Profile
Salamatu Ahmed, Ghana’s only female Hausa sports broadcaster
In a field long dominated by men, she has turned her microphone into a tool for change, amplifying women’s voices, promoting gender equality, and challenging deep-rooted stereotypes in sports journalism.
In Ghana’s media landscape, especially in the arena of sports, Salamatu Ahmed stands out. Not just as the host of Iqra Radio’s popular morning show, but as the country’s only female Hausa sports broadcaster.
From humble beginnings in Lagos to an influential voice behind the microphone in Accra, her journey is one of boldness, resilience, and purpose.
“I grew up in a close-knit neighbourhood in Lagos where everyone looked out for each other,” she recalled in an interview with The Spectator on Monday. “There was no discrimination. I could enter any house, share a meal or even sleep over without raising eyebrows. That spirit of unity shaped my values.”
She said, her love for broadcasting was sparked by her father, who was an athlete and devoted news watcher. Her father loved sports and news and recounted how she used to sit with him, watching the newscasters and wondering how they memorised so much.
“I later found out they used a teleprompter-what a relief!” she said with a laughter.
Salamatu’s passion for football heightened during the France ‘98 World Cup. “I watched almost all the matches. That tournament made me fall completely in love with the game,” she said.
But it was not until years later that broadcasting became a real career path-and quite unexpectedly.
She recounted how a friend of hers was managing Hijra TV asked her if she knew anyone who could do Hausa sports for the TV station.
She grabbed the opportunity as she was not working at the time, saying “so I offered myself,” she explained. “That was how it all started.” From Hijra TV, she moved on to Baina TV and eventually found her home at Iqra Radio.
Though her original dream was to become an English-language sports anchor, Hausa unexpectedly became her breakthrough. “People always ask how I manage to do it in Hausa, and the fascinating part is I am a woman doing it. That’s what truly sets it apart.”
But the journey has not been without hurdles. As a woman in sports media, she has had to fight for access and respect.
“It is always difficult getting interviews. Some male counterparts do not like sharing contacts or information,” she said.
Salamatu recounted how early on, men would ask for sexual favours in exchange for job opportunities. She said it got so discouraging that she left job-hunting for a while and ventured into business instead.
Now firmly established in her field, she uses her platform not only to cover sports, but to push for systemic change. As a panelist on various forums and a vocal supporter of women’s football, Salamatu has advocated for increased investment, better pay, and more opportunities for female athletes.
“Why should male footballers be paid more for doing the same job?” she quizzed during the conversation. “Female athletes often do not get bonuses or incentives that make life easier for them. People label us feminists for speaking out-but isn’t it just fairness?”
She also spoke passionately about how female athletes face scrutiny that goes beyond performance. “Look at Barbara Banda of Zambia; she faced criticism for being too ‘masculine.’ Imane Khelif, the Algerian boxer, faced similar discrimination. It’s disheartening. People forget these women are excelling at their craft.”
In 2024, Salamatu’s influence reached the global stage when she was selected to represent Ghana at the Fourth Eurasian Women’s Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia. There, she joined other global leaders in conversations about empowering women in media, politics, and business.
“That experience showed me that our voices matter beyond our borders,” she said. “We are not just fighting for recognition here; we are part of a global movement.”
Away from the microphone, Salamatu is known for her bubbly personality. “I am a fun-loving person-anything fun, count me in! I love cooking, watching movies, and reading.”
She credits her background-a Muslim from a Zango family for instilling in her resilience and discipline.
After schooling in Lagos, she moved to Ghana and earned a diploma in Communication Studies from the African University College of Communications (AUCC), now African University of Communication and Business (AUCB).
Her greatest pride is being the only female voice doing Hausa sports broadcasting in Ghana.
“Until someone else comes along, I will keep holding this fort,” she said with a smile. “It is my biggest achievement so far.”
For young girls looking up to her, she urged them never to be intimidated but rather carve a niche for themselves and be unique.
“You do not have to sound like or look like everyone else. Just be you and be excellent,” she added.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
Profile
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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