Profile
Borborbor music originates from Kpando -Mr Nuatro
The mention of Borborbor music and dance sparks great interest in people and sends one’s mind to Kpando in the Volta Region where its sublime form is played to entertain gatherings.
Mr Innocent Victor Korku Nuatro, a retired Senior Manager of GCB Bank, who had spent 37 and -a – half years with the bank, and a founder of the Mawuli Borborbor Band, Kpando, has over 100 compositions of Borborbor songs and two CDs to his credit.
He said Borborbor music and dance was founded by his late father Francis Kodzo Nuatro a native of Kpando Dzigbe in the Volta Region, and that Ghanaians should disregard publications in the media which sought to suggest that Borborbor music and dance originated from Wusuta in the Volta Region.
Mr Nuatro said his late father nurtured, developed and promoted the music and dance which eventually became the pride of the chiefs and people of the Akpini traditional area.
” People must endeavour to put records straight, give credit to those who ought to be credited and be humble to learn from others,” he said.
Mr Nuatro admitted that prior to the introduction of Borborbor music and dance at Kpando, there were other forms of music and dance in the area, some of which included ” Akaye”, “Egbanigba”, “Adewu” and “Akpi”, but the irresistible Borborbor music and dance came to overshadow the previous ones.
According to him, his late father’s ability to organise people, compose captivating patriotic songs, dirges and songs for marriages, naming ceremonies and indeed all occasions endeared him to many people and his music has become the most sought after across the country.
He disclosed that the unique Borborbor music caught the attention of Ghana’s first President, the late Dr Kwame Nkrumah during one of his visits to Kpando, prior to Ghana’s attainment of Independence in 1957. ”It was no wonder, Dr Kwame Nkrumah adopted the original Borborbor group and nicknamed it, ‘Osagyefo’s own Borborbor Band’ “.
Mr Nuatro said the late General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong and Dr Hilla Limann, at various times during their leadership of the country, fell in love with Borborbor music and dance.
He said Borborbor music which has unique rhythm was associated with dance movements with the use of handkerchiefs which were displayed in a special way, adding that the lead singer conducted and controlled the Borborbor music but not the trumpeter.
” The original Borborbor music is different from what is known as “Akpese Music,” Mr Nuatro said.
He said in the 1970’s, his late father ensured that, the original Borborbor Band was affiliated to the Arts Council of Ghana, adding that the authenticity of the origin of Borborbor music could be ascertained from the University of Ghana Music Department.
Leadership in church
Mr Nuatro who formed the St Mary Immaculate Youth Choir of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kpando, has advised choir masters and group leaders to refrain from immoral acts since that was the potential for the collapse of many groups.
The renowned musician intimated that choristers played a sacred role in church and should, therefore, revere their calling as a duty to God the arbiter of their lives.
Mr Nuatro explained that those who accepted to serve God as choristers had received untold blessings, answered prayers and longevity of life.
He called on the youth to be zealous for the work of God since it had attracted numerous blessings from God and had empowered many to enjoy fulfilled lives.
Mr Nuatro said those who had dedicated their lives and services to God were not disappointed, adding that they should persevere in prayer, carry out acts of charity and must be at peace with all people.
He emphasised the need for the youth to serve God in their youthful days and eschew acts which would drive them away from worshipping God.
Working Life
Mr Nuatro joined the GCB Bank as a clerk, enrolled with the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana, obtained the Banking Diploma Part One but could not go further due to frequent transfers throughout the country.
However, training courses he attended were, Management, Leadership, Supervision, Empowerment and Motivation among others.
Hobbies
His hobbies include reading and watching football with Kpando Heart of Lions, Accra Great Olympics, Manchester United and Real Madrid as his favourite teams.
Meals
Mr Nuatro takes delight in eating fufu with either goat meat or fish light soup, jollof rice, and also enjoys beans with fried plantain.
Raymond Kyekye
Profile
Juventus Duorinaah, Ghana’s first deaf Lawyer
In a landmark moment for Ghana’s legal landscape, Juventus Duorinaah Esq., has etched his name in history as the country’s first lawyer with a hearing impairment.
His journey from a humble background to breaking barriers in the legal profession serves as a powerful inspiration for countless individuals in the disability community, proving that determination and resilience can defy societal expectations and create pathways to success.
For Juventus, the recognition as Ghana’s first deaf lawyer feels surreal.
“It feels like a dream,” he reflects, acknowledging the stereotypes surrounding deafness and the humble background from which he hails.
Juventus’ passion for law sparked in 2008 while seeking admission to the University of Ghana (UG). Although he initially faced challenges due to the nature of the application process, the help of his older brother and his determined spirit led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Laws at Cardiff University in 2014.
His passion for the study of law became highly intense when he had to study alongside qualified lawyers from several jurisdictions, even though he did not have a legal background. Here, he faced the unique challenge of studying without sign language interpreters, relying instead on a palantypist to transcribe lectures.
Juventus’ role model was his professor and mentor, Professor Luke Clement, who profoundly inspired him in shaping his understanding of law and human rights.
He remembers Prof. Thomas Stephens from the University of Ghana School Of Law, who inspired him with his way of dressing, in-depth knowledge of the law and engagement with students.
He recounts the enormous challenges he encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lectures moved online, and Dr Stephen’s tremendous support to ensure things moved quickly and smoothly for him.
“I also had the chance to have a few classes with the Dean himself, Prof. Raymond Atuguba. He taught the course such that some of us never felt scared as other lecturers made the course,’ he recalled.
Juventu’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in communication.
The year 2007 was the last time he studied with deaf peers. He was often the only deaf person in his classes throughout the following years of his education, which made interaction with peers difficult.
Despite these hurdles, he remained high-spirited, studying late into the night and seeking help from kind classmates when necessary.
Reflecting on his academic experience at UG, he connected his affection for the university to his older brother, who is also an alumnus. He felt inspired to be a student of the premier university, saying he would choose the University of Ghana any time, any day, if given the chance to further his studies or work.
The University Of Ghana School Of Law, along with its Dean, Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Director of Legal Education of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Bramiah Oppong, and his capable team, including the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the Ghana School of Law and the Office for Students with Special Needs (UG), made significant contributions to his journey.
Prof. Atuguba acknowledged Juventus’ achievement as evidence of the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Commenting on how the school accommodated his special needs, Prof. Atugugba explained that ‘In the case of Juventus, we worked closely with him to understand and address his special needs, ensuring he had access to the teaching and learning resources in the appropriate formats that would support his academic journey.
Professor Atuguba noted that Juventus’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds promise for him and the many lives he aims to touch along the way.
Juventus’s close friend, Ida Esi McOwusu Esq., described her first encounter with Juventus as ‘intriguing.’ “My first meeting with Juventus was in class, where he sat right in front of me in first year,” Ida reveals. She was intrigued and wanted to find out more about him, especially how Juventus navigated his way to this level. “I got closer and we became friends from there,” she remarked.
Mr Francis Kweku Essel, Juventus’ interpreter, shed light on the primary challenges he faced in carrying out his job, particularly the complex nature of legal terminology and concepts. This validates Ida’s comment on the interpreters’ lack of legal background as a challenge Lawyer Duorinaah encountred.
Juventus dreams of becoming a judge and aims to enhance justice delivery while serving as a role model for young people with disabilities.
He is currently mentoring a group of young deaf students interested in pursuing law, hoping to pave the way for future generations. What’s next for Lawyer Juventus? His next step is to complete his pupilage, after which he can decide further his legal career.
Profile
Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere …A visionary leader who triumphs through adversity
DR. Christopher Baasongti Beyere, the Member of Parliament-elect for Techiman South Constituency, is a trailblazing leader whose journey to political prominence is as inspiring as his contributions to health and education.
A man of resilience, intellect, and service, Dr. Beyere’s story exemplifies the triumph of determination and commitment over adversity.
A Multifaceted Leader with Transformative Achievements
Dr. Beyere’s professional and academic accomplishments are vast and impactful. He is a PhD holder in Global Health from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, where his research on motivation policies for Ghanaian health workers reshaped staff development strategies.
A man of interdisciplinary expertise, he also holds an MSc in International Health from Brandeis University, an MA in International Human Resource Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, and a BSc in Information Technology from Methodist University.
His academic journey culminated with an LLB from the University College of Science, Arts, and Education, the Gambia Law School, Banjul, making him a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, called to the Bar in November 2024.
Dr. Beyere’s work in the health sector has transformed Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
As Executive Secretary of the Health Training Institutions Secretariat, he spearheaded numerous initiatives, including upgrading post-basic programs to degree and master’s levels, introducing male midwifery training, and establishing the “Best Health Tutor Award” to motivate educators.
His efforts also led to the construction of a 75-bedroom guesthouse for principals of nursing training schools, showcasing his dedication to improving infrastructure and capacity for education.
In his role as Vice President of the University College of Science, Arts, and Education in Sunyani, Dr. Beyere has continued to champion educational innovation, ensuring that academic and non-academic functions align with the institution’s mission to nurture future leaders.
The Political Journey: Resilience and Triumph
Dr. Beyere’s political career has been marked by both challenges and victories. In the 2020 parliamentary election, his initial bid to represent Techiman South faced fierce resistance.
The election was fraught with controversy, culminating in a narrow defeat to Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who polled 49,682 votes against Dr. Beyere’s 49,205. The results were contested, leading to a protracted court case that added to the emotional toll of the loss.
However, Dr. Beyere’s resilience never wavered. With renewed vigor, he returned to the political arena in 2024, determined to serve his people. This time, he secured a decisive victory, polling 44,986 votes across 282 polling stations, surpassing his perennial opponent, Martin Kwaku Adjei-Mensah Korsah, who garnered 43,730 votes.
His triumph was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the people of Techiman South, who recognized his vision and trusted his leadership.
A Leader of Compassion and Vision
Dr. Beyere’s political success is rooted in his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. During his time at the Gambia Law School in Banjul, he was beloved by his colleagues for his humility and sense of camaraderie. These qualities have endeared him to his constituents, who see in him a leader committed to their welfare.
Beyond his political and professional achievements, Dr. Beyere has consistently demonstrated a passion for empowering others. His initiatives in education and healthcare, coupled with his international collaborations, underscore his dedication to creating opportunities and driving sustainable development.
A Future of Hope and Progress
As he takes his place in Parliament, Dr. Beyere is poised to bring transformative leadership to Techiman South. His vision for the constituency includes advancing healthcare, education, and infrastructural development while fostering a sense of unity and purpose among his people.
Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere’s journey—from overcoming electoral challenges to becoming a symbol of hope and progress—is a shining example of what perseverance and dedication can achieve. With his wealth of experience, both locally and internationally, he stands ready to champion the aspirations of his constituents and contribute to Ghana’s growth.
