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Resilience, versatility and service: The story of Ohemea Odiasempa Abena Ayeba Okani I
Ohemea Odiasempa Abena Ayeba Okani I, known in private life as Mrs Susan Essilfie, is a woman of many parts-a royal, a mother, an entrepreneur, a sports enthusiast, and above all, a symbol of resilience. Her life story weaves together the threads of tradition, business, service, and personal strength, making her one of the most dynamic figures within her community and beyond.
Her roots in royalty run deep. Born into royal household, her late father served as one of the chiefs, and by lineage, her destiny was tied to leadership and service.
Yet, her elevation to the stool was not just about tradition-it was about her willingness to serve.
Speaking to The Spectator at her residence at Spintex in Accra, Ohemea Okani I of Adukrom Akuapim, recalled one of the uncles in her royal family emphasised the importance of sustaining their heritage and supporting their people.
For her, stepping into that responsibility was considered an honourable calling.
She stated that the role of a Queen mother was not ceremonial but rather carries a lot of weight: the discipline to uphold values, the responsibility to guide the youth, and the obligation to contribute to development.
She believes that Queen mothers were meant to safeguard livelihoods, encourage progress, and serve as role models in their communities.
“The main aim is to support the township, especially in youth development,” she notes.
She however admitted that the role comes with challenges, particularly financial, as many traditional leaders were not on formal payrolls.
Ohemea Okani I said without an independent source of income, it can be difficult to fulfill these duties effectively.
That is where her entrepreneurial skills and strength shines. Over the years, Mrs Essilfie has built a diversified business portfolio spanning construction, cleaning services, textiles, detergents, and food and drinks production.
Previously, she was active in the fisheries trade, following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a fishmonger.
Although she eventually left the trade due to market challenges and losses, the lessons she carried forward about resilience, bargaining, and perseverance continue to shape her entrepreneurial approach.
Her versatility is perhaps most visible in sports. For years, she owned and managed Sutick Gym at Tema Community 1, Site 15, a commercial gym that attracted footballers, musicians, and fitness enthusiasts.
Her passion for sports grew naturally—she was always active, loved physical activity, and found joy in encouraging others to train.
From that base, she was drawn to boxing, a sport she considers both tough and inspiring.
To her, boxing was more than entertainment; it is business, discipline, and a powerful tool for channeling youthful energy into productive outcomes.
“Boxing is a big-time business,” she says with conviction.
She dreams of seeing Ghana reclaim her reputation as a boxing powerhouse, putting more young athletes on the global stage.
She also advocates for women to take up the sport, not only for fitness but also as a pathway to empowerment and financial independence.
Her vision is already inspiring the next generation—her son recently completed a course in boxing promotion and is now awaiting his license to officially step into the business side of the sport.
Beyond her businesses and sports initiatives, Ohemea Okani I has also carved strong niche in philanthropy.
She is the founder of Royals of Valour International, a non-profit organisation that supports and trains women for free in soap making, baking and other vocational skills.
So far, about 200 women have benefited from this initiative, gaining practical skills that enable them to earn an income and support their families.
For her, empowering women with skills is one of the surest ways of breaking cycles of poverty and dependency.
Balancing tradition, business, and family has not been easy, particularly after she lost her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Left to raise two children on her own, she leaned on faith and determination. Her daughter is now pursuing music, while her son is preparing to make his mark as a boxing promoter.
Though the journey has been tough, she sees her children’s progress as one of her greatest achievements.
As a devout Christian, she attributes her strength to God and also acknowledges the values of discipline, compassion and resilience instilled by her parents.
She recalls how her mother’s work as a fishmonger required long hours, frequent travel, and unwavering determination. Those lessons taught her never to rely solely on others and to take pride in hard work.
Ohemea Okani I urged young women to work hard, learn a trade and not rely on anyone else for survival.
She stressed that in today’s world, self-reliance is not optional, it is essential.
She cautions against the modern tendency of young people to seek shortcuts or instant wealth, encouraging them instead to focus on skills, discipline, and perseverance.
She also challenges traditional gender roles, pointing out that no field should be seen as exclusively for men or women.
Whether in construction, trucking, or sports management, she believes women can thrive if they were determined and prepared. “The most important thing is to do it right, make your money, and plan for the future,” she emphasised.
- By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
In a world where stories shape perceptions and influence change, Michelle Eyram Yorgbe, stands out as a compelling voice dedicated to using media as a tool for transformation.
An accomplished journalist and filmmaker, her journey is one marked by excellence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social impact.
Eyram’s story begins at Mawuli Secondary School, where her passion for the arts and communication first took root.
Even at a young age, she exhibited a deep curiosity about the world around her and a desire to tell stories that matter. This early interest would later blossom into a purposeful career in media and storytelling.
Her academic path led her to the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), where she pursued a Diploma in Film Directing and Script Writing.
At NAFTI, Eyram honed her creative instincts, learning to craft narratives that not only entertain but also educate and inspire.
Her training laid a strong foundation, equipping her with the technical and artistic skills needed to excel in the dynamic world of film and media.
Driven by a desire to engage more deeply with public discourse, Eyram continued her education at the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT), where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism.
Her dedication and discipline quickly set her apart. She graduated with First Class Honours and was named the Overall Best Student of UniMAC-IFT in 2024, a remarkable achievement that underscored her commitment to excellence.
But she’s not one to rest on her laurels. After that feat, Eyram advanced to the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) for her Master’s degree in Journalism. Once again, she distinguished herself academically, graduating as the Valedictorian of her cohort with an outstanding Final Grade Point Average of 3.94.
“It’s a big honour to graduate as the Overall Best Graduating student with an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.94 in the MA in Journalism,” she shared her joy with The Spectator.
“What makes it even more beautiful was coming out as the Valedictorian on two occasions. I am so proud. This would, however mean nothing without a direct impact of this on society,” she said.
Her academic journey reflects not only intellectual brilliance but also a relentless pursuit of growth and impact.
In 2025, Eyram’s excellence gained international recognition when she was selected for further studies in Norway through a partnership between UniMAC-IJ and NLA University College under the Erasmus Mundus Mobility Programme.
This opportunity marked a significant milestone, allowing her to expand her horizons, engage with global perspectives, and refine her craft on an international stage.
Yet, beyond her impressive academic achievements, what truly defines Eyram is her heart for service.
She is deeply committed to advocacy and social development, particularly in championing gender equity and supporting marginalised communities.
Her passion for making a difference has seen her actively involved in community initiatives that bring tangible change to people’s lives.
As a volunteer with the Ghanaian Heritage Organisation, an NGO founded by members of the Ghanaian diaspora, Eyram played a pivotal role in community development projects across the Volta Region. Notably, she contributed to efforts that provided boreholes to underserved villages, bringing clean and accessible water to communities in need.
As the organisation’s only member based in Ghana, her role was both unique and impactful, bridging the gap between local needs and diaspora support.
Her commitment to social change is further reflected in her role as a co-founder of the Dreams Impact Foundation, an initiative she established alongside her sisters.
Through this foundation, Eyram has offered support to vulnerable groups by distributing sanitary products to schoolgirls and prison inmates, while also providing essential items to widows in disadvantaged communities.
These acts of compassion demonstrate her belief that storytelling must go hand in hand with action.
Outside her professional and humanitarian work, Eyram is an avid reader and a lover of films. These passions continue to enrich her perspective, shaping her understanding of narratives and reinforcing her dedication to telling stories that resonate and inspire.
As she steps into the next phase of her journey, she remains steadfast in her mission—to use journalism and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy, social transformation, and amplifying the voices of the unheard.
Her story is not just one of personal success, but of purpose, a reminder that when talent meets passion and service, the result is truly transformative.
Indeed, Eyram is not only telling stories; she is changing lives, one narrative at a time through storytelling and service.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
In the world of sports, athletes often take center stage while the role of officials remains equally critical, yet less celebrated.
One Ghanaian is steadily changing that narrative. He is Aziz Adimah, a dedicated hockey umpire whose journey from the school field to the international arena reflects passion, resilience, and purpose.
Aziz Adimah’s story with hockey began during his secondary school days. Introduced to the sport in his second year by a peer tutor, what started as a casual interest quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment.
After completing school, he continued playing actively, but by 2008, he made a defining decision to pursue officiating seriously.
That decision marked the beginning of a remarkable turn in his sports journey.
While many athletes aspire to reach the pinnacle as players, Aziz recognised a different path to longevity and impact in the sport. According to him, playing careers especially at the national level can be short-lived, often limited to a few major tournaments.
Officiating, however, offered a broader horizon.
Through umpiring, Aziz found an opportunity not only to stay connected to the sport but also to rise through the global ranks. His dedication has since earned him a place on the international stage, where he proudly represents Ghana.
One of Aziz’s greatest motivations is the honour of representing his country internationally. Having officiated in global competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, he describes the experience as both humbling and inspiring.
Among his most memorable moments was officiating a high-intensity match between Pakistan and England during a World Cup qualifying tournament.
The pace, skill, and tactical depth of the game left a lasting impression on him and reinforced his passion for the profession.
“Being alone on that stage, representing your country is a special kind of pride,” he reflects.
Like every profession, umpiring comes with its own set of challenges. For Aziz, two stand out: logistics and performance expectations.
Unlike players who often benefit from structured team support, umpires must sometimes navigate limited resources, including travel logistics. Additionally, officials are expected to perform at standards higher than the level of play in their home countries which required constant learning, exposure, and adaptation to global trends.
Another major challenge lies in decision-making under pressure. Aziz recounts a particularly difficult moment when, as a video referee, he had to review footage and make a call that resulted in a player receiving a yellow card and a ten-minute suspension.
“In such moments, you know that if you get it wrong, it affects the entire game,” he explains.
Umpiring demands sharp judgment, often within split seconds. Aziz emphasises that fans and players must understand the intensity of this responsibility.
“The umpire processes everything in a split second. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t but the pressure is always there.”
Fortunately, he highlights the strong support system within the hockey hierarchy; from coaches to technical teams which provides room for reflection, learning, and growth.
Beyond officiating, Aziz is deeply committed to developing hockey in Ghana.
He runs an academy that focuses on nurturing young talent, with programmes for both youth and university students.
Currently, the academy trains players under 20 and is expanding its reach within tertiary institutions.
His goal is to build a strong pipeline of talent while also promoting officiating as a viable pathway in the sport.
However, he notes a significant gap in female participation, particularly in umpiring.
Efforts are underway to intentionally recruit and mentor more women into officiating roles, including collaborations with schools and international professionals.
Outside the hockey field, Aziz maintains a professional career, balancing work responsibilities with his demanding schedule as an umpire.
He credits his workplace –Promasidor Ghana Limited, for being supportive, allowing him to travel for international assignments.
Despite the challenges, he considers hockey not just a profession, but a form of leisure; something he genuinely enjoys.
Currently serving on the international panel just below the elite level, Aziz is determined to climb higher.
His immediate goal is to secure the required assessment scores to qualify for the top-tier panel, which would enable him to officiate at prestigious events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Driven by ambition, he hopes to become one of the first Ghanaian umpires to reach that level.
To young people considering a career in hockey officiating, Aziz offers both encouragement and realism. While the profession may not yet provide full financial security, it offers exposure, growth, and the chance to make a mark globally.
With structural improvements expected in international hockey, he believes the future holds greater opportunities for umpires worldwide.
A husband and father of two, Aziz Adimah embodies balance, discipline, and vision. His journey is not just about personal achievement but about elevating Ghana’s presence in international hockey.
Through every whistle blown and every decision made, he continues to inspire a new generation proving that sometimes, the most powerful impact in sports comes not from scoring goals, but from ensuring the game is played right.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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