Profile
Celebrating Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi – a ‘beacon for justice’
As a child, he was attracted to church activities with the hope of joining the ministry one day.
And bound with the string of faith, the call became stronger and he was eventually ordained a Pastor in the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church in August, 1980.
As a result of his commitment to Christianity, this man of God has dedicated 40 years of his life to the work of God and has contributed positively towards the growth of the church and other denominations both locally and internationally.
Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi, a Ghanaian, is the first African and first non-European to have assumed the position of General Secretary at the World Alliance of Reformed Churches — the umbrella body of all Presbyterian and reformed churches in the world.
Background
Rev. Dr. Nyomi hails from Anloga in the Volta Region. He had his General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O’ Level) at Prempeh College, Kumasi, and GCE Advanced Level (A level) at Mawuli School, Ho, where he studied General Arts.
His theological studies began at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he graduated with BA (Hons) in 1978, and Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, which he completed in 1980.
He received a Master of Sacred Theology Degree from Yale University Divinity School in 1981 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Pastoral Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey in 1991, all in the United States of America (USA).
Journey
The Theologian speaking to The Spectator about his life and career said he did not begin his divine journey with the aim to serve abroad but as the saying goes that “God works in mysterious ways”, it turned out that his work in Ghana was noticed and appreciated elsewhere.
He noted that his call to the ministry was “strengthened” when he went to Vicksburg, USA, in the 70s for the first time as an exchange student to attend high school.
“That year, lot of things challenged my perception of this world. I saw a different country where there was discrimination. I didn’t experience it personally but I saw it. There was discrimination even by people who were in church,” Rev. Dr Nyomi recalled.
This debased tradition he encountered abroad set off his ministerial journey to make a difference and also be “a force for justice.”
Leadership
Between 1994 and 1999, Rev. Dr Nyomi was a Senior Executive of the All African Conference of Churches (AACC) which brought most of the protestant denominations in Africa together.
From April 2000 to August 2014, he became the General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC). The organisation has a membership of about 80 million Christians in 108 countries.
In 2010 and under his tenure, WARC was changed to World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). The mandate of the organisation, he explained, was to unite the churches and speak on their behalf as well.
As the spokesman of the WCRC, Rev. Dr. Nyomi had led delegations to dialogue and help resolve conflict in countries such as Liberia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, DR Congo, Iraq, among other conflict-prone nations and returned to Ghana in 2014 after 14 years of dedicated service.
Currently, he is the District Pastor of the Adenta EP Church in Accra, a Senior Lecturer at the Trinity Theological Seminary and the Council Chair of the Evangelical Presbyterian University College, at Ho.
Prior to his mission abroad, he served at the Dzelokope EP Church in the Volta Region, and the Abeka EP Church also in the Greater Accra Region, among others.
Sacrifice
The Reverend Minister intimated that the church was not a profit-making venture and that many people “ran away from ministry because they think of remuneration.”
He emphasised that the church was a “sacrificial place” and that in spite of the leadership and financial challenges, “God has always provided” for him and his family.
Highlighting other challenges, Rev. Dr Nyomi cited instances where people “decided to be hostile” and attempted to soil his hard-earned reputation because they thought he was interested in some other leadership positions.
“At the World Communion of Reformed Churches, a few elements had wondered why an African should be their leader.
“They tried to play their tricks, and I could see their tricks through my divine spectacles, and it was always defeated by God,” he said sarcastically.
Church’s role
Apart from proclaiming the gospel, Rev. Dr Nyomi maintained that the church must speak against social injustice stressing that “if there is oppression” in any part of the world the church should not be silent: “it must speak up.”
While praising churches that reach out to the poor and needy, he said that the church must as well tackle the fundamental issues on why people were poor in the first place.
“Ours is not a call to be greedy or teach people to be greedy. We should not glorify greed in the name of God. Ours is to trust God to take care of us and to send us to take care of other people.
“If people are suffering because the economy is bad, we need to be advocates in addressing the government at all levels about what its policies are doing to the people,” he noted and again advised church leaders to desist from centering their preachings on prosperity because “that is not what the gospel should stand for.”
Book
Rev. Dr. Nyomi has influenced a good number of theology students through his work. He has done stints of visiting professorship in institutions in Germany and USA and continues to make adequate use of his expertise in other capacities as well.
He would launch his book titled “By God’s Grace – Memoires of Setri Nyomi” at the Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra on Monday, August 17, 2020 to mark his 40th anniversary in the ministry.
At age 66, he loves playing indoor games, singing and enjoying choral music. He is married to Madam Akpene Esther, a Chemist by profession. They have three children.
Profile
Prisca Abah: Ghana’s modelling powerhouse
Ghanaian model, philanthropist and advocate, Prisca Abah, who is known for her contributions to the fashion industry, is strutting her stuff on higher levels.
She was recently selected as one of the models for the Big8 Girls Project, an initiative by Clinton Samuel to celebrate influential African models.
The project consisted of three episodes: the Bio Shoot which highlighted Abah’s professionalism through a corporate-themed photoshoot; Afrodeity which focused on showcasing her confidence and artistry, celebrating the African divine feminine and royalty which presented Abah as a symbol of African cultural pride, embodying strength and elegance.
The Big8 concept, produced by Clinton Samuel, intentionally highlights and celebrates the strongest and most influential models on the African continent, congratulating their steadfastness and contributions to the African fashion industry, even as they grind and win in other aspects of life.
The Big8 sets hierarchy and high standards in the African fashion and modelling industry, crowning eight of them with the ‘Top Model’ status as the leading female models in Ghana at the moment.
“Working with these fiery women will surely ignite more creative minds and stir the pot of positive competition,” said Clinton.
Abah’s early life and career
Prisca Abah began her modelling career in 2013, achieving her first notable milestone in 2014 with an editorial shoot for 5-Star International Modelling Agency. In 2015, she made her runway debut at the Ghana Fashion Awards.
From 2016 to 2018, Abah participated in major African fashion events such as Glitz Africa Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg, and Rhythms on the Runway.
During this period, she received accolades, including the “Best Female Model of the Year” and spoke as a UN Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 12 at the Sustainable Rice Platform Conference.
International recognition and pageantry
In 2022, Abah expanded her reach by entering the pageantry world. She placed as the first runner- up at the Beauty of Africa International Pageant and represented Ghana at the Miss Globe World Finals, where she earned the title of Miss Globe Africa 2022.
Philanthropy
Abah founded the Palins Foundation, a non-profit organisation, aimed at empowering women and youth through initiatives in education, skills training, and personal development.
Awards and collaborations
In 2023, Abah received the Best Model of the Year award at the Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards. She has collaborated with leading designers such as Charlotte Prive and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, further solidifying her influence in African fashion.
Legacy
Prisca Abah is recognised not only for her contributions to the fashion industry but also for her philanthropic efforts. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young Africans, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while giving back to society.
By Edem Mensah Tsortorme
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.
