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Celebrating Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi – a ‘beacon for justice’
As a child, he was attracted to church activities with the hope of joining the ministry one day.
And bound with the string of faith, the call became stronger and he was eventually ordained a Pastor in the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Church in August, 1980.
As a result of his commitment to Christianity, this man of God has dedicated 40 years of his life to the work of God and has contributed positively towards the growth of the church and other denominations both locally and internationally.
Rev. Dr Setri Nyomi, a Ghanaian, is the first African and first non-European to have assumed the position of General Secretary at the World Alliance of Reformed Churches — the umbrella body of all Presbyterian and reformed churches in the world.
Background
Rev. Dr. Nyomi hails from Anloga in the Volta Region. He had his General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level (O’ Level) at Prempeh College, Kumasi, and GCE Advanced Level (A level) at Mawuli School, Ho, where he studied General Arts.
His theological studies began at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he graduated with BA (Hons) in 1978, and Trinity Theological Seminary, Legon, which he completed in 1980.
He received a Master of Sacred Theology Degree from Yale University Divinity School in 1981 and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Pastoral Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey in 1991, all in the United States of America (USA).
Journey
The Theologian speaking to The Spectator about his life and career said he did not begin his divine journey with the aim to serve abroad but as the saying goes that “God works in mysterious ways”, it turned out that his work in Ghana was noticed and appreciated elsewhere.
He noted that his call to the ministry was “strengthened” when he went to Vicksburg, USA, in the 70s for the first time as an exchange student to attend high school.
“That year, lot of things challenged my perception of this world. I saw a different country where there was discrimination. I didn’t experience it personally but I saw it. There was discrimination even by people who were in church,” Rev. Dr Nyomi recalled.
This debased tradition he encountered abroad set off his ministerial journey to make a difference and also be “a force for justice.”
Leadership
Between 1994 and 1999, Rev. Dr Nyomi was a Senior Executive of the All African Conference of Churches (AACC) which brought most of the protestant denominations in Africa together.
From April 2000 to August 2014, he became the General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC). The organisation has a membership of about 80 million Christians in 108 countries.
In 2010 and under his tenure, WARC was changed to World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). The mandate of the organisation, he explained, was to unite the churches and speak on their behalf as well.
As the spokesman of the WCRC, Rev. Dr. Nyomi had led delegations to dialogue and help resolve conflict in countries such as Liberia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, DR Congo, Iraq, among other conflict-prone nations and returned to Ghana in 2014 after 14 years of dedicated service.
Currently, he is the District Pastor of the Adenta EP Church in Accra, a Senior Lecturer at the Trinity Theological Seminary and the Council Chair of the Evangelical Presbyterian University College, at Ho.
Prior to his mission abroad, he served at the Dzelokope EP Church in the Volta Region, and the Abeka EP Church also in the Greater Accra Region, among others.
Sacrifice
The Reverend Minister intimated that the church was not a profit-making venture and that many people “ran away from ministry because they think of remuneration.”
He emphasised that the church was a “sacrificial place” and that in spite of the leadership and financial challenges, “God has always provided” for him and his family.
Highlighting other challenges, Rev. Dr Nyomi cited instances where people “decided to be hostile” and attempted to soil his hard-earned reputation because they thought he was interested in some other leadership positions.
“At the World Communion of Reformed Churches, a few elements had wondered why an African should be their leader.
“They tried to play their tricks, and I could see their tricks through my divine spectacles, and it was always defeated by God,” he said sarcastically.
Church’s role
Apart from proclaiming the gospel, Rev. Dr Nyomi maintained that the church must speak against social injustice stressing that “if there is oppression” in any part of the world the church should not be silent: “it must speak up.”
While praising churches that reach out to the poor and needy, he said that the church must as well tackle the fundamental issues on why people were poor in the first place.
“Ours is not a call to be greedy or teach people to be greedy. We should not glorify greed in the name of God. Ours is to trust God to take care of us and to send us to take care of other people.
“If people are suffering because the economy is bad, we need to be advocates in addressing the government at all levels about what its policies are doing to the people,” he noted and again advised church leaders to desist from centering their preachings on prosperity because “that is not what the gospel should stand for.”
Book
Rev. Dr. Nyomi has influenced a good number of theology students through his work. He has done stints of visiting professorship in institutions in Germany and USA and continues to make adequate use of his expertise in other capacities as well.
He would launch his book titled “By God’s Grace – Memoires of Setri Nyomi” at the Trinity Theological Seminary in Accra on Monday, August 17, 2020 to mark his 40th anniversary in the ministry.
At age 66, he loves playing indoor games, singing and enjoying choral music. He is married to Madam Akpene Esther, a Chemist by profession. They have three children.
Entertainment
Amb. Prince Kojo-Hilton’s international mission signals new era for creative industry development
Between October 2025 and April 2026, a significant creative industry mission unfolded across Brazil, led by Ghanaian visual artist, production designer, and Pan-African Art Ambassador, Prince Kojo-Hilton.
What began as an invitation to contribute to creative education quickly evolved into a far-reaching engagement spanning academic institutions, government bodies, global platforms, and community initiatives.
More than a professional visit, the mission positioned itself as a structured intervention aimed at addressing one of the most pressing gaps within the global creative sector, the disconnect between education and industry practice.
At the centre of this engagement was a clear focus on capacity building. Working with the Zion School of Entertainment in Rio de Janeiro, Kojo-Hilton delivered a masterclass in Art Direction and Scenic Design during Zion Creative Week.
The immediate impact of the session prompted an expansion of the masterclass programme into a broader, multi-campus engagement, extending its reach to a wide network of students and emerging professionals.
His approach departed from traditional classroom instruction. Instead of theory-driven lectures, participants were introduced to practical, industry-based processes, including visual storytelling systems, production design methodologies, and the professional discipline required to operate within global creative industries.
The result was a shift in how students engaged with their craft, moving from passive learning to active, experience-driven development.
Beyond academic institutions, the mission extended into diplomatic and governmental spaces. At the Ghana Embassy in Brazil in Brasília, Kojo-Hilton engaged in strategic discussions with Ghana’s Ambassador to Brazil, Nii Amasah Namoale.
The discussions centered on long-term collaboration between Ghana and Brazil within the creative arts sector, with a focus on education, exchange programmess, and institutional partnerships.
This engagement progressed further at the National Congress of Brazil, where he was introduced to policymakers and cultural leaders, including Brazil’s Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes.
His presence and work were formally acknowledged, reflecting growing recognition of the role creative professionals can play in national development and cultural diplomacy.
On the global stage, Kojo-Hilton represented Ghana at the World Forum of Favelas 2025, where his contributions to creative community development were recognised with an international award.
The forum provided a platform to present models that integrate art, education, and social impact, reinforcing the value of structured creative initiatives in community transformation.
A key outcome of the mission was the international expansion of the Film Craft Expo, an initiative founded by Kojo-Hilton to explore the art, science, and business of film-making and theatre.
Interest from multiple countries has positioned the platform as a potential global model for creative industry engagement, bridging the gap between emerging talent and professional practice.
Academic collaborations also formed a critical component of the mission.
At the University of Brasília, discussions explored interdisciplinary opportunities connecting art, science, and environmental innovation. Additional engagements with institutions such as Casa das Artes de Laranjeiras focused on curriculum development, artist residencies, and production-based training systems designed to better prepare students for industry demands.
While institutional engagement remained central, the mission maintained a strong connection to community impact. Workshops conducted in local communities, including Maricá, emphasised the role of art as a tool for empowerment, identity formation, and social transformation.
A significant part of his engagement in Maricá included a cultural and social contribution through the donation of a painting to the House of Immigrants.
The artwork serves as a permanent symbolic gesture of identity, resilience, and shared human experience, reflecting his commitment to using art as a tool for cultural connection and community memory within the city.
Participation in cultural events such as Rio Carnival further highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage while positioning it within a global context.
One of the most forward-looking outcomes of the mission is the development of the Global Visual Arts for Screen and Stage initiative.
The platform is designed to integrate visual arts, film, theatre, fashion, and technology into a unified system that supports training, collaboration, and industry growth.
By addressing fragmentation within the creative sector, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for employment, innovation, and institutional development.
Across all engagements, a consistent message emerged, the global creative industry is evolving, and there is an increasing demand for structured, experience-driven education.
Institutions are no longer seeking inspiration alone; they are seeking systems that can translate creativity into measurable economic and social impact.
Following six months of sustained engagement across Brazil, the results are evident. New partnerships are being explored, institutions are opening pathways for collaboration, and there is growing recognition of the role creative industries can play in national and international development.
The mission has not only strengthened cultural and creative ties between Ghana and Brazil, but has also positioned Kojo-Hilton within a broader global conversation on the future of creative industry development.
As he continues to expand his work across continents, he remains open to collaboration with universities, film schools, theatre institutions, visual arts institutions, cultural organizations, and governments seeking to invest in structured creative growth.
He also facilitated a focused workshop on Talent Discovery and Nurturing with immigrants, centered on identifying hidden creative potential and providing practical guidance for personal and professional development.
The session emphasised empowerment through creativity, encouraging participants to recognise their abilities and explore new pathways within the creative industries.
Together, these contributions reinforced his broader mission of using art not only as a professional practice but as a meaningful instrument for inclusion, transformation, and social impact.
In reflection, he expresses profound gratitude to God for the opportunity to undertake this journey and for the grace that made every step possible. From Ghana to Brazil and back, he acknowledges the divine protection, guidance, and favour that ensured safe travels and the mission’s successful execution.
The experience stands not only as a professional milestone but also as a testament to the power of faith, dedication, and purpose.
His guiding philosophy remains clear and unwavering, saying “The only thing that I am a slave to is my passion.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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
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