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Prisca Abah: Ghana’s modelling powerhouse
Ghanaian model, philanthropist and advocate, Prisca Abah, who is known for her contributions to the fashion industry, is strutting her stuff on higher levels.
She was recently selected as one of the models for the Big8 Girls Project, an initiative by Clinton Samuel to celebrate influential African models.
The project consisted of three episodes: the Bio Shoot which highlighted Abah’s professionalism through a corporate-themed photoshoot; Afrodeity which focused on showcasing her confidence and artistry, celebrating the African divine feminine and royalty which presented Abah as a symbol of African cultural pride, embodying strength and elegance.
The Big8 concept, produced by Clinton Samuel, intentionally highlights and celebrates the strongest and most influential models on the African continent, congratulating their steadfastness and contributions to the African fashion industry, even as they grind and win in other aspects of life.
The Big8 sets hierarchy and high standards in the African fashion and modelling industry, crowning eight of them with the ‘Top Model’ status as the leading female models in Ghana at the moment.
“Working with these fiery women will surely ignite more creative minds and stir the pot of positive competition,” said Clinton.
Abah’s early life and career
Prisca Abah began her modelling career in 2013, achieving her first notable milestone in 2014 with an editorial shoot for 5-Star International Modelling Agency. In 2015, she made her runway debut at the Ghana Fashion Awards.
From 2016 to 2018, Abah participated in major African fashion events such as Glitz Africa Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg, and Rhythms on the Runway.
During this period, she received accolades, including the “Best Female Model of the Year” and spoke as a UN Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 12 at the Sustainable Rice Platform Conference.
International recognition and pageantry
In 2022, Abah expanded her reach by entering the pageantry world. She placed as the first runner- up at the Beauty of Africa International Pageant and represented Ghana at the Miss Globe World Finals, where she earned the title of Miss Globe Africa 2022.
Philanthropy
Abah founded the Palins Foundation, a non-profit organisation, aimed at empowering women and youth through initiatives in education, skills training, and personal development.
Awards and collaborations
In 2023, Abah received the Best Model of the Year award at the Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards. She has collaborated with leading designers such as Charlotte Prive and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, further solidifying her influence in African fashion.
Legacy
Prisca Abah is recognised not only for her contributions to the fashion industry but also for her philanthropic efforts. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young Africans, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while giving back to society.
By Edem Mensah Tsortorme
For Mrs. Patience Antonio, founder of the Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI), women’s empowerment is more than a popular phrase; it is a lifelong mission to help women rediscover their strength, purpose, and voice. Her journey has been shaped by years of advocacy, research, and field experience working with women and children across Ghana.
Her words carry both compassion and conviction as she reflects on the state of women in society. “We can’t keep talking about women’s empowerment when we don’t protect and support them,” she says gently. “Many women are struggling in silence, carrying heavy emotional and financial burdens. Real empowerment must build the woman from within so she can rebuild her family and her community.”
That conviction led to the establishment of the Women’s Leadership Development Institute, a training and mentorship hub designed to nurture women into strong, self-aware leaders. The Institute focuses on transforming women at all stages of life through a three-level training model that blends leadership education with practical life skills.
At the first level, WLDI works with professional and career women, including those already occupying leadership or administrative positions but seeking growth, balance, and renewed confidence. Mrs. Antonio believes that leadership begins with personal transformation. “Many professional women face burnout because they carry multiple responsibilities at work and at home,” she explains. “Our training helps them rediscover balance, develop emotional intelligence, and strengthen their leadership capacity.”
The second level targets women in business and entrepreneurship. These are the women who, despite limited resources, are running shops, farms, and small enterprises across Ghana. “We want to highlight women who are already leading their own businesses,” she says. “They are the silent engines of our economy. With the right mentorship, they can scale their ventures, manage finances prudently, and create job opportunities for others.”
To Mrs. Antonio, however, the third level is the most crucial—the empowerment of grassroots women. These include market women, small-scale traders, and women in the informal sector. She describes them as “the backbone of the economy but also the most neglected.”
“From our research, many social challenges we face as a country stem from this group,” she notes. “Some of these women struggle to provide for their children, leading to issues like streetism and unstable families. Others fall repeatedly into unhealthy relationships because they lack self-awareness and support. When we empower them with knowledge, discipline, and self-leadership, we strengthen the very foundation of society.”
Beyond personal and economic empowerment, the Institute also pays attention to community wellbeing. WLDI has been active in mobilising women to address sanitation and health issues in local markets. “Women are central to community hygiene and food safety,” Mrs. Antonio explains. “By educating market women on health and sanitation, we create cleaner, safer spaces for everyone.”
Her work is not limited to adult women. Mrs. Antonio’s vision extends to youth leadership, particularly among young women. She believes that grooming must begin early if the nation hopes to produce visionary leaders. “Leadership should not start when people are old,” she insists. “It should begin with discipline, values, and mentorship from a young age. We must prepare the next generation now, not later.”
Through her work at WLDI, Mrs. Antonio continues to advocate for policies and social systems that recognise women’s contributions at all levels, from the marketplace to the boardroom. She often reminds participants that empowerment is not about competition with men but collaboration for societal growth.
Her life’s mission is deeply rooted in her belief that when women grow, the ripple effects are felt in every home and community. “When a woman grows, a family grows,” she says with a smile. “And when families grow, nations become stronger.”
She also believes that national development demands inclusive leadership. WLDI therefore seeks to build a database of trained women across various sectors, ready for leadership roles, appointments, board representation, and decision-making platforms. She is convinced that when women are empowered to lead in homes, communities, workplaces, and public spaces, the ripple effect is stronger families, better societies, and a progressive nation.
Mrs. Patience Antonio is a wife, mother, transformational speaker, leadership advocate, and mentor who has spent years championing the growth and holistic development of women and youth. Her vision has touched lives in homes, churches, institutions, and professional spaces. She is married with three children and loves reading.
By Jemima Esinam 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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