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Peter Nkansah Wiafe: Fashioning inclusivity with creativity and purpose
For Peter Nkansah Wiafe, fashion is more than fabric, thread, and stitches. It is a calling to solve problems and make a difference.
Over the past four years, the young Ghanaian designer has been using his creative skills not only to build a thriving career but also to touch the lives of people often overlooked by mainstream society.
Through his flagship initiative, Fashion for Special People, Peter has dedicated himself to designing clothes and creating inclusive fashion experiences for children and young people with special needs, including students from schools for the Deaf and the Blind.
In an interview with The Spectator in Accra New Town, on Monday, he was of the view that fashion is not just about beauty, glamour, or trends; it is a basic human necessity, just as important as food.
“Without designers, we are nothing,” he says with conviction. “Everyone wears clothes every day, and everyone deserves to feel good in what they wear. These children deserve that dignity, too.”
Fashion for special people started as a simple idea and as a tool to bring joy, confidence, and empowerment to children with disabilities.
It began as annual visits to the Dzorwulu Special School to design clothes and stage mini fashion shows. It has grown into a broader movement.
Beyond creating garments, Peter and his team also teach basic skills such as modeling, hand-weaving, and introductory sewing. “We don’t just dress them,” he explains.
“Modeling helps them gain confidence. Hand-weaving and sewing give them practical knowledge. It is about inclusion, empowerment, and proving that they are capable.”
The initiative has been running consistently for four years. This November, it will extend to the Akropong School for the Blind.
“The first time we went to take their measurements, I was amazed, “they walked confidently by following sound. Watching them was inspiring. I can’t wait to see them on the runway, and I believe the audience will be just as inspired,” he said.
Roots and education
Peter’s passion is rooted in his upbringing. Born into a family of six, he is the second child, of four children. He completed St. Peter’s Junior High School in 2004 and St. Peter’s Secondary School in 2007 before pursuing Sales and Marketing Management at Ho Technical University between 2010 and 2013.
After national service in 2014, he worked at Assemblies of God Printing Press and later in insurance, building a career in sales.
On paper, nothing in his educational journey pointed toward fashion. But his inspiration had been quietly growing since childhood.
This early influence deepened during his nine years as a professional model. While studying at Ho Technical University, he modeled for the fashion department and was often backstage watching designers bring creations to life.
Later, he joined professional modelling agencies, walking runways for numerous designers and gaining exposure at major shows such as Glitz Fashion Week and Global Fashion Week.
Training and transition
In 2020, Peter enrolled at Riohs College of Design for a six-month fashion course.
It was a turning point. Balancing his corporate job with evening classes was difficult, so he resigned to fully commit.
After completing his course, he was invited back as an assistant instructor. Within a year, he was promoted to full instructor, and today he serves as Head of Instructors, mentoring aspiring designers and shaping the next generation of fashion talent.
Among his career highlights, Peter’s graduation collection was selected out of 150 students for the runway at Glitz Africa Fashion Week, one of the continent’s premier fashion events.
Since then, he has showcased his collections at multiple platforms, steadily building his reputation in the industry.
Truly Black
Peter’s brand, Truly Black, carries deep personal meaning. During his modelling career, he was nicknamed “Nana Black” because of his rich dark complexion.
“I am proudly African and proudly Black. My complexion, my heritage, it’s all part of who I am. That’s why I chose Truly Black as my brand name. It celebrates authenticity and strength.”
Challenges and resilience
Like many social projects, Fashion for Special People faces significant challenges, especially funding. Sponsorships are difficult to secure, leaving Peter to rely largely on personal resources and the goodwill of fellow designers he has trained or worked with.
He stressed the importance of collaboration. “I can’t do this alone. That is why I reach out to other designers, and thankfully, many have been willing to help.”
Vision
Looking ahead, Peter hopes to expand Fashion for Special People into a larger non-governmental organisation that reaches more communities across Ghana.
His dream is to create a sustainable model that combines fashion education, skills training, and empowerment for people with disabilities.
For Peter Nkansah Wiafe, fashion is not just a career, it is a language of empowerment, dignity, and transformation.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah: blending banking, politics, and philanthropy to create lasting impact
In a world where leadership often bends to convenience, Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah stands tall as a woman of purpose, resilience, and integrity.
A distinguished Ghanaian banker, politician, and philanthropist, her journey is a shining example of how dedication, education, and compassion can blend to create lasting impact.
Currently serving as the Head of Strategic Sector Development (ICT Focus) at the Development Bank Ghana (DBG), Dr Wurah is championing the growth of Ghana’s digital economy.
Her role focuses on identifying and supporting bankable ICT projects through strategic partnerships with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), ecosystem enablers, and policymakers. Her work advances DBG’s mission to promote inclusive growth, innovation, and job creation through digital transformation — a vision she pursues with clarity and conviction.
Before joining DBG, Dr Wurah made remarkable contributions to the financial sector during her 11-year tenure at Société Générale Ghana, where she served as a Relationship Manager in the Retail Banking Division.
She managed a diverse portfolio of clients, helping to expand financial inclusion and strengthen customer relationships. Her career at Société Générale reflected her firm belief that banking is not merely about transactions but about trust and empowerment.
Dr Wurah’s success story is grounded in her impressive academic achievements. She holds a Doctorate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from OTMH Qualifications, UK, awarded through Marshalls University College, Ghana.
She also holds an MBA in Marketing, a BSc in Marketing, and several professional certifications — all of which underscore her lifelong commitment to learning and leadership excellence.
At her recent graduation, she was honoured with two prestigious distinctions — the Leadership and Organisational Performance Excellence Award and the Resilience and Perseverance Award. These recognitions celebrated not only her academic brilliance but also her determination and strength of character, qualities that continue to define her professional and personal life.
Beyond her thriving career in banking, Dr Wurah is also actively involved in politics, where she channels her passion for leadership, governance, and national development. She believes that politics, when rooted in integrity and service, can be a powerful platform for positive change.
Her philanthropic work is equally inspiring. Deeply committed to empowering young people, particularly women, Dr Wurah encourages them to pursue education and self-belief as tools for transformation.
She mentors many young women, guiding them to discover their potential and purpose in a world that often tells them otherwise.
Away from work, Dr Wurah describes herself as a lover of life. She enjoys reading, singing, and making others happy — a reflection of her belief that joy and kindness lie at the heart of meaningful living.
Her popular personal mantra, #Dey4WhoDey4You, speaks volumes about her loyalty and authenticity — qualities that have endeared her to many.
A proud Ghanaian with roots in both the Volta and Eastern Regions, Dr Wurah embodies optimism, strength, and grace. Her vibrant personality and unwavering determination continue to inspire those around her to dream bigger, serve better, and lead with heart.
Dr Lawrencia Abena Wurah is more than a banker or politician — she is a symbol of possibility, proving that with resilience, purpose, and compassion, one can build bridges between personal success and national progress.
By Edem Mensah Tsortorme
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Serving Humanity with Love, Humility, and Integrity …The story of Hajia nadia abbas alhassan iv
In a time when communities yearn for authentic leadership grounded in compassion and purpose, one name has steadily risen to embody the promise of renewal — Hajia nadia abbas alhassan iv
To many, she is more than a personality; she is a movement. To the youth, a source of inspiration; to women, a voice of courage; and to society, a symbol of service anchored in divine calling.
For Nadia, leadership is not an ambition born of politics but a calling from the heart, one she describes as a divine mandate to serve humanity with love, humility, and integrity.
“It is a calling from the divine; putting smiles on people’s faces gives me internal joy,” she says.
This philosophy has shaped her journey from grassroots advocacy to a broader mission of empowerment — particularly among women and young people. Her life is a testament that true leadership begins not with titles, but with service.
Those who know Nadia describe her as a leader of quiet strength — one who acts more than she speaks and listens before she leads. Her influence grew organically through community work, where she devoted herself to addressing everyday struggles, from mentoring young girls to supporting widows and championing education in underserved areas.
Nadia believes leadership should emerge from empathy, saying,
“A true leader must first understand pain; you cannot lead people you don’t listen to.”
Her commitment to servant leadership is reflected in her philosophy: to lead is to serve, not to rule. She consistently advocates for leadership models rooted in compassion rather than competition, believing that the true measure of power lies in how much good it can achieve.
Women and Youth Empowerment
Women’s empowerment stands at the core of Nadia’s mission. Through mentorship, advocacy, and community initiatives, she has worked to uplift women and young girls, encouraging them to see beyond limitations and societal barriers.
She insists that empowering women is not just a moral duty but a necessity for national development.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a generation,” she often says.
Her approach blends mentorship with practical support, ensuring that women gain not only confidence but also opportunities. Her campaigns have emphasised education for girls, entrepreneurship for women, and protection for the vulnerable. She has called on society to rethink how it values women — urging both men and women to become partners in progress rather than opponents in struggle.
Equally passionate about the youth, Nadia describes young people as “the heartbeat of change.” Her initiatives focus on nurturing their talents, guiding them toward purpose-driven careers, and instilling values of discipline and self-belief.
“We must create systems that help young people discover who they are and what they can contribute,” she says.
Her mentorship programmes focus on leadership training, community service, and personal development — turning potential into performance.
A Life of Compassion and Faith
Nadia’s story is also one of compassion in action. Beyond public appearances and advocacy, she is known for her quiet acts of kindness — supporting the sick, helping orphans, and standing with families in crisis.
Her leadership is deeply spiritual. To her, service to humanity is service to God.
“Love knows no boundaries; it sees no colour, creed, or status. It embraces all and seeks the good in every person,” she says.
This universal message of love and unity defines her worldview. She believes society can only progress when grounded in empathy and mutual respect.
For Nadia, protecting people’s dignity is non-negotiable. She has often spoken against corruption, discrimination, and all forms of social injustice.
“To protect is not merely to defend,” she explains, “but to ensure that every person can live in dignity and safety.”
She describes her work as a divine mandate — a call to embody compassion in leadership. To her, faith and service are inseparable; leadership must be guided by moral conviction and divine purpose.
“Nadia Season” — A Movement of Hope
Her supporters call this moment “Nadia Season” — a symbolic expression of renewed hope and collective awakening. It is less about politics and more about purpose; less about power and more about people.
She envisions a society where leadership is measured not by how loudly one speaks, but by how faithfully one serves.
“This is no longer a time for empty promises,” she says. “It is a time for proven purpose — for unity, compassion, and results.”
Hajia Nadia Abass Abubakar’s journey is still unfolding, but her impact is already being felt. She has inspired a generation to see leadership through the lens of service.
Her philosophy of love, equality, and compassion resonates deeply with those who believe in a better Ghana and a more humane world.
Her story is not just about one woman’s ambition but about a people’s awakening — a reminder that leadership is not inherited, but earned through service.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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