Profile
Mr Julius Osai, philanthropist, businessman extraordinaire
There are occasions ordinary things that people do eventually become examples for generations to emulate.
While some had unknowingly encountered ‘angels on earth’ and offered assistance to them in diverse ways, others on the contrary, acted callously to people without considering their social standings and never considered their social standing.
Mr Julius Osai, a businessman, an extraordinary philanthropist, and the sole newspaper vendor at Kpando, in the Volta Region, and the Managing Director of Josaco Enterprise is committed to assisting people in need and, this has attracted the attention of The Spectator.
It was announced during a thanksgiving church service at Kpando that Mr Julius Osai looked after a bed-ridden relative for 29 years. He literally gave out money to the immediate family of the sick on every market day- which meant two times a week- multiplied by 29 years.
At the beginning of the interview, he pleaded with me that the financial assistance he had offered the relative should be expunged from the profile to which l had initially agreed.
Having pondered over the issue, l explained to him that it was essential to mention this act of kindness since it could serve as an example for others to emulate.
When asked to dilate on the sort of assistance he had rendered , he said he considered it a responsibility to support the sick relative. He intimated that he occasionally reviewed the amount he gave out throughout the period, and ordered his staff to release the money to the family whenever he travelled.
The philanthropist disclosed that there were other less-privileged in the society who were also beneficiaries of his magnanimity.
His late grandfather, Mr Alfred Osai, a successful merchant who traded between Lome, Kpalime and Kpando, was one of the first people to be baptised at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kpando .
Mr John Osai, his father, also of blessed memory, played commendable roles by assisting all manner of people including needy-but-brilliant students in the family and those outside his family.
Businessman
The then young entrepreneur joined the family business in 1970 and having been taught the rudiments of the work by his father, took over the daily running of the business while his father played a supervisory role.
Mr Osai who sells building materials and has a staff of 15 said working as an entrepreneur provided him the opportunity to deal with different kinds of people.
He took stock of his goods which were sold out by the close of the day to enable him to know the items which were out of stock and needed to be replaced.
The businessman disclosed that honesty was necessary to keep an entrepreneur in business. According to him, there were occasions some traders credited goods from suppliers, but failed to pay as they had promised, and would rather go to different suppliers to transact business with them.
He said such a behaviour had rendered some people not trustworthy, leading to the collapse of their businesses.
Mr Osai was of the view that good businessmen and women were those financially disciplined, dealt politely with customers, monitored the market environment, and provided fast-moving goods for customers.
Family traits
It is refreshing to note that specific traits which are easily identified with some families have literally flowed through the generations.
His late grandfather , Mr Alfred Osai, from whom his father took over the business, was very instrumental in the building of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Kpando.
Following that line, his father served many years as the treasurer of the church.
And like his father, Mr Julius Osai also served on the Parish Pastoral Council as the Treasurer of the church for eight years. In addition to that, built an Adoration Chapel for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Kpando.
Youth
Passionate about the spiritual growth of the people in the church, he has advised the youth specifically to be honest in their dealings and eschew the ‘get rich quick ‘ attitude.
He explained that many of those in responsible positions today had toiled many years to make it in life, and bear in mind that with God all things were possible.
Mr Osai urged the youth to concentrate on their education, adding that life had availed them of options to enable them to decide on which path they want to follow.
“Respect the admonision of the elderly, remain submissive to your parents and all in authority, and learn to love and serve God in humility,”
He said it was unfortunate that some customers would not live up to their promises and tried to pull fast one on him.
Family Life
Mr Osai is married to Mrs Peace Petrey Osai and has five children.
His current succession plan is to train a nephew to man the shop when he becomes feeble and tired of work.
Hobbies
For his pastime he takes delight in watching football, listening to cool music and enjoys eating Akple with any palatable soup to accompany it.
By Raymond Kyekye
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.
