Profile
Donald Gwira: Martial arts legend, corporate communications giant
Mr. Donald Gwira might not need much introduction in corporate circles. He is an astute professional with solid background in Corporate Communication, Development, Advocacy and Project Management.
But this is not all that he is made of. He is a force to reckon with and cannot be underestimated in the art of self-defence as he holds fifth degree black belt in African Goju.
The Spectator recently interacted with the legend who has earned the title “Great Warrior” for his exceptional tactics and contribution to the sport in Ghana and abroad.
Exposure
Highlighting his progression through various forms of martial art, Mr. Gwira acknowledged the influence of his three siblings who were all well-versed in the sport.
According to him, the interest grew at age 12 following his exposure to Kunfu movies and had to study under his elder brother, Danny Gwira, in the early 70s at Adisadel College.
“When my brother left, I took over and started teaching [martial arts] in form two at Adisadel College. We organised martial art competitions, did a lot of demonstrations and started spreading martial arts in schools in Cape Coast,” he recalled.
After secondary school, he continued his education at American College in France (now American University of Paris) where he started a martial art institute before proceeding to Howard University in the United States of America (USA) for his Master’s Degree.
At Howard University, he again formed clubs and continued teaching and sharpening his skills until he returned to Ghana.
“I started with Taekwondo, moved on to Shotokan (Japanese form of martial art), and then to Chinese Goju and later migrated to African Goju, which was started by my brother,” he noted.
In 1979, young Donald obtained his first degree black belt and kept training until he secured his fifth degree black belt in 1995. He stopped teaching martial art in 1998 but continued to maintain regular exercise and fitness regime at home to enhance his health and physique.
“The more I trained, the better I became. At my age, I still keep fit; I do a lot of walks every day and I sometimes do sit ups and push ups at home or at the gym to stay active,” he said.
Achievement
The flying kick specialist set an unbeaten record in 1979 after jumping over 12 people to break a two-inch-thick tile at the Burma Camp when the Martial Art Institute did a demonstration for the Ghana Army.
That same year, he was crowned ‘Martial Artist of the Year’ and went ahead to be adjudged the ‘Best Kata’ and ‘Best Breaking’ in 1980 and 1981 respectively. ‘Kata’, he explained, “are a series of leg and hand movements that help one defend him or herself from more than one attacker.”
In 2010, he was named Life Patron and inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Martial Arts Institute for his ‘’outstanding and appreciable’’ contribution to African Goju in France, the USA and Ghana.
He and his three brothers, on separate occasions, were responsible for training the personal body guards of former Head of State, General Kutu Acheampong.
With over 40 years experience in the art, Mr. Gwira continues to attend karate and martial arts tournaments organised locally and looks forward to training more young people to accomplish more than he has achieved.
Corporate Experience
The fighter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs from American University in Paris, and a Master’s in Political Science from Howard University, USA.
Currently an Independent Communications Consultant, he worked at Airtel Ghana, Guinness Ghana Breweries, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IABP), among other organisations and served also on boards of some public institutions, including New Times Corporation, publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator.
In 2017, he was named one of the ‘Most Impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Leader’ while at Afriwave Telecom as Corporate Affairs Director.
He said the philosophies of martial art which became useful in aspects of his career, could be applied to personal and business endeavours, stressing that discipline, timeliness and preparation should guide young people in the corporate world.
“In martial art, you have to get your timing right; if you miss a split second, you get hit. When you transfer this into real life, it helps you to be more productive,” he said.
The powerhouse of martial arts, therefore, advocates that Martial Arts should be taught in basic schools while efforts be made to develop other forms of sport, apart from football.
Other Engagements
Mr. Gwira, from Elmina in the Central Region, is married to Mrs. Frances Gwira with four children. He is a member of the Agape Church at East Legon, Accra.
All his children, he said, had taken up one form of sport or the other with the youngest, a promising swimmer, aiming to win Gold for the Black Dolphins at future Olympics.
Admitting the rewards of martial art, he noted that those willing to take up the art should be ready to train everyday adding that progress depended on how fast one was able to learn the techniques.
Asked how long one must study martial art, he said: “There is no stopping; the only ingredient is to keep practising everyday.”
All things being equal, the 61-year-old would want to attain a Ninth Degree Black Belt in Martial Art.
By Ernest Nutsugah
Profile
Raising disciples, and families …Mission of Rev. Dr Kisseadoo’s Fruitful Ministry Int’l
In Ghana’s Christian community and beyond, Rev. Dr Samuel Kisseadoo has become a household name for his practical teachings on marriage, parenting, and relationships.
For more than five decades, he has served as an Evangelist, Preacher, Writer, Counselor, and Teacher, raising a generation of believers whose lives bear testimony to his influence.
Born in Ghana, Dr Kisseadoo’s ministry journey began as early as 1969, during his secondary school days.
With a burden to share the gospel, he began preaching in schools, training colleges, fellowships, and churches across the country.
By the time he left for further studies abroad in 1993, he had already ministered in more than 85 secondary schools, witnessing mass conversions and altar calls.
But as he recalls, his concern soon shifted. “I was getting fed up with too many decisions and few disciples,” he said, drawing inspiration from Acts 20:20, which emphasises both public proclamation and personal connection.
This principle-often referred to as the 20/20 vision of the church-shaped the foundation of his ministry: bold public teaching, paired with intimate discipleship through personal touch and attention.
Dr Kisseadoo furthered his studies in the United States, earning his Ph.D. in New York in 1993. While in Holland and later America, he combined academic pursuits with active ministry, teaching and counseling both students and church groups.
In 1994, after years of shaping lives abroad, he returned home to Ghana, where his ministry took on a national dimension.
In 1999, Dr Kisseadoo’s teachings on Joy FM-particularly his frank discussions on marriage, family, and relationships— drew national attention. His programme resonated deeply with listeners, sparking requests for organised teachings and counseling sessions.
Speaking to The Spectator in an Accra, he said this led to the founding of Fruitful Ministries International, which was officially inaugurated on December 30, 2000, with over 400 participants in attendance despite Accra being choked with jubilant crowds celebrating the election of President John Agyekum Kufuor that same day.
He mentioned that Fruitful Ministries quickly grew into an international organisation, with 21 chapters in Ghana and abroad, structured around five objectives: evangelism, discipleship, prayer and empowerment, leadership development, family, marriage, and relationships.
Its motto, “Family Excellence,” and its theme verse, John 15:16-“I chose you to go and bear fruit that abides”-reflect its central vision: to nurture strong families that produce lasting impact.
“Today the ministry operates in two major zones- the southern zone with 13 chapters and the northern zone with 12 chapters with 36 platforms, ensuring its impact continues to multiply,” he said.
Dr Kisseadoo’s passion for family life and women’s empowerment is rooted in his upbringing. Losing his father at 12, he was raised by a devoted single mother whose resilience left a lasting imprint. “If I had GH¢100 in school, the first thing I would do was buy a gift for my mother,” he recalls.
That love and compassion deepened during his campus ministry days at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he frequently ministered to female students.
His early experiences convinced him that strengthening women, mothers, and families was vital to building a healthier society. “When God came to save humanity, He went to Mary, not Joseph,” he often says, underscoring women’s unique role in nurturing life.
Through initiatives like the Fruitful Ministries Club at Accra Girls Senior High School, hundreds of young women have been trained since 2006 in excellence, character, and preparation for future motherhood and leadership. Graduating students are awarded certificates, affirming their transformation into future pillars of society.
For more than two decades, Dr Kisseadoo has hosted “Hope for Your Family” on Joy 99.7 FM, airing every Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m.
The broadcast has become a lifeline for families seeking guidance on marriage, parenting, and personal development.
He is also a prolific author, having published 32 books covering topics from discipleship to marriage and conflict resolution. His articles have appeared in both local and international publications, extending his reach far beyond the pulpit.
Whether speaking to large crowds, counseling couples, or addressing young people, Dr Kisseadoo’s teachings remain practical and down-to-earth.
He tackles sensitive issues like sexuality, financial management in marriage, conflict resolution, and parenting with courage and clarity.
“No matter who you are, everything comes back to the home,” he insists. “Your lifestyle at home defines the person you present to the world,” Rev Kisseadoo stated.
He mentioned that despite its growth, Fruitful Ministries faces ongoing challenges. From limited office space to resource constraints, sustaining its operations has not been easy.
According to him, there is also the misconception that, because its founder resides in the United States of America (USA), the ministry was well-funded-a notion far from reality. Recruiting and retaining committed workers has also proven difficult.
But Dr Kisseadoo remains undeterred. “We don’t just want people to go to heaven, we want them to be useful on earth as well,” he said.
Today, Rev. Dr Samuel Kisseadoo is celebrated not only as a preacher but also as a mentor, writer, and counselor whose ministry has raised disciples, leaders, and families across Ghana and the diaspora.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Profile
Salamatu Ahmed, Ghana’s only female Hausa sports broadcaster
In a field long dominated by men, she has turned her microphone into a tool for change, amplifying women’s voices, promoting gender equality, and challenging deep-rooted stereotypes in sports journalism.
In Ghana’s media landscape, especially in the arena of sports, Salamatu Ahmed stands out. Not just as the host of Iqra Radio’s popular morning show, but as the country’s only female Hausa sports broadcaster.
From humble beginnings in Lagos to an influential voice behind the microphone in Accra, her journey is one of boldness, resilience, and purpose.
“I grew up in a close-knit neighbourhood in Lagos where everyone looked out for each other,” she recalled in an interview with The Spectator on Monday. “There was no discrimination. I could enter any house, share a meal or even sleep over without raising eyebrows. That spirit of unity shaped my values.”
She said, her love for broadcasting was sparked by her father, who was an athlete and devoted news watcher. Her father loved sports and news and recounted how she used to sit with him, watching the newscasters and wondering how they memorised so much.
“I later found out they used a teleprompter-what a relief!” she said with a laughter.
Salamatu’s passion for football heightened during the France ‘98 World Cup. “I watched almost all the matches. That tournament made me fall completely in love with the game,” she said.
But it was not until years later that broadcasting became a real career path-and quite unexpectedly.
She recounted how a friend of hers was managing Hijra TV asked her if she knew anyone who could do Hausa sports for the TV station.
She grabbed the opportunity as she was not working at the time, saying “so I offered myself,” she explained. “That was how it all started.” From Hijra TV, she moved on to Baina TV and eventually found her home at Iqra Radio.
Though her original dream was to become an English-language sports anchor, Hausa unexpectedly became her breakthrough. “People always ask how I manage to do it in Hausa, and the fascinating part is I am a woman doing it. That’s what truly sets it apart.”
But the journey has not been without hurdles. As a woman in sports media, she has had to fight for access and respect.
“It is always difficult getting interviews. Some male counterparts do not like sharing contacts or information,” she said.
Salamatu recounted how early on, men would ask for sexual favours in exchange for job opportunities. She said it got so discouraging that she left job-hunting for a while and ventured into business instead.
Now firmly established in her field, she uses her platform not only to cover sports, but to push for systemic change. As a panelist on various forums and a vocal supporter of women’s football, Salamatu has advocated for increased investment, better pay, and more opportunities for female athletes.
“Why should male footballers be paid more for doing the same job?” she quizzed during the conversation. “Female athletes often do not get bonuses or incentives that make life easier for them. People label us feminists for speaking out-but isn’t it just fairness?”
She also spoke passionately about how female athletes face scrutiny that goes beyond performance. “Look at Barbara Banda of Zambia; she faced criticism for being too ‘masculine.’ Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer, faced similar discrimination. It’s disheartening. People forget these women are excelling at their craft.”
In 2024, Salamatu’s influence reached the global stage when she was selected to represent Ghana at the Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. There, she joined other global leaders in conversations about empowering women in media, politics, and business.
“That experience showed me that our voices matter beyond our borders,” she said. “We are not just fighting for recognition here; we are part of a global movement.”
Away from the microphone, Salamatu is known for her bubbly personality. “I am a fun-loving person-anything fun, count me in! I love cooking, watching movies, and reading.”
She credits her background-a Muslim from a Zango family for instilling in her resilience and discipline.
After schooling in Lagos, she moved to Ghana and earned a diploma in Communication Studies from the African University College of Communications (AUCC), now African University of Communication and Business (AUCB).
Her greatest pride is being the only female voice doing Hausa sports broadcasting in Ghana.
“Until someone else comes along, I will keep holding this fort,” she said with a smile. “It is my biggest achievement so far.”
For young girls looking up to her, she urged them never to be intimidated but rather carve a niche for themselves and be unique.
“You do not have to sound like or look like everyone else. Just be you and be excellent,” she added.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
