quantity.
29 Meet a Pioneer * Zeinab Andan 19 years old,* Ghana
einab is a Senior High Secondary She eventually became a member Zeinab was among 14 Cama Z(SHS) graduate who aims to of the Selection Committee of members who were selected to join fulfill her dream of becoming a Camfed to support in the selection the 1st YALI cohort to successfully journalist. Life became tough when and distribution of bursary items participate in the YALI Regional her dad passed away in 2007. It to Camfed beneficiaries every Leadership Centre (RLC) training was a very difficult period for the year. As a CAMA member and at GIMPA in Accra from 2nd August family as her mother who has no the District Cama Chairperson to 4th September. formal education struggled to take for Tamale Metro, Zeinab has care of the family with the little organized and participated in Her long term aspiration is to money she gets from petty trading. community seminars and advocacy become a renowned journalist in However her fortunes changed drive on health, gender, social Ghana, a role model and a source when Campaign for Women and financial literacy that have of inspiration to young girls in Education (Camfed) identified her impacted hundreds of youths in her community. She simply wants potential and stepped in to support her district. to leave a mark of excellence her education and according to her in everything she does and the "life was normal again" As an Ambassador of CAMA, she people she engages. sees the need to educate her peers She was inducted into the CAMA and the youth in her community on Network (Cama is the alumnae contemporary youth issues such association for Camfed graduates) as the safe use of ICT. As a trained in June 2014 at the University for Camfed learner Guide under the Development Studies, Tamale “My Better World” Programme, where she received very valuable she volunteers her time during the training on leadership. week to support students in her local senior high school on how to be attentive, empathic, wise and empower themselves. The idea is to help the girls excel at school and to also help them to overcome the challenges faced by adolescence.
30 Meet a Pioneer * Elijah Amoo Addo 25 years old,* Ghana
lijah Amoo Addo fondly called As Director of Food for All Ghana E"the doctor in the kitchen" is a campaign, he seeks to build West celebrity chef, social entrepreneur and Africa's first food bank in Ghana to philanthropist. He has over six years create sustainable means of nutrition experience in the culinary profession for the vulnerable in society while and has worked hard to rise through reducing food wastage and hunger. the ranks of the profession. Elijah is the Founder of Food for All Ghana. Elijah is also the Regional Director for Although he is a Chef by profession, Aregala Hellas, A global chef's brigade his passion for humanity made him also known as "Chefs without Borders. quit working as a Chef and has now He has worked with corporate bodies dedicated his time for charity. such as Nestle, Finatrade, GADCO, Ghana Cocoa Board, GH1, Insel He has worked and partnered with communication. It is estimated that hotels and restaurants such as Chase, through his foundation Elijah has fed +233 Jazz bar, Lisa hotel, Burger over 50,000 street kids and other and Relish and many others. He was vulnerable members of society. the acting General Secretary of the Greater Accra chefs association and Ghana chefs association. He is the inspiring founder of Chefs for Change Ghana foundation, an NGO that seeks to promote the culinary profession in Ghana and also promotes Ghanaian ingredients in meeting international standards.
31 Meet a Pioneer * Emmanuel Nyame 23 years old,* Ghana
ocial Entrepreneur Emmanuel With a background in Economics, SNyame is fast becoming one of Emmanuel looks at developing the Ghana’s premier young entrepreneurs. startup and business community Bright, energetic, driven and, above in Ghana and beyond through all, passionate about giving back innovative programs, best practices in to his country. Emmanuel has been managing start-up businesses, as well recognized as a critical component in as attracting funding for these start- supporting the creation of new jobs ups. With this notion of supporting that are adding tangible economic start-ups, Emmanuel has partnered impact to the Ghana economy and with stakeholders, investors, and a increasing the quality of life for those passionate team to make this happen. that work for them. He runs one of StartUp Cup’s most successful Emmanuels efforts have received accelerator programs - the Ghana quite a remarkable recognition StartUp Cup. globally, which includes his inclusion in Fast Company’s “Lessons learned: For the past four years, he’s Six Millennial Entrepreneurs”. He engaged startups through business is a Kairos Global Fellow, Africa. model competitions which provide co fellow, 2016 Eduzine Global ACE businesses with the right tools and Young Achiever, Contributor to resources to grow their businesses Award-winning and Best-Selling and has drawn private sector support book, 2 Billion Under 20, Start-ups & to sustain interest in working with Entrepreneurship Columnist for the Startups in Ghana. StartUp Cup is a Business & Financial Times and a UP partner to U.S. Department of State’s Global Leader. Global Entrepreneurship Program, an effort to spur entrepreneurship across nations in the world. He also leads the development of one of UN Foundation’s projects, +Social Good in Ghana, helping foster plans of achieving the SDG goals.
32 Meet a Pioneer * Kojo Nimako 29 years old,* Ghana
r. Kojo Twum Nimako is an He performed creditably during He is also the Chief Medical DOld Boy of Adisadel College the program and made a good Correspondent of a popular Accra- and he believes his character of impression of himself, school and based radio station, Citi FM and excellence and perseverance were country on his supervising tutors. hosts an online medical chat show developed during his days on the known as the Citi Health Chat, with hill (of Adisco). He was studious In 2014, Dr. Nimako, together a target audience of over 200, and won many accolades in Adisco, with his wife Andrea, founded 000. He also writes weekly health including the much coveted overall the NGO Helping Hand Medical articles for citifmonline.com, with best science student award in his Outreach (HHMO), to provide over 45 articles published so far. final year. His leadership skills were health education to the masses His articles have also been featured also evident while in Adisco as he and offer free medical care to the by other electronic and print media was appointed Head Prefect of the underprivileged in the Ghanaian houses like peacefmonline.com and College for the 2003/04 academic society. the Daily Express newspaper. year. He serves as the Executive Dr. Nimako is also the Editor He continued on to the Kwame Director of HHMO and is currently of healthbloggh.com, a health Nkrumah University of Science and overseeing the implementation of education/information website Technology, where he spent the the organization’s flagship project, tuned to the Ghanaian context.Dr. next 6 years of his life studying “The Stunting Hunger Project”, Nimako envisions a world where medicine. His academic astuteness which is an ambitious quest to health-seeking behaviour is more was rewarded in his 5th year of drastically reduce the incidence of proactive than reactive, and seeks medical school with a scholarship chronic childhood malnutrition in to bring this to fruition through to the Oxford University Medical Ghana. his work both in and out of the School, in the United Kingdom, for consulting room. an elective program.
33 Meet a Pioneer * Linda Ansong 26 years old,* Ghana
inda is the co-founder founder She is also the Co-Founder of Lof Stem BEES: STEMbees is a Verstracker: Vestracker is the non-profit organisation created in information management service response to the tremendous gender for small and multinational freight gap prevalent in Science, Technology, forwarders. They allow forwarders Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to manage all their internal agency fields. STEMbees seeks to encourage operations in one place. Freight and mentor more young African forwarders can now forecast with women to pursue their dreams and accurate internal agency analytics, careers in STEM ” track consignments from multiple carriers at one place, facilitate STEMbees ultimate goal is to improve collaboration between agents and the numbers of women pursuing principals to provide client visibility. STEM-related courses and working in STEM fields. This requires generating greater interest and excitement about the many opportunities in STEM through organized career fairs in high schools, camps, after-school clubs, and mentoring from STEM professionals.
34 Meet a Pioneer * Sam Effah 27 years old,* Canada
s an Olympic level athlete training In 2010, he clocked 10.06 in the 100 Atowards the 2016 Olympic metres, making him one of the fastest games, Sam Effah’s profile gives him Canadians of all-time. And, since that a special and unique opportunity result came so early in his career, to influence others. He is a proud he seemed destined to join an elite Ghanaian-Canadian ambassador. club before too long but injuries For the last two years he has taught hampered his progress somewhat. He monthly lessons to 6 classrooms has however been on the comeback across Canada while being an active trail and is on course to take part in professional athlete this year’s Olympics.
According to Sam every child has In November 2015 Sam was a the right to learn the process of recipient of the Athletes in Excellence excellence, yet many students in Award from The Foundation for underserved communities face Global Sports Development (GSD) significant barriers to gaining this prestigious award is designed these critical skills. Same reduces to honour competing and retired the barriers through Classroom athletes who have been role models, Champions as mentor to many. leaders and champions not just in sports, but in their communities Sam is also the Ambassador for Right by selflessly giving back through to Play, an organisation which uses mentorship and outreach activities. the power of play to educate and empower children to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict and disease in disadvantaged communities He is especially passionate about the work he does with Right to Play because of its Ghanaian Connections and the community leaders developed as a result.
35 The Future of the * Black Stars *
36 017 looks promising for Ghana Most of the players are young with consisted of players who are based 2depending on where you stand a lot of experience playing week in abroad. The lack of investment on the political spectrum. Will week out for their respective clubs. and infrastructure in the domestic Ghana have a new president or Players like Jonathan Mensah who leagues in Ghana has made it will the incumbent party be re- is currently linked with a move to very difficult for local players to elected? Whatever the outcome the premier league, possess all the progress to the national team. the Black Stars will be poised to go qualities and attributes to become The Ghana football association a step further in their campaign to one of the best defenders from (GFA) have received criticism win AFCON 2017 in Gabon. Africa. for showing more interest in the national team and not showing In the past and with some Another player who has been enough interest in the domestic justification, the Black Stars Ghana's most consistent player league. In an interview with Joy have been criticised for their for both club and country is news in Ghana , GFA spokesperson performances on the pitch and Andre Ayew, the son of former Saani Daara urged rich people in their activities off the pitch during Black Stars captain Abedi Pele. Ghana to invest in some of the major tournaments. The issue Ayew has displayed some solid local clubs. He said “I am asking with players bonuses and football performances for Swansea this myself why someone like Ibrahim officials which transpired during season and will be a key figure for Mahama has not been attracted the 2014 World cup in Brazil, the Black Stars for AFCON 2017. by any club to come on board and prompted some Ghanaians to Ayew’s younger brother Jordan invest. I think there are people with question the patriotism of the Ayew who in the past has been that capability to take over clubs.” national team. Allegedly the Black heavily criticised for making poor Stars coerced the government into decisions in matches has shown The Black Stars will again carry sending $3 million on a plane to signs of maturity as a player since the hopes of the nation on their settle players bonuses, before their joining Aston Villa. shoulders as they seek to qualify for crucial match against Portugal the 2017 tournament. The current during the 2014 world cup. The One phenomenon facing the squad who made it to the finals in aftermath of the World cup Ghanaian national team is the lack 2015 will be more determined to created a misconception that the of local based players breaking bring the cup home to parade on team was money driven, especially into the national team, at the finals the streets of Accra. at a time when the country was of the 2015 AFCON, the starting 11 facing financial problems. players for the national team Jones Awuah is a Sports Journalist and Founder of the Sportsfrenzee media platform “I am asking myself why someone like Ibrahim Mahama has not been attracted by any club to come on board and invest. I think there are people with that capability to take over clubs.”
With all these shenanigans behind them, the team regained the trust and confidence of the nation when they made it to the final of AFCON 2015, only to lose on penalties to their West African neighbours Ivory Coast. The future of the national team looks very promising and exciting; many of the national team players are playing in some of the best leagues in the world. AFCON 2017 will probably be the best chance for the Black Stars to win the trophy; the current squad have been playing together for a long period of time now.
37 Feature Interview * Feeding and Educating a Nation!
An Interview with* Elijah Amoo Addo
38 ith ambitions to build West WAfrica’s first sustainable food bank the celebrity chef, social entrepreneur and philanthropist Elijah Amoo Addo is on mission to create tangible change. Known as the “doctor in the kitchen” as well as feeding the vulnerable in Ghana he is simultaneously educating the population on food wastage. Future of Ghana caught up with this inspiring changemaker to get the lowdown on his previous career as chef, the creation food 4 all agency and his vision for Ghana.
FOG: Food 4 All Ghana is paving the way for Ghana’s first food recovery bank how much pride do you have in that and are there any plans to expand to other countries in West Africa?
EAA: When it comes to creating sustainable means of nutrition for the vulnerable in Ghana, I am not just proud but also get a sense of fulfillment in solving a generational challenge of food wastage and hunger. Food for All Ghana program is on record as the first food recovery bank in West Africa and the third in Africa, our vision is to build food banks across Africa and so in the future we will expand to other parts of the continent.
"We will keep organizing the longest table annually to bring Ghanaians together to address the issue of food wastage and hunger in our society."
FOG: How did being a Chef aid FOG: What are the three biggest Finally, as the world’s population you in starting Food 4 all Ghana lessons you have learned in your increase in the face of climate and where there any transferable career(s) to date? change, creating sustainable means skills? of nutrition for all of humanity will EAA: Food is the only fuel of life ensure that the human race thrives EAA: Being a chef afforded me and as far as life thrives there will on the face of the earth long after the opportunity to have firsthand be the need for food in our world we are dead and gone. insight into the amount and scale hence humans must pay attention of food been wasted along our to its importance to life. food supply chain and my desire for solution drove me into reading A chef must be seen as the doctor more and working in finding lasting in the kitchen and the profession solutions to the inefficiencies must be regarded and improved to within our food supply chain. help in preserving our food culture Also coming into contact with a for future generations. mentally challenged in society. 39 FOG: What were some of the tips. I believe we are at the point EAA: Volunteers are the heart of key highlights from the “World’s where the media in Ghana have our program. At Food for All Ghana longest table “event in October to play a critical role in ensuring program we see volunteerism as last year and do you feel people the message gets down to the the solution to the challenges of are more aware of food wastage ordinary citizen. humanity. as a result? Government through the FDA and Our program brings together EAA: The longest table on UN Ministry of Food and agriculture is young Ghanaians with a desire to world food day afforded me the now considering the importance serve the vulnerable in society and opportunity to meet and work with of food recovery as a social that is why Food for All Ghana is a great sons and daughters of Ghana. welfare tool hence there has been shared social responsibility. It was at this project that I saw the series of meetings with them. desire of Ghanaian youth to serve Stakeholders on the other hand FOG: In what ways do you believe the vulnerable in our society given have been donating more food the youth can contribute and be a the opportunity. and in May 2016 we will have the part of the development of Ghana? 1st Food for All Ghana conference I believe even though we to come together as stakeholders EAA: Youth contribution to the couldn’t break the world record in addressing the inefficiencies development of Ghana is very the message went down with within our supply chain and the important and I believe more Ghanaians but more could have importance of food recovery in could be done by our leaders to been done with the media playing Ghana so there is hope. encourage our participation in the their role and for that purpose we development agenda. The toil of will keep organizing the longest FOG: Ghana celebrates national every father is for the benefit of his table annually to bring Ghanaians volunteer day on 21 September children and so he involves them together to address the issue of each year with a lot of youth in planning for that future and I food wastage and hunger in our participation usually. How strongly believe given the right society. important are volunteers to your opportunity by our fathers, organisation?
"I have a dream of an Africa where my sons and daughters will not know hunger"
FOG: Countries can lose up to 10% the youth will contribute to our of labour productivity and 3% of development agenda positively. GDP to food wastage .How hard Personally as a youth, has it been pushing the message “I have a dream of an Africa where to Ghanaians of the need to my sons and daughters will not donate food and not waste it and know hunger; a dream where how can the Govt help or are they Africans will have sufficient means already assisting? to feed our great grand children and it is a dream where we will EAA: The campaign so far has really have enough to sufficiently feed gone down well with Ghanaians the world. That dream is Food for nowadays calling each day to get All Africa program and that dream food saving and preservation is for the youth today to bring it into reality.”
40 LONDON I ACCRA I PARIS I HAMBURG I TORONTO
Join the MFG Members Network today and connect with likeminded Ghanaian entrepreneurs & professionals, access exclusive events, opportunities, enterprise support opportunities and member delegation trips abroad
Join the MFG Members Network today: www.mefirighana.com
41 Meet a Pioneer * Abraham Attah 14 years old,* Ghana
braham Attah is a 14 year old Screen Actors Guild Award for AGhanaian Actor and a student. Outstanding Performance by a Cast He made his feature film debut in a Motion Picture, Washington D.C. in Netflix’s original feature film Area Film Critics Association Award ‘Beasts of No Nation’ directed by for Best Youth performance and St. Emmy Award winning director Cary Louis Film Critics Award for Best Fukunaga and starring Hollywood Actor. He was honoured with an Actor Idris Elba. He played the invitation to present an award at the leading role of a child soldier Agu. 88th Oscar Award. Abraham Attah was awarded Marcello Mastroianni Best Young Attah also starred in a Hollywood Actor Award at the 72nd Venice shot film 'Out of the Village' which International Film Festival. was Executive Produced by Bryan Singer (X-Men). He was also awarded the Rising Star Award from the Black Film Critics In November 2015, he joined the Circle. He was recently awarded as ensemble cast of Shane Carruth's the Best Breakthrough Performance third film, The Modern Ocean. at the National Board of Review Aside from doing well in his acting Awards. He was the Best Actor career, he is doing well in school, is and Discovery of the Year at the very humble, respectful and staying Ghana Movie Awards. He has been positive. nominated for prestigious awards such as Awards Circuit Community Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Gold Derby Film Award for Best Breakthrough Performer, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture, Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Young
42 Meet a Pioneer * Yvonne Haizel 25 years* old, UK
vonne has a pure passion for Although Yvonne’s journey has just YAfrica, and a mission to improve began, with her advisory experience its development opportunities. as the Founder of Eminence Using her 1st class honours Advisory and being an African degree in Economics & Finance, Strategist at Mitsui, She is working experience with emerging markets to apply her skills to influence fellow in companies such as Goldman Ghanaians by doing public speaking Sachs and combining that with her engagements and is also working love for Africa, has secured her a on her own large scale agro-tourism role at Mitsui & Co., as an African project in Awutu-Senya, Ghana. investment strategist focused on telecoms, healthcare and education. As Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank With this expertise, she plans to said, ‘Harnessing Africa’s agricultural improve the quality of Ghana’s potential can serve as the much- education and healthcare. One needed game changer of the recent investment she secured in continent’s economy’. Yvonne was her role was with Afrimax, who are inspired to invest in agriculture by set to be the largest 4G network one of her clients, and she intends provider in Africa, with licenses in 14 to use the Future of Ghana (FOG) countries. Yvonne has also started platform to inspire others. Having her own business Eminence Advisory the support of the Agriculture which supports entrepreneurs across ministry and District chiefs in Awutu- Africa to test and grow innovative Senya, she believes the project will business ideas that create jobs and be a success on completion and will improve lives. Key projects include serve as an example to others in the the development of high impact Diaspora. start-ups within the technology and agriculture sectors, example is UncleTobi which is an online farmers market which allows traders to produce and sell crop cross Nigeria.
43 Meet a Pioneer * Shadrack Frimpong 23 years* old, USA
escribed by former United In college, Shadrack’s background In August 2013, he was DNations Secretary General, Mr. inspired him to establish Students awarded the Discovering Youth Kofi Annan as “an embodiment for A Healthy Africa (SAHA), one Leadership Fellowship from the of youth leadership”, Shadrack of the continent’s largest student- Commonwealth Secretariat, wouldn’t let anything come health movements. SAHA has so for his excellent work on youth between him and his dreams. As far provided free health insurance involvement in improving Africa’s the son of a peasant farmer and for HIV/AIDS orphans in Ghana healthcare. charcoal seller, he had two options; and constructed a health clinic become a farmer or start a family. and potable water well in two Frimpong was later appointed Education was secondary. communities in rural Nigeria. an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society in January However, he broke away from He also co-founded the African 2015. His work has been featured in tradition, chose education and Research Academies for Women USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, continued on to graduate from to bridge the wide gap between NextCity and the Clinton Global the University of Pennsylvania male and female scientists in Africa Initiative. (Penn) with a Biology degree through annual summer research in 2015 as Class Flagbearer. At institutes for college women. Shadrack is also a musician, an Penn, he was one of five students HIV biomedical researcher and an in his graduating class awarded These initiatives have merited aspiring liver transplant surgeon. the prestigious President’s numerous awards and recognition, Engagement Prize to establish a including a prize from the United school for girls and community Nations and multiple invitations to hospital in his village. meet former President Bill Clinton and other world leaders at the In March 2015, Frimpong was also annual Clinton Global Initiative. awarded the prestigious Samuel Huntington Public Service Award. With these, he founded Tarkwa Breman Community Alliance.
44 Meet a Pioneer * Sangu Delle 29 years old,* Ghana/USA
angu Delle is an Entrepreneur, Recognized by Forbes Top 30 SAuthor, Clean Water Activist and Most Promising Entrepreneurs in Soros Fellow. Africa 2015 Sangu has received many accolades over the years He is Founder and Chief Executive Euromoney’s African Rising Star, Officer of Golden Palm Investments Future Awards Africas Young (GPI); an investment holding and African of the Year, Forbes Top 30 advisory company focused on Most Promising Entrepreneurs in building world class companies in Africa 2014. Africa. GPI operates companies in high growth industries and funds Time/Bentley Tomorrow 25 Future promising start-ups that can have Leaders Award, and Face2Face social impact and generate jobs. GPI Young African Committed to has backed startups such as SOLO Excellence Award African Leadership Mobile in Nigeria, mPharma in Ghana Awards - 2015 Social Innovation and Stawi Foods in Kenya. Leadership Award
Sangu is also the co-founder He is also TEDx Global Fellow with of Cleanacwa, which is a non- a TEDx talk at over 750,000 views profit working in underdeveloped currently. communities in Ghana to make sure that clean water and sanitation, basic human rights, are provided.
45 Meet a Pioneer * Kirstie Kwarteng 28 years* old, USA
irstie is the founder of The Prior to this, Kirstie was the KNana Project, a platform that Executive Officer of the Diaspora captures and shares the varied African Women's Network. Kirstie histories of Ghanaians. The project has also written a publication on takes ordinary people’s stories and the The Remittance Intentions amplifies them through videos, of Second-Generation Ghanaian- photos, and articles. The Nana Americans for the SIT Graduate Project’s mission is to preserve, Institute. archive, and share firsthand accounts of Ghanaian history. She has an invested interest and expertise in Diaspora relations They give Ghanaians of all and contribution to Ghana and backgrounds and beliefs the Africa as a whole. This work led opportunity to record the stories her to conduct research for the of our people. They do this to International Organization of remind one another of our shared Migration as a consultant on the culture, to strengthen and build Nigerian Diaspora Health and connections, to teach the value Education Professionals Mapping of listening, and to weave into Exercise in the United States. the fabric of our culture the understanding that our history matters.
46 Meet a Pioneer * Maxwell Donkor 29 years old,* Ghana
axwell is the Founder of Maxwell also founded Efrem MMpawa, a job searching Technologies is calving a niche application for employment of into the development of enterprise blue collar workers in Ghana and customized desktop to cloud through SMS messages – bridging base applications suitable for the gap between recruiters and the movement of many medium employees. The application has size businesses to full blown also now extended to Kenya. organizations.
As a result of his work with Mpawa Their technologies affect Maxwell was nominated for a diverse sectors of Engineering, GUBA Development Award in 2013. Manufacturing, Production and The platform has about 12000 Institutional operations leading jobseekers on its books and approx to realizing the core goals of our about 60 employers using mPawa clients. With a strong youthful team to recruit blue-collar workers. The with diverse backgrounds, Efrem World Bank recognized mPawa Technologies is poised to remake as one of the Top 50 Global most business operations flexible Innovation entrepreneurs from and produce quality results. emerging markets in 2014 and they were selected to pitch at the Global Forum on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in South Africa.
47 Positive thinking: * The Seed of Successful Leadership
by Fausat Mimisola* Hassan
48 he Good Book tells us that “As many legendary leaders such as One day, his headmaster Ta man thinks so is he”. Despite Nelson Mandela, who wrote on walked into the classroom and the popularity of this biblical how it assisted him in maintaining put up a white sheet of paper, saying, people seldom grasp its a positive attitude throughout approximately one metre by one true essence. We live in a world in a period of imprisonment which metre in its dimensions. At the which we find ourselves exposed spanned almost three decades. In corner of this piece of paper was to many negative things through his autobiography, the freedom a small black dot. T he headmaster the media without realising the fighter, the former president asked his classroom full of students damage this is causing to our of the Republic of South Africa a simple question: “What do you mental attitude. stated “I thought continually of see?” Without hesitation, the the day when I would walk free. I entire class answered and said “A “Do you see the glass as half fantasised about what I would like black dot!” The headmaster asked empty or half full?” This infamous to do.” This indicates that in order rhetorically “So not a single one question has been thrown to many to be an effective leader, one must of you saw the broad white sheet of us - challenging our perception, utilise the power of visualisation to of paper?” going on to advise the our way of reasoning and our their advantage to improve their students “Do not go through life attitude towards attitude. with that attitude.” life. The answer This anecdote on one provides to positive thinking this question has a comes from direct correlation the history of a to their capacity “I thought continually prominent man to think positively, who climbed giving insight into every single step one’s perspective of the day when I would of the ladder and outlook on life. to success to In other words, the become an way we think and walk free. I fantasised unforgettable perceive things, as leader. Evidently, well as the choices Kofi Annan we make, can have about what I developed a a major impact on method of mind our performance training that and our ability to would like to do.” implanted a accomplish great set of positive things. perspectives
The mind is an incredibly complex One of the major steps that an and ideas that worked together to system liable to programming, effective leader must take in eliminate habituated behaviours and what you install into that the pursuit of their goals is to and negative perceptions to help system will determine your level learn to analyse their attitude him deliver to the best of his ability of productivity. What comes out and the effects it can have on in the leadership position he was of your mind is a reflection of what their performance, relationships in before his final resignation. you put into it. There are many and the people they are leading. Therefore, on your own journey challenges that are encountered Regardless of whether one is a to becoming a successful leader by every individual. With this in current leader or a future leader, it of the present or the future, mind, it is imperative to come to is important to acknowledge that a remember that your thought life the realisation that it is not the positive attitude is everything as it will be a key factor in determining difficulty of situations that matters, governs your perceptions towards your accomplishments. In the but the manner in which you the world and how the world words of another great leader perceive things and then choose perceives you. Oprah Winfrey “The greatest to respond to them that is the key. discovery of all time is that a Looking at the history of many person can change his future by According to many studies into the influential leaders, it is evident that merely changing his attitude.” Psychology of peak performance, their attitude led to their success. most engineers, surgeons, Former United Nations Secretary- Fausat Mimisola Hassan or ‘Mimi successful athletes and artists are General Kofi Annan is a prime inspired’ as she is known is a great users (both consciously and example of an influential leader speaker, writer and an aspiring subconsciously) of affirmations who maintained a positive attitude Counsellor. A frequent contributor and visualisations to improve their throughout his reign. At the age to the Me Firi Ghana Blog she skills. This method of mind training of 17, he learned an incredible life delights in inspiring her peers is one that has been applied by lesson in school. and displays wisdom beyond her years.
49 Dine Diaspora: * Connecting African Diaspora Leaders *
50 et’s do lunch” is a popular “Lone-liner heard among leaders when they meet for the first time. It's seldom clear if this phrase is a genuine gesture or a simple act of courtesy that has become a norm in professional settings. Whether these lunches occur or not, the habitual comment highlights the role that food plays in connecting people. A meaningful conversation over food can turn a mere professional acquaintance into a friend or business partner. The act of sharing a meal with someone is a powerful occurrence that enables networking beyond exchanging Dine Diaspora Signature Dinner guests at the table during dinner/Photo: business cards at conferences and Caroline Adegun Photography meetings. For African diaspora leaders, networking over food has always been a critical way to not only make connections, but to celebrate shared culture and For African diaspora leaders, heritage. History tells the story of a lunch between two great African diaspora leaders - Kwame networking over food has Nkrumah and Martin Luther King, Jr. During Ghana’s independence celebrations in 1957, the men always been a critical way to met for lunch in Accra, Ghana. King recounted in a 1959 letter to Nkrumah: not only make connections
Words are inadequate for me to express my appreciation to you for the hospitality that you extended With each bite, the table of to me and my wife. It was most multi-generational leaders, from gracious of you to take time out seasoned civic and business of your extremely busy schedule leaders to start-up entrepreneurs, and receive us for lunch at your build relationships that extend residence. beyond the table.
As King and Nkrumah ate in 1957, Food is an integral part of each other African diaspora leaders Signature Dinner. Paired with great have connected over food in similar conversation, a featured African ways. Today’s leaders require Diaspora chef is woven into each meaningful connections in a fast- experience. Storytelling through paced, technology-driven society food, guests are lead through the where relationship building can be chef's culinary journey that can difficult. Therefore, Dine Diaspora take them from Ghanaian jollof rice convenes African diaspora leaders to Senegalese poulet yassa. What for dining experiences that is on the menu is just as important provide a platform for valuable as who is at the table. As a result, connections as they enjoy the every detail of the evening, from flavors of the diaspora. Known as the food and invite list, to the “Signature Dinners,” these intimate focus of the discussion, is carefully gatherings of diverse Diaspora planned and executed. leaders are curated to create a space where leaders meet their peers and discuss topics from identity to business opportunities.
51 Chef Eric Adjepong plates for dinner guests | Photo: Chi-Chi Agbim, Two Twenty
Founded in 2014, Dine Diaspora Now, imagine leaving the dinner has convened over 40 Diaspora with the confidence that you had leaders through its Signature not only learned from them, but Dinners and helped facilitate had made a connection that could business partnerships, mentorship, result in advancing your leadership. and friendships among African This type of experience is what Diaspora leaders. These leaders Dine Diaspora brings to life through represent over 15 African its dinners. While you cannot dine countries, the United States, with Nkrumah or King today, there and the Caribbean, with diverse is no shortage in African Diaspora professional sectors from health leaders. From now on, instead of to government and technology. saying “let's do lunch” to the next While the dinners serve as the African Diaspora leader you meet, catalyst for connections, the you can have a seat at the Dine real magic happens after the Diaspora Signature Dinner and events when leaders who met make a lasting connection one bite at Signature Dinners, continue at a time. building relationships and working together in different ways. Nina Oduro, Co-founder, Dine Diaspora So, imagine being invited to a dinner with Nkrumah and King Dine Diaspora is a contemporary at the height of their leadership lifestyle and events company and discussing Pan-Africanism, that creates dynamic experiences leadership, cross-cultural around food, culture, and differences, and the latest African heritage. This article was originally novels. Imagine an unforgettable published on Medium.com meal that complements the robust discourse.
52 www.houseofmfg.com [email protected]
53 Meet a Pioneer * Jennifer Addo 25 years* old, USA
ennifer Addo’s work and Internationally, Jennifer completed Jambition are in keeping with a study abroad program at Korle ethos the of the FOG (Future Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana, of Ghana) recognition. She is performing an observational study currently pursuing a master’s in on hypertension in pregnancy. public health at Harvard T.H. Chan On a trip El Salvador, she created School of Public Health while an Institutional Review Board to completing her medical degree look for ways to improve health at Indiana University School of outcomes, focusing on women’s Medicine (IUSM). health.
At IUSM, she was awarded the Her work on health equity resulted Professionalism Award given to in recognition by American Medical a student who exudes exemplary Association, being honoured with professionalism skills. This the Physicians of Tomorrow Award. owing to the fact she worked Jennifer also holds a bachelor’s as an instructor in the anatomy degree in brain, behaviour, & laboratory in medical education cognitive science from University sessions. of Michigan.
54 Meet a Pioneer * John Armah 24 years old,* Ghana
ohn Armah is empowering National Union of Ghana Students Massachusetts Institute of JYoung Ghanaian Entrepreneurs Vice Chancellor Young Achievers Technology’s Africa Innovate with Training, Investment and Award for Entrepreneurship Forum, The World Bank Strategies to tackle some of Development (2015), Pioneer and Unemployment Forum in Abuja, Africa’s biggest problems in the Chairman of the Africa Youth the Annual Africa for Results Health, Technology, Agriculture, Economic Forum, Model African and Annual Meeting of the Services and Arts sector. As a Union Commission. He is a member African Community of Practice Business Strategist, Investor and of the World Economic Forum- for Managing for Development C.E.O. he is building the capacity of Global Shapers Accra Hub, Africa Results in Harare, Zimbabwe, Youth Entrepreneurs in Ghana and 2.0, Member of the Advisory Commonwealth meeting on attracting the needed investments Board of the Next Wave Africa National Youth Policies by to them helping to redefine Women Empowerment Program, Ministers of Youth and Sports in Ghana’s Startup Space. former Business Radio Talk the ASEAN region in Kuala Lumpur Show Host and a member of the Malaysia, Panellist, MasterCard Put simply John Armah is an African Community of Practice for Foundation/Youth Save Financial Award-winning Entrepreneur and Managing Development Results Inclusion Forum among others and Business Strategist with a passion and the Youth 4 Results network in facilitated a number of key youth for Startups Development in Africa. Africa. He was also named in the programs between the youth, He was ranked as the 27th Most Junior Chamber International 10 Government and Development Influential Ghanaian by ETV Ghana Outstanding Young Persons award Partners among others. (2012), Winner of the Ideas Award in December 2015. by Legacy and Legacy (2012), Named as part of 20 under 40 John is a regular panellist, speaker Most Influential Business Leaders in on Entrepreneurship, New Business Ghana by award-winning Business Development and Policy related World Magazine (2015). Recipient issues and has addressed the of the Global Young CEO’s Award World Economic Forum on Public for Entrepreneurship Development Private Partnerships, in Africa at the Young CEO’s Business Summit (2015),
55 Meet a Pioneer * Hassan Mohammed Salih 29 years old,* Ghana
assan M. Salih is an Architect, Over the last few years he has H3D visualizer and videographer organized 5 MESH Confabs which currently pursuing a Mphil. in Urban bring together over 200 Ghanaian design at the KNUST, Ghana. He creative’s to share ideas and co-founded DZYN Studios in 2007, inspire each other, two MESH Lab an architecture visualization and projects towards shaping the built graphic design company based in environment and published over Ghana while he was still a student. 50 videos on MESHTV spotlighting outstanding creative individuals, He is currently involved in various events and projects. projects towards sparking a creative revolution in Ghana due Being an architect, he is very to his strong belief that creativity passionate about the built and design are the answers to environment and anything related most of our national development to it because he believes that it issues. This strong belief led to is only when we have a sound the founding of MESH Ghana, environment that we can live our a non-profit organization that lives to their full potential. He is a focuses on creating opportunities very optimistic Ghanaian and this for MEETING, EXPLORING and manifests in his belief that we can SHARING among creative’s turn Ghana into a modern utopia with the aim of harnessing that in the next ten years as long as we creative energy towards national harness Ghanaian creativity to its development. In recognition full potential. of his efforts in organizing and empowering the creative community in Ghana, he has delivered a guest lecture at Ashesi University, been featured on the popular KSM TV Show
56 Meet a Pioneer * Kwasi Siaw Anyinam 30 years* old, USA
wasi moved to the USA in 2007. He is the founder and president of KHe was studying Planning at Books for Africa's Future (BfAF), a KNUST at the time but transferred New York registered non-for-profit to the University of Connecticut with a mission to provide books to study accounting. He managed and learning supplies to children in to finish the 4-year Accounting underserved communities in Africa. program in 2 and half years with Their mission is achieved through stellar grades. Even before he left donation by individuals, libraries, business school at UCONN, he had publishers and organizations and been offered a job with Deloitte also, tremendous volunteers who where he worked for 3 years. donate time to sort and packages He currently works as a senior books for shipping associate at Price water house Coopers in New York. Since its formation in September 2013, BfAF has given approximately Kwasi is a certified public 5000 books to schools and libraries accountant in the state of in Ghana and Swaziland. Connecticut and New York and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
57 Meet a Pioneer * Paul Frimpong 26 years old,* Ghana
aul Frimpong is a Chartered Among his current roles Paul is PEconomist (Ch.E.), Certified the curator for the Africa-China Economic Policy Analyst (CEPA) Investment Forum 2016. The and a Fellow of the American forum will bring together African Academy of Financial Management Heads of States and Ministers (FAAFM) of the global economics of States from Africa and China, professional body, Association of C.E.Os of top African and Chinese Certified Chartered Economists investment firms, executives of (ACCE - Inc.) state owned enterprises (SOEs) and private project owners, He has written and published over counsel from international and 50 African economic development domestic investment firms, affairs related articles in both banks and corporates to examine local and international media opportunities across the two platforms. In 2015, he was named regions through a series of panel Africa’s Youngest Entrepreneur discussions and networking for the month of May 2015 by M sessions. The forum will be chaired Akwande, a South African based by H.E. John A. Kufuor, former social development tracking President of the Republic of website and also received the Ghana and will feature five sitting ExLA Young Achievers Awards Presidents from Africa for Trade, Business and Social Entrepreneurship.
58 Meet a Pioneer * Winifred Selby 21 years old,* Ghana
Global Shaper of the World Her innovation has created direct She was invited personally by the A Economic Forum and 2014 employment opportunities for 35 President of the United States Anzisha Prize Fellow, Winifred is bamboo bike assemblers receiving Barack Obama to be part of the a 21-year-old social entrepreneur a higher wage than most other 2015 Global Entrepreneurship and a change-maker who started Ghanaians in similar industries. Summit in Nairobi, Kenya and was her entrepreneurial journey at the brain behind Ghana Bamboo the age of 15. She is the co- Winifred Kyei Selby sits on the Bikes video documentary which founder of the award winning boards of the EPF Educational recently went viral with more than Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative Empowerment Initiative and 23 million views on facebook. which was nurtured as a project the Dawadawa Fund. She has idea of President Clinton’s Global just been conferred with an Initiative University into an award Associate Fellowship of the Royal winning social enterprise that has Commonwealth Society. She was since won 10 international awards also selected as Youth Honoree of including the UN Habitat/Dubai the World of Children Awards held International Best Practice Award in November 2015 in New York, 2015, 2013 UNFCCC Momentum USA. For Change Award, World Business and Development Award 2012 Winifred has travelled extensively amongst others. worldwide and has shared platforms with notable international figures She has created a team of dedicated such as the Executive Director of young social entrepreneurs and the World Trade Organization, supporters who work together to Deputy Ruler of Dubai who overcome daily challenges and presented the Dubai International who create new commodities and Award to her in February 2015 markets for young people and and the UN Secretary General Ban has consistently demonstrated Kin Moon whom she lobbied to her personal value of making a ride one of her bamboo bike and difference by using her talents to generated international publicity help others and her passion for worldwide. empowering young people to be successful.
59 Feature Interview * Spice up your life!
An interview with* Essie Bartels
60 iss Bartels known as “the spice FOG: How important are initiatives EB: The youth today are more Mgoddess” love affair with spices such as Dine Diaspora (who are connected than we’ve ever been. began as a little girl, helping her mom featured in the publication) to This is our advantage to network, cook with recipes passed down through those in the culinary industry? come together and harness that generations. As her experiments with energy, that drive and that power spices grew, so did the demand for her EB: Very important. We need to of connectivity. Together we homemade sauces that will uniquely tell our own stories if no one is really have a strong voice. We flavour any home-cooked meal. This telling them for us. Dine Diaspora is can influence government, we can inspired her to create the Essiespice creating a space for African voices impact the environment and we sauce brand. The road has not been through food. We need more can affect the economy. We are all easy for Essie but it’s safe to say she ventures and outlets for creative we have; but we can’t do it alone. is on her way to building a global food Africans; not just for the doctors, We need to do it together, be each empire. In this interview she documents engineers and politicians but for other’s backbone. her journey to the present day. the creative’s as well.
FOG: In your opinion what is the single biggest challenge being an entrepreneur and why? "There is no blueprint as
EB: Structure. I think we can say an entrepreneur needs a lot of to how to run a successful things. They need money (very important) they need employees, they need accountants, lawyers, business so in most situations website designers, social media management, production assistants and the list goes on and on. But all it’s by trial and error" these would be useless if there’s no structure. This is something I still struggle with -trying to do all FOG: Where do you see Essie FOG: What is your message or most of the work myself. There Spice in the next 5-10 years? of advice to all aspiring young is no blueprint as to how to run Ghanaians? a successful business so in most EB: Expanding. This year we will situations it’s by trial and error. be expanding our product line to EB: In business, just like in life, there Structure and finding what others include auxiliary products that is no magic wand. The man on top have done in similar businesses work around food. Also by year of the mountain didn’t fall there. have done is important, so that you end, we plan to expand into some Either he made his way up there or can manage these other aspects snacks. We also want to expand someone helped him to get there. that are essential to the running into the West-African and South So find the people around you that of your business effectively. The African Markets so we are working can help you get to the top of the entrepreneur can then focus on on securing production locations mountain and anything else that the core of the business; which is so we can make this happen as it’s will try to bring you down, cut off where their genius lies. futile trying to export the products or ignore. Work hard, persevere, from the US to Ghana or Africa. have faith and remember don’t FOG: What three things you know start if you know you’ll give up; now, do you wish you knew when FOG: What are your favourite because it doesn’t get easier, you starting your business? Ghanaian foods and why? just get better.
EB: Focusing on what the core is EB: EVERYTHING! There’s nothing I and really reducing the distractions won’t eat; with very few exceptions. and the noise. But I’m not a picky eater so that should tell you something about my Networking with the right people palette. But my ultimate favourite - Going to more events geared is Abom with Koobi and Plantain towards business building and with Zomi, eggs and Avocado… It’s people working on similar projects. heaven in each morsel. Funding and finding sources of financing the business. Either from FOG: In what ways do you believe investors, banks or personal funds. the youth can contribute and be a part of the development of Ghana?
61 Meet a Pioneer * Clara Amfo 29 years* old, UK
lara currently presents the In 2015, Amfo became the host Cpopular mid-morning show on of The Official Chart on BBC BBC Radio 1. Prior to this in 2011, Radio 1. February 2015 saw the Amfo travelled to Ghana to make a announcement that she would film in support of the charity Plan's be taking over Fearne Cotton as 'Because I Am A Girl' campaign. host of Radio 1's mid-morning Amfo hosted the British premiere show - home of the Live Lounge - of Red Riding Hood and has on 25 May 2015, and therefore be reported from assorted events in departing from 1Xtra's weekend the UK including Wireless, Global breakfast show. Gathering, SW4 and NASS festivals. In 2012 she was nominated for a Sony Radio Award in the 'Rising Star' category.
She has done voice overs for Motorola, Nike and Spotify. In September 2013 she joined BBC Radio 1Xtra as host of the weekend breakfast show. In 2013, Amfo was hired as the host of MTV's weekly Official UK Top 40 and Top 20 Chart shows, as well as The Official Chart Update and Top 20.
62 Meet a Pioneer * David Simons 29 years* old, USA
avid Simons is a Social Media In 2012 he was highlighted by Dell Dstrategist/Trainer and creator regarding his social media strategy. of an internationally recognized In 2014 Hootsuite highlighted him Facebook course. He completed for his work on the engagement his undergrad in Digital Media and growth of social networks. Communications from Sacramento State University and his Masters in He is also the author of the popular Entertainment Business from Full eBook, "The Ultimate Social Media Sail University. Tool Kit"
As an entrepreneur and media David’s goal is use all his skills professional David has shown to create change in Africa. As a he is great communicator and Ghanaian-American he has a heart motivator, who uses his people to impact his homeland first and skills online and offline to promote would love to see Ghana dominate brands, businesses, support in the tech and media realm. causes, and build relationships. His passion and excitement for media has attracted the likes of Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, churches, and entrepreneurs.
He has received a number of Awards and recognition including being voted one of the “5 to Follow on Twitter” for the reuse brand Upcycling in 2011.
63 Meet a Pioneer * Samuel Okyere 24 years old,* South Korea
amuel Okyere is a Ghanaian He also partnered with World Stelevision personality active Vision to embark on a school in South Korea. He was accepted project in Ghana called the 572 into the Korean Government Orange act project (572 is his name Scholarship Program in 2009. in Korean). This project is a result This is a program that helps of his vision to provide children foreign students study in Korea. in Ghana with quality educational He studied computer engineering opportunities. In 2015, during and graduated in 2014. He was the 8th Korea drama awards, he meant to go home after 5 years received the Global Star Award but has now been there for seven for his performance in the drama and has increasingly become more “Warm and Cozy”. fascinated with the Korean culture. Samuel also received a plaque In that time he has learned the for spearheading the 2015 language, starred in and presented Black history event in Daegu, a number of popular television South Korea. His most recent shows. In 2015 Okyere was casted achievement is a 3 star honorary for the film "Intimate Enemies” and appreciation plaque from the where he played a migrant worker Republic of Korea Marine Corps for from Africa who struggled with his participation in the television racial discrimination. Okyere was “Real Men”. He is an avid member drawn to the role because he as well as one of the pioneers of wanted to illustrate the kind of the Ghanaian students association discrimination that immigrants in Korea. Sam Okyere believes face. He is also a member of a in the importance of the youth television program called abnormal creating their own opportunities summit. This is a show which and using that to give back to their presents a platform for various communities. Hence his greatest foreigners to compare their culture desire is to obtain a platform for with Korean culture. bridging cultures mainly between Korea and Ghana.
64 Meet a Pioneer * Bright Oduro-Kwateng Jr 28 years* old, UK
Bright Oduro –Kwateng Jr is an In October 2010, Bright was able Since April 2014, Bight has worked Inspirational Speaker/Personal to secure a role in a leading central as a contractor securing contracts Development & Confidence Coach, laboratory where they had a large in the field of project management a PRINCE 2 Qualified Project PM group where he joined. Being in clinical trials. So far, he is on his Manager and has a track record of the youngest in the company, as 2nd contract working for a top previously managing clinical trials hard a worker he was, he couldn't 20 pharma company on a new with the responsibility of managing see himself progressing through. exciting drug yet to hit the market. budgets in excess of $1 million. However, to his surprise, after Alongside this he does his He graduated from University with the first year, he was promoted motivational speaking which he a degree Biomedical Sciences and then 18 months later he was intends to take pursue full time in in 2009 where soon after he promoted again to a Global Project the future. Project Management worked in the NHS for 3 months. Manager who dealt with large in clinical trials is what he likes, Deciding that the lab wasn't for accounts leading clinical trials. but motivating/inspiring people is him, He wanted to find a way This was a huge achievement as what he loves. That's his purpose! where he could use his strengths accelerated career growth was not (presentation skills, communication common in the company yet alone skills, problem solving skills etc) in the marketplace full stop. in a more effective way. Later in 2009, He joined an organisation His salary doubled in the space of called Richmond Pharmacology this time and of course due to this ( a Phase 1 Clinical trial unit) and success, He had the luxury of flying joined their graduate program to Ghana more frequently where there. He excelled in this program his passion for Ghana grew further. and very quickly outgrew the role He decided to open his own limited so he thought he should change company where he offers his PM directions further and step into the services to the top 20 pharma world of project management in companies globally. the context of still staying within the pharmaceutical industry.
65 Meet a Pioneer * Paul-Miki Akpablie 23 years* old, USA
aul-Miki Akpablie is the founder Akpablie, has spent years Pof Kadi Energy Company. developing a mobile phone charger In 2015 Paul-Miki was was He is also a Mathematics and that uses battery and solar energy recognised internationally for his Biochemistry Major at Colorado to charge phones and other digital work by receiving the Queen’s College. He is passionate about devices. Through his company he Young Leaders Award. The leveraging economic power aims to bring innovative energy Queen’s Young Leader Award to improve people’s lives. He solutions and empower social recognises and celebrates developed Kadi, a sustainable change in Africa. exceptional people aged 18-29 business model, for the purpose from across the Commonwealth, of improving the lives of Ghana has an estimated 16 who are taking the lead in their Ghana’s rural poor by providing million mobile phone users, but communities and using their skills environmentally friendly products more than 40 percent have no to transform lives. Winners of this while simultaneously delivering electricity to charge their phones prestigious Award receive a unique significant returns to investors. and debilitating blackouts can package of training, mentoring and last for weeks. Charging stations networking, including a one-week At the age of fifteen and living are available, but can be time- residential programme in the UK in Ghana, he developed a solar consuming and expensive thus during which they will collect their collector that was used to power Kadi energy aims to fill that void, Award from Her Majesty The community centre lights. While at United World College in Hong The company have now expanded Kong, Paul co-founded The beyond just phone charging and Graduate Program, a profitable are in the process of developing a student-run tutoring business of 10MW solar plant in Ghana to some which he is still a major shareholder. support to the current energy He attended many energy summits infrastructure. They are currently and is an advocate for provision of in talks with GRIDCO about the financially sustainable renewable procurement process. energy to change the lives of Queen. Ghanaians in the short-term and all Africans in the long-term.
66 Meet a Pioneer * Wendy Laryea 24 years old,* Ghana
endy Atswei Laryea is an Her hard work on and off-air was She was among one hundred Waward winning broadcast recognized at the 2015 Ghana participants of the President journalist/news anchor and Journalists Association Awards Obama’s Young African Leaders producer at TV3 Network held in Accra where she picked Initiative (YALI) West Africa Limited. With over seven years of two awards on the same night for Pioneering Cohort, 2015. experience in journalism, Wendy “Best Report News (Radio and TV) believes Journalism is her tool for and Digital Journalism Category, Her job as an anchor has seen her social change. Her passion for and Best Report on Education interview influential personalities, social issues, especially health, (Electronic)” including the 2011 Nobel Peace education and human interest Prize winner - Liberian Women's issues is always evident in her Wendy, the Producer of “Business Rights campaigner Leymah incisive news reports. Focus” an award winning business Gbowee and Ghana’s former program on TV3, has also covered President John Agyekum Kufuor. One such report on the state of major events including the 7th a dilapidated school building, African Conference on Sexual The Reuters trained broadcaster Oborpah M/A Primary School Health & Rights held this year, aspires to be an international media in the Eastern region, led to the the 2008 Elections and the 2007 practitioner, and a communications construction of a six-unit classroom African Union Summit held in expert. block and K.V.I.P by a real estate Accra. company for the school. Aside from journalism, Wendy is In 2014, her expose on the ordeal also the Programmes Manager for of kindergarten pupils of the Princess Sekyere Mission (www. Atampiisi primary school and the psmission.org), an NGO which Tongo Beo primary school all in focuses on the youth, women, the Upper East Region of Ghana, health and environment. She who wrote on the bare floor due engages the youth in mentoring to inadequate writing material activities. PSM has organized over like slates touched the heart of five mentoring seminars for over philanthropists to donate learning 10, 000 Junior High School (JHS) materials to the school. students in Ghana.
67 * Africa’s Next Agribusiness Frontiers
by David Asare* Asiamah
68 istory has shown that within a in yields for specific crops and in a moderate decline in the national Hhalf-a-generation, continents specific countries. grain harvest in 2004–2005, to a can drastically improve agricultural level 11% below the 5-year average. production and make themselves Corollary to the success of the But none of the famines can be food sufficient. We have seen this green revolution in Asia, Africa’s attributed to a lack of predictive in Asia and Eastern Europe where green revolution was birthed to information, but problems of data the ‘Green Revolution’ turned replicate Asia’s success based accuracy and credibility, as well around their food security stories on the promotion of new seeds, as inconsistencies and politicised and made them net exporters fertilisers, improved irrigation and choices between alternative of food. But will this story ever infrastructure but it failed due to sources of information, did play happen in Africa? Agriculture basic economic challenges and was major roles. has remained a largely neglected worsened by unavailable credit sector by stakeholders, particularly and insurance markets, and high Even in primitive time’s population governments. Although the 2003 illiteracy which held back extension growth often must have Maputo Declaration of Food efforts. Related high transport endangered or exceeded man's Security and Agriculture committed costs, inadequate institutional ability to make his agriculture all 53 African countries to investing support, poor infrastructure, productive. In Pharaoh's dreams at least 10 percent of their unstable political regimes, weak and Joseph's interpretation of respective national budgets for institutional and social design forthcoming famine and his policy implementation relating to dimensions diverse agro-ecological planning for it, as specified by this agriculture and rural development, complexities, low fertilizer usage citation from Genesis: "...And the only about 13 countries have so far and the unavailability of the right seven years of shortage began to met that. The sad part is that the high-yielding varieties, made come, conferring as Joseph had continent continues to rely heavily agricultural productivity low said: and the shortage was in all on imported food, spending more (World Bank 2007). lands; but in all the land of Egypt Africa’s than 50 billion US dollars on that there was bread..." For his time, annually, despite the vast available Joseph was sensible, with the opportunities for local production. support of his God. But currently Next Africa’s green revolution was birthed to replicate Asia’s success based on Agribusiness the promotion of new seeds
The Famous Green Revolution Africa’s Next Agribusiness we ought to be far cleverer; with Frontiers - Youth the support of our Gods and our Promoters of the late 1950’s Green Frontiers science with technology. The Revolution called it an approach Africa has had successes in her technology needed to advance to combat world’s hunger. They farming just like the new palm today’s agriculture is present; assembled international scientific Africa has had successes in her from building supply and value research and the widespread farming just like the new palm chain solutions to integrating dissemination of improved wine—very sweet and delicious agricultural outputs of rural plant varieties in developing but lacks some depth of the farmers in emerging markets to countries. Beginning in Mexico, more mature wine; sustaining linking farmers to markets, finance, the Philippines and India, the new our successes needs salvation. weather forecast, new farming varieties of wheat, rice and maize The trigger for Malawi’s famine tips, inputs dealers, business tools swiftly spread through the tropics was erratic weather during the and equipment services. to replace farmers' varieties. But 2000–2001 farming season, which these varieties only produced resulted in a maize harvest 32% the desired 'high yielding' results lower than in 2000. Niger’s food subject to irrigation, mechanisation, crisis in 2005 has been attributed and plenty of chemical fertilisers to a locust invasion and drought and pesticides. The outcome of that devastated crop production. this work was rise But Niger suffered only
69 Today’s youth remain the hope to operations in Ghana. Our focus is assists young and new farmers advance this. But there is an image to run highly profitable farm-based with market links and investment disconnect in much of Africa enterprises with long term growth opportunities. The combined which is much pervasive amongst potential and showcase this know contribution of these products in young people and has made it how to young aspiring farmers in the medium to the long term would detrimental to the sustainability an industry relevant manner. We significantly raise the profile of of the sector. The relationship strive to be on the cutting edge of agriculture in Africa, underpinned between young people and their innovation and create new industry by a strong and active participation interest in the agricultural sector, standards across the spectrum and of the youth. whether to be attributed to failing we are committed to developing economies, the low productivity Africa’s agribusiness ecosystem. and income output in the sector, inadequate labour and capital for We as well lead the development input investment, coupled with of outreach programmes in an unattractive rural environment, thematic areas of agriculture, agri- could be due to the evolving business, and entrepreneurship for ambitions and desires of both young sections of Ghanaian youth and people and their predecessors – an tertiary education students. Our agrarian transition. As such, it is farm which remains our production not shocking that a myriad range component, models how the youth of varied wits have focused on and the private sector engage in making agriculture prominent. agriculture. Our Logistics service Agro Mindset is working to change attitudes and break stereotypes, and has begun operations in Ghana.
Numerous efforts by stakeholders to encourage the teeming unemployed youth to pursue professions in agriculture have not made much difference because policy promoters, policymakers and development planners depend too much on ‘common knowledge’, and narratives to improve and reason policy alternatives. This possibly could be good politics, but it has produced vain development results, principally when the glitches being addressed are associated with complex phenomena such as poverty, livelihoods, agrarian shifts, social justice and sustainability but a more holistic approach like that of Agro Mindset is needed.
As a mission-driven firm specializing in agribusiness ventures, Agro Mindset is working to change attitudes and break stereotypes, and has begun
70 At the moment, we are investing enhancing youth engagement in Challenges and solution modeling time, resource and energy to agriculture. Our ‘Farmacy’ tool, develop 3 new divisions: our agricultural and educational Building a start-up in Ghana is incubator, identifies and trains very challenging. Initially no one • Logistics-focused on youth with support. For new believes in you. Financing our market facilitation via farmers and existing smallholders’ Farms di vision came with a input procurement, supply who have incomplete, ineffective whole package of obstacles. After distribution modelling and inequitable market access, our the beginning phase of launching, and license/franchise network links farmers to reduce a few systematic challenges we opportunities. cost of operations and enhance faced with running our business • Academy-focused on bringing productivity. and operations included the the farm to your technology constant depreciation of the value platforms at anytime, Unlike individual farmers that of Ghana’s Cedi. This meant we anywhere to learn anything. provide weaker market power, couldn’t purchase much needed • Fellowship-focused on we provide a stronger and inputs at the market. Rather than developing a network of more equitable network. This is stopping at this problem, we entrepreneurs and others improving youth readiness for mitigated this barrier to entry and with a demonstrated interest industry. Youth enrolled on our operation by creating another in creating a new chapter for venture live and have field work subsidiary, Agro Mindset Logistics agriculture through action. at the grassroots level with rural to assist our operation and other farmers. young farmers who are all new farm entrants to have effective links to Today’s youth are tomorrow’s This provides them with skill market; although we operate on family farmers and the future of acquisition and capacity building lower scale. We sold over 4 million agriculture depends on the youth of via vocational training within eggs in the last year alone. This is a today for succession, enthusiasm, an active participatory learning testament of a working model, and fresh ideas and innovation. But environment. This process fosters a compelling success story of the the success of all strategies and entrepreneurship and innovation. youth’s engagement in agriculture. interventions to involve the youth Youth are empowered to tackle Rather than lip servicing the issues largely depends on the willingness food insecurity as they understand like many frustrated with the of the new generation of literates the basic sciences and how they challenges, we focused with laser and interested youth to take affect food. precision on possible solutions and up agriculture as a potentially implements. rewarding livelihood, focusing on agro-specific solutions that fashion agriculture as a sector with prospects. Stakeholders should address credit constraints, for instance by the giving soft loans to youth who form interdisciplinary peer groups. This will remove the credit bottleneck and also enhance interdisciplinary cohesion.
How has your business distinguished itself from its competitors?
Agro Mindset is an emerging player in the Ghana-based agribusiness space. There are weak agricultural and food training systems with fallen standards in Ghana’s agricultural curriculum. For years, our educational establishments train youth for urban based bureaucracies. Our educator curriculum is engaged with urgent rural development issues seen from an entrepreneurial perspective. Having walked the path, our practical story is of
71 Farm-to-table is where the opportunity and excitement is.
72 Gradually, instead of the traditional all owe our lives to for food, fuel to provide succession, add buyer-seller relationship of ad hoc and fibre relies on the younger enthusiasm, bring fresh ideas and transactions all the way along generation coming through drive innovation. the procurement supply-chain to provide succession, add of needed farming inputs, Agro enthusiasm, bring fresh ideas and Without a clear policy strategy for Mindset is building relationships drive innovation. engaging this rising group of youth, through which the farmer produces leaders and the development to the buyer’s specifications. Not interested youth to take up partners that work with them risk only do such relationships facilitate agriculture as a potentially creating an economic time bomb the movement of products to rewarding livelihood, focusing for their successors. But more consumers, but they also facilitate on agro-specific solutions that importantly if policymakers fail to continual improvements in the fashion agriculture as a sector find finance for and include youth in chain, something that is impossible with prospects to be dynamic, policy and development planning with ad hoc transactions. intellectually agile, and pragmatic. processes, our development legacy The future of agriculture which we in much of Africa will be a missed We see tremendous private sector all owe our lives to for food, fuel opportunity to transform the lives opportunities in the Ghana based and fibre relies on the younger of this and the next generation. agriculture sector throughout the generation coming through food system industry to develop profitable solutions to costly problems, including trade finance, commodities exchange, futures market, banking instruments as Youth is an asset. well as prospects further down the chain for distribution and retail. The linkage between production and consumption.... farm-to- Young people - the table is where the opportunity and excitement is. It will require and create space for education, policy, equity investment, shapers of the future commodities market, futures market, innovation farmer friendly financial instruments, social and physical infrastructure, revolving are an asset to society. lines of credit, venture capital, truck, bulk storage, sound retail, David Asare Asiamah is the improved business practices, Founder of the Agro Mindset communication, big data, and Group who’s focus is to run the list is infinite. This continent highly profitable farm-based will dance to a new rhythm. Not enterprises with long term growth because someone keeps trying to potential and showcase this know teach a new dance. But because how to young aspiring farmers in one or two people dance to their an industry relevant manner. own rhythm and eventually their music will be the beat that people dance to.
Youth is an asset. Young people - the shapers of the future are an asset to society. The success of all strategies and interventions to secure the youth largely depends on the willingness of the new generation of literate and interested youth to take up agriculture as a potentially rewarding livelihood, focusing on agro-specific solutions that fashion agriculture as a sector with prospects to be dynamic, intellectually agile, and pragmatic. The future of agriculture which we
73 * A year in the Life of Farmerline
Compiled by Alloysius* Attah, CEO Farmerline
74 year on, and Farmerline Additionally, Farmerline set-up and Rural Co-operation (CTA) in A has grown independently Project TAHMO. This will initiate a building the capacity of actual and and through a vast array platform that will provide weather potential end users of its m-apps. of new partnerships with data and harvest tracking. Within various international and local this project Farmerline also created CTA particularly selected organizations. With these an app to improve information Farmerline as a value added partnerships, they have initiated access and communication service provider for the hosting projects that will help to channels for smallholder cocoa of twenty (20) m-apps training serve Farmerlines aims; using farmers. workshops, across selected web platforms and mobile regions in Ghana, highlighting the applications to disseminate and Moreover, to provide innovative eminent reputation Farmerline collect agricultural data to/from mobile-based agricultural has established for itself. Through smallholder farmers. information and messaging these workshops Farmerline services to Eighty (80) trained and provided hands-on communities Farmerline further experience to at least a total of One of the many partnerships collaborated with Trias Ghana 500 users and potential users Farmerline entered into over a Belgium-based NGO. This of their innovative m-apps and the past year was one with reputable NGO is currently agricultural information services. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) in April working with-in 14 different 2015, which became effective countries worldwide to improve Besides this, the need to explore on March 30th. This agreement the livelihood security of small- new and modern ways of collecting centered on the development and scale entrepreneurs, small-scale agricultural and market price data implementation of a computerized farmers and their organizations led to the piloting of a Computer- TMS for the collection of “Farmer by working through their member Assisted Personal Interviewing Data” and Farm/Field Data, the based organizations. (CAPI) system by SRID in A year mapping of cocoa and coffee partnership with the International fields, the communication with What’s more, Farmerline was Food Policy Research Institute farmers and the tracing of cocoa privileged to partner with ACP-EU (IFPRI) in some selected districts in the and coffee products. Technical Centre for Agricultural in Ghana. Life of Farmerline Not only has the company’s staff almost doubled in size, but they have successfully established its headquarters in Accra.
75 With support from the US Agency Farmerline and in particular The company anticipates that in the for International Development their CEO Alloysius Attah have future they will be able to facilitate (USAID), Feed the Future (FtF) and been incredibly active this past the transmission of validated Ghana Agricultural Policy Support year speaking at the Global weather forecast information to Project (APSP), an improved CAPI Entrepreneurship Summit, pitching farmers. At the moment, they was developed and extended to at Palace Africa and attending the hope to provide reliable financial cover all the 216 districts in the likes of Oxford Africa Conference, services to farmers. This will country. ICT4D Conference in Singapore, be achieved through potential GIZ Conference in Germany and strategic partnerships with mobile Furthermore, Farmerline has AFRINIC Conferences in Tunis, money services and/or emergency conducted farmer workshops for Congo. loans and basic banking features 1,683 smallholder farmers and 121 for Micro Finance institutions. Agric extension Officers within Another remarkable achievement Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. is that Farmerline has expanded Farmerline are actively chancing Here they have been able to its supply chain.Now Sierra Leone, the perception of farming in rural train farmers to use Farmerline’s Malawi, Cameroon and Nigeria as Ghana and beyond, contributing to MERGDATA application and well as Ghana are now currently the increase in yield and value of general good agricultural practices. benefiting from Farmerline agricultural products in Ghana and services. other parts of Africa. Not only has the company’s staff almost doubled in size, but they 2015 was evidently a year of great Edited by Lois Mensah-Afoakwah have successfully established its success for Frontline highlighted headquarters in Accra. Today the by the awards they have received. team is pleased to say it has an Such awards include, Unilever administrative branch and host Sustainable Young Achievers of the business development Award, Financial Times Award and team which helps facilitate their Oxford Africa Conference StartUp operations. Award. These alone are testament to the organisations pioneering progress.
76 77 Meet a Pioneer * Sinead Rose 24 years old,* Ireland
rom a young age Sinead has InspirANation was awarded ‘Best She has also recently founded Fproactively sought ways Company Report’, ‘Best Company a shapewear business in Dublin to help others; social inclusion Trade Stand’, ‘Best Financial called BodyFleek which specialises and citizenship have been her Reporting’ and ‘Best Company in all things body enhancing, giving passions. Such passions were in Kensington and Chelsea’ in the individuals the platform to feel and birthed when she was selected for competition. look good in anything that they the UK’s Prime Minister's Global wear. By providing this service Fellowship Programme, where Wanting to further develop her she has built a great rapport she investigated issues of culture, business acumen and personal with members from the LGBT language, education and global development she applied for The community and is exploring ways enterprise. Source 2011 competition styled that she can cater to their needs on the BBC’s reality TV show ‘The also. Her passion to inspire her peers Apprentice’. Overcoming stiff led her to establish a Young competition over the course of Enterprise publishing company 18 months, she won the coveted called InspirANation, which first prize of £10,000 and one on focused on tackling social issues one mentoring from successful like political apathy amongst her entrepreneur ‘MKOGS’. peers and a perceived lack of role models for ethnic children growing As an Account Manager at Google up. The first book, called ‘Why Dublin, Sinead manages the Vote?’ focused on the former, global/EMEA activity for the multi- were she interviewed almost million dollar brand. She seeks to 400 MPs on the importance of develop companies into powerful political participation, before brands in a more creative and selling copies of the book through measurable way. As a result of Amazon, WHSmith, independent her role Sinead was selected to be bookstores and catalogued at the the head judge for Google’s Top British Library – David Cameron, Black Talent Program aimed at Nick Clegg and Gordon Brown empowering ethnic students with each purchased a book as a token the knowledge to pass the rigorous of support. and competitive job interviews.
78 Meet a Pioneer * Dziffa Akua 23 years old,* Ghana
ziffa Akua is an entrepreneur Within months of being in Ghana Dziffa believes that many of Dwho is very passionate about she discovered a plethora of the economic challenges in the role small businesses play in talented manufacturers who not Africa can be solved if the the economic development of only turn raw materials into finished hardworking entrepreneurs on Sub-Saharan African countries goods but also have the potential the ground received the support and works extensively to make to decrease unemployment if local they needed for their ventures sure these businesses succeed. and global demand of their goods to grow. It is Dziffa’s dream to She holds a bachelor's degree in increased. live in an Africa that is free of economics and political science economic dependence, an Africa from Herbert H. Lehman College Dziffa founded Dziffa.com, an that produces, innovates, and (City University of New York, eCommerce website that connects contributes to the advancement of Magna Cum Laude). She’s a fellow local and international customers the world. of The Edward T. Rogowsky seeking authentic products from Internship Program, The American Ghana to manufacturers in Ghana Economic Association Training for in January 2015. Today Dziffa. Minorities in Economics, and Yale com has eight manufacturing Global Pre-MBA program. partners in Ghana and over 90 products from broad categories. Dziffa moved back to Ghana She hopes that Africans on the to help transform the country’s continent, Africans in the Diaspora economy from import dependence and African Americans will actively to a production driven economy. purchase from small businesses in Dziffa has always dreamt of an Africa so their ventures can grow Africa that played a significant role and enable them to contribute in the global market as distributors to the economic development of of high quality finished goods, not their economies. just suppliers of raw materials. She moved to Ghana after 10 years of living in New York to make that dream a reality.
79 Meet a Pioneer * Kwadwo Sarpong 27 years* old, USA
wadwo Sarpong is the Kwadwo Sarpong has been an initiative that uses advanced Kcofounder and Chief Executive recognized by Emory University agricultural research techniques Officer of African Research for Global Philanthropy, The to equip rural rice farmers with Academies for Women. He is a Commonwealth Secretariat, United tools for increased productivity, current PREP Scholar at the Icahn States Embassy in Ghana, Planet incomes and improved livelihoods. School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Earth Institute, and interviewed by and hopes to one day become a The L'Oréal Foundation Discover Kwadwo was recently selected as physician scientist specializing Her magazine for his leadership a Highly Recommended Runner in neurosurgery due to his own and work with ARA-W. After Up for The Queen’s Young battle with severe form of typhoid graduation, Kwadwo was the Leaders Award and will be taking fever as a kid and his brother’s only student selected by Emory a one-year leadership course paralytic polio condition. He is University to be interviewed with the University of Cambridge currently evaluating the role of by NPR (WABE 90.1 FM) in as part of the award package. somatic mutations in children with Atlanta, commending him for his Sarpong will also be speaking at autism and White House invited perseverance and leading such a the Next Einstein Forum Global Sarpong to the US-Africa Leaders’ worthy cause. Gathering, an initiative under the Summit to discuss ways President African Institute of Mathematical Obama’s administration could Currently at Mount Sinai School Sciences (AIMS) in March hosted invest in women education and of Medicine, Sarpong together by the President of Senegal, H.E. empowerment in Africa. with his team won the Mount Sinai President Macky Sall on the topic, Young Innovator Pitch Challenge at “Driving the Agenda for African Kwadwo graduated from Emory this year’s Mount Sinai Innovations. Women in STEM” University last year as the Class Marshall and the recipient of He currently serves on the Board the Patricia Taylor Award for for Sankofa Generation of Africa, Academic Excellence. 21st Century Citizens Initiative and heads partnership and strategic initiatives for Shepherd Mills –
80 Meet a Pioneer * Ama Wusuwaah 28 years old,* Belgium
onstance Owusu-waah She took the right courses to Though not doing too badly as she Cwho prefers to be called build on her talent and skills. In has been a featured at a number ‘Wusuwaah’ is an African fashion 2010 She applied for internship at of shows such as LACE (London designer / stylist who was born in Pierre Antonio Vettorello Brussels Africa Culture Event) Fashion Ghana but is currently residing in which led to her being featured Show 2015‘, Black History Month Belgium. at the Arise Made in Africa at 2015’ Antwerp Fashion Festival New York Fashion week 2011 with 2015 Belgium Bal der Bals Fashion After studying art & graphics at the renowned Pierre Antonio Show 2015 (Lebbeke) Belgium Saint-Lucas College she trained Vettorello’s styling and fashion and the My Runway Fashion Show at the fashion design department designing team. Coventry 2013. at Syntra of Brussels Uccle where she ended her European Wusuwaah got the chance to learn studies. She than furthered her more about the fashion world, studies with a fashion practical gained more experience and homeschooling course in Ghana. boosted her confidence which was Wusuwaah started with fashion at needed to help her face the reality a young age she had always liked of fashion as well as the many recycling different materials she obstacles she may encounter on comes across to produce different her journey. Wusuwaah dreams designs with shades of colours to have her own fashion-school and forms. Through her part-time in Ghana soon where she herself modelling and internship at Photo can share her knowledge with Studio Delro in 2008, she gained others. Her ups and downs through a lot of training in the modelling life so far have been key to her industry and learnt how to take big motivation. Her experiences as a responsibilities at both amateur stylist, a fashion designer, well- and professional level. known daring personality have been a source of inspiration to Her love for fashion kept growing others. bigger that she wanted to make it her priority.
81 Meet a Pioneer * Sadiq Abdulai Abu 30 years old,* Ghana
Sadiq is a young Ghanaian media the parent company of MUSE Aside from this, Sadiq finds time and entertainment powerhouse a multi-platform media brand to touch base, speak at events & having worked in the Ghanaian targeting young African millennials mentor young individuals some and Africa media/entertainment with it’s mostly, urban music, of whom are working for MUSE scene for the past 11 years, where entertainment culture, lifestyle & & particularly in New Fadama, he worked for notable brands as sports content across all its touch a community in Okaikoi Central Metro TV, Multimedia Broadcasting points. Constituency he grew up and Limited owners of Joy FM, where he regularly organises social myjoyonline.com, and Adom Fm. He is currently the company's events targeted at various causes CEO, where he is leading efforts including clean-ups, Speak-Ups Until March 2015, Sadiq was to grow MUSE into a strong Pan- with Kids etc . Every year as well, the Head of Own Productions & African media and entertainment he invests in a carnival & a sports Executive Producer at Modern brand within two years, to this festival during Sallah celebrations Times Group (MTG)owned end; they have signed partnerships that brings all the big name television channel, Viasat1 where with terrestrial TV partners in key music and sports talents to his he led a team to create exciting markets including Ghana, Tanzania community. The carnival serves as new content and reposition old and Ivory Coast a platform for traditional Chiefs & ones that enhance channel ratings leaders to engage young people and earned the channel a total of In 2016, he also intends to lead in the community whilst the sports 14 awards during his a year and the brand to organise a number festival also helps to unearth young half stay with the channel. Some of social impact campaigns and talents in the community. of the awards include multiple activities targeted at getting a Television Awards Ghana & Radio lot of young people to vote and & Television (RTP) Awards. the first Political Youth debate featuring the various political In July 2015, Sadiq partnered parties in Ghana. with long time friend and mentor, Ruddy Kwakye to co-found an emerging media and entertainment powerhouse, MUSE MEDIA NETWORKS,
82 2016 Future of Ghana Youth Leadership Forum
FORUM THEME: Governance - Changing the levers of accountability FORUM MISSION: To provide practical enterprise training, career support and a platform to generate new thinking, attitudes and approaches towards improving the state of Ghana and the African continent at large for next generation youth.
FORUM MISSION: 21st - 23rd July 2016 WHERE: Ashesi University, Accra, Ghana
REGISTER TO ATTEND TODAY: www.futureofghana.com/FOGYLF2016
83 Acknowledgments
The Future of Ghana team would like to thank and acknowledge the following individuals and organisations for services provided in support of the Future of Ghana initiative 2016;
Our Patron, the legendary Mr James Barnor for his insight, advice, good humour, unwavering support and assistance during judging process.
Our official Judges/Ambassadors, Emmanuel Edudzie, Lorraine Wright, Isaac Babu-Boateng, Ethel Cofie and Adrien Sauvage for their support, expertise during the judging process and endorsement throughout.
OUR PARTNERS/SUPPORTERS,
A special thank you to Ray Lewis, Senior Advisor to the Mayor for London for his support and coordination of the hugely successful Future of Ghana Forum 2016 at the Greater London Authority, City Hall on the 3rd March 2016
84 85