Profile
Amanda Nyirah Bayeh embraces volunteerism, community service …urges youth to do same
A philosopher once said: “We are not given a good or a bad life; we are given a life and it is left to us to make it good or bad.’’
This expression somehow finds a place in the story of Amanda Nyirah Bayeh who did not allow financial and health challenges to limit her medical ambitions.
Just like other individuals from humble backgrounds, her mother solely shouldered her responsibilities due to the “unavailability” of her father.
girls to reach their goals●●Amanda inspires young
girls to reach their goals
This notwithstanding, she was able to progress through various stages of education to be inducted in September 2021 as one of the youngest medical doctors of her batch.
Although she was still finding her feet, she had already started giving back to society by volunteering and supporting various community outreaches targeted at the less privileged.
Amanda, in an interview with The Spectator, touched on aspects of her life; humanitarian works and the desire to empower young people reach their goals.
Background
The Medical Doctor of Liberian and Nigerian descent had basic education at Bethesda Methodist School but stayed home for a year due to financial challenges.
She later gained admission to Madina Senior High School in Accra to study General Science. In 2012, she entered University of Ghana Medical School after passing her final exams as a private candidate.
In spite of the remarkable feat, she admitted that lack of support from her biological father had affected her progress in diverse ways.
“There were days I expected him to ask of me but he never did. My mother made me not feel his absence because she made everything possible for us though things were difficult,” she said.
According to her, other social experiences including the struggles of less privileged mothers in providing medical care for their wards largely contributed and motivated her to pursue medicine.
Volunteerism
Describing volunteerism as combination of passion and sacrifice, she explained that her involvement in humanitarian works started in High School after she had chanced on the works of an Accra-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
“I used to be part of the Curious Minds Programme on GBC Radio and on one of the days we had the chance to host the founder of the NGO who later gave details about how I could support their community programmes.
“I started and continued to provide support while in medical school anytime there was an outreach,’’ she explained.
In the last few years, Amanda had volunteered for a number of organisations including, Give Me Hope Foundation, Lovers Heart Foundation, Vodafone Health Foundation, The Royal Banquet Team, Divine Mother and Child Foundation, among others.
She is a member and volunteer of the Young African Global Leaders Network Summit (YALS) and was adjudged Humanitarian of the Year at the Style Icon and Art Awards in September 2021.
Impact
In November last year, she was the Guest Speaker at the African Women Forum programme at Klo Agogo Senior High School in the Yilo Krobo District of the Eastern Region to educate girls on reproductive health issues. She had previously interacted with students of Osino Presby Primary and Junior High Schools in the same region.
Impressed with the impact made in the relatively short period, she said volunteerism and community outreaches had enabled her to appreciate the challenges of young people hence the effort in championing their course.
Through collaboration with benevolent persons and organisations, she supports young girls in cash and kind indicating that her desire is for them to achieve more than she has been able to do so far.
The Youth Advocate, Photo Model, Entrepreneur and Media Enthusiast said she would continue to engage the youth through various platforms and inspire them to keep looking at the brighter side of life.
Other engagement
Currently on Housemanship at Agbogba Clinic in Accra, Amanda looks forward to becoming a Cardiologist. She intends to establish a medical facility purely dedicated to addressing the health and educational needs of children in future.
In September 2021, she started a fast-growing YouTube channel with the aim of sharing her personal experience and empower young people.
“Amanda TV wants to give the youth the opportunity to express themselves on topics and videos posted regularly. I want the youth to know that in every impossibility, there is a possibility,” she said.
Expressing further commitment to her medical calling, she said she was ready to serve in remote areas of the country whenever duty calls.
Gratitude
Amanda has two other siblings one of whom is also a medical doctor. She acknowledges the support of family and friends who continue to support her professional and personal endeavours and encourages young people to take up volunteering opportunities and “not always think of reward for whatever they do.”
By Ernest Nutsugah
For Mrs. Patience Antonio, founder of the Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI), women’s empowerment is more than a popular phrase; it is a lifelong mission to help women rediscover their strength, purpose, and voice. Her journey has been shaped by years of advocacy, research, and field experience working with women and children across Ghana.
Her words carry both compassion and conviction as she reflects on the state of women in society. “We can’t keep talking about women’s empowerment when we don’t protect and support them,” she says gently. “Many women are struggling in silence, carrying heavy emotional and financial burdens. Real empowerment must build the woman from within so she can rebuild her family and her community.”
That conviction led to the establishment of the Women’s Leadership Development Institute, a training and mentorship hub designed to nurture women into strong, self-aware leaders. The Institute focuses on transforming women at all stages of life through a three-level training model that blends leadership education with practical life skills.
At the first level, WLDI works with professional and career women, including those already occupying leadership or administrative positions but seeking growth, balance, and renewed confidence. Mrs. Antonio believes that leadership begins with personal transformation. “Many professional women face burnout because they carry multiple responsibilities at work and at home,” she explains. “Our training helps them rediscover balance, develop emotional intelligence, and strengthen their leadership capacity.”
The second level targets women in business and entrepreneurship. These are the women who, despite limited resources, are running shops, farms, and small enterprises across Ghana. “We want to highlight women who are already leading their own businesses,” she says. “They are the silent engines of our economy. With the right mentorship, they can scale their ventures, manage finances prudently, and create job opportunities for others.”
To Mrs. Antonio, however, the third level is the most crucial—the empowerment of grassroots women. These include market women, small-scale traders, and women in the informal sector. She describes them as “the backbone of the economy but also the most neglected.”
“From our research, many social challenges we face as a country stem from this group,” she notes. “Some of these women struggle to provide for their children, leading to issues like streetism and unstable families. Others fall repeatedly into unhealthy relationships because they lack self-awareness and support. When we empower them with knowledge, discipline, and self-leadership, we strengthen the very foundation of society.”
Beyond personal and economic empowerment, the Institute also pays attention to community wellbeing. WLDI has been active in mobilising women to address sanitation and health issues in local markets. “Women are central to community hygiene and food safety,” Mrs. Antonio explains. “By educating market women on health and sanitation, we create cleaner, safer spaces for everyone.”
Her work is not limited to adult women. Mrs. Antonio’s vision extends to youth leadership, particularly among young women. She believes that grooming must begin early if the nation hopes to produce visionary leaders. “Leadership should not start when people are old,” she insists. “It should begin with discipline, values, and mentorship from a young age. We must prepare the next generation now, not later.”
Through her work at WLDI, Mrs. Antonio continues to advocate for policies and social systems that recognise women’s contributions at all levels, from the marketplace to the boardroom. She often reminds participants that empowerment is not about competition with men but collaboration for societal growth.
Her life’s mission is deeply rooted in her belief that when women grow, the ripple effects are felt in every home and community. “When a woman grows, a family grows,” she says with a smile. “And when families grow, nations become stronger.”
She also believes that national development demands inclusive leadership. WLDI therefore seeks to build a database of trained women across various sectors, ready for leadership roles, appointments, board representation, and decision-making platforms. She is convinced that when women are empowered to lead in homes, communities, workplaces, and public spaces, the ripple effect is stronger families, better societies, and a progressive nation.
Mrs. Patience Antonio is a wife, mother, transformational speaker, leadership advocate, and mentor who has spent years championing the growth and holistic development of women and youth. Her vision has touched lives in homes, churches, institutions, and professional spaces. She is married with three children and loves reading.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Profile
Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah: blending banking, politics, and philanthropy to create lasting impact
In a world where leadership often bends to convenience, Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah stands tall as a woman of purpose, resilience, and integrity.
A distinguished Ghanaian banker, politician, and philanthropist, her journey is a shining example of how dedication, education, and compassion can blend to create lasting impact.
Currently serving as the Head of Strategic Sector Development (ICT Focus) at the Development Bank Ghana (DBG), Dr Wurah is championing the growth of Ghana’s digital economy.
Her role focuses on identifying and supporting bankable ICT projects through strategic partnerships with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), ecosystem enablers, and policymakers. Her work advances DBG’s mission to promote inclusive growth, innovation, and job creation through digital transformation — a vision she pursues with clarity and conviction.
Before joining DBG, Dr Wurah made remarkable contributions to the financial sector during her 11-year tenure at Société Générale Ghana, where she served as a Relationship Manager in the Retail Banking Division.
She managed a diverse portfolio of clients, helping to expand financial inclusion and strengthen customer relationships. Her career at Société Générale reflected her firm belief that banking is not merely about transactions but about trust and empowerment.
Dr Wurah’s success story is grounded in her impressive academic achievements. She holds a Doctorate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from OTMH Qualifications, UK, awarded through Marshalls University College, Ghana.
She also holds an MBA in Marketing, a BSc in Marketing, and several professional certifications — all of which underscore her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership excellence.
At her recent graduation, she was honoured with two prestigious distinctions — the Leadership and Organisational Performance Excellence Award and the Resilience and Perseverance Award. These recognitions celebrated not only her academic brilliance but also her determination and strength of character, qualities that continue to define her professional and personal life.
Beyond her thriving career in banking, Dr Wurah is also actively involved in politics, where she channels her passion for leadership, governance, and national development. She believes that politics, when rooted in integrity and service, can be a powerful platform for positive change.
Her philanthropic work is equally inspiring. Deeply committed to empowering young people, particularly women, Dr Wurah encourages them to pursue education and self-belief as tools for transformation.
She mentors many young women, guiding them to discover their potential and purpose in a world that often tells them otherwise.
Away from work, Dr Wurah describes herself as a lover of life. She enjoys reading, singing, and making others happy — a reflection of her belief that joy and kindness lie at the heart of meaningful living.
Her popular personal mantra, #Dey4WhoDey4You, speaks volumes about her loyalty and authenticity — qualities that have endeared her to many.
A proud Ghanaian with roots in both the Volta and Eastern Regions, Dr Wurah embodies optimism, strength, and grace. Her vibrant personality and unwavering determination continue to inspire those around her to dream bigger, serve better, and lead with heart.
Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah is more than a banker or politician — she is a symbol of possibility, proving that with resilience, purpose, and compassion, one can build bridges between personal success and national progress.
By Edem Mensah Tsortorme
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
