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ROFAC creating safer communities within Ada, Madina-Adenta enclave
The infectious smiles and beaming grin on the faces of children is one of life’s greatest joys. It also has a way of brightening even the darkest days.
Most children have their smiles dimmed because their parents have no means of providing them with their basic needs and rights.
While some have lost their childhood to struggles of life, others have lost it to the cruelty of abuse, neglect and harsh realities of poverty.
Helping bridge the gap by putting smiles on faces of less privileged children, Reach out for a Child (ROFAC) is gradually becoming a household name in the Greater Accra Region, especially within the Ada and the Madina- Adenta enclave.
With the aim to improve education, healthcare, and facilities for the underprivileged group in Ghana, ROFAC believes that by improving school infrastructures, learning will be attractive to children, thus increasing attendance and providing a pleasant and safe learning environment.
Yvonne Mawufemor Pedersen is an Acute & Emergency Care Nurse (RN, BSN), working in one of the first and largest super-hospitals in Denmark.
How it started
Life in Denmark is far from life in Ghana, where Yvonne grew up.
In 2008 while living in Denmark, Yvonne watched a “United Danish Appeal For Funds” program on television, raise funds to support third world countries, targeting all countries that appear on “The Organization For Economic Cooperation and Development” (OECD), list of third world countries, Ghana was on the list. The television program lit a fire of curiosity in me, but also a level of rage of helplessness.
Growing up in Ghana I knew of some of the challenges some children were subjected to, having to skip school to sell on the streets and in markets to help support the rest of the family. Some, runaways due to domestic violence and abuse. Inadequate infrastructure in most schools didn’t make school attractive either.
I have always had the drive of “Florence Nightingale” I wanted to do something. I wanted to contribute to shifting the narratives of the less privileged. These, and the television program I saw in 2008, contributed to a visit to Ghana, earlier than planned.
The Charity
Reach Out For A Child- (ROFAC) is a small Danish registered charity, started in 2009 by Yvonne Mawufemor Pedersen, a Ghanaian/Togolese resident in Denmark.
The charity was initially formed to raise funds for street children and head potters, after being inspired by a trip while visiting family in Ghana, and sourcing out how to shift the narratives of the above-mentioned group of people. As a result, ROFAC, Ghana was established in the same year, now our partner in Ghana.
Astonishingly, the original target funds were exceeded, and we decided to expand our support to single mothers. We started to raise funds to support the target group, meeting them in the rural areas before their migration to the capital.
As our understanding of rural communities in Ghana grew, so did the scope of our projects, because we understand, there are many factors that contribute to getting a child off the streets and into a classroom, therefore we expanded further to supporting hospitals and schools in rural Accra with teaching aids, hospital equipment’s and giving health education.
As well as lessons in first aid and CPR. This not only includes knowledge to our direct beneficiaries alone, but also that of their families and wider community.
We also, in partnership with our local partners, tailor internship programs for nursing students from Denmark to Ghana.
Our project and since 2009, ROFAC has helped many families in various communities through our numerous projects, and we are determined to ensure that this continues despite challenging circumstances we sometimes encounter.
Through her initiative, ROFAC has over the years, donated school furniture and writing boards for teachers and pupils at the Nuhalenya D/A Primary School in the Ada district, explaining that the organisation has been part of the growing process of the school since the year 2018 for which the head teacher, Mr Narh, together with teachers and some opinion leaders had always expressed their gratitude to the team.
School practicing how to resuscitate
Speaking to The Spectator in Accra last Thursday, Ms Pedersen said the organisation has also begun teaching Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in some basic schools, including Nuhanenya in Ada District and Pauline Queensland schools at Agbogbloshie in the Greater Accra Region to equip young learners with essential skills that can help save lives during cardiac emergencies.
CPR is a lifesaving emergency procedure performed when the heart stops beating.
Introducing the CPR programme in the basic schools, she indicated would not only empower the children with practical knowledge but also promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
In this cause, ROFAC has been advocating the subject matter to teach students the basic steps of CPR, including chest compressions and rescue breaths.
She mentioned that to educate children on recognising emergencies and the importance of seeking adult help will increase awareness of heart health.
As part of the safety measures, ROFAC has also introduce the idea of using child friendly mannequins for the learners to practice chest compressions and breathing techniques under the guidance of medical trainers.
The programme, she said, emphasises on safety, including how to avoid panic and handle emergency situations calmly. The schedule for subsequent teaching children CPR will potentially assist in saving lives within their families and communities.
“Implementing a CPR programme in basic schools is a valuable investment in public health and safety. It empowers students with essential life-saving skills and fosters a sense of responsibility and confidence. By integrating CPR education into the curriculum, schools contribute to building safer communities,” she explained.
Ms Pedersen further indicated that the programme not only prepares children to respond to emergencies but also cultivates a generation of informed and proactive individuals.
ROFAC also embarked on another project by donating a laboratory incubator to the Duala Medical Clinic based at Burma Camp in Accra.
This follows a request made by the medical doctor in charge, Dr Awura Adjoa Nunoo, for the equipment for services at the facility.
By Lawrence Vomafa-Akpalu
When discussions arise about people who have shaped Ghana boxing, the names of world champions like Azumah Nelson, Ike Quartey, Joshua Clottey, Joseph Agbeko and Isaac Dogbe often dominate the conservation,
Yet behind these celebrated boxers, stands a man whose contribution to the sport has been profound, enduring and largely selfless. This man is Ambassador Ray Quarcoo.
A businessman, sports administrator, philanthropist and mentor, Ambassador Quarcoo has dedicated much of his life to the development of sports in Ghana, particularly boxing.
His contribution spans several decades and cuts across athlete development, administration, infrastructure, international relations and sports journalism.
He has spent decades working quietly behind the scenes, identifying talent, mentoring young athletes, building institutions and investing his personal resources to ensure that Ghana’s rich boxing tradition remains alive
Today, his legacy remains firmly woven into the fabric of Ghana sports, particularly boxing, where his influence has helped shape generations of champions and inspired countless young athletes.
Though he has stepped away from active sports administration, Ambassador Quarcoo remains deeply interested in the progress of Ghana sports.
His passion for sports is rooted in a lifetime of service and sacrifice. As President of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF) on two separate occasions and later Vice-President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), he played a central role in strengthening the structures of boxing administration in the country.
Under his leadership, the GABF introduced international exchange programmes with countries such as Britain, the United States and Azerbaijan, giving Ghanaian boxers valuable international exposure.
His influence extended beyond Ghana as an executive member of the International Boxing Association (IBA), formerly AIBA, while he also served as a management member of the Black Stars.
However, it is his role as a mentor and benefactor that has earned him the admiration of generations of athletes.
Former WBA welterweight world champion Ike “Bazooka” Quartey describes him as one of the most influential figures in the lives of many Ghanaian boxers.
According to Quartey, Ambassador Quarcoo paid the school fees of Joshua and Emmanuel Clottey and provided them with accommodation because he believed they possessed the qualities required to become world champions.
His conviction was that young athletes needed both education and discipline to succeed on the world stage.
The investment paid off as Joshua Clottey eventually rose to become an IBF Welterweight World Champion and one of Ghana’s most respected boxing figures.
Veteran sports broadcaster Nathaniel Attoh recalls witnessing Joshua Clottey’s deep appreciation for Ambassador Quarcoo.
Following his world title triumph, Clottey personally visited Ambassador Quarcoo to thank him for the support, guidance and opportunities he had received during his formative years.
The Clottey brothers were only part of a long list of athletes whose careers were positively impacted by Ambassador Quarcoo.
His keen eye for talent led him to identify and support several promising boxers long before they became stars.
Among them were former WBO world champion Isaac Dogboe, Olympian Norris Thompson and British-Ghanaian boxing sensation Joshua Buatsi.
Attoh recalls a memorable telephone conversation in which Ambassador Quarcoo confidently predicted that two young boxers he had discovered would one day become world beaters. Those young athletes were Isaac Dogboe and Joshua Buatsi.
Today, Dogboe has established himself as a former world champion, while Buatsi has become one of the most accomplished boxers of his generation.
One of the defining moments of Ambassador Quarcoo’s administrative career came ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Despite facing criticism and opposition, he stood firmly behind Isaac Dogboe because he recognised the young boxer’s exceptional potential.
According to Attoh, his decision came at considerable personal cost, yet he remained unwavering in his conviction that Dogboe would justify his faith.
His willingness to place principle above personal interest remains one of the many examples of his commitment to athlete development.
Former Black Bombers captain and assistant national coach Kwame Asante recalls how Ambassador Quarcoo sponsored Ghanaian boxing contingents to international competitions and helped facilitate opportunities for coaches and athletes to further their training abroad.
Asante himself benefited from Ambassador Quarcoo’s intervention when he pursued advanced coaching education in Germany. According to him, Ambassador Quarcoo’s passion for boxing was unmatched.
“He was always present wherever boxing was taking place, whether locally or internationally, he supported the sport wholeheartedly,” Asante stated.
His love for grassroots boxing became legendary. Many remember how he regularly travelled across Accra on weekends simply to watch juvenile boxing contests, particularly at the famous Wato Club. Young boxers eagerly anticipated his visits because they came not only with encouragement but often practical assistance and mentorship.
His contribution to boxing infrastructure is equally significant. Ambassador Quarcoo facilitated and financed the establishment of several boxing clubs and gyms in Bukom, including the Black Panther and Panix gyms. These facilities became important breeding grounds for young talents and contributed significantly to Ghana’s boxing success story.
Beyond boxing, Ambassador Quarcoo has also been a steadfast supporter of sports journalism. As a Lifetime Patron of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), he has supported journalists and contributed immensely to preserving Ghana’s sporting history.
His efforts have earned him numerous honours, including recognition from the Ghana Olympic Committee for supporting Ghana’s participation in the Olympic Games and various awards from sporting bodies in appreciation of his service.
Yet those who know him best insist that his greatest achievement lies not in the awards he has received but in the lives he has transformed.
Until his appointment as Goodwill Sports, Ambassador in 2011, he has held several sports administrative positions in the country including the following, President Ghana Boxing Federation 2010-2014, First Vice Chairman Ghana Boxing Authority, Vice Chairman Ghana Black Stars Welfare Committee 1991-1993, Life Patron, Ghana Olympic Committee, Life patron sports writers association of Ghana, Executive Committee Member African Boxing confederation and Patron-African Confederation of Handball.
Ambassador Emmanuel Ray Quarcoo was also in 2013 was appointed as Honorary Consul General of Haiti to Ghana with Exequatur on 25th October 2013.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinui
“We are always told what it is that we can’t do, but we must not allow the limitations placed on us to define who we are as women”- Mrs Lynn Osei-Bonsu
For many children raised in diplomatic homes, the world becomes a familiar territory where they easily get accustomed to. Countries change, schools change, friends change and home itself becomes fluid like a traversing stream.
However, for Mrs Lynn Osei Bonsu, one of Ghana’s foremost female communications strategist and philanthropist, life’s most defining lesson would come not from the polished streets of New York, where she spent part of her childhood, but from the quiet town of Jirapa in the Upper West Region.
Today, she leads uNuru Communications Group, a strategic communications firm delivering not just for its clients, but also helping in shaping the brand Ghana.
She also heads Trailblazers, a non-profit organisation committed to supporting women and children.
Yet behind the polished corporate image is a deeply human story of identity, sacrifice, resilience and purpose.
A childhood between worlds
Born to Mr Hilary K. Ziniel, a diplomat father and Mrs Rose Ziniel a teacher mother, from Goziir in the Nandom District of the Upper West Region, she spent much of her early life outside Ghana due to her father’s regular postings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“My first memories are not growing up in Ghana,” she told The Spectator with utmost fondness.
But while her childhood stretched across countries and cultures, her father remained determined that his children would never lose sight of where they came from, as result when the family returned to Ghana after his postings in New York, he made a decision about Lynn’s education that initially devastated her.
Instead of enrolling her in one of the prestigious schools in Accra, he sent her to St. Francis Girls’ Senior High School in Jirapa. “He said I needed to know where I came from,” she recalls.
Harsh transition
Moving from New York to Ghana and immediately being dispatched to Jirapa for her secondary education came with what she describes as a “huge culture shock.”
There was limited electricity, no running water and a pace of life completely different from anything she had known. “At the time, I thought he was punishing me,” she says with a laugh.
Years later, however, that painful transition would become one of the greatest gifts of her life. “If my father were alive today, I would thank him every single day for that decision,” she says quietly.
The experience, she explains, grounded her. It taught her humility, resilience and gratitude. More importantly, it gave her a deeper appreciation of sacrifice.
“It gave me a different outlook on life and a greater appreciation for my parents and everything they did for us.”
After secondary school and sixth form education, she gained admission to Carleton University in Canada. At the time, studying abroad was considered a major achievement for many Ghanaian families, especially for children from internationally exposed homes. But once again, her father encouraged her to think beyond prestige.
“He told me that if I wanted to live and work in Ghana, then I needed to build my network here,” she says.
Shelving dream of becoming a diplomat
After her first degree, she dreamed of joining Ghana’s Foreign Service and had even written the Public Services Commission examination. Then, unexpectedly, her path changed.
While awaiting for the results from the Public Services Commission, she came across an advertisement in the Daily Graphic announcing admissions into the School of Communication Studies. “It just jumped at me,” she recalls.
She applied and was admitted into the postgraduate communication programme — a decision that would eventually shape the rest of her career. Around the same time, she also came to an important personal realisation.
“Being a foreign service child meant moving every four years,” she says. “I realised I actually wanted stability. I wanted roots.” It was a powerful discovery for someone who had spent most of her life constantly moving.
Building a career, rebuilding self
Her professional journey began in 1999 at Japan Motors where she worked as a Public Relations Officer. Four years later, she moved to Societe Generale Bank following the bank’s acquisition of SSB Bank.
Again, after four years, she joined GTBank Ghanaghana.gtbank.com as Head of Corporate Affairs. Looking back, she now finds humour in the pattern. “It was much later that I realised it reflected how often we moved during my father’s diplomatic postings,” she explains.
Eventually, motherhood changed her priorities and she decided to leave corporate life behind to focus more on family and pursue entrepreneurship.
The decision initially frightened her. Walking away from the security of a monthly salary into the uncertainty of business was not easy. But with savings, planning and the support of her husband, she took the leap.
“He has been very supportive emotionally, financially and professionally,” she says.
In 2010, she established her own communications and advertising agency. The early years tested her patience and resilience. “It wasn’t easy because nobody really knew us at the beginning,” she says.
Her first breakthrough came when Koala Super Market gave her company an opportunity. From there, the business gradually expanded through referrals, relationships and consistency. Over the years, the company weathered economic downturns and survived the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve had ups and downs, but by God’s grace, we are still standing,” she says.
Trailblazer is birthed
Even while building her business, one thing remained constant; her desire to help others. Mrs Osei-Bonsu traces that instinct directly to her father. “My father was very big on education and helping females in particular,” she says.
For years, she quietly supported people through payment of school fees and personal assistance. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, after volunteering with several organisations, she felt compelled to formalise her efforts.
This decision she explained led to the birth of Trailblazers in 2020. The organisation focuses on supporting women and children through education, skills development and empowerment initiatives. It has worked with schools, orphanages and vulnerable women, while also supporting organisations such as Street Girls Aid.
For her, philanthropy is not charity. It is responsibility even though she admits the work comes with challenges. “One of the biggest difficulties is funding,” she explains. “Many organisations are all trying to access limited resources.”
Yet despite the obstacles, she remains deeply committed to the mission and this is because for her, success was not measured only by titles or professional accomplishments, but by impact.
Coming full circle
Today, she looks back on her journey with gratitude.
The young girl who once arrived in Jirapa angry, uncomfortable and homesick now understands that those difficult years shaped the woman she would become.
Her story is ultimately one of rediscovery — a journey back to identity, purpose and service. “I now understand why my father insisted so much on where we came from,” she says.
And perhaps that is the most powerful lesson of all: sometimes the roots we resist the most are the very ones that anchor our lives.
By Cliff Ekuful
