RE THINK 1
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ideas and while fostering global conversation. We remain enthusiastic about engaging with inspirers, innovative, doers and thinkers who are actively pushing the boundaries of tomorrow. We are taking this step today with humility, but also with pride to inspire young people by showing them the path of their peers.
E TO6 M O 1 C WELxAccra 20ril 2016 3, Ap TED 2 rday Satu
While preparing for the conference, we have benefitted from the benevolence of many. Notably, our sponsors who greatly oiled the machinery to get the event going. A big ‘Thank You’ also to our volunteers (you will find details about them in the second page of this book) for their irreplaceable commitment and support. Dear TEDxAccra Attendee, Welcome to TEDxAccra 2016. We are excited to host you today for the biggest and only TEDx event in Ghana. For TEDxAccra 2016, we’re doing things differently as we have six great events lined up with a solid theme, ‘Rethink’ rethinking our priorities in life. ‘You are one conversation away from your destiny’ These words articulated by Rev. Dr. Charles Buckman, the Board Chairman for TEDxAccra, probably best express one of the reasons why we spent months in preparing for this year’s event. We wanted to continue to create opportunities for like-minded people to meet and share
May you gain insights, make new friends, and enjoy the beautiful view of this auditorium while having a productive time at Accra. On behalf of the TEDxAccra Team: Welcome to TEDxAccra 2016, ‘Rethink’! Emmanuel Leslie Addae TEDxAccra, Curator
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I have watched a number of the TEDX videos since it
became a subject of discussion at my dining table at home. Such amazing topics discussed in a very relatable way to the appreciation of both young and old. I am therefore happy to now have the pleasure of welcoming the 2016 participants and viewers to my beautiful country Ghana. Here you will find ten (10) culturally diverse and unique regions with each of them having its beauty and splendor from the North, the world heritage sites, Paga Crocodile ponds, Monkey and Birds Sanctuaries, to caves and rivers. From the middle, the rich culture of chieftaincy and rich mineral resources to cocoa and tropical fruits to the Forts and Castles. In the South, the beauty of the sea and biggest manmade lake to the mountain and ridges that hold you spell bound. You must ensure you enjoy the scenic beauty and take a memorable experience with you. It gets better if you get a souvenir from our Creative Artistes from all over the country.
I look forward to hearing this group of speakers and hope you all are too. May we together, search for knowledge, acquire knowledge, and continue sharing knowledge to better our world. Indeed, if the sky is blue everywhere then let’s together make it a beautiful sky. I cannot leave without acknowledging our friends and the team behind TEDX Accra. We say a big ‘thumbs up’ to Daniel Antwi who managed to bring together these great people from all the different countries present here. Have fun and enjoy you stay in Ghana while you learn. Welcome Speech by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. Mrs. Dzifa Abla Gomashie-Ahiaglo
Akwaabaa means Welcome!
Why not contribute to the conversation via our social media platform with questions, pictures and highlights this event.You can feed into the conversation on twitter using & #ReThinkAccra #TEDxAccra Twitter handles to remember include @TEDxAccraGH @AirtelGhana For more information and to stay connected contact cynthia.ofori-dwumfuo@tedxaccra.org
Find time and connect, explore and interact with the people. You will be amazed how revealing you will find that exercise. Knowing a country through the people is the real experience of the culture and identity of the people. My most memorable experiences of TEDX among others are the ones that had Komla Dumor of blessed memory, Patrick Awuah, and ……….. 4
2015 IN PICTURES
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2016
African Innovations Demonstration
Talk 9:00am - 2:00pm
Powered by LANCASTER UNIVERSITY GHANA
09 : 00
Registration and Breakfast for attendees Performance by Sabukie
09 : 30
Active Studio powered by Lancaster University Ghana
10 : 00
Welcome Message from Prof. Fred David McBagonluri, Head of Ashesi Engineering Dept.
10 : 20
Welcoming Message from Provost Lancaster University Ghana
10 : 30
Welcoming Message from the Mr. Daniel Mensah, Program Director
10 : 40
Presentations by the African Innovators
12: 30
Break out with Refreshment
01 : 00
Final Presentation by the African Innovators
01 : 30
How to Grow your Business by Mr. Mohammed Issa CEO Kimo Home
01 : 55
Closing Remarks by Daniel Antwi, President of African Initiatives Foundation
02 : 00
Lunch and Networking
HOST
Mr. Pratt
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Wednesday April 20th, 2016
TEDxAccra
4pm - 8pm
Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel
ReThink Media, Arts & Entertainments
04 : 00
Registration + Active Studio
04: 15
Performances by Ama Asantewaa Chris Edzordzi Parker Sefogah, stage CEP. Sefogah
04 : 30
06 : 05
Innovation Speaker: Akisi Ackah
06 : 10
04 : 05
06 : 30
Performance by Wanlov Kubolor
07 : 00
07 : 40
Questions & Answers
07 : 40
Social Spaces powered by Vodafone Ghana and Active Studio
04 : 10
Introduction Speeches by the CEO or Marketing Director of Vodafone Ghana
Welcoming message from Dr. Charles Buckman,
First Session: • Esther Armah 04 : 40 Board Chairman,TEDxAccra • Edwina Momoh • Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana Breakout sessions/ • Priscilla Birago • KSM Networking/Refreshment • Nana Boakye-yiadom • Princess Umul Hatiyya Second Session Ibrahim Mahama • Robert Nii Arday Clegg • Videos from Anas • Master Class with Anas Aremeyaw • Kojo Yankson • Jeremiah Buabeng Anas Networking & Refreshment
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HOSTS: Ama K. Abebrese & Gideon kodo
Friday April 22nd, 2016
ReThink WOMENOMICS
6pm to 9pm
WOMENOMICS ‘Rethinking the contribution of women to the Ghanaian economy’. This becomes a gathering of Ghanaian Women in Business and Leadership. OBJECTIVES WOMENOMICS is made up of plenary sessions, Q&A, a panel discussion and product presentations. Our objective is to give a platform to women who have successfully started their own business and who can be an inspiration to the students in the audience.
06 : 00
Registration + Information Desk
06 : 30
Welcome by Dutch Ambassador
06 : 40
07 : 00
Intro Performance by Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong
07 : 10
Ms. Esther Cobbah CEO Stratcomm Africa
07 : 25
Catherine Krobo Edusei Benson, Founder and CEO of Eden Tree, Ltd
07 : 35
Regina Honu, CEO Soronko Solutions
07 : 55
08 : 40
Closing remarks by Dutch Ambassador
HOST
Ruka Sanusi
08 : 50
Remarks from Mansa Ayisi-Okyere, TEDxAccra Board Secretary
Panel discussion about the contribution of women to the Ghanaian economy
09 : 00 Networking with drinks and finger food 5
Keynote by Hon. Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Saturday April 23rd, 2016
TEDxAccra
9am - 9pm
National Theatre
Powered by Airtel Ghana #ReThinkAccra
08 : 00
Registration + Active Studio
09: 15
Welcome Speech by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. Mrs. Dzifa Abla Gomashie-Ahiaglo
09 : 20
11 : 30
Performance by Naki Akrobettoe
11 : 40
01 : 00
Performance by Phrimpong
01 : 15
01 : 40 Innovation Session powered by Airtel Ghana. • Lucy Quist • Fredrick Amissah • Jide Otoki
08 : 30
Social Spaces powered by Airtel Ghana
09 : 00
Opening performance by Chief Moomen
First Session: ReThink Innovation in Business 09 : 30 and Education Board Chairman,TEDxAccra • Amma Sefa-Dedeh Lartey • Emmanuel Awumee Second Session: • Mamadou Toure ReThink Politics and Law • Parminder Vir • Justice Julia Sarkodie • Mandy Budge Mensah • Dan Meyer • Nana Ama Dowuon • Steven Wallace • Tina Tangalakis • Jacob Osei Yeboah • Paul Miller Third Session: • Lisa Lovatt-Smith ReThink Health and Lifestyle • Adjoa Boateng Dilys Silah • Edem Adzaho Nana Amoako-Anin Daniel Marfo • Ivy Appiah • Dr. Thomas Tagoe HOSTS: • Dr. Elikem Tamaklo Mr. Pratt & Naa Adokarley Addo • Dr. Paul Henry Dsane-Aidoo Welcoming message from Dr. Charles Buckman,
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Lucy is an agent of change committed to growing and mentoring people to fully realize their potential. Her obsession is mentoring young people – the next generation of leaders to make systemic and sustainable change in the world. Lucy is an advocate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) who believes that Africa can accelerate its development by fully harnessing the game-changing power of STEM. Marrying her passion for mentoring young people and her love for STEM, Lucy launched #EvolveWithSTEM – an initiative she passionately leads to inspire belief, transform mindsets about STEM and teach young people foundational elements of STEM and programming.
lucyquist lucyquistofficial
Y LUC M O t FR nex s? OT E the bout u d QU l u a t wo say Whaeration n ge
Lucy Quist
Why you should listen I firmly believe that the transformation of our continent begins with a change in the mindset of Africans – young Africans. I love to share stories and I hope to inspire belief and challenge my audience to make a shift in mindset as I tell a compelling story that goes back over half a century, about leadership, tenacity, cross generational thinking and the humour of a wise old chief. You will leave the session feeling energised and empowered, as a cross generational thinker, to rethink how Africa’s transformation is in your hands. I guarantee that you will be inspired to make a positive change.
Lucy Quist is a multiple award winning international business leader; an engineer turned marketer who invests in mentoring the next generation. She has been recognized as a trailblazer being the first Ghanaian woman to lead a multinational telecommunications company in Ghana and currently the CEO of Airtel – the fastest growing telecommunications network in Ghana. In 2014 she was recognized at the Ghana Telecom Awards (GTA) for her contribution to the industry. In 2015 she was named the CIMG (Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana) Marketing woman of the year. 8
But there are people like me who have taken on completely different careers from what was recommended for us or got formally trained in. We are passionately pursuing other alternative career paths and making an impact and inspiring others in return. This is possible because, like me, we all took a pause to rethink our careers, faced our fears and maximized opportunities. Speaking on rethinking careers is my way to inspire people to follow their hearts.
Edem Adzaho
I am an International Training Consultant, Graduate Coach and author of 2 books, who has lived in 3 countries, worked in 12 with over 40 nationalities. I founded The Global Graduate Academy and still manage the award winning Human Capacity Development Company, SPEC Consult Limited, where I have coached and trained over 5,000 young Ghanaians and some West Africans on world-class employability skills, entrepreneurship and accessing scholarship opportunities. My past trainees run their own businesses or work for Aljazeera, Euronews, Diageo, PwC, Bank of America, and most of the leading organisations in Ghana. Others have gained scholarships to prestigious institutions worldwide. I am an Intercultural Fluency Master Trainer and an External Consultant for the British Council and on the assessing board for Tullow Group Scholarship Scheme since 2012. I am a world traveler, a photographer and currently listed as the 17th Most Influential Young Ghanaian and change maker under 40.
Edem Adzaho Edem Adzaho
m overrom Ede Quote f ressions are and p d im ir First nd, th hink he seco t rated. T atter too, so m r e v e r fo . ou post before y
Why you should listen I meet people pursuing career paths chosen by parents and guardians, but are trapped in different levels of fear to even rethink those choices.
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Like how I have discovered there is music in medicinewe all move and speak and emote with a similar rhythm & cadence that transcends certain barriers. Simply put, I am a woman seeking to wed her gifts, talents and passion with her divine purpose to leave this world better than the state in which we have found it. Why you should listen This year’s theme of “ReThink”, led me to reflect on time recently spent working in the ICU, caring for the hospital’s sickest patients and the extraordinary level of physical and emotional pain faced by these individuals and their families. In doing so, I also examined my own life’s pains and triumphs. Therein, it became evident that although pain can be debilitating, it is also engineered to act as a warning sign. As such, we should begin to rethink pain. No longer as an ominous signal of impending harm, rather, let it serve us positively as sign to take action, redirecting the course of undesirable outcomes.
BoatengMD adjoa.a.boateng
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Adjoa Boateng
I am the daughter of an Ashanti man from Kumasi and an American woman from New Jersey. I am curious. I am a physician. I am a fighter, I have a warrior’s spirit traversing the blood in my veins. I am survivor. I come to TED more eager to listen than to speak. I chase joy, leaving remnants of praise constantly on my lips. Though a scientist by profession, the arts tend to also occupy my heart leaving me ever searching for the inter-mingling of seemingly disparate worlds.
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multikids inclusive academy www.multikidsgh.com
www.multikidsfoundation.com
NO dy ment. n a e M udg ” om J s) te fr t over re Able ultikid o u c Q spe We a at M “ Reability. tudent Dis ffour, s (Ba
The ripples have gathered momentum over the past 20 years and have been the inspiration behind the creation of Multikids Inclusive Academy and more recently, Multikids Foundation. The open heart of a child with down syndrome or cerebral palsy manifests in a charismatic aura that enlightens your life. Our part is to open doors, to open minds, to deconstruct the mindset and values that have de-humanised and incarcerated these children; that have stripped them of their integrity and humanity. Why you should listen With Inclusive Education on the global map, Ghana is about to ratify its Inclusive Education Policy. It matters how each and everyone of us thinks, feels, speaks about and relates to, children with disability. It matters how we include all of our children in the world. This is a human rights issue and we know that things are happening in our country which are violating children’s rights. The BBC recently got hold of our ‘stories’ and Ghana was dubbed the worst place in the world to be disabled. It is time to include all children in our schools and in our plans for Ghana. The challenges are surmountable but where to begin?
Mandy Budge
There was a significant moment in 1994 where a unique set of circum stances triggered a ripple effect in my life. The moment the stone hit the pond was in a London Special School where I was teaching, and I met two West African pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. We found a resonant means of communicating through wild skits over Kpan Logo rhythms played on Ghanaian drums, carried back from recent journeys to Ghana. 11
She was featured on CNN African Voices, CNN African Startups and interviewed by BBC World Service, Deutsche Welle and Aljazeera. She is an Ashoka Fellow, Aspen Institute New Voices Fellow, GOOD Fellow, Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum, Vital Voices Fellow and a Change Leader with Tigo Reach For Change.
d as veile n u y entl and s recisco Br was a one w l She 2016 V or. She N as omen the bassad on CN nal w ence, Am tured piratio (Sci and fea 12 ins STEMneering ngi the rock who n ology,E s). Tech atic m e h Mat
She belongs to Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa . Her story was published in the Lean In for Graduates by Sheryl Sandberg COO of Facebook, Impatient Optimist blog by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and was a finalist for the ITU African Digital Woman of the Year. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow and had the honour of meeting Barack and Michelle Obama. She also recently returned from China from participating in the World Economic Forum Meeting of New Champions which focused on Science and Technology. She is an online mentor with the Women’s Tech Connect Global Mentoring program.
apiorkor.ashong apiorkor apiorkor www.s2words. blogspot.com
Regina Honu
was named as one of the six women making an impact in Tech in Africa and one of 10 female entrepreneurs to watch in emerging economies. She was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the year by the GPA Awards from Africa 2.0 and JCI Ghana Outstanding Young Person award for scientific and technological advancement. Soronko Solutions was nominated for the editor’s choice award in the Women in IT award in the UK.
She was awarded a Women of Courage Award for Technology and Tech Needs Girls was awarded in the Ghana CSR Diary Awards.
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the forces of producing a lot of food for Ghana.
Mrs. Catherine Krobo Edusei Benson
Apart from this she is a motivator and a mobilizer with her winning attitude that she shows everywhere she finds herself. The articles carried on her through the radio and TV interviews as well as the various newspapers and magazines brought Madam Catherine to the public knowledge and awareness, especially in her dealings with the urban farmers and in her gain of fame which also brings out the apiorkor.ashong company she works with.
and her staff create jobs for urban farmers by encouraging them to grow vegetables for the company which we purchase from them as well; beside these we also support them through organizing of trainings with the assistance of USADF to help them produce quality farm produces and managing their farms properly as well as good record keeping. We again give them good seeds and also assist them with a flexible loan facility which a repayment term is through the farm produce; this loan is being funded by the USADF.
apiorkor apiorkor www.s2words. blogspot.com
And to our consumers we give them quality products by pre-cleaning and disinfecting the vegetables we package to the shops all to promote good health as our motto states, healthier people better nation. Our focus is to encourage the Ghanaian community to eat more vegetables in their diet to get a well nutritious balance diet and in that regard; we do have a sister company Eden Tree Restaurant which put that in practice.
ei bo Edus rine Kro prove on e h t a C im Madam on trying to e in focuses an agricultur pital city the urb hich is the caization in Accra w a. The organ s not only of Ghanhe works seek e welfare which s wn but for th comes in for its o e people that of all th m. with the contact
Madam Catherine encourages people that comes to her for advice and also assist a lot of people through education. She is ever ready to assist those that approach her with even similar business ideas such that such that Eden Tree Ltd does to not give up but to go ahead and join 13
JustPaul Miller osagyefoh
sikaapp.com
sesil consult limited www.sesill.com
Emmanuel Awumee
Paul Miller
I am Emmanuel Awumee, a Car Care Consultant and the CEO of SESIL Consult Limited, a Car Care company that provides Car Detailing Service here in Accra. . I sort to be an EMPLOYEE after school, but walked my dream to become an EMPLOYER in a well-established business with a current workforce of 35 and still counting in an industry that the Ghanaian society frowns upon for the well - educated - CAR WASH. Why you should listen Unemployment amongst the skilled labour force in Ghana, for that matter Africa, is a self-imposed socio cultural norm or practice, designed for or by our Society to remain poor.
I’m a father and serial entrepreneur. Being a father has taught me a lot about building an organization. It starts with honesty, fearlessness and becoming selfless for the greater good. Why you should listen Entrepreneurs have struggled silently. There is a sense that we can’t talk about failure, that its weakness. I want to start that conversation. Quote from Paul Miller Trust is a serious problem, we have to get to a new level of transparency – only through radical transparency will we get to radical new levels of trust. 14
PhrimpongSongs PhrimpongSongs
Naa Adokarley Mettle Addo
Phrimpong
Naa Adokarley Mettle Addo is a vibrant and iconic lady with drive to achieve and leave a mark wherever she goes. A graduate of the University of Ghana, Legon, (Psychology, French,History), She has had rich work experience with Strategic Communications Africa and Barclays Bank of Ghana.
A Pan-African born to a teacher father and a trader mother, an artiste who preaches consciousness and addresses the daily plight of human lives. Love to read, rap and debate on social and religious issues. Core dream is to be the greatest philanthropist and to change the face of rap and music in Africa Why you should listen My speech is centered on Africa. I seek to enlighten audience on the known and unknown facts about the origin of Humanity. In support of my speech is a song performance of my Africa Song which talks more about the continent and its culture heritages, great leaders among others.
Additionally, Naa has been running an events house called Angelohase since 2012. She loves public speaking, creating concepts and singing. She is the third of five kids and lives in Accra. 15
I believe that it is of paramount importance for children to be raised in an environment that allows them to thrive, for women not to be violated or to have to carry the burden of the shame of rape and domestic violence. I believe our young men can and must be raised in environments or in a society that ensures that they are not perpetrators of the emotional, physical or sexual acts of any type of abuse against women and girls. Prevention through education, challenging social myths and the eradication of the practices of damaging cultural mindsets and attitudes, is the way forward to putting a STOP to violence of any kind against women and children – this essentially is the mission of WWHMC
WWHearMyCry or Dilys Sillah@ WWHearMyCry speaknowor4everholdyourpeace
o ilys ye t m D blind e , for o r f a te ing Quo er turn suffer art and r v Ne tice o the he s inju ee with s s we t he eye not
www.wwhmc. org.uk
Why you should listen I believe I have a message that will be thought provoking, engaging and informative. Listening to me speak will challenge people to think and to question things they have accepted as being part of life in Ghana and the world as a whole. My talk will compel individuals to take personal responsibility for what they have accepted as the status quo and make each one of us ‘rethink’ our attitudes in even the smallest way, by doing our bit to change or challenge what we know to be wrong.
Dilys Sillah
I am a British born Ghanaian immensely proud of my Ghanaian roots. I am the Founder and CEO of Who Will Hear My Cry (WWHMC) Ghana, and Who Will Hear My Cry in the UK, an NGO and not-for-profit organisation respectively. The work of WWHMC is focused largely on raising awareness on rape, domestic violence and sexual abuse. We deal with the contributors and enablers that make these acts possible in our societies at such alarming levels today.
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experiences which I need to share. It is not enough to arrest investigate, try people in court and then punish them. There needs to be a paradigm shift in the way we view and administer justice, by widening our scope and horizon. We need to come to the realization that justice is an inter-disciplinary phenomenon. It is only by joining these disciplines namely, criminal justice, criminology, social justice and youth empowerment that we can talk about FREEDOM AND JUSTICE and sustainable development in Africa. I want my audience to hear my expose on this and take it with them.
Justice Julia Sarkodie-Mensah
I am Justice Julia Sarkodie-Mensah, a highly motivated and results oriented woman with a passion to bring about change, make a difference and leave a good legacy in my profession as a jurist, a diplomat and as a woman. After several years in private practice in Botswana, and as Ghana’s first Honorary Consul to Botswana for 12 years, I was appointed as a High Court Judge. Thereafter, I went to Sierra Leone shortly after the eleven years brutal war with a mandate to restructure and reform the judiciary and strengthen its institutional and human capacity. It was my biggest challenge but I believe I did not disappoint my employers, The British Council, and later the Commonwealth Secretariat, so they have sent me now to The Bahamas, where I am now working as a criminal justice Expert for the Commonwealth Secretariat. I am attached to the Office of the AttorneyGeneral and Ministry of Legal Affairs, with a mandate it to help with the reform of the criminal justice system and develop systems that will improve the administration of criminal justice.
ent in evelopmpillars: d le b a Sustain inges on four Africa h l reform ic judicia justice i. Holist ty li a ance s to qu ii.Acces mocratic govern e d d d n o iii.Go ment a p lo e v e d iv. Youth rment mpowe youth e
Why you should listen My experience as a jurist, judge and legal consultant over the years, and working in different jurisdictions in Africa and outside Africa, has exposed me to situations and 17
brightladzekpo bright.ladzekpo www.phdmedia.com highwayofholine kingdomlifestylemissiongh www.klmission.com/ www.highwayhouse.co.uk/ www.highwayofholiness. co.uk
Bright Ladzekpo
Rev Alex Gyasi
I am a thought leader who is passionate about trendspotting, path-finding and innovation for effective brandbuilding. For the past 19 years’ I have provided consultancy services in media and marketing communications to both global and local brand managers. I trained as a biochemist but followed my natural talent into the advertising fraternity having written, produced and presented on both national radio and TV shows since age 19. I was a judging panellist for selecting the host of “Who wants to be a Rich” and a regular contributor to business news and analyses platforms on Advertising & Media industry trends. I produced Ghana’s first daily independent evangelistic radio broadcast for the ICGC in 2001 and created the first Social Media TV show “SOTIVI” and its mobile App onWeChat for activations.
I am the Pastor of Highway of Holiness church in London, and we run charitable organizations both in the UK and abroad. I am the founder and director of Highway House, a shelter for homeless men. From its beginning in June 2009, we have provided shelter and food, 24 hours a day, for over 750 homeless people from 55 different nationalities. In 1995, I founded the Highway Youth supplementary school for underprivileged young people in Tottenham, London. The school helps support young people in their academic studies and has achieved incredible results with many young people going from failing to passing their exams. I also produced the popular Youth TV talk show, “Keep it Real” which airs on Sky TV in the UK and Europe. 18
OmokeOjomuyide Ayobami Omoke Ojomuyide-Adebanjo www.mastercard.com Tom Tagoe Tom_DAT ghscientific.com
Thomas Tagoe
Omokehinde Adebanjo
My name is Thomas Tagoe, I am a scientist at heart and by training. I hold a PhD in Neuroscience and I like to think of it as nothing more than a problem solving degree, so that is what I do; solve problems that intrigue me. For now, my eyes are set on solving the problem of poor science education and communication within Ghana by engaging people with practical science activities and flooding everyone with fascinating science whenever I can. I have the pleasure of doing this with a small team of people at GhScientific which I co-founded to carry out this mandate. I am a Christian, basketball player, poetr, avid reader, music lover and most importantly, a Leicester City Fan.
My name is Omokehinde Adebanjo and I originate from Lagos, the capital of Nigeria. I’m a proud mother, wife and an executive in one of the world’s innovative companies in the world. I hold an MBA from the Lagos Business School, and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. From a professional perspective, I am committed to introducing the benefits of a cashless society to Nigeria and surrounding regions. As a result, part of my objectives encompass building relationships with government, financial institutions and merchants to realize both MasterCard’s vision of a world beyond cash, and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s goals to reduce the circulation of cash in the country’s economy. 19
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Why you should listen Unemployment amongst the skilled labour force in Ghana, for that matter Africa, is a self-imposed socio - cultural norm or practice, designed for or by our Society to remain poor. phdbel
Daniel Marfo
Dr Paul Henry Dsane – Aidoo
Daniel Marfo
I am a Medical Officer and the Acting Medical Superintendent of the Kasoa Polyclinic, and the President of the Charles Buckman Foundation which provides cardiovascular wellness awareness in Ghana. A Public Health Advocate and a one time member of the Ghana Medical Association Public Health Advocacy Team, I have featured on several radio and television shows, as well as local and international platforms with the campaign of educating and empowering the public with medical knowledge. My professional goal is to contribute to health journalism and research. My vision is to disciple, mentor and bring young Ghanaians unto strategic leadership. He is married to Belinda with a son called Aseda.
is an Electronic Healthcare innovator with the singular passion of ensuring that an increase in efficiency, profitability and growth of the Healthcare market in Africa is propelled the creation and use of out of the box electronic healthcare tools. Why you should listen This talk will leave you inspired and re-thinking the NEXT GREAT IDEA that you can kick start and spark a revolution in a whole industry or sector of mankind. Quote from Daniel If you believe it hard enough and pour your soul into it, it shall become a reality. 24
Quote from Ivy Success begins in silence, with self motivation and hope beyond doubt but the end brings all good things at your doorstep. Therefore in your struggle for success never give up....
Quote from NanaAma “It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves.” Carl Jung
www.paridoxcosmetics.com paridoxcosmetics
Ivy Appiah
NanaAma Botchway-Dowuona
I am Ivy Appiah, the CEO of Tiwajo Industry Limited. I am a biochemist with 10 years experience in product formulations both in food and cosmetic development. I developed a natural cosmetic range called “paridox” and has continuously improved the product formulation since 2010. I have a strong passion to build entrepreneurs especially women entrepreneurs through training for them to start and grow their own businesses. I have always believed that entrepreneurship is the key to national development and is linked to the better Ghana we all seek. I know how to start small and grow because I am a living testimony to that hence I believe I can help women to re-write their stories from a small beginning.
She is the founder of n. dowuona & company. Prior to founding n. dowuona & company, NanaAma practiced with one of the premier Ghanaian law firms, BentsiEnchill & Letsa, where she advised on high profile transactions. Before returning to Ghana, NanaAma was an associate in the New York office of the premier international law firm, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, where she worked in the mergers and acquisitions and corporate tax departments. NanaAma also worked as an associate for the leading New York law firm of Kronish Lieb Weiner & Hellman where she advised businesses in a wide variety of industries from securities firms to e-businesses and luxury apparel retail companies on general corporate matters. 25
trafficking and abuse were rampant in illegal orphanages and no effort was being made to reunite these children with their extended family. I became a warrior to right this wrong as I believe every child should grow up in a family .My cause has been written about in over 50 publications including Elle, Glamour and Vanity Fair. I was recognized with the Face Africa Award and Clarins Award in 2012. My memoir “Who Knows Tomorrow” was just published by Harvey Weinstein Books, in the USA, UK, Australia, Spain and France.
Oafrica oafrica www.oafrica.org
ing Lisa ometh and m s o ort he te fr as Quo ana hto exp orld: t m h “G azing the w syste nt am re with family resilie en sha ended edibly childr del incr for ext mo is anty net rved as a safe t has se rk” tha my wo for
Why you should listen From my personal experience , age 4, of abandonment and then of being a foster child, later successfully re-united with my biological mother, I knew that there had to be a better way and so I sold my house, my company and car, packed up the life I had known and moved to Ghana . I found that the government had only records of 5 registered orphanages in yet there are over 140 functioning orphanages in the country. The problem was much more severe than even the government was aware of. OAfrica has spearheaded a massive care reform project with the Department of Social Welfare and UNICEF to avoid institutional care whenever possible and enhance the capacity of impoverished families and strengthen communities so they are able to care for their children
Lisa Lovatt-Smith
English, but born in Spain, a winner of the Vogue talent competition at age 18, I spent fifteen years of my life as an editor at Vogue magazine in London, Paris, Madrid and Milan. I then authored 13 interior design and photography books, In 2002 I left behind this glamorous European lifestyle, moved to rural Ghana and opened a NGO, OAfrica dedicated to serving the neediest of Ghana’s children. My radical decision to start a new life in Ghana stemmed from first hand observation: child-labor, 26
Programme. She will also explain why long-term investment in Africa, rather than aid, is the key to the transformation of the continent.
Parminder Vir OBE
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Parminder Vir OBE manages the overall day-to-day strategic development of TEF, as well as the implementation of the Foundation’s key initiatives such as the flagship Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme. She has had a 20-year award-winning career as film and TV producer with BBC Television, Carlton Television and Chanel Four, as well as CEO of her independent production company, Formation Films. She served as a Board Director of several private and public sector boards including the UKTI Asia Task Force, UK India Business Council, Non-Executive Director of Goldcrest Films, Department for Culture Media and Sports, the UK Film Council and The Indus Entrepreneurs UK. Ms. Vir was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her services to the Broadcasting and Film industry in 2002.
ParminderVir ParminderVir
inder success om Parm Quote fr e measure of to be ru e tinu s “Our t and con n entrepren e e b has frica ering A tter part empow there is no be e Tony d h neurs an EP story than t E of the T ntrepreneurs E Elumelu es.” lv themse
Why you should listen During her talk, she will discuss the Foundation’s mission of ensuring that entrepreneurship becomes the primary driver of Africa’s economic growth and social transformation through the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship 27
AmmaLartey sefadedeh apiorkor.ashong apiorkor apiorkor www.s2words. blogspot.com
Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong
I am passionate about how business and driven entrepreneurship can drive social transformation in Africa. I am privileged to see this happen every day as I lead the Africa region of Reach for Change an organisation which runs innovation competitions, accelerators, incubators and hubs for social entrepreneurs in Ghana, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Chad, Senegal and Ethiopia. We identify and work with social entrepreneurs with the highest potential to improve the world for children, women and youth. Entrepreneurs receive funding, training, coaching, etc. to develop and scale their organizations with partners such as Millicom, UNICEF and others.
is a Ghanaian-American Poet and Versatile Creative. Her work is noted for its rare narrative, prosaic nature, which is uncommon, in poetry. She has also been commended for her vivid imagery. Living in Ghana, where oral literary traditions are intricately intertwined with deep culture and history, she performs within West Africa’s most sophisticated spaces. Her performances are varied, animated; you can expect to see Apiorkor inject life into her poems, with classical and afro-pop music forms, contemporary dance and alternative Art. Apiorkor causes quite a stir, because the poetess chooses to read/recite her pieces on stage, rather than delivering them off memory. .
Amma Sefa-Dedeh Lartey
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Dellalosangeles Dellalosangeles Dellalosangeles www.DellaLA.com Quote from Mamadou “Africa needs a committed and enlightened generation of leaders working together towards a common destiny.” ~ Mamadou Toure, Africa 2.0
Mamadou Toure
Tina Tangalakis
Mamadou is a Cameroonian Pan-Africanist who is working diligently to address inequality of chances mainly for young Africans. Because of his unwavering and undying passion for transformative change on the continent, he founded Africa 2.0 Foundation, a ‘D-Ink Tank’ which is a think tank that does things. Mamadou strongly believes that there is need to leapfrog the growth of the continent by leveraging a new generation of leaders from the private sector, civil society and the government. Due to his outstanding work across the continent, he was selected as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader in 2015. Mamadou is also the Founder and Partner at Ubuntu Capital which is an investment advisory firm.
Tina Tangalaksi, always and humanitarian work. As a student she studied costume design at California Institute of the Arts and went on to work as a wardrobe stylist for film and television. In September 2009, Tina participated in a volunteer program which landed her in Hohoe. There she became enamored with the culture and warm hearts of the friends she made. With her background in business and design, Tina teamed up with a local entrepreneur to begin Della. The mission behind Della is to empower women in the Volta Region by providing jobs, education and skills training, so that they will one day take these opportunities and turnthem into a lasting, better way of life. 29
seen the strategic direction of Jobberman Ghana since 2012. I’ve been involved with quite a lot of internet projects since 2006, some failed, actually, most failed. But, the success story is a culmination of a lot of learnings. When I’m not busying myself with my job at Jobberman, I enjoy contributing to my quota towards areas akin to personal and career development. By 2022, I want to be in a position to directly influence jideotoki public policy formulation and implementation for the www.jideotoki.com benefit of the majority. Above all, I will never be satisfied with the ordinary. At all times, I seek to stay above the obvious. Jide ” from zation. e t Quo Prioriti ss thle “Ru
Why you should listen Africa needs more people to help drive the passion and focus of its millions of bright minds and great capacity lying fallow in the doldrums. Not everybody is a selfstarter, some just need a little push, while others need to be thrown off the cliff. Some of us have to do whatever it takes to get others rolling and gradually, we will build up the steam we need to get Africa working and eventually, great again. My life is a story – the story of how you can start something from nothing. It is the story of a young man who came to Ghana in 2012, to start the company we now know as Jobberman Ghana.
Jide Otoki
My imagination is my greatest asset and not afraid of the unknown. I grew up in a place where you had to fight for everything you had, because there are 160 million other people waiting to snatch the opportunity from you, if you didn’t use it wisely. I spent my undergraduate days as a student activist. After I graduated, I worked for close to 4 years for a man, who sacked all his staff in a day. With over ten (10) years of experience in Marketing Communications and International expansion, I’ve over
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His words transformed my thinking, unlocking my imagination to ‘believe in better’. My achievements in healthcare and the not-for-profit sector are a testament to this belief, that we all have the ability to do better. I believe my words can inspire and spark hope in those who resonate with my journey.
DR. Elikem Tamakloe
I have always considered working as a doctor a privilege. I would catch a glimpse of the most intimate selves of my patients in the fleeting moments of interaction, and in their vulnerability, I would be humbly reminded that I was an honoured guest in a significant moment in their lives. However, their trust was not earned by my accolades or my knowledge of medicine, although important, but by the simple understanding that I would put them first in my deliberations and that I would be honest. This formed the hallmark of my medical practice and now forms the foundation of my work as the Managing Director of Nyaho Medical Centre. Building trust requires putting patients first; it requires teamwork and collaboration; it requires a perseverance to learn and do better. This is our mission, to influence healthcare for the better, maintaining the trust that has been placed in us.
Elikem Tamaklo ElikemTamaklo www.nyahomedical. com
amaklo lutions om Dr. T so Quote frople looking for to find n pe places, only e se e v eir a “I h nner of end of th in all maintment at the t disappo search. isappointmen nces,d thers, there ta s m u c o cir in n In some d in death, but se of frustratioen resulte emendous sen ight have be rwas a tr g that things mn born in a diffeis in e in knowt if they had be atisfied with th s differen ntry. I am not and I am not ent cou d of injustice, e a voyeur kin to becom content this loss.” in
Why you should listen I remember the encouraging words spoken by my primary school teacher when I found out that I had failed my exams again. I had resigned myself to the seeming inevitability of my situation, and thought, ‘what was the point?’ However, his words inspired me to get back up and try again. 31
Ziblim Saaka Saaka Ziblim www.africacenterforcounterterrorism.org handsofaherofoundation fashionagainstpoverty www.handsofahero.org www.fashionagainstpoverty.org
Yaa Priscilla Birago
Ziblim Saaka
Yaa-Priscilla Birago is a Business Analyst, mentor, workshop facilitator, and philanthropist. In 2011, she co-founded Hands of a Hero Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports less fortunate children in Ghana and Canada by empowering, mentoring, educating and providing resources to improving their lives. She also serves as the President of Fashion Against Poverty, an organization that creates platforms to give exposure to emerging fashion designers, artists and entrepreneurs, while simultaneously raising funds to help empower youth in Canada and children in Ghana.
Mr. Ziblim Saaka is the Chief Executive Officer of Starafrique Consult and food production; he is responsible for providing direction, controlling and ensuring proper management of all aspect of the firm and ensures that the firm achieves its objectives. He holds Bachelor degree in Accounting from Christian Service University College, MBA in finance from KNUST, Institute of Chartered Accountant-Ghana (P.III) and ongoing PhD in finance from University of SMC-Switzerland. He is currently a certified Chartered Economist from UK and a part time lecturer. Quote from Ziblim “Failure is the beginning of real success� No pain no gain 32
ogamedia yeboahmedia www.ogamedia. github.io theprinceanim Prince Anim www.edeoproject. herokuapp.com
Prince Anim
Kwame Yeboah
Prince is a young software entrepreneur with exceptional energy and has experience in applying sales and technology to create a positive social impact. He’s currently an Entrepreneur-in-Training at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology and has a degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Prince leads the Edeo team, which is a startup focused on improving the quality of education in Africa, using technology.
I am a tech entrepreneur with a background in policy planning and software development. I am team lead for RxPharma which is a startup focused on improving access to healthcare products and drugs on the African continent. My passion is solving real world problems and I believe tech is a solid enabler for solving real world problems and that’s why I set out on an entrepreneurial journey to solving real world problems with technology. I am currently an Entrepreneur-in-Training at the Meltwater Foundation and have a degree in Development Policy Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. 33
1
Ghana's Number
JOBS Website With over 300,000 Job seekers and over 12,000 Employers www.jobberman.com.gh
VISIT
Getting you ahead.
Jobs Advertising Career Services Recruitment Solutions CV Database Access
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busdev@jobberman.com.gh
+233(0)302 550200 / +233(0)246 462809
20a Freetown Ave, East Legon. Accra.
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doubled as a newscaster and drive time host. I changed the face of drive time radio in three months. I left in 2004 to New York Paralegal School, and returned to multimedia as Head of music programmes and Events and promotions coordinator. I am the CEO of Strategic Communications Limited, Managing Partner for Ofm Obuasi and Managing Director for Kaya Services Limited. I am happily married to Genevieve Aggrey, HR Manager at Barclays Bank and the Organising Secretary of Ghana National College.
AbeikuSantana abeikusatana
Why you should listen I have immense experience in marketing communications. I work with Ernest Chemist, Mercy Cream, Rox Energy, George Andah, Lowie Lyntax,Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, Narcotics Control Board, to mention a few. I have been a creative copywriter for TV/ Radio commercials and used for adverts for Keysoap, Raid and Guinness Ghana Limited. I have an unlimited passion for marketing communications and media management and I am always learning. I hope to share lessons I’ve picked up over my progressive train of work and learn by interacting with my audience. In 2009, I was awarded an honorary doctorate by Pan African Bible Seminary and currently pursuing a second Masters in Tourism Management at UCC.
hard rt ilbe cipline, that G om dis elieve rae te fr are b Quo values rity. I and imp the g g t y e n n M , int nsta chasi not ork e is co nter ee d ow Gilbert Aggrey w n h u r g s h chan “The o the bu e and th tive. n t int a d sid I’m a natural sales and ro ha elep d by the s.” marketing specialist. I started, stan s at bird from Primary to Upper Six, e ston
selling fast moving consumables goods for Lever Brothers with my mother. I did my service with National Archives and got involved in radio from Koforidua’s Radio Z to Radio Mercury and then was poached by Ash fm to be Assistant head of programmes. At Radio Z, I became the studio manager because of my principles and strict adherence to ethics. At Ash fm, I became the marketing and sales supervisor,
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Quote from Godwin We are only limited by how much we push ourselves
Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah
Godwin Addo
Ms. Esther Amba Numaba Cobbah is the Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa. As the Lead Communication Strategist, her emphasis on innovation and knowledge has secured many clients for the company. Esther attended Wesley Girls’ Senior High School and got accepted into the University of Ghana with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She has graduate degrees from Cornell University, USA and University of Ghana where she specialised in Communication for Developing Nations, Organizational and Intercultural Communication. She got awarded the International Rotary Scholar during her post-graduate programme in Cornell. Esther believes in self-improvement and is always expanding her knowledge base.
I am standing in place of my amazing partner Elim Tsiagbey. Elim and I have worked today for long on various projects since high school in ourattempt to find the ideal idea which would take Africa to the next step. After some back and forth we eventually found the one, the one idea Africa has been waiting for. The one idea which would relate to Africans and work in every household. I know a lot of you here have problems getting your clothes custom sewn. It is either the tailor gets the design completely wrong or the tailor never gets the dress done in time for some reason. Well today I am here to tell you those days are over! SelfTailor is here to offer you the opportunity to custom make clothes from the comfort of your home with a graphical representation of your design and have it delivered. 37
exousiaconsultn edwinaexousiaconsultancy www.edwinaexousia.com
EvansHokey2 Evans Hokey
Edwina Momoh
Evans Hokey
I am Results driven Business Development and management professional with over 4 years’ experience in Business Development and Accounts Management. I have built a background in Asset Management, Management Consulting and Business Management portfolios. Evans has always taken his role seriously and is passionate about his results. Beyond his passion on driving performance, Evans is a natural leader, and fights hard for his beliefs. He’s at his best in a group environment, and is consciously proactive at getting full involvement of all other team members to derive the best results possible. Currently he is the founder and the C.E.O of UG Consult a management consultancy firm that develop comprehensive business and strategic plans, project proposals, business restructuring and financial analysis.
I’m a Sierra Leonian lady who has lived in UK and who is now in Ghana to spread the message of breaking out the box. I’m communicator, agent of change, educator, inspirer, empowerment speaker, trainer, mentor, coach and entrepreneur. I Iove to inform, share ideas alongside help people break out of self-limiting mindsets and think differently about themselves and their situations so they can succeed. I desire to help people who often feel frustrated, trapped in a certain way of thinking or need some encouragement to try and think of be different.
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Quote from Edwina Momoh Boxes are made for things not people - CW #breakoutthebox
boakyecitifm Nana Boakye-yiadom nanaboakyeyiadom. wordpress.com
Unique quality product www.uqualityproduct.com
Salma Abdulai
Nana Boakye-yiadom
Growing up in the poor suburbs of Jamestown in Accra, with the talent of a great footballer, I thought I would turn out as one. Today I’m an international award-winning journalist working with one of the country’s most influential media houses Citi FM. I also work with some of the world’s respected media houses; the New York Times, Radio France International and AFP. I have also had the opportunity to done some work for The Daily Mail and The Sun both in the UK, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), among others. I’m currently sharing my experiences with student journalists through an organization I’ve created called iJourno Africa. I’m training them in data journalism and using new media tools to tell important developmental stories.
I am Salma Abdulai, from unique quality product Enterprise, the company in Northern Ghana that is specialised into the processing and marketing of Fonio. I have worked with small scale rural farmers and women group for the past 8 years in the international non-profit sector to improve their yields and linked them to market and most importantly measure the impacts of projects to beneficiaries. With my background in Agriculture economics and I am passionate about bringing innovative changes to the development of society. Quote from Salma Believe in yourself. 39
T an m D le is NO o r f b te si Quo Impos ” 99% e ble! h the T “ ossi n o s imp n’t focu ssible; e 1% Do impo s on th “ ’s u ake that ad foc ible, om t e s t w s u Inhat’s plare out h o t figu E!” and SSIBL O P it
Halfdan DanMeyerSword Swallower Halfdan5 cuttingedgeinnertainment.com
Dan Meyer
Ever want to be a superhero and do the impossible in your life? Dan Meyer believes no matter how extreme our fears or how wild our dreams, we each have the potential to be superheroes, do the impossible and change the world. As Director of a humanitarian aid agency in Kazakhstan, winner of the 2007 Ig Nobel Prize in Medicine at Harvard, and 39x world record holder and leading expert in the world’s most dangerous art, Dan is passionate about inspiring people to RETHINK their priorities,
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do the impossible and change the world. But most people don’t realize that Dan grew up paralyzed by extreme fear, bullies and social anxiety disorder. Dan will describe his journey from extreme fears to extreme feats, coward to courageous, wimp to world record holder, loser to Ig Nobel Prize winner, and quitter to finalist on America’s Got Talent. He will make you RETHINK the impossible, and he’ll reveal secrets on how YOU can do the impossible in YOUR life! Why you should listen Everyone has FEARS and everyone has DREAMS. Everyone wants to be successful, be a superhero, do something remarkable in their life, do the impossible and somehow change the world. Dan will describe how he overcame extreme fears to do extreme feats, how he found his unique purpose and calling to change the world in a bizarre way you will not expect, and he will help you RETHINK your priorities to do the impossible in your life.
Chief Moomen Chief Moomen
OmanheneChoc OmanheneChoc www.omanhene.com
Steven Charles Wallace
Chief Moomen
Ghana has played a seminal part of my life since I was 16 and first came to live with a Ghanaian family in Sunyani back in the Lost Decades -- 1978. I thereafter founded The Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company, the first company to sustain exports of fine quality chocolate made entirely in Ghana. Our primary markets include the United States, Canada and Japan. For 25 years, we’ve demonstrated that Ghana can compete at the highest level in the brutally competitive upscale food and beverage industry.
I am a poet and a playwright. I believe in the power of arts to transform the thinking and influence the attitudes of people. I have embarked on a project to capture the beauty and complexity; the essence of Africa, through theatre, film, and publications.I seek to showcase an alternative narrative of Africa; one that projects the positives to inspire and reinvigorate confidence in the continent. I am also a man of the world, I believe our diversity enriches our human experience. I strive to keep an open mind, cultivate a profound tolerance and, as much as possible, embrace all the divergence that colours our world. I enjoy a good laugh. I find solace in music. I like to stroll in the abundance of nature. I find great wealth in books.
Quote from Steven “You have to be very good at a lot of things, excellent at a few, and you can’t screw up much. 41
cepsefogah Cep Sefogah She was named among C Hub magazine’s 100 most influential ‘African Women Influencers’ of the era 2014/15. She is a seasoned television host and was the host of ‘A Day in the Life’ on Viasat 1 and co hosts TV3 morning show ‘Newday’.
Chris Edzordzi Parker Sefogah
Ama K. Abebrese
Ama K. Abebrese is an award-winning actress, television presenter and producer. She was born in Ghana and raised in West London in the UK. She won the 2011 Best Actress in a Leading Role at the African Movie Academy Awards for her performance in the movie ‘Sinking Sands’. Her film credits includes the Cary Fukunaga directed Award Winning Film ‘Beasts of No Nation’ which stars Idris Elba. She plays the mother to Abraham Attah who plays Agu. Abebrese is listed among Africa’s Top 20 Actors and Actresses by Film Contacts.com. She was ranked the Number 1 Most Influential TV and Radio Host 2015 on the Ghana Social Media Rankings List. She is the former head of OWN Productions at Viasat 1. She is a child safety icon for the charity ‘Safechild Ghana’ and she spearheads an anti skin bleaching campaign entitled ‘I love my natural skintone’.
I am from a land where the Elderly speak to the young in proverbs and to themselves they whisper appellations. No wonder it is said that the words of my mouth are as sweet as honey and as nourishing as the taste of breast milk from the tender breast of a mother on the tongue of a newly born baby, so permit me as I serve you the wine of our ancestors which has been seasoned with their wisdom and fermented over time with the experiences of their very existence, through my words, My name is Chris Edzordzi Parker Sefogah, with the stage and brush name CEP.Sefogah. I am 23 years old. I’m a fine artist and poet (African Story Teller), from Anloga in the Volta region. Art discovered me when I was 5 and poetry, when I was 6. I have been performing since then. 42
estherarmah emotionaljustice
poetra_asantewa poetra_asantewa asantewableedswords. wordpress.com
Ama Asantewa Diaka
Esther Armah
Once a networking and systems administrator, now a writer, spoken word artist, content creator & a designer. Legitimate love-child of creativity and flair, creative director of Yobbings & Alikoto Clothing and programs director of Love Rocks Organization. Words live inside of me. I cough them out and spank them into shape. I am an ounce of perfection and a pound of try again. A poet who usually addresses politics, feminity, societal issues, relationships etc with her poems and several others. Why you should listen Because on the quest to becoming great, by trying and failing and trying again and again, I have, and I still am, discovering a wealth of information. 43
I ask questions and tell stories. I am not an ordinary journalist. I study media market content. I change minds and transform narratives. That for me encapsulates what my media is all about. I have done that in different roles and different countries for 20 years. I do it via my international radio show The Spin which airs in Ghana, Nigeria and US. I do it via my company EA Media Productions. I did it in London with BBC Radio and Television for 10 years. I did it in New York for 8 years as a morning show radio host, a television commentator with CNN, MSNBC and as a writer. I do that now in Ghana. Quote from Esther Being a global citizen is not about the number of countries you travel to, it means being willing to re-imagine your world. I am a global citizen.
Anas Aremeyaw Anas
Kwaku Sintim-Misa aka “KSM”
Anas Aremeyaw Anas is a controversial Ghanaian investigative journalist who has broken dozens of stories of corruption and organized crime in West Africa. He’s also the subject of a new documentary, Chameleon by Ryan Mullins. Chameleon follows Aremeyaw through his extensive undercover investigations that include everything from disguises, button cam surveillance, and a prosthetic severed albino arm.
He is a Ghanaian actor, director, satirist, talk show host, and author. He also has his own shows on radio and television. After making a name for himself as a radio host, “KSM” created what has become one Ghana’s most popular talk shows: Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF). TGIF was the first broadcast of its kind to fuse serious talk, education and humor. Since its inception, the show has featured gripping stories from entrepreneurial street vendors, dancing presidents, pioneering scientists, leading artists, and many more exciting characters. “KSM” recently won the Radio and Television Personality Television Entertainment Show Host of the Year (2011) for his work with TGIF. 44
lilcross2007
Gideon Kodo
Jonas Yeboah
Gideon has over five years’ experience in the media and communication industry. He is currently the Head of Event and Promotions at Promasidor Ghana Limited. He is a broadcaster with Global Media Alliance with his present role being a presenter and a producer with Yfm. He was the former Host of Red FM (Internal radio station for Vodafone Ghana). Gideon also had a stint with Starr FM as a producer on the Morning Show. He started his broadcasting career as journalist on Radio Universe- a University of Ghana Radio Station before rising to become the head of Talk Shows and also host of the Morning Show at the station. He is the moderator for the monthly TEDxAccra Talk and also moderate/MC others programs as and when they come.
Jonas Yeboah is my name. Am a Ghanaian and a Christian. I am a third year student studying Business Administration and specializing in Logistics and supply chain management at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi – Ghana. Brief of Jonas’s solution This business is to produce and sell a clean, cheap and environmentally friendly source of fuel, the charcoal briquette. These briquettes will be made from biomass such as cocoa shells and husks, coconut and palm kennel shells and husk, sawdust, etc. It is an alternative to charcoal and firewood. 45
the community by storm with a poetic call that requires a response. Poetry is my outlet on a platform of creative expression. I have performed with hip hop and Grammy nominated artists all while achieving academically and earning a master’s degree. I am a cultural ambassador passionate about youth development. I have a voice destined to be heard. The last poet standing, May the Most High Divine Creator be pleased, for the words and messages I continue to serve.
nakispeaks nakispeaks www.nakispeaks.
Why you should listen In life there are many sayings relating to the common phrase that “actions speak louder than words”. I will use my talk to demonstrate the power of collective collaboration and challenge the lens in which we relate to ART in Ghanaian culture. My hope is to empower people to love themselves, their culture, and most importantly their history, and how they identify themselves through the catalyst of performance poetry.
com
aki mN o r f ve God te e I loecause rt of Quo k i l od y b the a gift s ve G mpl “I lo try... si oetry a Such a. May poe med p guage. meless rever. lan e ti e fo dee lovingw ords awr ri te liv I am Naki. Daughter of that tever I Ghanaian royalty and an wha AK N ” American coal miner. Born in
Naki Akrobettoe
Columbus, Ohio my love for poetry and performance began at the age of 12. I am a sign, miracle, and wonder intrigued by the natural flow of creative expression. Studying historic writers such as Phyllis Wheatley, Langston Hughes, Toi Derricote, and many more I was introduced to my mentor Rane Arroyo freshman year in college. I found my voice and quickly became a highly requested artist on campus and took
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The other 90 percent always have a reason for not being here.”You’re here because you want to innovate, think laterally, develop a good network and above all learn the ‘’tricks’’ of successful people.You couldn’t have been anywhere else!!!
Fredrick Amissah
is a Ghanaian corporate business executive with over thirteen years extensive corporate/business experience in sales, marketing, commercial and general management across English Africa, Europe and US. He has a degree from KNUST, a Master’s in Business Administration, marketing from GIMPA and, a diploma in strategic marketing management from the Institute of Commercial Management, UK. a member of CIMG, PMI, YALI Network and the prestigious International Society of Business Leaders (ISoBL). Having worked with global multinational brands, he has won several nominations and awards including the CEO magazine’s Titans-Building Nation’s awards – sweeping both the Country and West African Regional awards for Business and Professional Services for 2014 and two awards at the West African Regional Magazine Achievers Awards in Lagos, Nigeria with Herbalife including “Marketing Person of the year”. Fred is married with three beautiful kids. He believes leadership and gunning for success should be espoused by living and performing above self with world class excellence in mind.
Does anybody know the story of “The Wizard of Menlo Park”? – The story of Thomas Edison the inventor.
Frederick Amissah Frederick Amissah
d rom Fre Quote f wants to lead o ‘’He wh estra will have h c r o s to the the eir back h t n r u t to e’’ audienc
Why you should listen “You see, only the top ten percent of people in any society ever come to a seminar like this to learn how to be better in some way. 47
became a constant roommate. I’ve worked 100s of hours in deadline-driven and often hectic workspaces. Its became clear to me that “you can have it all - but at what cost?” Fast-forward 10 years – to now. Many people still ask me - why did you drop the fancy suits and open - of all things - a yoga studio? 3 years later, it’s still a simple answer: self-care isn’t just something that makes you feel good it’s a critical factor in happiness and sanity. Living your best life now, should be a global priority.
BlissYogaAccra BlissYogaAccra
Why you should listen? Living “mindfully” is an important factor in growth, health and success. Yoga is a global movement, that explores this important wellness goal. We must start to connect to the possibility that good physical health, will tune up the mind. I’m happy to be part of that conversation and share my experiences.
a ous Nan ourage l m o l c i sw te fr not .” Quo who is ake risk in life g t e n i o H Nana Amoako-Anin “ ugh t noth eno mplish Ali acco mmed I’m a dreamer. I’m risk-taker a h o M and I’ve failed brilliantly, quite
a few times. A New York City museum dweller from a young age, I studied art at Columbia University. I stumbled upon the law, and my life took some exciting and daring turns. A Manhattan District Attorney (who became a recovering lawyer) - A Wall Street Banker - An Artist – A Model - A Fashion Designer - A Mother - A Yogi. There was a pivotal moment in my life, when “stress” 48
John Awuah,
I believe we have to inspire our young people and guide them to leverage innovation to transform the fortunes of Ghana and Africa.
CEO, Universal Merchant Bank I am a believer in Ghana and the capacity of the African to take advantage of the vast opportunities presented to us by our unique continent. While many consider me as an expert in everything finance, I see myself as someone whose primary responsibility is to create transformational change. In my professional and personal life I always focus on being an example and becoming first the change that I seek to create. I am passionate about helping to shape the thinking of young people to believe in themselves and to also recognize that their biggest achievements will be centered on having a positive impact on the lives of others. I am married to a beautiful and industrious woman with four exceptional children and my most fulfilling moments are the ones I share with my family.
I will use my talk to inspire action and innovation in our young people so that we can take bold steps towards reshaping the future of our nation.
Why you should listen I share a strong passion for nurturing and grooming young people because they are the ones who have the responsibility to shape the future of Ghana and indeed Africa. Over 62% of Africa’s population is below the age of 25 and this presents significant opportunities for our beloved nation and continent. 49
RNiiArdayClegg Robert Nii Arday Clegg www.cleggandeverett. com
jere_buabeng jeremiahbuabeng www.jeremiahbuabeng.com
Robert Nii Arday Clegg
Jeremiah Buabeng
Jeremiah Buabeng was recently voted as Ghana’s No.1 Young Speaker, Speakers Bureau Ghana. He is a motivational speaker, life coach, author, corporate trainer and entrepreneur. He has a track record of over 600 speaking engagements, over 100 radio andTV interviews and hosted over 90 seminars and conferences across 9 regions of Ghana sharing the stage with some of the most illustrious figures in the country. He is the author of four books namelyTake Off, Stand Out, Giant Leap and Game Changer. Jeremiah has trained notable companies including financial services company AFB which listed on the stock market recently, the Healthstar Group comprising pharmacies, funeral home and clinic, and the staff and management of Lekma Polyclinic. He is the host of the annual ACCRA YOUTH SUMMIT which gathers the most influential of Ghana’sYoung Achievers.
I’m passionate about what I believe in. I believe in the power of my convictions. I am a very focused person. I am highly self-motivated. I am a lawyer, a morning show host, a father and a husband. I believe in Ghana and the rise of Africa. Why you should listen I have risen from nothingness to recognition simply because I did not remain fixated on the straight and narrow path. I have always taken a new view of my priorities and this continues to propel me to greater heights. Listeners may gain insight into how to re-prioritize to make their lives better. 50
TheKojoYankson Kojo Yankson myjoyonline.com princessumulhat princessumulhatiyya.ibrahimmahama theglobetrottingprincess www.theglobetrottingprincess.com /www.themadduckcompany.com
Kojo Yankson
Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama
Princess Umul Hatiyya Ibrahim Mahama is on a journey to becoming the first African to visit every country in the world by 2020. Princess is an Entrepreneur, Writer, and Globetrotter. She is also an International Speaker on Leadership, Business Strategy, and Mindset. Princess is the bestselling author of ‘The Mad Duck’ and ‘A Dinner Date with The Mad Duck’, two inspirational books which shatter the limits one places on themselves and instructs on how to live a fully expressed life. Princess has been to 60+ countries on 5 continents. She has hiked Sand Dunes in Namibia, scaled the Great Wall of China, and bungee jumped over Auckland Harbour Bridge (New Zealand). Princess has been interviewed on the BBC and numerous media platforms. 51
Kojo Yankson is a broadcast journalist, an author, a motivational speaker, and the host of the Super Morning Show on Joy 99.7FM. Since he took over the show in April 2014, Kojo has marked up several milestones. In addition to winning CIMG Radio Programme of the Year in his first year at the helm of the Show, Kojo was also the first journalist to venture into Nigeria at a time when they were battling an Ebola outbreak, reporting from the nation’s isolation centres, and following the trail of the virus across the country to Port Harcourt. Known on air as The Morning Man, KojoYankson has crafted a unique magazine show that commands the attention of 6 million Ghanaians every morning, with his unique blend of witty commentary, insightful analysis, hard-hitting interviews, and conscience-pricking social dialogue.
OfficialMazzuma yourmoneyyourfreedom www. mazzuma.teamcyst. com
Kofi Genfi
Mr. Pratt
I am 22-year old entrepreneur studying business administration in Ashesi University. I am a zealous, passionate young man who believes everything can be achieved under the sun and that with persistence, nothing is impossible. I believe in the human race; in the sense that we can solve our problems and make this world a better place for all posterity. Driven by my visions and ideals, I started a software company with two of my brightest friends to create magnificent software that is tailor-made for the African market to solve our indigenous problems and change the African stereotype. I know it is a very daunting task that requires a sense of wit and a bagful of perseverance. There will be challenges, roadblocks and obstacles, but we will not give up. We will think, create, innovate and inevitably, we will change the world!
Mr PRATT is a marketing enthusiast and the official host for TEDxAccra. He has hosted events for audiences as small as 15 and as grand as 2500. He engages with the audience to keep the ceremony agenda flowing as smoothly as possible. While keeping the event successful may be a daunting task, Mr PRATT has ways to nail his responsibility as MC. He has a radiating confidence and charisma to keep the event informative, educative and entertaining for all.
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TEDxAccra 2016
Partners, Donors & Friends
We are honoured to share this week with our Volunteers, Donors and Media partners. Your enthusiasm and support help the TEDxAccra community to thrive. Thank you to our TEDxAccra Donors, supporters and Media Partners
Inspiration Partner
Online Media Partners
Conversation Partners
Media Partners
Promotional Partners
Donors
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TEDxAccra Team & Volunteers
who have made exceptional and often behind the scenes contributions to this year’s
RE THINK
EMMANUEL LESLIE ADDAE AMOS KOJO GHUNNEY DANIEL ANTWI KATE GYASI CYNTHIA OFORI- DWUMFUO RUKA SANUSI ISAAC ASEIDU JESSICA ARMOOH BENEDICTA BUATSIE JOSEPH TAKYI NII LAATE LARTEY MORKPORKPOR ANKU KEVIN KWAKOFI EDMUND NEEQUAYE JONAS ADAFIANOO JONAS NYABOR MIMI KORANTENG VICTOR BRACHIE CHRIS WORGBAH NABIL AHMED RUFAI ERIC AGBESI KUWORNU EMILY BEDFORD SMITH
RICHMOND OFOSU DANIEL KPABI JNR SAMUEL QUANSAH GILBERT KUWORNU GABRIEL ROCKSON AMOAKO LINDA AWURAKU WILLIAM ANIM DANKWA TERRY OPPONG VIOLA LABI EUNICE BOTCHEY JEMIMA RACHEL BOTCHEY JEAN-PAUL H. D. NGANZE ADZATEY JOANAA ABIGAIL ADU- DAAKO KELLDICK BAKORKOR GABLAH EDMOND KWESI BILLY JAMES DEGA EMMANUEL MUMUNI COSMOS OWUSU ADJEI CHRISTIAN PALANCE TETTEH LYDIA ASARE NANA KWAME ADDO RAPHEAL NII ARMAH ASIEDUA OPOKU DIANA SETSOFIA AGBENYO AWURAKUA ANTWI FRANK OKANTEY 58
A partial List of TEDxAccra friends who made this day possible
KOFI TANDOH KWEKU DARTEH ANANE APPIAH PATRICK BOATENG AMEYAA APPIAH AGYEKUM EMMANUEL ANSAH JEFFERY SOWAH MAWULI TSIKATA CHRISTABEL DADZIE PORTIA DARKWA AUDREY DARKWA ANNA SAFOA OFORI BENEDICTA AMO BEMPAH AMA K. ABEBRESE OPRAH OJUKWU NAA ADOKARLEY METTLE ADDO FRANCISCA FORSON AUDREY FORSON GIDEON KODO NHYIRA ADDO CALEB ROCKSTONE MARDIYA SIBA SADAT LAMINU PAA KWESI FORSON JAY T. LOTSA LYNDA WRISTBERG WILLIAM DENNIS
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