Profile
Face behind Ghana’s “Akwaaba” portrait shares her story
Something which started as a usual photo shoot for a portrait to be placed in the hall of their room and her album, surprisingly ended up becoming a ‘national project’.
Interestingly, the photograph meant for her private use rather became a national symbol of welcoming guests to Ghana, and some countries abroad.
To her surprise, it ended up at various places being used on calendars, bags, dresses, gift items, among other artefacts.
Ms. Angelina Nana Akua Oduro, now 39, took the iconic photograph in 1999 at age 18, but because it was not copyrighted, she does not receive any royalties from the commercialisation of her image.
She shares her story with The Spectator newspaper.
Family
Ms. Angelina Nana Akua Oduro whose parents hail from Obo Kwahu and Akyem Pramkese in the Eastern Region was born at North Kaneshie Dans Bar, affectionately referred to as Ga-Mantse in Accra.
Her parents are Mr. Daniel Oduro a contractor, and Madam Janet Oduro, anad was born into a family of seven for which she is the penultimate last but one born of the four women and three men.
She was once married with two kids but divorced along the way
Education
Ms Angelina Oduro commenced her educational journey at St. Monica’s at Awudome in Accra for her basic education and continued to a government school at Awudome Two Junior High School.
Her dream to further her education at Okuapeman Senior High School in the Eastern Region was dashed due to financial problems at home, but this notwithstanding, his brother suggested a fashion school to her.
With to her love for fashion, Angelina heeded to the advice and was enrolled into a fashion school, Fashion Africa, at Swanlake by her elder brother, where she studied Modelling, Fashion Design and Embroidery.
After the school she did her attachment at Tetteh Praha Designs, where the interest in fashion grew stronger.
Akwaaba Photo
Touching on the genesis of the Akwaaba photo, she said, at Tetteh Praha, they attended fashion shows, did TV commercials and this kept replaying in her head after school.
This pushed her not to renege on all the beautiful things she learnt from the fashion school.
“My mother used to send me to buy Kenkey for her and there was this photograph of a lady pouring palm wine leaning on a wall at a drinking bar around our house, due to my fashion background, I appreciated it and wanted to take a similar one,” she revealed.
According to here, she shared the story with a photographer friend who later linked her to another photographer, by name Mr.Joe Osae.
“We then went to Makola, and other places where necklaces, bangles, cloths and pots among others were sold to facilitate the photo shoot. Afterwards we went to Mr.Joe Osae at Ceejay multimedia at Lapaz,” she said.
She stated that, they took some of the photos at the studio, Osu, the beach and later selected the best ones
“The intention was to fill my album and hang it in our rooms but later other people started showing interest, so Mr.Osae told me and started selling it, and at times gave me some proceeds, even though it was not on a large scale,” Ms. Oduro stressed.
Suddenly, it was everywhere, the photograph was circulating which was something her father was not happy about considering the spiritual implication which could follow .
However, her father was later convinced about the positives for which he understood.
“There were times some friends who have travelled would inform me about where they have found my portrait, which made me excited. If I look back I feel I have marketed Ghana with my image,” she noted.
Future
Talking about the future plans, she said “we are coming out with a documentary of my life, a clothing line and some cartoon filled with our cultural values to inculcate in the children at a tender age, because I love children.”
Ms.Angelina Oduro has called on well wishers to sponsor her to achieve these goals.
“I do fascinators, makeups and used to train models,” she added.
She has further called on authorities to recognise her contribution in marketing the country,
“Some people even thought I was dead or it was some painting, I would be glad if I am given an ambassadorial role to properly sell Ghana,” she suggested.
Ms. Oduro has appealed to Ghanaians to patronise made in Ghana products because through that, a lot of employment would be created to improve the per capita income of the citizens and boost the economy as well.
She thanked Mr. Osae, the photographer, for making her dreams come to pass.
Ms. Angelina Oduro fellowships with Love Community Chapel International at Ogre Road, in Accra,
Hobbies and favourite food
She loves to watch documentaries and cartoons and her favourite food is Kenkey with fried fish.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
