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Kuukua Eshun: Telling impactful stories through art, creativity
After discovering her poetic and writing potentials at an early age, she was perhaps not certain where the road may lead her.
However, with consistency and dedication over the years, she is currently making a mark in the creative space and looks forward to achieving more on both local and international fronts.
The spotlight, in this edition, is on fast-rising Ms Kuukua Eshun Ghanaian-American filmmaker and storyteller whose productions have been screened at film festivals across the world.
Her film, “Artist, Act of Love”, released in 2019, recently won an award at the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival for ‘Best Visual Effect’ and was selected by the European Union for the 2020 European Film Festival.
Background
Kuukua was born in Accra but lived the greater part of her life in the United States of America, where she studied Arts and Science at Columbus State University.
She returned to Ghana recently and is working on other promising projects that would augment the works of the relatively few women filmmakers in the local creative industry.
In an interview with The Spectator, the 27-year-oldexplained that storytelling had been one of her preoccupations ever since she was in high school but decided to pursue it professionally about three years ago.
“Ever since I was young, I have always known how to express how I feel through words. Before I started film, I was doing a lot of writing.Whenever I was upset, sad or happy, I would always write it in my diary.
“It got to a point where I thought I could turn my words into film.”Film making gives me the ability to see my strength and it gives me a lot of freedom,” she noted.
Filmmaking
Taking inspiration from “emotions and femininity,” she is focused on raising awareness about social issues through her writings and film.
To this end, she said, a documentary on sexual violence would be screened in Ghana and Europe in December this year and was expected to empower women who had survived sexual assault and encourage others to overcome their “worst experiences.”
The director cum producer described filmmaking as a “calling” and considers it a way of expressing herself and sharing her story with the world.
Projects
Prior to releasing her award-winning ‘Artist, Acts of Love” film, she had already released a short poetry film titled:“Stranger to Your Seed,” which attracted positive reviews on her YouTube channel about two years ago.
Another “Experimental Short Film” labelled: “Wake,” was also released about two weeks ago and was gaining some traction on the same channel.
“Artist, Acts of Love” which talks about “feeling and knowing love” is described as “a romantic escapism for people who love deeply.”
Currently working with popular actress and producer Ama .K. Abebrese, Kuukua considers herself “a powerhouse who would continue to tell stories that matter through her art and work.”
The creative filmmaker had, in recent years, worked with top brands such as Roc-nation, Vic Mensa, Wizkid, Huawei, Facebook, Variety Magazine, Michaela Coel, Lifetime TV, The Economist,among others.
Advocacy
As an advocate, she has spoken on university platforms in the United States, Ghana International School, and many other conferences, but has recently collaborated with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Ghana, to hold a healing session for young women who are survivors of sexual assault.
Her articles have been published in some international magazines and website as well as published in the ECA Literary Magazine, Apple News, Ghana web and many more.
Kuukua is the co-founder of Boxed kids, an organisation which provides education to deprived children at James. She said the organisation, in spite of challenges, continued to impact the lives of about 50 children in the community and continues to attract the attention of other well-meaning organisations and individuals.
Her vision to create“a safe space for women in sports” againled her to join other partners to establish an all-female skate crew in Accra known as the “Skate Gal Club.”
Skate Gal Club, among other things, seeks to build the confidence of women, educate women about sport and change the perception about women in sports.It organises community events and has so far taught about 200 girls the basics of skateboarding.
The club, according to the team, is currently crowdfunding the creation of Accra’s first dedicated skate park to “avoid frequent clashes with the police and some members of the public who see skating a nuisance.”
By Ernest Nutsugah
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
