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Lilian Sally Addo – championing the UN agenda among Ghanaian youth

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Lilian Sally Addo is the Country head of the United Nations Youth Association Ghana (UNYA) and her drive to ensuring the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is highly commendable and impactful to the nation.

She is spearheading the affairs and the role of the youth in nation building and making a collaborative effort to help achieve the Resolution 2250 set by the United Nations.

Ms Lilian is using her energy and a resilience to canvass youth across the nation to help maintain peace and security, which was in line with the UN Resolution 2250, as the thematic resolution that deals with the topic of youth from an international peace and security perspective.

The indefatigable lady has championed the association’s goals to be an ardent campaigner for the United Nations objectives here in Ghana in setting an example of youth leadership to maintain peace and security within the nation.

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The Spectator exclusively interviewed this promising Country Head last week to discuss the measures put in place by her to make the association a very impactful or vibrant both locally and internationally.

Background/ Education

Ms Lilian hails from Winneba in the Central Region, but was born in Accra to Mr James Addo, a retired police officer cum farmer and Mrs Theodora Addo, a retired nurse.

 Lilian schooled at New Hope Preparatory School and St. Mary’s Basic Schools, all at Korle-Bu, a suburb of Accra, and later proceeded to Mfantsiman Girls’ Secondary School, in the Central Region in 1992, where she read General Arts and completed in 1994.

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Initially having a passion to be an air hostess, the visionary lady decided to pursue a bilingual course at Alliance Française and the Ghana Institute of Languages to enhance her proficiency in French and Spanish.

Her dream for becoming an air hostess did not materialise, when her parents “thwarted” the idea  thus making her delve into Information Technology where she studied and earned an Associate Degree in  Management Information System from the Institute for the Management of Information Systems, in the United Kingdom, from 1996 to 1998.

Ms Addo later came back to Ghana and worked at the Standard Chartered Bank, Accra High Street, for a short time.

To add value to herself, she further acquired professional certificates in Local and Wide Area Network (LAN), and (WAN) and Network Topology from Systems Communications Network Institute in the United Kingdom.

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Later in life, Lilian aspired to be a lawyer so she read Paralegal Studies at Kaplan University, Davenport, Iowa, in the United States of America in 2012.

“I have love for entertainment so I wanted to be an entertainment lawyer so in 2012 to 2015, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business Management at Fullsail University at Florida in the United States,” she said.

In quest for more academic achievement, she proceeded to read Master of Science in Legal Studies at the Washington University in St. Loius (School of Law), Missouri, USA, and is currently reading a doctorate degree in Leadership and Business Management at Capella University in Minneapolis Minnesota, USA.

Academic Awards

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This “never say never” lady received a President’s Honour List for obtaining a 3.96 grade point in February 2010 term during her studies at Kaplan University, and again received a President’s Honour List for obtaining a 3.96 grade point in April 2009 term at the same university.

Since hard work pays, Lillian again received a Dean’s Honour List for earning a 3.96 grade point for September 2009 term at Kaplan University, and repeated the same record for obtaining 3.96 grade point in July 2010 term at the same school.

Careers/ Professional Achievements

Her zeal for making a remarkable impact on individuals has made her find herself doing multiple jobs.

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Ms Lilian is the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Entertainment and Events Management Limited and is also the CEO of Creative Hi-Tech Solutions.

Also Lilian is the founder and president of the Humanitarian Reach-out Foundation, a non- governmental organisation.

While in the United States, she attended a nursing school and worked as a nurse Aide in the hospital.

According to the hardworking lady, she has done businesses across Africa, Asia and the Americas.

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 “I have trained and managed talents from cultural performers through models and artistes with my company, Creative Entertainment and Events (formerly Riclils Entertainment) and have done fulfilling works with my humanitarian work,” she revealed.

The Zeal for United Nations

She stated that her involvement in the United Nations came into light when she met a group of UN volunteers and they approached her to champion the cause of mobilising the youth to have a louder voice in fulfilling the Resolution 2250.

After accepting the offer, she built a strong UN administration and developed a team out of it in all the current 16 regions of Ghana by going on a national tour to build affiliations.

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According to the Country Head, she went to the United Nation’s Headquarters to find out more about strengthening and forming a formidable association under the UN.

“I have attended many conferences organised by the UN and exposed more youths in Ghana to participate in more UN programmes both in Ghana and abroad.

Ms Lilian together with her team has formed a youth parliament with 275 Members of Parliament to advocate the affairs of the association.

Advice to Youth

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The rice and kontomire lover admonished the youth to desist from peer pressure and stop living fake lives on social media, because the lifestyle of some youth negatively impacts others.

“The youth must identify their God-given talents, submit to authorities and guidance, and stay focused with the fear of God, which is the only lead-way to success”, she cautioned.

By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah

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Edwina Anokye-Bempah Redefining Trust in Ghana’s Real Estate Landscape

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Edwina Anokye-Bempah
Edwina Anokye-Bempah

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.

Edwina at a site

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.

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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.

• Edwina interpreting at church
Edwina at a warehouse

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.”

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Edwina Anokye-Bempah

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.

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“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.”

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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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How a Collapsed Dream Birthed Another: Daniel Debrah’s Music Journey

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Daniel
Daniel

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.

Daniel playing at the Nsawam Prison

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.

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Daniel playing the base guitar

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.

Daniel and his band playing at church

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.

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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

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