Profile
Fiator Mordeku III of Awudome Tsito — The bridge builder in chieftaincy and architecture
Fiator Mordeku III of Tsito, known in private life as Kafui Kwame Amegbe, is a unique blend of tradition, service, and modern professionalism.
As a chief, an architect, and a community development advocate, he wears his many hats with humility, driven by a powerful dual motivation: a deep desire to serve and preserve his family’s legacy, and to play an active role in creating positive change in society.
picture with winners of the Energy Commission
High School renewal energy challenge
From a young age, Kafui’s life has been guided by strong values rooted in communal living.
Growing up in a close-knit family and community, he experienced firsthand the power of shared responsibility-where neighbours became second parents, and village elders doubled as life coaches.
Speaking to The Spectator in Accra on Saturday, Fiator Mordeku Ill said one childhood memory that continues to inspire him is when Togbe Gobo Dake XII, Chief of Tsito, bought him a slate for his first day in school.
Today, he serves as Fiator (father to Togbe Gobo Dake XII) to his childhood benefactor-a powerful circle of legacy and service.
“I was enstooled in my late 30s, so this journey is still quite fresh-just under two years in,” he said, by many standards that is considered quite young, especially given the weight and complexity of traditional leadership.
Tsito during his coronation
But I have always believed that leadership is not about how old you are; it is about preparation, mentorship, vision and most importantly, a desire to serve.
According to him, becoming a chief at a young age came with immense responsibility, saying “chieftaincy can be complex and sometimes misunderstood, but my family played a key role in preparing me.”
On the day of his enstoolment, he stood composed, not because it was easy, but because he was aware of the expectations ahead.
The reality, however, only sank in later-when the calls, community issues, and needs began pouring in. For him, leadership is not about titles but about providing proactive and adaptive leadership that reflects the needs of today’s fast-changing society.
Fiator’s reliability with the youth is a defining feature of his reign. “I am not far from the Gen Zs,” he says.
This closeness, according to him, enables him to connect with young people on a peer level, encouraging them to engage in community initiatives and understand the importance of preserving tradition. It is this connection that empowers him to blend traditional authority with modern innovation.
Outside of chieftaincy, Kafui is a passionate architect and advocate of sustainable design.
His love for designing spaces began as early as Junior Secondary School, and today, he continues to inspire with thoughtful architecture that focuses on sustainability, community needs, and the intelligent use of local materials.
To him, architecture is about how people interact with spaces, and one of his proudest contributions is his role in the design of the new Regional House of Chiefs projects across Ghana’s six new regions-a national undertaking that incorporated diverse stakeholder inputs.
His work as an architect and a chief converges in one of his most symbolic projects-a small concrete bridge he built behind his house.
It replaced a dangerous makeshift path used by locals, especially the elderly, to cross a storm drain.
“Now people walk across without fear. That one act of building a bridge, literally and symbolically, pushed me to think more deeply about the many quiet struggles people go through,” he said.
This bridge became the foundation for his greater calling – providing not just charity, but dignity and equity.
Through the Footprints of Glory Foundation, which he founded in 2020 and officially registered in 2021, Kafui has launched impactful initiatives across Tsito and the wider Awudome area.
From funding school fees and apprenticeships to constructing small community bridges and launching an online radio station (soon to become a full community station), the foundation has been a lifeline for many.
It is supported by respected individuals like Dr Yao-Foli Sekyema and Mr Michael Brefo. The foundation’s success lies in collaboration and shared purpose.
A touching example of his impact is the story of a young boy from a neighbouring village who, due to financial hardship, was working on farms despite being a top student. Fiator took him in, supported his education, and
today, the boy is university-bound-a story that encapsulates the spirit of his work.
“I don’t dwell much on legacy,” Fia
tor said. “My focus is on providing real, practical solutions that ease burdens and improve lives.”
Whether it’s mentoring architecture students, building community projects, or planning future academic pursuits.
Currently, he is studying for an MSc in Facilities Management with the aim of uplifting others through service, innovation, and collaboration.
He called on the youth to embrace discipline, humility and a deep willingness to keep learning, urging the youth not to be afraid of hard work or setbacks and that they were part of the journey.
“Find people who inspire you, ask questions, stay curious, and never forget your roots. Where you come from is your foundation, and it will keep you grounded no matter how far you go and we don’t have to wait until we are older to start serving.
He is married with three children and enjoys working out, playing lawn tennis, travelling, listening to music which he says helps him reflect, plan and recharge.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
When the world’s eyes turn to the King’s Baton on its global journey, one of Ghana’s most profound artistic stories travels with it. It will be a story of creativity, culture, and national pride crafted by Albert Litela Obidiaba.
From the quiet town of Old Baika in the Oti Region, Albert’s journey as an artist has always been about telling stories. It is not just through words, but through symbols, textures, and meaning.
“From a young age, I was drawn to the power of art, knowing how colours and textures can capture not just emotion but culture and identity,” he recalls.
Today, his name has become synonymous with innovation rooted in traditional bridge between Ghana’s past and its global creative future.
Albert’s love for art was born from curiosity. Surrounded by the vibrancy of Ghanaian culture; the patterns of kente, the stories behind Adinkra symbols, and the textures of daily life, he began sketching and crafting early on.
“Simple things told deep stories,” he says. “That fascinated me.”
As he matured, his art evolved into a personal mission to preserve and reinterpret Ghana’s heritage for a modern audience. His style reflects a seamless blend of culture and contemporary design, each piece a narrative of unity, history, and pride.
“I see art as storytelling through form and symbolism, it should feel rooted in purpose yet speak to today’s world,” he explains.
When the call came to design Ghana’s version of the King’s Baton, Albert saw it as both a national duty and a creative calling.
Recommended by mentors like Mr Charles Osei Asibey, who trusted his talent and understanding of Ghanaian symbolism, he embraced the project wholeheartedly.
His vision was clear; to create a piece that would embody unity, pride, and the enduring spirit of Ghana.
Drawing from traditional motifs, he integrated textures inspired by kente weaving, representing hard work, continuity, and creativity. The golden tones symbolise strength and dignity, while the contours and natural motifs mirror Ghana’s landscapes and people.
“The King’s Baton had to tell our story of who we are, what we value, and how we see the world, it is more than art, it is identity in motion,” he said.
Every etch, every pattern carries meaning. From concept to completion, the entire process took three intense weeks which were filled with research, design sketches, consultation, and collaboration with skilled artisans.
“It was days and nights of work, but a lifetime of meaning,” he says with quiet pride.
Creating a design that represents all of Ghana’s diverse cultures was no small feat. Albert had to balance aesthetics, authenticity, and technology thereby using sustainable wood, carefully treated and certified, to reflect the nation’s commitment to nature and preservation.
“It wasn’t easy finding the right mix,” he admits. “But those challenges pushed me to think deeper. They made the final piece stronger — both artistically and symbolically.”
For Albert, Ghanaian culture is both muse and message. His works echo the values of unity, strength, persistence, and wisdom, drawn from Ghana’s traditions.
“Art preserves who we are and every line and symbol tells a story of belonging,” he said, and believes art is one of the most powerful tools for building national pride.
Designing the King’s Baton has been a defining moment in his creative journey and that it deepened his appreciation for cultural storytelling. “It taught me that creativity is also a form of service,” he said.
The experience has opened new professional doors, but more importantly, it gave him a renewed sense of purpose making him embrace a call to national duty.
“My soul will be glad even after my days on earth are over,” he said beaming with smiles.
Beyond the King’s Baton, Albert has worked on numerous projects celebrating Ghanaian identity through contemporary art and design. His ongoing works explore symbolism and heritage in new forms which includes blending materials, stories, and styles from across Ghana’s regions.
He is currently preparing projects that continue the conversation the baton began. They are about unity, creativity, and Africa’s evolving artistic voice.
To young artists aspiring to make their mark, Albert’s advice is for them to believe deeply in their craft and that the world is always looking for authenticity “which comes from knowing who you are and where you come from.”
On how he wants to be remembered, he said, “I want to be remembered as an artist who used creativity to celebrate culture and connect people. If my name is remembered as the one who designed Ghana’s version of the King’s Baton, that will be enough, because it means I carried Ghana in my hands, and shared her with the world.”
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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A ‘trotro’ bus heading to Nsawam was filled with the usual sounds from conversations, music, and sometimes a preacher delivering a message.
But when Margaret Odame Donkor rises to speak, she does not preach salvation or sell herbal remedies. Instead, she shares her journey as a breast cancer survivor, urging passengers to examine their breasts regularly, seek medical help early, and never lose hope.
Her pulpit is not a church, but the crowded minibuses of Ghana’s public transport system. Her message is not about repentance, but about survival.
She urges women to check their breasts regularly, encourages men to support their wives during health challenges, and reassures everyone listening that a cancer diagnosis is not the end of life.
For Margaret, creating awareness is more than a duty-it is a calling born out of personal pain, fear, and triumph.
Her words carried weight because they come from lived experience.
At age 48, Margaret has walked through the valley of fear and pain, battled stage three invasive carcinoma, and emerged not just a survivor but an advocate determined to educate others.
Cancer journey
Margaret’s encounter with breast cancer stretches back decades. At 22, she discovered a lump in her left breast. It was removed and declared benign. Relieved, she skipped regular checks and moved on. Then in 2021, the lump reappeared—this time spreading toward her armpit.
At a church screening in October 2022, doctors detected suspicious lymph nodes. Further tests confirmed her worst fear: stage three invasive carcinoma.
“It wasn’t easy,” she recalls softly. “But my faith in God kept me strong. My husband, children, family, friends, and colleagues formed an army behind me. Their prayers, visits, and encouragement gave me the courage to fight.”
“Be grateful every day because you never know what tomorrow may bring. No one has it all, but with love and support, you can endure,” she stated.
Her greatest fear remains recurrence and not living long enough to see her children graduate and become the people she dreams for them to be.
Before cancer disrupted her life, Margaret had found purpose in interpretation. In 2020, a friend spotted a Judicial Service vacancy and encouraged her to apply. After years of unsuccessful attempts at government jobs, she was reluctant, but she tried once more. This time, she succeeded and was posted to the Eastern Region, her home.
Today, she works at the Nsawam District Court, one of the busiest in the area. On a typical day, she arrives at 7:30am, prepares dockets, and confers with magistrates. She interprets proceedings in Twi, Ga, Hausa, and occasionally Ewe, ensuring that justice was accessible to all.
Her role is demanding. Cross-examinations require her to switch quickly between English and local dialects, while marriages often call for interpreting vows in couples’ preferred languages. Still, she thrives. “The registrars and magistrates I’ve worked with have been amazing. They make the environment very comfortable,” she stated.
Beyond the courtroom, Margaret is also an entrepreneur. In 2017, she founded Nubreed Décor, an events decoration business born from her childhood love for beautifying spaces. She recalls cutting paper decorations as a child and helping her cousin rent out chairs and decorate venues.
Balancing décor with court work was tough, and her health struggles after surgery made it even harder. Radiation left her with persistent rib pain, forcing her to slow down. “Now I hire more hands, which makes business expensive, but it helps me achieve my goals,” she explained.
Her biggest challenge as an entrepreneur remains finance. “The event industry is huge, but I have to work at my own pace and focus on my niche,” she admited.
Cancer changed how Margaret values people and relationships. She learned that those you least expect often become your strongest supporters. She urges families to stand by patients with prayers, encouragement, and financial support, reminding society that a cancer diagnosis is not the end of life.
Her advocacy extends beyond awareness talks. She dreams of establishing a counselling centre for young people and hopes Ghana will expand access to mammograms and radiotherapy centres. “Every patient deserves a chance at survival,” she said firmly.
She urged the youth to live peacefully and be their brother’s keeper, learn to be content and rely on God.
To women, she asserted that, “love yourselves and make breast checks routine while calling on Ghanaians to be open-minded, avoid being judgmental, and show love.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
