Profile
Add more value to yourselves – Mrs Sackey-Cadbury admonishes women
This week’s profile is focused on a very determined and humble woman whose struggle in her early years, could not kill her vision of becoming a prominent figure in society whose contribution to human resource development would stand the test of time.
This woman defied all odds and jumped over every hurdle put in her way to carve a niche in the catering and hospitality industry in Ghana.
Mrs Princess Angela Sackey-Cadbury, the proprietress of Citadel Events, a school of hospitality at North Kaneshie in Accra, has nurtured the talent of the youth by giving them the requisite training to become productive citizens in their fields of endeavour.
Her outstanding achievement in the catering and hospitality industry has attracted people from all spheres of life to learn and acquire peculiar skills for themselves in her school.
Background
Mrs Sackey-Cadbury who is Ga from James Town, Accra, had her primary school education at the St. Anthony’s Preparatory School at Laterbiokorshie and Junior Secondary School education at Nungua ACC ‘4’, all in Accra where she wrote the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
She proceeded to Ahmadiyya Secondary School (Potsin), in the Central Region where she offered Home Economics due to her futuristic interest in pursuing catering as a business venture.
The focus-minded woman after secondary school enrolled at Cake Tekniks Catering Institute to study and practise sugar craft and later taught in the institute for two years.
Poised to achieve her childhood dream, Mrs Sackey-Cadbury enrolled at the Accra Polytechnic, now Accra Technical University in 1998 and studied Hospitality.
She completed in 2001 and bagged a Diploma in Hospitality from the Accra Technical University.
Ordeal
Her dream in setting up a hospitality school was becoming difficult but with determination she was able to make it.
She said in the catering environment, it was difficult when students did not have their own equipment for the designated practical work to test their depth of knowledge in the courses taught.
“I sometimes have to support my students in cash or kind for them to fulfill their course work since the materials needed in catering are costly”, she said.
She is of the view that “extending a helping hand to the needy in skills acquisition is worth satisfying to the soul”.
Uniqueness
Her outstanding persona in the hospitality and catering industry is the drive to make a difference among the number of hospitality service providers in the country.
Working under strict hygienic conditions, Mrs Sackey-Cadbury ensures that her clients are properly served to enable them enjoy all the local and continental dishes served on all occasions.
The Hospitality History
Making a transformation in her hospitality endeavour into a broader spectrum, she expanded her small scale venture to a more resourced one to attract clients and students.
She told The Spectator that her services were earlier provided at Nungua-Brigade, Accra, where she started the school with an inspiring number of people.
“Due to the nutritious nature of my cakes and meals, people advised me to make it a school in order to harness talents in the catering industry, so I adhered to their advice and started the school”, she added.
Previously, the school was called Peesac Catering and Floral School and offered courses in Catering, Sugar Craft and Events.
From there, she relocated to her current venue at North Kaneshie where she changed the school’s name to Citadel Events based on the suggestions from her husband.
Family
Mrs Sackey-Cadbury is married to Pastor Nestor Danso Cadbury and are made up of a family of six who fellowship at the New Covenant Assemblies of God, Nyamekye-Accra.
Ecstasy
Her joy in the hospitality and catering industry is matchless and no one can stop her from doing what she loves best.
“This profession is a vocation where no one can take it from me and I have combined other businesses to it but the skill of catering is an undying one which is always part and parcel of me”, she reiterated.
Another joy she expressed was the provision of training for the hopeless to also have vocational skills as a means of empowering them.
Advice
Mrs Princess Sackey-Cadbury advised all to have vocational skills and asked women to ensure that they have something new in addition to their profession to enhance their skills.
“Desire to make an impact in society and make sure you learn a course in either catering or hospitality to make your home a fun-packed haven,” she told women.
Others
The banku and okro stew with crab fan loves cooking, listening to gospel music and reading books.
Mrs Sackey-Cadbury expressed her profound appreciation to some key role players in her life including her husband Pastor Danso Cadbury, Rev. and Mrs Blessing Mensah, Madam Florence Okine and all those who have made her dream come true.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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.
