Profile
Aziz Adimah raising the bar in International Hockey officiating
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
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
In a society where many children are too quickly defined by their limitations, Dr Emenefa Ekua Agbosu has chosen a different path, one that sees ability where others see barriers and hope where others see difficulty.
Her life’s work is a quiet but powerful reminder that every child, regardless of their challenges, deserves not just education, but dignity, understanding and the opportunity to thrive.
An accomplished educator, researcher and advocate, Dr Emenefa Ekua Agbosu has spent over three decades shaping young minds, with more than 20 years devoted to special needs education.
Armed with a PhD in Special Education, she has become one of Ghana’s steady voices for inclusive learning, championing children who are often overlooked in traditional classrooms.
Yet, beyond the academic credentials and professional milestones lies a deeply compassionate woman whose journey began with a personal experience.
As a young teacher, she watched a close relative struggle with dyslexia, misunderstood, mislabelled and gradually losing confidence in a system that failed to recognise his potential.
She saw brilliance where others saw limitation, and that moment changed everything. It stirred in her a determination to ensure that no child would ever feel less than others simply because they learn differently.
Driven by this purpose, she pursued further studies, equipping herself with the knowledge to challenge outdated perceptions and improve how children are taught. But she did not stop at theory; she turned vision into action.
In 2007, Dr Emenefa Ekua Agbosu founded a Montessori basic school built on a simple but powerful idea that children with different abilities can learn together in an environment that is supportive, respectful and responsive to their needs. Under her leadership, the school has grown into a nurturing space where children are not just taught, but understood.
With small class sizes, individualised learning plans and integrated therapy, each child is given the attention they need to grow at their own pace.
Her philosophy is rooted in dignity. Not pity, not charity, but respect.
For her, education goes far beyond books and exams. It is about building confidence, nurturing independence and helping children discover their place in the world. She often reminds her teachers that success is not always measured in grades. Sometimes, it is found in the quiet victories, a child making eye contact for the first time, speaking their first word or simply believing in themselves.
Despite the impact of her work, Dr Agbosu is realistic about the challenges facing special needs education in Ghana.
Stigma remains strong, many teachers lack the training to support diverse learners and resources are often limited. Too many children are identified late, and in some cases, hidden away because of societal attitudes.
Still, she refuses to be discouraged.
Through community outreach, teacher training and advocacy, she continues to challenge misconceptions and encourage a more inclusive mindset. She speaks openly about the need for society to move beyond shame and silence, and to embrace every child as a valued member of the community.
Her work has transformed lives. Parents who once felt hopeless now speak with renewed confidence about their children’s future. Children who were once withdrawn are learning to express themselves and find their voice. These everyday successes are what keep her going.
Away from her demanding work, she finds joy in simple, grounding moments. Early morning walks allow her to reflect and recharge. Time with family, especially during relaxed Sunday gatherings, gives her a sense of balance. Conversations with friends, filled with laughter and honesty, remind her that she too needs care and connection.
She admits that balancing work and personal life is still a journey, but she approaches it with honesty and grace, accepting that perfection is not the goal.
At her core, Dr Emenefa Ekua Agbosu is a woman of purpose, compassionate, resilient and deeply committed to making a difference.
Her vision for the future is clear. She dreams of a Ghana where inclusive education is not the exception but the norm, where every teacher is equipped to support every learner, and where no child is left behind because of how they learn. She hopes for a system where early identification is common, support is accessible and children with special needs are fully included in schools, workplaces and society.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Profile
Akyem Kotoku’s Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman …not just a traditional leader; he’s a visionary
In an era where communities are seeking leadership that is both rooted in tradition and responsive to modern challenges, Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman stands tall as a shining example of purpose-driven leadership.
As the Akwansrahene of Akyem Kotoku, he embodies the true essence of service to the stool, dedication to unity, commitment to development, and an unwavering passion for the welfare of his people.
Enstooled in 2017 at the relatively young age of 31, Nana stepped into leadership with a clear sense of direction and responsibility.
Rather than viewing his position as one of prestige alone, he embraced it as a call to duty and a platform to create meaningful change.
Over the years, he has remained steadfast in this mission, earning admiration for his humility, accessibility, and results-oriented leadership style.
At the core of his vision is a desire to transform Akyem Kotoku into a thriving and self-sustaining community.
He envisions better roads, improved access to healthcare, enhanced educational opportunities, and a vibrant local economy driven largely by empowered youth.
This vision is not merely aspirational; it is backed by practical action and consistent engagement with stakeholders at all levels.
Nana’s leadership is deeply influenced by his passion to uplift others. His motivation stems from a genuine concern for the wellbeing of his people and a strong determination to honour the trust placed in him.
This has translated into tangible interventions, including support for road improvements, sanitation campaigns, and educational assistance for students.
His commitment to youth empowerment is particularly notable, as he continues to champion initiatives that equip young people with skills, discipline, and opportunities to succeed.
However, his journey has not been without challenges. Like many growing communities, Akyem Kotoku faces issues such as youth unemployment, infrastructural deficits, and limited access to healthcare.
Yet, Nana approaches these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and well-meaning individuals, he has successfully mobilised resources to drive development initiatives forward.
A defining feature of his leadership is inclusivity. Nana strongly believes that development must be a collective effort, and he actively involves the youth and other community members in decision-making and implementation processes.
This participatory approach has strengthened community ownership and ensured the sustainability of projects.
Equally remarkable is his ability to strike a balance between tradition and modernity. While he remains deeply respectful of cultural values and customs, he embraces education, innovation, and progressive thinking as tools for growth.
He continues to advocate for time-tested values such as unity, discipline, communal labour, and respect for authority. These principles he believes are essential for any society seeking lasting development.
Transparency and accountability also define his leadership.
By maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring community involvement in projects, he has built a culture of trust and responsibility.
This has not only enhanced the success of his initiatives but has also strengthened the bond between leadership and the people.
Beyond his official duties, Nana’s philanthropic efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of many.
From supporting needy students to assisting vulnerable families, his generosity reflects a deep sense of compassion and social responsibility.
Among all his contributions, he finds the greatest fulfilment in advancing education, recognising it as the most powerful tool for transformation.
As he continues his journey, Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman remains focused on leaving behind a legacy that transcends his tenure, a legacy of unity, progress, and shared prosperity.
His message to fellow traditional leaders is both simple and powerful: lead with integrity, embrace collaboration, and remain committed to the development of your people.
To the youth, his words resonate with urgency and hope—stay focused, pursue knowledge and skills, respect your heritage, and rise above negative influences.
In his quiet moments, Nana reflects, reads, and engages with elders, constantly seeking wisdom to guide his leadership. It is this continuous pursuit of growth and service that sets him apart.
Indeed, in Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman, Akyem Kotoku has not just a traditional leader, but a visionary, a man whose life and work inspire confidence in the promise of community-led development.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
