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Doris Deku: The professional tiler inspiring female artisans
She grew up in Suhum in the Eastern Region but lost both parents at a tender age. Her father died when she was 15 and her mother also passed on three years later.
Due to financial constraints, her dream of becoming a Lawyer could not materialise as she was unable to further her education beyond Junior High School.
Determined to make ends meet nonetheless, she took up petty trading while living with an elder sister at Madina in Accra. Many years on, she has found her way in construction as a professional tiler and is helping other young ladies tap the opportunities in this sector.
This is the story of Ms. Doris Deku, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ansadee Ventures and Ambassador for Artisans Association of Ghana (AAG).
When The Spectator caught up with her last Friday, she and her team had started a tiling project on a three-storey building in Accra.
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Explaining how she has become a highly sought-after tiler in Accra, the 29-year-old said that she used to sell cooked food at construction sites in her area after completing basic education.
“On one of my rounds at the site, I interacted with a worker on how I could be trained as a tiler. I had been observing them for sometime and I thought it would be an easy job for me,” she recalled.
According to her, some of the workers had told her that “tiling is not for ladies and not the same as preparing food for sale.” This ridiculous comment, she noted, were meant to “kill her passion’ but it rather sparked her interest further and did not damper her spirit.
As fate would have it, on one of her food selling rounds, she chanced on an opportunity offered by the Youth Inclusive Entrepreneurial Development Initiative for Employment (YIEDIE).
The five-year project, implemented by Global Communities in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, is designed to “create economic opportunities in the construction sector for economically disadvantaged youth.”
Doris decided to join the programme but initially opted for training in interior decoration. Upon realising that a lot of her compatriots had chosen this particular course, she switched to learn the rudiments of tiling instead.
“I told myself I would try tiling because I have never seen a female doing this job,” she said.
Doubt
According to her, some pessimists had doubted her success in the field during the first week of training but she was bent on finishing what she had started.
“When my trainer was away some workers would tell me to quit and find a better alternative but I kept telling them that even if I did not succeed, the knowledge I acquired would be enough achievement for me,” she said.
Contract
After completing the six-month intensive training in 2016, Doris sat the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) proficiency test and continued to understudy her “Master”, Mr. Nicholas Agbotse, for another one-and-a-half years.
“On a visit to a construction site, a fellow artisan spoke to me about a tiling job. The building project was behind schedule so they needed more hands to complete the tiling project. I did not have all the tools for the job so I decided to partner other colleagues in order to use their tools,” she said.
This was how the tenacious woman executed her first contract successfully and had since been getting recommendations for other projects. Subsequently, she joined a real estate development company that relied on her expertise anytime there was a project.
Company
With an initial grant from YIEDIE, she registered her company in 2017 and currently has 14 trainees, comprising 11 girls and three boys, and seven other permanent workers.
In September this year, the company was recognised by the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry as the “Most Distinguished Inspiring Artisan of the Year” at the Ghana Construction Industry Excellence Awards.
Future
Although she is impressed that more young ladies now look up to her, the AAG Ambassador said she would do more for herself and other young girls in the industry.
“I want to train more ladies in tiling and form an all women artisan group to encourage other women to tap the opportunities in the construction industry,” she said.
Doris says she now has many of the equipment required for the job but plans to get other mechanical ones to speed up her work.
Advice
The CEO maintains that there are opportunities in the construction sector, apart from tiling and that young people, especially females, should strive to make a mark in the sector.
She says that the initial hurdles are inevitable but the benefit would certainly come when ‘we put our minds to it.”
“Tiling is all about beautification so I am always proud of myself when people are satisfied with my work after completion,” she has said.
The graduate of Umabun Hatab Islamic School at Madina Zongo has urged artisans to remain committed to their task and allow their professionalism to “speak for them.”
Doris, the youngest of five siblings, has said that her progress is not by her might but by the “will of God,” and remains grateful to Mr. Agbotse who trained her at the initial stages at no cost.
By Ernest Nutsugah
Profile
Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah: blending banking, politics, and philanthropy to create lasting impact
In a world where leadership often bends to convenience, Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah stands tall as a woman of purpose, resilience, and integrity.
A distinguished Ghanaian banker, politician, and philanthropist, her journey is a shining example of how dedication, education, and compassion can blend to create lasting impact.
Currently serving as the Head of Strategic Sector Development (ICT Focus) at the Development Bank Ghana (DBG), Dr Wurah is championing the growth of Ghana’s digital economy.
Her role focuses on identifying and supporting bankable ICT projects through strategic partnerships with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), ecosystem enablers, and policymakers. Her work advances DBG’s mission to promote inclusive growth, innovation, and job creation through digital transformation — a vision she pursues with clarity and conviction.
Before joining DBG, Dr Wurah made remarkable contributions to the financial sector during her 11-year tenure at Société Générale Ghana, where she served as a Relationship Manager in the Retail Banking Division.
She managed a diverse portfolio of clients, helping to expand financial inclusion and strengthen customer relationships. Her career at Société Générale reflected her firm belief that banking is not merely about transactions but about trust and empowerment.
Dr Wurah’s success story is grounded in her impressive academic achievements. She holds a Doctorate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from OTMH Qualifications, UK, awarded through Marshalls University College, Ghana.
She also holds an MBA in Marketing, a BSc in Marketing, and several professional certifications — all of which underscore her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership excellence.
At her recent graduation, she was honoured with two prestigious distinctions — the Leadership and Organisational Performance Excellence Award and the Resilience and Perseverance Award. These recognitions celebrated not only her academic brilliance but also her determination and strength of character, qualities that continue to define her professional and personal life.
Beyond her thriving career in banking, Dr Wurah is also actively involved in politics, where she channels her passion for leadership, governance, and national development. She believes that politics, when rooted in integrity and service, can be a powerful platform for positive change.
Her philanthropic work is equally inspiring. Deeply committed to empowering young people, particularly women, Dr Wurah encourages them to pursue education and self-belief as tools for transformation.
She mentors many young women, guiding them to discover their potential and purpose in a world that often tells them otherwise.
Away from work, Dr Wurah describes herself as a lover of life. She enjoys reading, singing, and making others happy — a reflection of her belief that joy and kindness lie at the heart of meaningful living.
Her popular personal mantra, #Dey4WhoDey4You, speaks volumes about her loyalty and authenticity — qualities that have endeared her to many.
A proud Ghanaian with roots in both the Volta and Eastern Regions, Dr Wurah embodies optimism, strength, and grace. Her vibrant personality and unwavering determination continue to inspire those around her to dream bigger, serve better, and lead with heart.
Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah is more than a banker or politician — she is a symbol of possibility, proving that with resilience, purpose, and compassion, one can build bridges between personal success and national progress.
By Edem Mensah Tsortorme
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Serving Humanity with Love, Humility, and Integrity …The story of Hajia nadia abbas alhassan iv
In a time when communities yearn for authentic leadership grounded in compassion and purpose, one name has steadily risen to embody the promise of renewal — Hajia nadia abbas alhassan iv
To many, she is more than a personality; she is a movement. To the youth, a source of inspiration; to women, a voice of courage; and to society, a symbol of service anchored in divine calling.
For Nadia, leadership is not an ambition born of politics but a calling from the heart, one she describes as a divine mandate to serve humanity with love, humility, and integrity.
“It is a calling from the divine; putting smiles on people’s faces gives me internal joy,” she says.
This philosophy has shaped her journey from grassroots advocacy to a broader mission of empowerment — particularly among women and young people. Her life is a testament that true leadership begins not with titles, but with service.
Those who know Nadia describe her as a leader of quiet strength — one who acts more than she speaks and listens before she leads. Her influence grew organically through community work, where she devoted herself to addressing everyday struggles, from mentoring young girls to supporting widows and championing education in underserved areas.
Nadia believes leadership should emerge from empathy, saying,
“A true leader must first understand pain; you cannot lead people you don’t listen to.”
Her commitment to servant leadership is reflected in her philosophy: to lead is to serve, not to rule. She consistently advocates for leadership models rooted in compassion rather than competition, believing that the true measure of power lies in how much good it can achieve.
Women and Youth Empowerment
Women’s empowerment stands at the core of Nadia’s mission. Through mentorship, advocacy, and community initiatives, she has worked to uplift women and young girls, encouraging them to see beyond limitations and societal barriers.
She insists that empowering women is not just a moral duty but a necessity for national development.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a generation,” she often says.
Her approach blends mentorship with practical support, ensuring that women gain not only confidence but also opportunities. Her campaigns have emphasised education for girls, entrepreneurship for women, and protection for the vulnerable. She has called on society to rethink how it values women — urging both men and women to become partners in progress rather than opponents in struggle.
Equally passionate about the youth, Nadia describes young people as “the heartbeat of change.” Her initiatives focus on nurturing their talents, guiding them toward purpose-driven careers, and instilling values of discipline and self-belief.
“We must create systems that help young people discover who they are and what they can contribute,” she says.
Her mentorship programmes focus on leadership training, community service, and personal development — turning potential into performance.
A Life of Compassion and Faith
Nadia’s story is also one of compassion in action. Beyond public appearances and advocacy, she is known for her quiet acts of kindness — supporting the sick, helping orphans, and standing with families in crisis.
Her leadership is deeply spiritual. To her, service to humanity is service to God.
“Love knows no boundaries; it sees no colour, creed, or status. It embraces all and seeks the good in every person,” she says.
This universal message of love and unity defines her worldview. She believes society can only progress when grounded in empathy and mutual respect.
For Nadia, protecting people’s dignity is non-negotiable. She has often spoken against corruption, discrimination, and all forms of social injustice.
“To protect is not merely to defend,” she explains, “but to ensure that every person can live in dignity and safety.”
She describes her work as a divine mandate — a call to embody compassion in leadership. To her, faith and service are inseparable; leadership must be guided by moral conviction and divine purpose.
“Nadia Season” — A Movement of Hope
Her supporters call this moment “Nadia Season” — a symbolic expression of renewed hope and collective awakening. It is less about politics and more about purpose; less about power and more about people.
She envisions a society where leadership is measured not by how loudly one speaks, but by how faithfully one serves.
“This is no longer a time for empty promises,” she says. “It is a time for proven purpose — for unity, compassion, and results.”
Hajia Nadia Abass Abubakar’s journey is still unfolding, but her impact is already being felt. She has inspired a generation to see leadership through the lens of service.
Her philosophy of love, equality, and compassion resonates deeply with those who believe in a better Ghana and a more humane world.
Her story is not just about one woman’s ambition but about a people’s awakening — a reminder that leadership is not inherited, but earned through service.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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