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Alhaji Salamu Amadu, a global icon inspiring Ghanaian youth
Ambassador Amadu on a global platform
Starting business as a teenager is a Herculean task but it was an obstacle Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Afro-Arab Group, Alhaji Salamu Amadu surmount to become one of the most successful business moguls on the continent and beyond.
The 36-year-old’s success story has not only become an inspiration for many Muslim youth within the Nima-Mamprobi areas but an icon revered across the globe.
With over two decades in business, Alhaji Amadu, leads the Afro- Arab Group conglomerate which has over 10 subsidiaries with interest in various sectors including import and export, real estate, travel and tourism, microfinance and sports.
Young Amadu ventured into business at a tender age of 10 with his older brother in what was known as the ‘black market’ business which was handed over to them by their father.
Later after Senior High School (SHS) at Abundant Grace Academy in 2004, he decided to start his own business which birthed the Afro-Arab Group in 2007 as an import and export company for general goods and services.
It was, however not without challenges as the young entrepreneur had to deal with many people who did not give him a chance to break through in the highly competitive market.
However, with determination and consistency, Alhaji Amadu managed to establish the business and currently is one of the most sought after business personalities in Ghana.
According to him, encouraging the youth and elderly in the community and the recognition of his contribution to changing lives makes him a satisfied businessman.
Most important to him was the recognition for his resilience after surviving the turbulence of the financial cleanup exercise in 2019 by President Akufo Addo and former President John Dramani Mahama.
“Coming from the Zongo community to build a brand that the most important people in the country would recognise is a success on its own and has been a major inspiration for me,” he stated.
His immeasurable impact on the lives of the over 100 people employed directly with some provided a landed property during the 10th Anniversary celebration of the company means so much to him.
Indirectly, Alhaji Salamu said, over 1,000 people have benefitted from the company as everything he makes goes back into supporting the community.
For him, his purpose in life is to serve Allah and humanity hence supporting people in education, health, business and other areas.
Going forward, he said, the future looks promising as they focus on building social businesses that will impact on community, not necessarily making money hence coming out with groundbreaking housing policy of allowing Ghanaians to own homes without interest, with a flexible payment plan spread over five years.
That would ensure that poor people secure homes and get value for people as ‘housing is a human right and everyone must have one.’
In view of that, Alhaji Amadu is working towards acquiring the Saglemi Housing Project from the government, refurbish same to make housing accessible to lower-tier Ghanaians.
“I do not think government must look outside Ghana for people to invest in Saglemi. I have the capacity and wish government would give me the opportunity,” he stated.
Alhaji Amadu’s hard work over the years earned him several awards, notable among them were the 40Under40 Africa 2024, the Real Estate Development and Construction Category, Microfinance of the Year, Sports Personality of the Year and Banking and Finance Company of the Year in 2019.
He also earned accolades including a Global Philanthropist, One Young World Ambassador and Peace Ambassador for African Youth.
Apart from working and impacting the lives of the needy in society, Alhaji loves to spend time with his extended and nuclear family, interact with old friends, play football and attend social activities.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study
A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.
The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.
Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”
“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.
The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.
The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.
Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.
As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.
Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.
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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement
• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas
Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.
Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.
That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.
The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.
As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.
These people have turned the pavements into their places of abode, covering every inch of space with their wares.
Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captures some of the unfriendly scenes the authorities must try and deal with to restore sanity to the area.
By Lizzy Okai
