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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
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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