Profile
Achieving greatness: the stories of a two inspiring personalities
An anonymous author once said: “Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take towards reaching the goal.”
In this edition, we merge the stories of two personalities who have challenged themselves and continue to excel in their respective fields. They are Dr. Jamal Browne and Thabo Dithakgwe.
Dr. Jamal Browne
He is an International Development Expert, Writer, and Motivational Speaker who continues to excel in his chosen field while inspiring others to do same.
He once accepted a job where the salary was “so small” that it barely covered his basic monthly financial obligations. The job market was tough, and he had grown “incredibly impatient.”
But little did he know that those experiences would become a turning point in his life and career. In a recently LinkedIn post, Mr Browne recounted how “grateful and enthusiastic” he was about his first job but later started feeling “undervalued, forgotten, and unfulfilled.”
However, he quickly changed his perspective and started “thanking God” for “His provision.” Month later, he received an “unexpected job offer” from a reputable global organisation offering an “unbelievable compensation package.”
“Through that experience, I learnt to be: grateful for small blessings; patient as I wait; humble through my pain; and hopeful amidst disappointment,” he said.
He admitted that difficult moments were meant to “bring the best out of us, even as we avail ourselves of systematic, intentional learning and character development.”
In 2008, he received his Bachelors Degree (Hons) in Surveying and Land Information from The University of the West Indies in Trinidad & Tobago, and thereafter joined the public service in his native Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
In 2011, he returned to the University of the West Indies to pursue a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil), with a focus on Land Tenure Security and Disaster Risk Reduction.
In February 2014, he successfully upgraded to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
In June 2014, he joined the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) as a Consultant Project Officer at the agency’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya; and in January 2015, was among the first cohort of scholars of the Canadian Government-funded EKACDM Scholarship.
In June 2015, he launched Land and Property Network – a Caribbean-based start-up within the global land and property sector that works with governments, international development and civil society organisations, and the private sector in addressing land administration and land governance issues.
He is an alumnus of President Barack Obama’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), having served as a Professional Fellow in the initiative’s inaugural cohort (2016).
On November 17, 2016, Dr. Browne successfully defended his doctoral research at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Browne is an emotionally intelligent and inspirational Team Leader, People’s Manager, Mentor, and Cross-cultural Communicator. He has about 12 years industry experience in Content Marketing, Internal and External Communications, Public & Press Relations and Digital Media.
He has developed communications strategies for major public and private entities and also has experience also in Digital Storytelling & Film Production.
In addition to Social Media and Digital Media Management, he again has experience in Brand Management, Customer Relationship Management, Web Analytics and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
Over the years, he has served as a keynote speaker at numerous graduation and prize-giving ceremonies, and has chaired international fora on Land & Property Rights. He has made presentations at numerous international and regional conferences.
Having shown great interest in the art of public speaking from a very early age, Dr, Browne has spent most of his life developing this skill.
He considers public speaking a platform for “sharing messages of hope with audiences that are more likely to respond to the spoken word.” He urges individuals not to despise the difficulties and pains of life’s journey.
“Embrace and appreciate the fact that you are making an effort, giving of your best everyday, and that the reward for your sacrifices and faith is assured,” he noted.
Thabo Dithakgwe
He is a 21-year-old South Africa’s youngest Livestock Farmer, Entrepreneur, Mentor and Public Speaker. He became a farmer at the age of 13 when his father gifted him a pregnant cow.
When the heifer gave birth, he nurtured the calf for 18 months and sold it to another farmer at a reasonable price and reinvested the money.
In 2015, at age 14, he received his Identification Livestock Certificate from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, enabling him to become a Commercial Farmer.
In 2020, while managing Constable Farm, he received a farm from the state, amounting to about 2,400 hectares, in the Morokweng Area, South Africa.
“I farm with cattle, sheep and goats. With the cattle, I do few other breed which I buy locally. And then with goats, I mainly specialise in boer goat. For sheep, I do crossbreed,” Thabo said.
“I am working towards diversifying into poultry and crop farming. I would also like to create about 50 permanent jobs for local unemployed residents and to bring investors on board which will help me help other striving young farmers,” he added.
By Ernest Nutsugah
-Additional files from landportal.org & Women Power Africa
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.
