Profile
Hobby turned business — Sandra Adwoa Amponsah highlights expertise in making handmade accessories
What started as a hobby during her Junior High School days has today become an income-generating venture.
Sandy Lartisan, known in private life as Sandra Adwoa Amponsah, has carved a niche for herself. She is a wedding planner and does handmade accessories such as customised bridal fans, bouquets, tiaras, fascinators, turbans, headbands and crochet bags amongst others.
And ever since she started her career, Ms Lartisan has helped many young people by providing free training on AdomTV, Atinka TV, Churches and individuals for free.
She was born in Akwatia in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern Region to Mr Hayfordson Odei and Mrs Diana Donkor. She has five siblings, three girls and two boys.
Telling The Spectator how this hobby, now business, started she said: “I got the idea when I was in school did artwork, I love to create things with my hands when I was a child.”
“When I completed Manso Senior High School, I told myself I would learn more about handicrafts so I could do something better for myself, but I didn’t get enough support, so I worked at Promasidor Ghana for many years before going into this business.”
It was still difficult when she started on her own after Promasidor, but luckily for Sandy, one of her uncles came to her aid to support this solo journey.
“The money to buy materials to learn the craft was very difficult for me at that time, but my uncle Mr. Thomas Agbanyo came in and paid everything for me to learn it. I learned it from one Nigerian woman called, Nabella,” she said.
To be successful in her business, the dedicated entrepreneur furthered her education at Intercom Programming and Manufacturing Company (IPMC), obtaining Diploma in Digital Marketing and she continues to pursue her a degree course in the same institution.
She aims to help and teach young women find it difficult to fend for themselves as well as the youth on the street struggling to make ends meet.
Sandy hopes her brand would grow locally and internationally as she meets the needs of clients and gives other trainees the necessary push.
As a young entrepreneur, she believes startups will contribute their quota to the development of the country when they get more support from the Government.
She urged Ghanaians to trust and patronise handicraft and other made-in-Ghana products to help grow startups and encouraged the youth not to focus on one job, even if they were well paid.
“Young people should try and add some craft to their job. It helps, it has helped me and it will help them too,” she said.
Sandy Lartisan is a Presbyterian who loves to cooking, basketball and volley at her leisure.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
In a society where many children are too quickly defined by their limitations, Dr Emenefa Ekua Agbosu has chosen a different path, one that sees ability where others see barriers and hope where others see difficulty.
Her life’s work is a quiet but powerful reminder that every child, regardless of their challenges, deserves not just education, but dignity, understanding and the opportunity to thrive.
An accomplished educator, researcher and advocate, Dr Emenefa Ekua Agbosu has spent over three decades shaping young minds, with more than 20 years devoted to special needs education.
Armed with a PhD in Special Education, she has become one of Ghana’s steady voices for inclusive learning, championing children who are often overlooked in traditional classrooms.
Yet, beyond the academic credentials and professional milestones lies a deeply compassionate woman whose journey began with a personal experience.
As a young teacher, she watched a close relative struggle with dyslexia, misunderstood, mislabelled and gradually losing confidence in a system that failed to recognise his potential.
She saw brilliance where others saw limitation, and that moment changed everything. It stirred in her a determination to ensure that no child would ever feel less than others simply because they learn differently.
Driven by this purpose, she pursued further studies, equipping herself with the knowledge to challenge outdated perceptions and improve how children are taught. But she did not stop at theory; she turned vision into action.
In 2007, Dr Emenefa Ekua Agbosu founded a Montessori basic school built on a simple but powerful idea that children with different abilities can learn together in an environment that is supportive, respectful and responsive to their needs. Under her leadership, the school has grown into a nurturing space where children are not just taught, but understood.
With small class sizes, individualised learning plans and integrated therapy, each child is given the attention they need to grow at their own pace.
Her philosophy is rooted in dignity. Not pity, not charity, but respect.
For her, education goes far beyond books and exams. It is about building confidence, nurturing independence and helping children discover their place in the world. She often reminds her teachers that success is not always measured in grades. Sometimes, it is found in the quiet victories, a child making eye contact for the first time, speaking their first word or simply believing in themselves.
Despite the impact of her work, Dr Agbosu is realistic about the challenges facing special needs education in Ghana.
Stigma remains strong, many teachers lack the training to support diverse learners and resources are often limited. Too many children are identified late, and in some cases, hidden away because of societal attitudes.
Still, she refuses to be discouraged.
Through community outreach, teacher training and advocacy, she continues to challenge misconceptions and encourage a more inclusive mindset. She speaks openly about the need for society to move beyond shame and silence, and to embrace every child as a valued member of the community.
Her work has transformed lives. Parents who once felt hopeless now speak with renewed confidence about their children’s future. Children who were once withdrawn are learning to express themselves and find their voice. These everyday successes are what keep her going.
Away from her demanding work, she finds joy in simple, grounding moments. Early morning walks allow her to reflect and recharge. Time with family, especially during relaxed Sunday gatherings, gives her a sense of balance. Conversations with friends, filled with laughter and honesty, remind her that she too needs care and connection.
She admits that balancing work and personal life is still a journey, but she approaches it with honesty and grace, accepting that perfection is not the goal.
At her core, Dr Emenefa Ekua Agbosu is a woman of purpose, compassionate, resilient and deeply committed to making a difference.
Her vision for the future is clear. She dreams of a Ghana where inclusive education is not the exception but the norm, where every teacher is equipped to support every learner, and where no child is left behind because of how they learn. She hopes for a system where early identification is common, support is accessible and children with special needs are fully included in schools, workplaces and society.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Profile
Akyem Kotoku’s Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman …not just a traditional leader; he’s a visionary
In an era where communities are seeking leadership that is both rooted in tradition and responsive to modern challenges, Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman stands tall as a shining example of purpose-driven leadership.
As the Akwansrahene of Akyem Kotoku, he embodies the true essence of service to the stool, dedication to unity, commitment to development, and an unwavering passion for the welfare of his people.
Enstooled in 2017 at the relatively young age of 31, Nana stepped into leadership with a clear sense of direction and responsibility.
Rather than viewing his position as one of prestige alone, he embraced it as a call to duty and a platform to create meaningful change.
Over the years, he has remained steadfast in this mission, earning admiration for his humility, accessibility, and results-oriented leadership style.
At the core of his vision is a desire to transform Akyem Kotoku into a thriving and self-sustaining community.
He envisions better roads, improved access to healthcare, enhanced educational opportunities, and a vibrant local economy driven largely by empowered youth.
This vision is not merely aspirational; it is backed by practical action and consistent engagement with stakeholders at all levels.
Nana’s leadership is deeply influenced by his passion to uplift others. His motivation stems from a genuine concern for the wellbeing of his people and a strong determination to honour the trust placed in him.
This has translated into tangible interventions, including support for road improvements, sanitation campaigns, and educational assistance for students.
His commitment to youth empowerment is particularly notable, as he continues to champion initiatives that equip young people with skills, discipline, and opportunities to succeed.
However, his journey has not been without challenges. Like many growing communities, Akyem Kotoku faces issues such as youth unemployment, infrastructural deficits, and limited access to healthcare.
Yet, Nana approaches these challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and well-meaning individuals, he has successfully mobilised resources to drive development initiatives forward.
A defining feature of his leadership is inclusivity. Nana strongly believes that development must be a collective effort, and he actively involves the youth and other community members in decision-making and implementation processes.
This participatory approach has strengthened community ownership and ensured the sustainability of projects.
Equally remarkable is his ability to strike a balance between tradition and modernity. While he remains deeply respectful of cultural values and customs, he embraces education, innovation, and progressive thinking as tools for growth.
He continues to advocate for time-tested values such as unity, discipline, communal labour, and respect for authority. These principles he believes are essential for any society seeking lasting development.
Transparency and accountability also define his leadership.
By maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring community involvement in projects, he has built a culture of trust and responsibility.
This has not only enhanced the success of his initiatives but has also strengthened the bond between leadership and the people.
Beyond his official duties, Nana’s philanthropic efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of many.
From supporting needy students to assisting vulnerable families, his generosity reflects a deep sense of compassion and social responsibility.
Among all his contributions, he finds the greatest fulfilment in advancing education, recognising it as the most powerful tool for transformation.
As he continues his journey, Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman remains focused on leaving behind a legacy that transcends his tenure, a legacy of unity, progress, and shared prosperity.
His message to fellow traditional leaders is both simple and powerful: lead with integrity, embrace collaboration, and remain committed to the development of your people.
To the youth, his words resonate with urgency and hope—stay focused, pursue knowledge and skills, respect your heritage, and rise above negative influences.
In his quiet moments, Nana reflects, reads, and engages with elders, constantly seeking wisdom to guide his leadership. It is this continuous pursuit of growth and service that sets him apart.
Indeed, in Obrempong Kwame Akomeah Okogyeaman, Akyem Kotoku has not just a traditional leader, but a visionary, a man whose life and work inspire confidence in the promise of community-led development.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
