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Kyeremaa clearing disability barriers …to win Ghana’s first taekwondo gold from Paralympic Games
Time to do a few stretches
It is exactly seven years ago when a Techiman based disabled seamstress, Ms Patricia Kyerewaa, decided to heed to persuasions from a friend she referred to as ‘Uncle’ (Bro Dan) to begin a career as a para (disabled) taekwondo athlete.
And that has proven to be a decision without regrets although there was an initial rejection from her parents. Now all she enjoys from them is their unwavering support.
It was one afternoon in her shop, working with thread and needles to put together some decent clothes for her customers when Bro Dan came around, asking about her thoughts on a discussion they had previously.
“Is it about the discussion for me to join a taekwondo club?” Kyeremaa quizzed.
And Bro Dan gently responded: “Yes, I have waited for you to call me to let me know your response.”
To Bro Dan’s surprise, Kyeremaa responded in the affirmative and right away, they travelled from Techiman to Sunyani in the Bono region to meet the one who happens to be her current coach, George Ablomoti.
That was the story behind Kyeremaa’s journey in the world of taekwondo as a para athlete.
Just seven years down the line, Kyeremaa is knocking on the doors of fame, having carved a niche for herself as the first and only para taekwondo athlete in Ghana’s Paralympic team for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games that is slated for August 28 to September 8.
For that feat, she gives credit to the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Ghana which applied for the Wild Card on behalf of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) for her and a second athlete, Emmanuel Kofi Turkson.
However, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) approved that of Kyeremaa and failed to grant the request for the other.
As a Person Living with disability (PLWD), Kyeremaa opted to learning a skill to be able to fend for herself after completing Junior High School (JHS) at Akumadan SDA, knowing the challenges one faces as a PLWD in Ghana.
But the busy schedule of an athlete preparing for a competition of this magnitude is not making it possible for her to practise her trade; presently she is in residential camp in Tema.
As it is with every venture, she recounted initial struggles in trying to adapt to the demands of the sport.
“It was quite challenging from the beginning. I was not a sports person and didn’t understand why Bro Dan kept persuading me to become a taekwondo player but with time, I adjusted,” she told this Reporter.
“I feared the sack after the initial struggles but to my knowledge, it was actually the coach who tasked Bro Dan to convince me to join, actually spurred me on; and it is that confidence and hard work that keeps me going.”
“Honestly, I put in all the hard work but was not quite sure where this venture would land me.”
Kyeremaa has gone onto record with a few achievements which she hopes to climax with a gold medal at the upcoming Paralympics in Paris.
The story about her success started with a big bang; registering a gold medal feat in the 2017 edition of the Korea Ambassador Taekwondo Championship among six other contestants.
She continued to dominate in the championship as she won a second gold and silver medals in subsequent championships.
Her dominance extended to the Africa region where she recorded Ghana’s first gold medal at the Africa Championship, Niger 2022, bringing home a medal and a beautiful trophy.
That earned the 29-year-old athlete qualification to the France Grand Prix in 2022 but out of the huge numbers, she placed a respectable ninth position.
That was, however, not her biggest disappointment. Failure to qualify to the Paralympics 2024 championship via the regular route still hunts her.
In all that she has achieved in the sport, the support she keeps enjoying from officials, family, coach and fans has kept her at the top.
“For my family, I am grateful to them. They were initially against it but now they are convinced I am on the right path. Through para taekwondo, I have travelled to Accra, France, Niger, Senegal and still going,” she remarked.
“The Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) board spearheaded by Mr Frederick Lartey Otu, a Chief Revenue Officer with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the para taekwondo sub-committee chaired by Rev. Samuel Annor cannot be left out. They have played instrumental roles in my development,” she added.
For the future, she sees it as quite encouraging although she would quit to marry her sweetheart at some point and focus on family life.
In her view, sports financing has been left on the shoulders of individuals like the various federation heads and that is not good enough.
For her fellow disabled, Kyeremaa believes there is so much they can do to stay relevant in order to make them useful to the society.
“Until I started taekwondo, I didn’t know sports accommodates people with disabilities. The same thing is happening with other disciplines so I want to encourage other disabled people to engage in sports. They should identify the discipline with interest and get on board,” she noted.
“So, instead of making themselves burdens on society and families, they should strive to do something positive with their lives because disability must not mean the end of the world for them.”
By Andrew Nortey
Every morning begins the same way for Edwina Anokye-Bempah, with quiet devotion. It is her grounding ritual, a moment of reflection and gratitude before she steps into the dynamic, often unpredictable world of real estate brokerage.
By the time she arrives at the office, she has already set the tone for her day. She reviews the previous day’s tasks, checks what was accomplished and what still needs attention, and then drafts a new to-do list. For her, success is rooted in deliberate planning, discipline, and the commitment to follow through.
Today, Edwina stands out as one of Ghana’s promising real estate brokers, but she is also clear about the distinctions within her field. While many people casually use the term ‘realtor,’ she is quick to explain that only professionals registered with the National Association of Realtors can claim that title.
“Since I am not registered with the association, I am a real estate broker,” she says. It is a role she embraces wholeheartedly, facilitating transactions, connecting buyers and sellers, and ensuring clarity and integrity at every step.
Her journey into the industry took shape at MeQasa, an online platform dedicated solely to real estate. The platform exposed her to developers, agents, and the complexities of property transactions. She worked closely with developers and observed one recurring problem: clients often complained about agents who failed to respond, follow up, or provide accurate information.
With her background in sales and marketing, Edwina felt naturally drawn to the field. It was an industry where she believed she could make a meaningful, positive impact. Real estate, she came to learn, is far more than brick and mortar. It is about helping people secure one of the most important investments of their lives. This understanding shapes every decision she makes.
One of the most challenging tasks in her work is qualifying clients.
“A serious buyer must be willing, ready and able,” she explains. When one of these three qualities is missing, the transaction is likely to stall or collapse entirely.
On the seller’s side, due diligence is equally critical. Ownership disputes, land fraud, and unclear documentation remain some of the biggest risks in Ghana’s real estate sector.
Edwina understands the weight of the responsibility she carries. “The money involved is huge. These are people’s lifetime savings. Most people buy one home or maybe two in their entire lives. You cannot afford to make a mistake.”
Working in what many describe as a male-dominated field has never intimidated her. With an MBA in Marketing and extensive experience in sales roles including a stint as an Account Manager in an advertising agency, she has grown comfortable handling clients, negotiating deals, and presenting herself with confidence.
“My gender has never discouraged me,” she says. “What matters is hard work and ensuring that the client’s needs were met.”
The only occasional challenge, she admits, was maintaining professional boundaries when some men attempt to be overly familiar. Her solution is simple: stay professional and do not over-familiarise yourself with clients.
Her educational journey started in Kumasi, followed by Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School, where she studied Agricultural Science. She continued the same at the University of Ghana before pursuing her master’s degree. After university, she worked on her uncle’s poultry farm before moving into advertising. Later, her role at MeQasa finally opened the door to the career she had long been unknowingly preparing for.
Over the years, Edwina has built a reputation not only for competence but also for care. She recalls one client in particular, an older man relocating to Ghana with no family in the country. After helping him secure two homes, she became the closest person he could rely on. One evening at around 8 p.m., he called to say he felt unwell. Without hesitation, she drove to his home and rushed him to the hospital. Doctors later told her that any delay could have been fatal.
For Edwina, that moment affirmed that the job goes far beyond selling property. “It doesn’t end with the sale,” she says. “You have to look out for people.”
Her influence also extends to younger people observing her journey. She is known for her tenacity, her refusal to give up on clients or tasks, and her resilience in the face of challenges. Those who work around her learn to push forward regardless of setbacks.
“If a deal doesn’t go as expected, you don’t look back. You find a way.”
Beyond real estate, Edwina serves as an interpreter in her church, a role that dramatically boosted her confidence. What began with trembling legs has evolved into a boldness that reflects in her public speaking and client interactions. She credits her growth to God, her senior pastor, her mother, siblings, friends, and her dedicated team — “an amazing circle,” she calls them.
Today, she is also a partner in a showroom business dealing in vanity units, sanitary wares, and tiles, an extension of her real estate insight and experience.
For young people aspiring to join the industry, her advice is clear: “Learn the industry beyond selling. Understand transactions, build strong relationships, and always do your due diligence.”
For Edwina Anokye-Bempah, real estate is more than business; it is trust, service, and impact, one client at a time.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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From the age of five, Daniel Nana Kwesi Kakra Debrah has lived a life surrounded by rhythm, harmony, and the quiet pulse of music. Growing up in a home where instruments filled corners and rehearsals were as normal as conversation, Daniel’s first teachers were not in formal classrooms—they were the sounds, movements, and discipline he absorbed from his father, a committed church musician.
Ironically, music was not Daniel’s first dream. Like many young boys, he once hoped to become a professional footballer. But an injury from a school match left him unable to walk for three months, forcing him to retire that ambition. What seemed like a tragedy at the time became the turning point that aligned him with the path he was always meant to follow.
Daniel’s earliest musical expression began in church. As a boy in Sunday School, he eagerly ‘pounded’ the drums, quickly becoming known as the child who never missed an opportunity to play. Even in Senior High School (SHS), although many of his classmates were unaware of his talent, he continued practising quietly until completing school in 2005.
After SHS, Daniel joined a church music class with the intention of growing as a drummer, but one moment changed everything. Watching a bass guitarist perform stirred something in him. Drawn to the deep, steady tones of the bass, he persuaded a friend to teach him the basics. With no instrument of his own, Daniel practised at home using a broken guitar for more than eight months.
Then destiny intervened. The church’s lead bassist was suddenly suspended, and Daniel stepped in voluntarily during an evening service. That temporary voluntary act became permanent as he was asked by the then Music Director to fill in the gap. From that point, he embraced the bass guitar fully—a decision that defined the rest of his life.
Around 2006, Daniel made a life-changing decision to take his craft seriously. He began practising for hours on end, sometimes up to eight hours a day, often without food, locked away from family and friends, perfecting techniques and expanding his creativity. While others assumed he was outdoors socialising, Daniel was indoors sharpening his gift.
His breakthrough came in 2007 when he performed in the TV3 Bands Alive competition. The exposure, applause, and feedback confirmed his dream: “music was not just a passion; it was his calling,” he said.
With time, Daniel moved confidently into the professional space. He performed at studio sessions, live concerts, weddings, church events, and high-profile national programmes. His talent, discipline, and reliability earned him a reputation that continues to attract respected gospel artistes.
Today, he works closely with Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Chris Apau, and Israel Ofori, who have been of immense help to his career ministry. He also collaborates with several ministries and offers support with musical arrangements, live performances, and studio recordings.
Beyond the stage, Daniel sees himself as a mentor. Many young musicians reach out to him, some visiting in person, others calling for guidance. Whether through hands-on training or virtual coaching, he is always ready to teach. For Daniel, music is not just technique; it is character, discipline, and values. He believes a musician must carry integrity both on and off stage.
Like many musicians in Ghana, Daniel has faced challenges with delayed payments and broken agreements. These experiences have taught him to value professionalism. He now insists on part payment upfront and charges more for his services, a decision grounded in self-respect and fairness.
Daniel’s journey in music has been shaped by various individuals who have supported him at different stages of his career. He acknowledged Opoku Agyeman Sanaa, Kofi Ennin, Andrew Klu, Mr. Samuel Abbey, Mr. Samuel Sarpong Agyei, Paul Quartey, Mr. Nene Emmanuel, and Mr. Isaac Asiedu, saying that their belief in him continues to inspire his journey.
Daniel’s work is guided by his Christian faith. He sees music as ministry, not merely entertainment. Off stage, he is a devoted family man—a husband and father of two, a boy and a girl, who have also started playing musical instruments. During his leisure time, he listens to music, or plays football and action video games.
Through his acts of service and unwavering determination, Daniel continues to inspire others, proving that when passion meets integrity, ordinary men impact the lives of others.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
