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Achieving greatness: the stories of a two inspiring personalities
An anonymous author once said: “Don’t wait until you’ve reached your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of every step you take towards reaching the goal.”
In this edition, we merge the stories of two personalities who have challenged themselves and continue to excel in their respective fields. They are Dr. Jamal Browne and Thabo Dithakgwe.
Dr. Jamal Browne
He is an International Development Expert, Writer, and Motivational Speaker who continues to excel in his chosen field while inspiring others to do same.
He once accepted a job where the salary was “so small” that it barely covered his basic monthly financial obligations. The job market was tough, and he had grown “incredibly impatient.”
But little did he know that those experiences would become a turning point in his life and career. In a recently LinkedIn post, Mr Browne recounted how “grateful and enthusiastic” he was about his first job but later started feeling “undervalued, forgotten, and unfulfilled.”
However, he quickly changed his perspective and started “thanking God” for “His provision.” Month later, he received an “unexpected job offer” from a reputable global organisation offering an “unbelievable compensation package.”
“Through that experience, I learnt to be: grateful for small blessings; patient as I wait; humble through my pain; and hopeful amidst disappointment,” he said.
He admitted that difficult moments were meant to “bring the best out of us, even as we avail ourselves of systematic, intentional learning and character development.”
In 2008, he received his Bachelors Degree (Hons) in Surveying and Land Information from The University of the West Indies in Trinidad & Tobago, and thereafter joined the public service in his native Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
In 2011, he returned to the University of the West Indies to pursue a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil), with a focus on Land Tenure Security and Disaster Risk Reduction.
In February 2014, he successfully upgraded to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
In June 2014, he joined the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) as a Consultant Project Officer at the agency’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya; and in January 2015, was among the first cohort of scholars of the Canadian Government-funded EKACDM Scholarship.
In June 2015, he launched Land and Property Network – a Caribbean-based start-up within the global land and property sector that works with governments, international development and civil society organisations, and the private sector in addressing land administration and land governance issues.
He is an alumnus of President Barack Obama’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), having served as a Professional Fellow in the initiative’s inaugural cohort (2016).
On November 17, 2016, Dr. Browne successfully defended his doctoral research at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Browne is an emotionally intelligent and inspirational Team Leader, People’s Manager, Mentor, and Cross-cultural Communicator. He has about 12 years industry experience in Content Marketing, Internal and External Communications, Public & Press Relations and Digital Media.
He has developed communications strategies for major public and private entities and also has experience also in Digital Storytelling & Film Production.
In addition to Social Media and Digital Media Management, he again has experience in Brand Management, Customer Relationship Management, Web Analytics and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
Over the years, he has served as a keynote speaker at numerous graduation and prize-giving ceremonies, and has chaired international fora on Land & Property Rights. He has made presentations at numerous international and regional conferences.
Having shown great interest in the art of public speaking from a very early age, Dr, Browne has spent most of his life developing this skill.
He considers public speaking a platform for “sharing messages of hope with audiences that are more likely to respond to the spoken word.” He urges individuals not to despise the difficulties and pains of life’s journey.
“Embrace and appreciate the fact that you are making an effort, giving of your best everyday, and that the reward for your sacrifices and faith is assured,” he noted.
Thabo Dithakgwe
He is a 21-year-old South Africa’s youngest Livestock Farmer, Entrepreneur, Mentor and Public Speaker. He became a farmer at the age of 13 when his father gifted him a pregnant cow.
When the heifer gave birth, he nurtured the calf for 18 months and sold it to another farmer at a reasonable price and reinvested the money.
In 2015, at age 14, he received his Identification Livestock Certificate from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, enabling him to become a Commercial Farmer.
In 2020, while managing Constable Farm, he received a farm from the state, amounting to about 2,400 hectares, in the Morokweng Area, South Africa.
“I farm with cattle, sheep and goats. With the cattle, I do few other breed which I buy locally. And then with goats, I mainly specialise in boer goat. For sheep, I do crossbreed,” Thabo said.
“I am working towards diversifying into poultry and crop farming. I would also like to create about 50 permanent jobs for local unemployed residents and to bring investors on board which will help me help other striving young farmers,” he added.
By Ernest Nutsugah
-Additional files from landportal.org & Women Power Africa
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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