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Rev. Seth Ativor, PCG’s first visually impaired ordained minister
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When Rev. Seth Kwame Ativor lost his sight at the age of two, few would have imagined that he would one day make history as the first visually impaired minister to be ordained in the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
Through determination, faith and unwavering resilience, he has overcome numerous barriers to become an educator, minister and advocate for inclusion.
Born in 1981 at Afife in the Volta Region, Rev. Ativor grew up in a family whose spiritual journey would later influence his own path.
His father was a traditional priest who later converted to Christianity and joined the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
As a young child, Rev. Ativor suddenly lost his sight. Although the exact cause was never established, the condition changed the course of his life.
The loss of vision brought educational and social challenges at a time when support systems and learning materials for visually impaired students were limited.
Despite these obstacles, he remained focused on his education. He attended Okuapeman Secondary School, where he successfully completed his secondary education before gaining admission to the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where he obtained his first degree.
His passion for learning did not end there. He furthered his studies at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), earning two master’s degrees.
He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.
Today, Rev. Ativor serves as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) teacher at Okuapeman Senior High School, where he continues to impact the lives of students through education and mentorship.
Although deeply involved in church activities, Rev. Ativor never envisioned himself becoming a minister.
His journey into ministry began after joining Christ Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in 2002. It was during his time in the church that he felt a strong conviction that God was calling him into pastoral ministry.
Initially, he resisted the call.
“I never dreamt of becoming a minister. There was no pastoral background in my family and nothing in my life suggested that I would one day enter the ministry,” he recounted.
The challenge was not only personal. At the time, questions arose about whether a totally blind person could effectively serve as an ordained minister in the church.
Following extensive consultations and discussions among church leaders, Rev. Ativor was eventually granted the opportunity to sit for the church’s entrance examinations and interviews for ministerial training.
He excelled and was admitted to the Presbyterian theological training programme.
After years of theological education and preparation, he was ordained on July 15, becoming the first visually impaired minister in the history of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.
Rev. Ativor’s ordination marked a significant milestone in the church’s efforts towards inclusion.
He explained that the Presbyterian Church has, over the years, made deliberate efforts to create opportunities for groups that were previously marginalised, including women and persons with disabilities.
For him, becoming the first visually impaired minister is not merely a personal achievement but a symbol of what is possible when institutions embrace diversity and equal opportunity.
“My prayer is that I will not remain the first. I hope many more persons with disabilities will be given the opportunity to serve God and society according to their gifts and calling,” he said.
As both an ICT teacher and minister, Rev. Ativor relies heavily on assistive technology to perform his duties.
Using specialised computer software, he is able to access the Bible, theological books, commentaries and other educational materials independently. Technology enables him to prepare sermons, conduct research and perform many of his responsibilities effectively.
He also acknowledges the support of his family, church members and colleagues who assist him when necessary.
His wife, children and siblings have been a constant source of encouragement throughout his educational, professional and ministerial journey.
According to Rev. Ativor, one of the greatest lessons blindness has taught him is humility.
While he values independence, he has learned that accepting help is sometimes necessary and that collaboration makes it possible to achieve greater things.
His experience has also deepened his understanding of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
“It is not blindness itself that disables me. It is inaccessible environments, inaccessible information and negative attitudes that create disability,” he emphasised.
He believes society must shift from viewing persons with disabilities as dependent individuals to recognising them as people with talents, skills and the capacity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Rev. Ativor’s message to young people living with disabilities is to never allow limitations to define their future.
He encourages them to discover their talents, pursue education and remain determined despite challenges.
“Disability does not mean inability. God has given every person unique abilities and a purpose. Focus on what you can do and strive to make a difference,” he advised.
He also called on parents, schools, churches, policymakers and communities to create inclusive spaces that enable persons with disabilities to thrive.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Thousands of tiny glass seed beads, carefully stitched by hand onto an old, weathered jute sack, tells a story that goes beyond art. They speak of patience, resilience and a belief that beauty can emerge from the most unexpected places.
It is a philosophy that has guided Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson throughout his life.
For more than three decades, Grimmond-Thompson has refused to be confined to a single profession. A software engineer, systems architect, eco artist and independent researcher, he has built a career that brings together technology, creativity and the study of human movement.
His journey is driven by curiosity, determination and an unwavering desire to understand how different fields can work together to improve lives.
His love for solving problems began in the world of computers. As a software engineer and systems architect, he developed a deep appreciation for structure, precision and logical thinking.
But the more he worked with technology, the more he became convinced that the same principles used to understand computer systems could also be applied to understanding people.
That belief led him on a lifelong journey of research into the relationship between movement, posture and emotions.
Through years of independent study and practice, he developed proprietary frameworks that he describes as Emotional Surgery and Neurokinetic Aesthetic Surgery.
According to Grimmond-Thompson, these approaches are designed to help people better understand the connection between their physical posture, emotional wellbeing and overall balance.
His work also explores ideas such as Optic Nerve Ignition, reflecting his interest in how the body’s sensory systems may influence movement and emotional wellbeing.
His decades of research are brought together in his book, Reclamation of Sovereignty. More than a collection of theories, the book reflects his belief that people should never allow difficult experiences to define them.
Instead, he encourages readers to see challenges as opportunities for growth, healing and personal transformation.
Away from technology, Grimmond-Thompson has found another way to express his ideas through art. As an eco-artist, he is passionate about sustainability and believes that beauty can be created from materials that many people would simply discard.
One of his most remarkable creations is Sovereign Reclamation, a monumental textile artwork made from old, weathered jute sacks decorated with thousands of tiny glass seed beads.
The painstaking work took years to complete and demanded extraordinary patience, creativity and attention to detail.
For Grimmond-Thompson, the old jute sacks represent the struggles, disappointments and scars that everyone carries through life.
The colourful beads, carefully sewn onto the fabric, symbolise hope, resilience and new beginnings. Through his art, he reminds people that their past should never be something to hide. Instead, it can become the foundation for strength, growth and a brighter future.
His philosophy extends beyond art. He believes the spaces where people live and work influence the way they think, feel and perform.
He encourages the use of colour, thoughtful design and beautiful surroundings to create environments that promote peace, creativity and emotional wellbeing.
In today’s fast-paced world, Grimmond-Thompson also believes in the importance of slowing down. Through what he calls the “Aesthetic Rest Hour,” he encourages people to take time away from the pressures of everyday life to reflect, recharge and reconnect with themselves.
In his view, moments of stillness are just as important as moments of hard work.
Another principle he lives by is self-respect. His preference for smart tailoring, good posture and a professional appearance goes beyond fashion. To him, it reflects discipline, confidence and personal dignity.
He believes the way people carry themselves often reflects how they value themselves.
Despite his many professional accomplishments, Grimmond-Thompson remains a lifelong learner with interests beyond his work.
He enjoys playing chess, a game that challenges his mind and sharpens his strategic thinking.
He also enjoys car racing during his leisure time, appreciating the focus, precision and excitement that come with the sport. These hobbies reflect the balance he maintains between careful thinking and adventure.
BY ESINAM JEMIMA KUATSINU
For Leonora Adjin-Tettey, acting is more than standing before the camera or playing different characters. It is a platform to tell stories, inspire change and create opportunities for others.
Over the years, she has steadily built a reputation not only as an actress but also as a communications professional, entrepreneur, creative director, philanthropist and beauty queen whose influence continues to extend beyond Ghana’s entertainment industry.
Born on April 1, 1995, in Kpong, Leonora’s journey is one of resilience, determination and purpose. She is the daughter of Mr Jasper Adjin-Tettey, a Ga, and Madam Joyce Amanatey from Ada.
At the age of seven, she moved to Accra, where she was raised by her aunt in Abossey Okai. Growing up in the bustling community exposed her to life’s realities at an early age and helped shape the discipline, humility and perseverance that have become the hallmarks of her success.
Her academic journey reflects her belief that education is an essential tool for personal growth. After completing Holy Family R/C Junior High School and Nifa Senior High School in 2013, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Education, Winneba. She later pursued a Master of Arts in Development Communication at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), equipping herself with the knowledge to use communication as a tool for development and social transformation.
Leonora discovered her passion for acting at the age of 12 through the drama ministry of Lighthouse Chapel International. What began as church performances soon developed into a professional career that has seen her feature in more than 50 film productions in Ghana and beyond.
Her performances in productions such as SEVSU, Queen of Accra and Office Crush have earned her admiration for her versatility and professionalism. Even before becoming a professional actress, her talent had already been recognised with Best Actress awards during her Senior High School and university years.
Since then, she has received several nominations in Ghana’s film and entertainment awards, affirming her growing influence in the industry.
Away from the movie set, Leonora has also made her mark as a commercial model, appearing in television commercials and nationwide billboard campaigns for brands such as Fortune Rice and Madar Detergent.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she founded LNORE, a creative brand that focuses on storytelling, branding, fashion and visual communication. Through the brand, she continues to explore innovative ways of using creativity to solve problems and tell compelling stories.
Her passion for helping others also led to the establishment of the Manyenaa Insight Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to education, health advocacy, youth empowerment and community development. Through the foundation, she continues to support initiatives that inspire hope and create opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Leonora’s leadership qualities have equally been recognised on the pageantry stage. She was crowned Miss Health Ghana in 2014, represented the Greater Accra Region in Ghana’s Most Beautiful in 2018 and later won the Miss Global International Ghana title in 2019.
These platforms have enabled her to champion public health awareness, women’s empowerment and community development.
Despite her achievements, Leonora remains grounded. She enjoys reading, travelling, fashion, mentoring young people and engaging in charitable activities. She believes that success becomes meaningful when it is used to inspire others and improve lives.
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her acting career into Nollywood and Hollywood while continuing to tell authentic African stories to global audiences.
Through her work in film, business and philanthropy, she is determined to project Ghana positively on the world stage and leave behind a legacy of excellence, service and impact.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
