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Nana Barimah Kofi Bio II driving innovation in Kobriso Akyem Abuakwa

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• Nana Barimah Kofi Bio II
• Nana Barimah Kofi Bio II

Nana Barimah Kofi Bio II, is a visionary leader, a true developmental king whose relentless drive for innovation and sustainable growth, has reshaped the community of Kobriso Akyem Abuakwa in the Eastern Region.

For the past nine years, Nana Barimah Kofi Bio II has defined lead­ership with impact by taking upon himself to support the community and its environs under the Kyebi Kingdom in the Eastern Region.

This vision and passion to help the community to make life com­fortable for the needy and under­privileged led to the establishment of the Kofi Bio Foundation.

The Kofi Bio Foundation, is a non-governmental organisation that was established in 2023 to support the less privileged and promote developmental works in Akyem Kobriso.

Nana Kofi Bio II rose to the throne as the Paramount Chief of Kobriso in Akyem Abuakwa after an instal­lation ceremony supervised by the Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, on October 3, 2016.

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He took over from the late Nana Kwaku Bio I.

Known in private life as Mr Isaac Bempong, Nana Kweku Bio II is inspired by the thought of serving his community and fostering growth and development in Akyem Kobriso.

“I believe in kindness and being compassionate. I dedicate my life to making a positive impact in the community and its environs,” he told The Spectator in Accra on Monday.

Nana stated that the develop­ment is not just about economic growth but empowering people, bridging gaps and building resilient systems for the future.

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Nana Bio II did not however have it all rosy growing up. He endured very difficult and harsh conditions and his parents, who had the going tough made him drop out of school at the Junior High School (JSS) stage at the LA government school in Akyem.

He later moved to Nigeria in 2002 to do business, but that did not go out well. This made him return to Accra in 2003 to sell polythene bags and he became a driver’s mate for about three years.

“I decided to come back home because it seems everything just didn’t go well with me. After that, I joined the older folks in my hometown to do farming and petty trading.”

However, my coming back home proved to be the masterstroke as I was nominated by the family to be king for the area.

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Nana Bio II now describes himself as a farmer and a businessman who is doing so well and wants to give back to the society because he didn’t get that opportunity.

“My motive is to help people and communities since we can’t leave it all on the government. I have initiated some of the projects at Akwatia, Kade, Asamankese and Osenase” he told this Reporter.

Nana is personally paying for the school fees of a lot of people through the Kofi Bio Educational Trust Fund which has awarded scholarships to 10 brilliant but needy students in the community.

Currently, he is constructing an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre to em­power the youth interested in ICT programmes.

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In addition to that, Nana is currently building a three class­room block for the community to complement the few schools in the area.

Stretching his philanthropic work to other sectors, the Nana Kofi BIO Foundation donated furniture and other logistics to the Com­mander-in-Chief of the Akwatia Police Station.

Also to his credit is a market place constructed at Kobriso to help women trade with ease.

At the Ose­nase Health Centre in the Eastern Region for instance, the foundation paid hospital bills for patients and also constructed washrooms for staff of the health centre.

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For tourism, the Pram Water Falls in Kobriso will serve as a tourist site to create a source of income to the community and also train the youth to become guides to support the project.

For his future aspirations, Nana Kofi Bio promises to redevelop roads in Kobriso so that people can travel easily, adding that Kobriso will be a landmark area of world tourism, because of its rich culture and tourist sites.

Born in Kade to Mr Emmanuel Amoah and Hannah Atiriwaa, Nana Bio II is the fifth among six siblings. After a hard day’s work, Barimah Kofi Bio II prefers to take a walk and tell stories to children.

By Linda Abrefi Wadie

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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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