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Raising disciples, and families …Mission of Rev. Dr Kisseadoo’s Fruitful Ministry Int’l
In Ghana’s Christian community and beyond, Rev. Dr Samuel Kisseadoo has become a household name for his practical teachings on marriage, parenting, and relationships.
For more than five decades, he has served as an Evangelist, Preacher, Writer, Counselor, and Teacher, raising a generation of believers whose lives bear testimony to his influence.
Born in Ghana, Dr Kisseadoo’s ministry journey began as early as 1969, during his secondary school days.
With a burden to share the gospel, he began preaching in schools, training colleges, fellowships, and churches across the country.
By the time he left for further studies abroad in 1993, he had already ministered in more than 85 secondary schools, witnessing mass conversions and altar calls.
But as he recalls, his concern soon shifted. “I was getting fed up with too many decisions and few disciples,” he said, drawing inspiration from Acts 20:20, which emphasises both public proclamation and personal connection.
This principle-often referred to as the 20/20 vision of the church-shaped the foundation of his ministry: bold public teaching, paired with intimate discipleship through personal touch and attention.
Dr Kisseadoo furthered his studies in the United States, earning his Ph.D. in New York in 1993. While in Holland and later America, he combined academic pursuits with active ministry, teaching and counseling both students and church groups.
In 1994, after years of shaping lives abroad, he returned home to Ghana, where his ministry took on a national dimension.
In 1999, Dr Kisseadoo’s teachings on Joy FM-particularly his frank discussions on marriage, family, and relationships— drew national attention. His programme resonated deeply with listeners, sparking requests for organised teachings and counseling sessions.
Speaking to The Spectator in an Accra, he said this led to the founding of Fruitful Ministries International, which was officially inaugurated on December 30, 2000, with over 400 participants in attendance despite Accra being choked with jubilant crowds celebrating the election of President John Agyekum Kufuor that same day.
He mentioned that Fruitful Ministries quickly grew into an international organisation, with 21 chapters in Ghana and abroad, structured around five objectives: evangelism, discipleship, prayer and empowerment, leadership development, family, marriage, and relationships.
Its motto, “Family Excellence,” and its theme verse, John 15:16-“I chose you to go and bear fruit that abides”-reflect its central vision: to nurture strong families that produce lasting impact.
“Today the ministry operates in two major zones- the southern zone with 13 chapters and the northern zone with 12 chapters with 36 platforms, ensuring its impact continues to multiply,” he said.
Dr Kisseadoo’s passion for family life and women’s empowerment is rooted in his upbringing. Losing his father at 12, he was raised by a devoted single mother whose resilience left a lasting imprint. “If I had GH¢100 in school, the first thing I would do was buy a gift for my mother,” he recalls.
That love and compassion deepened during his campus ministry days at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he frequently ministered to female students.
His early experiences convinced him that strengthening women, mothers, and families was vital to building a healthier society. “When God came to save humanity, He went to Mary, not Joseph,” he often says, underscoring women’s unique role in nurturing life.
Through initiatives like the Fruitful Ministries Club at Accra Girls Senior High School, hundreds of young women have been trained since 2006 in excellence, character, and preparation for future motherhood and leadership. Graduating students are awarded certificates, affirming their transformation into future pillars of society.
For more than two decades, Dr Kisseadoo has hosted “Hope for Your Family” on Joy 99.7 FM, airing every Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m.
The broadcast has become a lifeline for families seeking guidance on marriage, parenting, and personal development.
He is also a prolific author, having published 32 books covering topics from discipleship to marriage and conflict resolution. His articles have appeared in both local and international publications, extending his reach far beyond the pulpit.
Whether speaking to large crowds, counseling couples, or addressing young people, Dr Kisseadoo’s teachings remain practical and down-to-earth.
He tackles sensitive issues like sexuality, financial management in marriage, conflict resolution, and parenting with courage and clarity.
“No matter who you are, everything comes back to the home,” he insists. “Your lifestyle at home defines the person you present to the world,” Rev Kisseadoo stated.
He mentioned that despite its growth, Fruitful Ministries faces ongoing challenges. From limited office space to resource constraints, sustaining its operations has not been easy.
According to him, there is also the misconception that, because its founder resides in the United States of America (USA), the ministry was well-funded-a notion far from reality. Recruiting and retaining committed workers has also proven difficult.
But Dr Kisseadoo remains undeterred. “We don’t just want people to go to heaven, we want them to be useful on earth as well,” he said.
Today, Rev. Dr Samuel Kisseadoo is celebrated not only as a preacher but also as a mentor, writer, and counselor whose ministry has raised disciples, leaders, and families across Ghana and the diaspora.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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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Ohemea Odiasempa Abena Ayeba Okani I, known in private life as Mrs Susan Essilfie, is a woman of many parts-a royal, a mother, an entrepreneur, a sports enthusiast, and above all, a symbol of resilience. Her life story weaves together the threads of tradition, business, service, and personal strength, making her one of the most dynamic figures within her community and beyond.
Her roots in royalty run deep. Born into royal household, her late father served as one of the chiefs, and by lineage, her destiny was tied to leadership and service.
Yet, her elevation to the stool was not just about tradition-it was about her willingness to serve.
Speaking to The Spectator at her residence at Spintex in Accra, Ohemea Okani I of Adukrom Akuapim, recalled one of the uncles in her royal family emphasised the importance of sustaining their heritage and supporting their people.
For her, stepping into that responsibility was considered an honourable calling.
She stated that the role of a Queen mother was not ceremonial but rather carries a lot of weight: the discipline to uphold values, the responsibility to guide the youth, and the obligation to contribute to development.
She believes that Queen mothers were meant to safeguard livelihoods, encourage progress, and serve as role models in their communities.
“The main aim is to support the township, especially in youth development,” she notes.
She however admitted that the role comes with challenges, particularly financial, as many traditional leaders were not on formal payrolls.
Ohemea Okani I said without an independent source of income, it can be difficult to fulfill these duties effectively.
That is where her entrepreneurial skills and strength shines. Over the years, Mrs Essilfie has built a diversified business portfolio spanning construction, cleaning services, textiles, detergents, and food and drinks production.
Previously, she was active in the fisheries trade, following in the footsteps of her mother, who was a fishmonger.
Although she eventually left the trade due to market challenges and losses, the lessons she carried forward about resilience, bargaining, and perseverance continue to shape her entrepreneurial approach.
Her versatility is perhaps most visible in sports. For years, she owned and managed Sutick Gym at Tema Community 1, Site 15, a commercial gym that attracted footballers, musicians, and fitness enthusiasts.
Her passion for sports grew naturally—she was always active, loved physical activity, and found joy in encouraging others to train.
From that base, she was drawn to boxing, a sport she considers both tough and inspiring.
To her, boxing was more than entertainment; it is business, discipline, and a powerful tool for channeling youthful energy into productive outcomes.
“Boxing is a big-time business,” she says with conviction.
She dreams of seeing Ghana reclaim her reputation as a boxing powerhouse, putting more young athletes on the global stage.
She also advocates for women to take up the sport, not only for fitness but also as a pathway to empowerment and financial independence.
Her vision is already inspiring the next generation—her son recently completed a course in boxing promotion and is now awaiting his license to officially step into the business side of the sport.
Beyond her businesses and sports initiatives, Ohemea Okani I has also carved strong niche in philanthropy.
She is the founder of Royals of Valour International, a non-profit organisation that supports and trains women for free in soap making, baking and other vocational skills.
So far, about 200 women have benefited from this initiative, gaining practical skills that enable them to earn an income and support their families.
For her, empowering women with skills is one of the surest ways of breaking cycles of poverty and dependency.
Balancing tradition, business, and family has not been easy, particularly after she lost her husband during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Left to raise two children on her own, she leaned on faith and determination. Her daughter is now pursuing music, while her son is preparing to make his mark as a boxing promoter.
Though the journey has been tough, she sees her children’s progress as one of her greatest achievements.
As a devout Christian, she attributes her strength to God and also acknowledges the values of discipline, compassion and resilience instilled by her parents.
She recalls how her mother’s work as a fishmonger required long hours, frequent travel, and unwavering determination. Those lessons taught her never to rely solely on others and to take pride in hard work.
Ohemea Okani I urged young women to work hard, learn a trade and not rely on anyone else for survival.
She stressed that in today’s world, self-reliance is not optional, it is essential.
She cautions against the modern tendency of young people to seek shortcuts or instant wealth, encouraging them instead to focus on skills, discipline, and perseverance.
She also challenges traditional gender roles, pointing out that no field should be seen as exclusively for men or women.
Whether in construction, trucking, or sports management, she believes women can thrive if they were determined and prepared. “The most important thing is to do it right, make your money, and plan for the future,” she emphasised.
- By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
