Profile
Summary profile of ‘Forty under40’ award nominees
About 120 Ghanaian professionals have made their way to the list of nominees for this year’s Forty under40 Awards. The event scheduled for October 8, 2021 in Accra would honour 40 young and influential individuals who have demonstrated excellence in various fields.
Organisers say the award, among other objectives, is to build a “positive attitude in the youth to strive for excellence at a tender age.” In this edition, we put together a summary profile of six nominees from some of the categories as we await the announcement of the winners in a few weeks from today.
Notable among them are Mrs. Mame Dufie Achampong-Kyei Obeng, Managing Director of Glico Life, Mr. Romeo Richlove Kweku Seshie, CEO, Quick Credit & Investment Micro-Credit Ltd, Mr. Ebenezer Arthur, Chief Operating Officer of Wangara Green Ventures.
Mame Dufie Achampong-Kyei Obeng (Mrs)
She was appointed Managing Director of Glico Life in 2019. Prior to her appointment, she was Executive Director/Chief Technical Operations Officer of the Company.
Before joining GLICO Life, she was the Assistant General Manager in-Charge of Risk Operations for GLICO General and later the Group Head, Enterprise Risk for GLICO Group.
She is a Chartered Insurer and an Associate member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK). She has over seven years work experience in the insurance industry. She has worked in different capacities at GLICO including being a Marketing Executive, Underwriting Officer, Claims Officer and a Management trainee.
Mrs. Obeng holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with Economics and Marketing from Aston University (UK) and a Master of Science degree in Insurance and Risk Management from Cass Business School (UK).
After obtaining her Master of Science degree in Insurance and Risk Management, she established and headed the Enterprise Risk Management Department of GLICO and worked to significantly improve the Company’s risk management system.
Mr. Richard Addison
Mr. Richard Addison is listed in the Agro-Processing category. He is a farmer passionate about youth and community development. His 50-acre rice farm in the Sharma District employs over 100 locals in land preparation, planting, harvesting, milling, and transporting of the produce to the market.
He and his team are focused on producing Ghanaian staples in large quantities to reduce the importation of food crops in the country. He encourages the youth to venture into agriculture and he processes local rice from Kent Farms for everyday use together with his business partner, Trigmatic.
Ms. Israella Kafui Mansu
Ms. Israella Kafui Mansu is a nominee in Beauty and Lifestyle category. She started Mansuki Ghana Limited with the brand name MGL Naturals in 2009.
The company produces healthy skin and hair care products using local raw products such as shea butter and cocoa. With almost 12 years experience in the industry, the company has been able to make inroads on local and international natural cosmetics markets.
Ms. Mansu and her company continue to create sustainable income generating activities for many in the production, administration, marketing, sales, retail, and wholesale sectors and currently has 43 direct employees.
Mr. Romeo Richlove Kweku Seshie
The Banking and Finance category has Mr. Romeo Richlove Kweku Seshie. The CEO of Quick Credit & Investment Micro-Credit LTD is an astute Finance Management professional with over 10 years experience.
He has played a key role in preparing and implementing senior management strategic plans. He has led the company which has over 70,000 customers and employed over 40 call centre executives.
Under his leadership, the company won the outstanding SME Company of the year at the 2021 Ghana West Africa Business Excellence Awards.
Mr. Terry Mante
Mr. Terry Mante is listed in the Authorship and Creative Writing category.
He holds Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Sociology at the University of Ghana and did Master of Business Administration (MBA) in General Management at Central University, Accra.
He has 300 articles published in newspaper columns over the years consistently inspired and challenged readers through his writings. He touches on a wide range of subjects including entrepreneurship, career, leadership, governance, among others.
He speaks at personal development seminars and hosts events through his organisations, Personal Development Network (PEDNET), Terry Mante Exchange, and The Accra Hub and his works continue to inspire many young men and women across the country.
Mr. Ebenezer Arthur
Mr. Ebenezer Arthur is the Chief Operating Officer of Wangara Green Ventures. He sits on the advisory boards of other Investment companies and businesses and continues to impact lives through the businesses that he supports.
His two businesses, Wangara Green Ventures and Innohub, have supported many start-ups and provided opportunities for start-up to access funding to sustain their operations.
His work within the Social and Financial Investment space has directly impacted the lives and livelihoods of many young people.
By Spectator Reporter
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.