Ghana Speakers 2017

RITA MAAME ESI BOAFO is the Founder/President of Grikob Foundation Ghana (www.grikobfoundationgh.org).She completed Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Second Class Upper Division in Sociology and Social Work with English as a minor.She holds

Constance Elizabeth Swaniker is a renowned Ghanaian sculptor making strides in the creative and construction industry. She was born on the 30th of August 1973. She obtained her basic and secondary education in The Gambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Ghana from 1980-1993. The diversity in her background strongly influenced her outlook on life, art and business. She graduated with a degree in Sculpture from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in 1999. She studied under a master craftsperson as an apprentice carpenter and is a keen advocate of vocational skills. She established Accents & Art in May 2000. Constance’s work can be found in a wide range of upscale homes, offices and diplomatic missions both home and abroad. With over 22 years’ experience in industry, she been privileged to win both locally and internationally recognized awards. Her dream is to use her story to encourage a lot more women enter into vocations traditionally set aside for men.

Esther Beneth is a speaker, coach and lover of innovative ideas and startups. A graduate of the University of Nigeria where she studied English Arts, she became interested in business and social enterprise and decided to pursue that path. Awarded scholarship by The British Council in partnership with the Pan-African University, Nigeria in 2008 to study business management and entrepreneurship, she set up her first company Dear April, a beauty and aesthetics company. Esther is also the co-founder of Stately Heights Consult in Ghana and CommoditeezGh, a food and wellness company and has volunteered for various non-profits in Nigeria and Ghana. Currently, she champions youth entrepreneurship and inclusiveness in sub-Saharan Africa through the role she plays in Eminent Foundation Africa.

Dr. Hannah Nyamekye is a Ghanaian who holds a Doctorate degree in Agriculture Extension, Master of Philosophy in Agriculture Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education. Dr Nyamekye has 21 years experience in the agriculture and education sector. She has working experience with USAID and CIDA funded projects, UN, International NGOs and Government Institutions. She has worked also worked as a Senior Gender Specialist for the past seven years. Dr. Hannah Nyamekye is married with two children

Marian Karina Nanorki Darlington is a young and ambitious woman whose passion for women and girls has inspired her to work with various organisations with the aim of advancing the status and economic empowerment of women. She obtained her LLB degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. She works with the League of Young Female Leaders, Ghana (NGO). She has also worked with Empower Women, an initiative under UN Women where she is a Global Champion for Women’s Economic Empowerment. She’s the founder of Reproductive Justice Agenda, which aims at advocating and protecting reproductive health rights in Ghana. She’s currently the National Coordinator for GirlEmpowered, an initiative under TANOE.

Adjoa Akoma is a Tribal Soul Artist, blending her frankly fabulous soul vocals with Ghanaian chants and vibrant percussion from Ghana. She sings in the dialects of Twi, Fante, Ga and Ewe of Ghana, French and of course English. Adjoa adopted the moniker ‘Akoma’ which if you didn’t know is all about everything to do with the heart in the Twi language of Ghana. Through her Akoma Foundation she aims to share her love for the heart and soul of the culture of Ghana, where her parents are from. Her current Adinkra EP project is part of her album project based on the theme of the Adinkra symbols of the Akan people of Ghana, Adjoa’s heritage. Adjoa has performed at many venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Somerset House, Ronnie Scotts Club, the renowned Notting Hill Carnival World Music Stage; and featured on BBC Radio, Jazz FM and London Live TV.