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Beyond the runway …Anita Ofori inspiring youth with her modeling journey
For many young people in Ghana, chasing their dreams can feel overwhelming, especially when challenges pile up. But supermodel, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Anita Ofori has a message of hope: “Be serious about your life, stay focused, and trust the process. Nothing good comes easy, but with God and determination, you can achieve greatness.”
Anita Ofori is not only one of Ghana’s most celebrated models with awards spanning fashion, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, but also a woman who has turned her personal struggles into lessons for others.
She is passionate about mentoring the youth, encouraging them to avoid shortcuts, and teaching them to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
Building strength through struggles
Anita’s own story is one of persistence. After completing her first degree at the University of Ghana, she decided to start an event and model management company.
At the time, she was at the height of her modeling career, representing Ghana at international competitions like Miss Model of the World in China and Miss Supermodel Worldwide in India.
But success came at a cost. Managing school, business, and modeling all at once was exhausting. Financial challenges nearly forced her to defer her studies during her final year at university. Still, Anita refused to quit.
She relied on savings, picked up extra skills such as wig-making and hairdressing to earn money, and pressed forward. “I never underestimated any job or skill. Every step was preparing me for the next stage of life,” she recalls.
Her determination paid off. Not only did she graduate, but she also went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Development Communication, solidifying her passion for blending creativity with advocacy.
Giving back through mentorship
Today, Anita has expanded her career far beyond the runway. She runs an international fashion brand, an event and model management company, and a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and women in need. Through these platforms, she organises mentorship programmes, fashion events, and training sessions that help young people discover their potential.
Her NGO, in particular, offers self-esteem classes and skills training to equip the youth with practical knowledge. For Anita, this is about more than teaching. It is about shaping mindsets.
“Young people must learn to focus, work hard, and avoid dubious shortcuts. Whatever comes quickly goes quickly,” she cautions.
Her work in youth development earned her the Outstanding Commitment to Youth Mentorship Award (2024) from Ms Virtuous Ghana
A trail of awards and recognition
Over the years, Anita Ofori’s excellence has been widely recognised. Her honours include Editorial and Commercial Model of the Year (2020) – Ghana Models Awards, Overall Model of the Year (2021) – Ghana Models Awards, Top Model of the Year (2021) – BPL Fashion, Model/Entrepreneur of the Year (2022) – Global Women Leadership Award, Outstanding Model Award (2023) – Ghana Modeling and Fashion Award, Top 50 Ghanaian Fashion Icons (2024), Model/Entrepreneur/Advocate of the Year (2025) – Global Women Leadership Award
Yet, despite these accolades, Anita insists she is not done. “I cannot say I am where I want to be in life. I see myself breaking barriers and being counted among young entrepreneurs and mentors around the world. With God’s help, I will soar higher, and I want the youth to do the same.”
Advice for the next generation
Anita’s guidance to the youth is rooted in both faith and discipline. She encourages them to put God first in all things, set clear principles and stick to them, stay humble, honest, and bold, save money mighty, respect others and maintain a strong sense of identity and purpose.
She also calls on parents to be vigilant in raising children and instilling values early.
To leaders, she appeals for systems that protect the nation’s youth from illegal activities and create accountability for a better future.
Inspiring a generation
What sets Anita apart is not only her success, but her willingness to share the realities behind it, the sacrifices, the moments of doubt, and the faith that kept her going.
For the young people who listen to her story, she represents proof that determination, humility, and God’s guidance can turn obstacles into stepping stones.
“Life is full of ups and downs,” she says. “But every stage is just preparing us for the next. The choices you make today will determine your success tomorrow.”
For Ghana’s youth, Anita Ofori is more than a supermodel. She is a mentor, a guide, and a living reminder that no dream is too far out of reach when pursued with integrity and perseverance.
- 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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