Profile
Business Leaders Award a motivation to do more — Mrs Bella Ahu
Mrs Bella Ahu is the Chief Executive Officer of Trafix Catering Services with decades of experience in the hospitality and catering industry.
Her outfit aims to promote local and continental dishes and create employment for the youth.
She was honoured at the 3rd Business Leaders Awards held in Accra recently for the significant impact she continued to make towards the growth of the industry while delivering excellent services to her numerous clients.
Apart from serving the public with tasty meals, she had over the years instituted cooking competition among students and practitioners to help promote consumption of local dishes.
Hundreds of traditional caterers and hospitality students have also benefited from the smart culinary training programmes she offered nationwide.
Speaking to The Spectator on her latest achievement, Mrs Ahu, dedicated the honours to her hardworking staff and loyal customers, adding that the recognition would spur her on to “do more.”
She said although the global pandemic had affected many businesses, the hospitality industry, just like other businesses, was regaining momentum, and that little did she knew that such an honour would be bestowed on her.
“I believe the Grace of God and other proactive measures have sustained us and we will continue to give off our best to the general public like we have always done,” she noted.
Challenges
Mrs Ahu did not disclose how much she had lost due to the impact of COVID-19 but said, she was compelled to realign her staff and operations so she could remain in business.
“We lost some clients and staff but as the situations are beginning to normalise, we will get back on our feet. I had 69 workers but had to lay off 60 and work with only nine staff.”
“The disruptions caused by the disease had also caused some restaurants to rely on delivery services,” she said.
Mrs Ahu was impressed by the steps taken by government to support small and medium scale businesses that have been worse hit by the COVID-19.
Education
Mrs Ahu attended Takoradi and Ho Polytechnics from 1976 to 1980 where she trained to become a caterer.
She subsequently embarked on other entrepreneurial training programmes before she obtained post graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Oxford University in the United Kingdom (UK).
She established Trafix Catering Limited at the National Theatre, Accra in 1983 having served in other capacities as the Assistant Matron.
In 2001, she set up Cook Ghana, a non-governmental organisation to champion the course of traditional caterers and to create awareness on standard hygienic food preparation and the national value of Ghanaian dishes.
Mrs Ahu holds executive advisory positions in some institutions including the Ghana Toursim Federation (GHATOT). She was the past President of the Institute of Hospitality, Ghana, and also been executive member of Ghana Association of Women Entrepreneurs (GAWE).
She continues to be an inspiration and a role model to the young girl children and encourages them to live decent lives and pursue their dreams.
She had been adjudged the Ghana Business Chamber ‘Woman of the Year’ in 2017 and regularly publishes articles on indigenous food in Ghana. One of her prominent recent articles is titled “Is Ghana losing Her food culture?
She served on various tourism related committees such as world Tourism Day Planning Committee (2009) and had been a member of the National Tourism Policy Committee in 2006.
Mrs Ahu said she was open for partnerships at her Hospitality Centre of Excellence at Prampram where she trains individuals and corporate bodies in cake decoration, pastry and cuisine making.
Trafix Catering Services which began 35 years ago with the aim of producing quality meal has trained a lot of people in the hospitality sector.
Hobbies
Mrs Bella Ahu likes reading .
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
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
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
