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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
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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