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Face behind Ghana’s “Akwaaba” portrait shares her story
Something which started as a usual photo shoot for a portrait to be placed in the hall of their room and her album, surprisingly ended up becoming a ‘national project’.
Interestingly, the photograph meant for her private use rather became a national symbol of welcoming guests to Ghana, and some countries abroad.
To her surprise, it ended up at various places being used on calendars, bags, dresses, gift items, among other artefacts.
Ms. Angelina Nana Akua Oduro, now 39, took the iconic photograph in 1999 at age 18, but because it was not copyrighted, she does not receive any royalties from the commercialisation of her image.
She shares her story with The Spectator newspaper.
Family
Ms. Angelina Nana Akua Oduro whose parents hail from Obo Kwahu and Akyem Pramkese in the Eastern Region was born at North Kaneshie Dans Bar, affectionately referred to as Ga-Mantse in Accra.
Her parents are Mr. Daniel Oduro a contractor, and Madam Janet Oduro, anad was born into a family of seven for which she is the penultimate last but one born of the four women and three men.
She was once married with two kids but divorced along the way
Education
Ms Angelina Oduro commenced her educational journey at St. Monica’s at Awudome in Accra for her basic education and continued to a government school at Awudome Two Junior High School.
Her dream to further her education at Okuapeman Senior High School in the Eastern Region was dashed due to financial problems at home, but this notwithstanding, his brother suggested a fashion school to her.
With to her love for fashion, Angelina heeded to the advice and was enrolled into a fashion school, Fashion Africa, at Swanlake by her elder brother, where she studied Modelling, Fashion Design and Embroidery.
After the school she did her attachment at Tetteh Praha Designs, where the interest in fashion grew stronger.
Akwaaba Photo
Touching on the genesis of the Akwaaba photo, she said, at Tetteh Praha, they attended fashion shows, did TV commercials and this kept replaying in her head after school.
This pushed her not to renege on all the beautiful things she learnt from the fashion school.
“My mother used to send me to buy Kenkey for her and there was this photograph of a lady pouring palm wine leaning on a wall at a drinking bar around our house, due to my fashion background, I appreciated it and wanted to take a similar one,” she revealed.
According to here, she shared the story with a photographer friend who later linked her to another photographer, by name Mr.Joe Osae.
“We then went to Makola, and other places where necklaces, bangles, cloths and pots among others were sold to facilitate the photo shoot. Afterwards we went to Mr.Joe Osae at Ceejay multimedia at Lapaz,” she said.
She stated that, they took some of the photos at the studio, Osu, the beach and later selected the best ones
“The intention was to fill my album and hang it in our rooms but later other people started showing interest, so Mr.Osae told me and started selling it, and at times gave me some proceeds, even though it was not on a large scale,” Ms. Oduro stressed.
Suddenly, it was everywhere, the photograph was circulating which was something her father was not happy about considering the spiritual implication which could follow .
However, her father was later convinced about the positives for which he understood.
“There were times some friends who have travelled would inform me about where they have found my portrait, which made me excited. If I look back I feel I have marketed Ghana with my image,” she noted.
Future
Talking about the future plans, she said “we are coming out with a documentary of my life, a clothing line and some cartoon filled with our cultural values to inculcate in the children at a tender age, because I love children.”
Ms.Angelina Oduro has called on well wishers to sponsor her to achieve these goals.
“I do fascinators, makeups and used to train models,” she added.
She has further called on authorities to recognise her contribution in marketing the country,
“Some people even thought I was dead or it was some painting, I would be glad if I am given an ambassadorial role to properly sell Ghana,” she suggested.
Ms. Oduro has appealed to Ghanaians to patronise made in Ghana products because through that, a lot of employment would be created to improve the per capita income of the citizens and boost the economy as well.
She thanked Mr. Osae, the photographer, for making her dreams come to pass.
Ms. Angelina Oduro fellowships with Love Community Chapel International at Ogre Road, in Accra,
Hobbies and favourite food
She loves to watch documentaries and cartoons and her favourite food is Kenkey with fried fish.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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.
