Celebrating Female Amazons in Corporate Ghana

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8th, InstinctBusiness Magazine is proud to announce a special feature spotlighting the extraordinary achievements of Ghanaian female directors who are not only shattering glass ceilings but also reshaping entire landscapes across diverse industries.

From the commanding heights of banking to the dynamic realms of insurance, oil and gas, agriculture, engineering, ICT, and beyond, these trailblazing women stand as living testaments to resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination. Their journeys epitomize the ongoing battle for gender equity in leadership, showcasing the significant progress that has been achieved.

In this exclusive feature, InstinctBusiness Magazine invites readers on a captivating journey into the lives and accomplishments of these remarkable female leaders. Through their stories of triumph, adversity, and unyielding ambition, we aim not only to celebrate their individual achievements but also to ignite a collective spark of inspiration that transcends boundaries, empowers others, and paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it is crucial to recognize the invaluable contributions of women in leadership roles across various sectors. At InstinctBusiness Magazine, we are honored to shine a spotlight on the exceptional Ghanaian female directors and senior managers who are driving positive change and inspiring future generations. Their dedication, resilience, and vision are reshaping industries and paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.”

Join us as we salute these visionaries during this year’s International Women’s Day, heralding their indomitable spirit and catalyzing positive change for generations to come.

SEE FULL LIST:

Afua Amankwa Sarkodie, Head, Corporate Affairs, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)

A passionate believer in the power of communications to provoke change and build relationships, Ms. Afua A. Sarkodie has spent close to twenty years in communications and management roles.

From March 2018, Afua has been responsible for the communications, marketing and service delivery agenda of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to its internal and external constituencies. She provides recommendations on policy and action in the management of issues affecting the Trust, including all aspects of media relations and stakeholder management.

Under her leadership, SSNIT’s communication and stakeholder engagement has greatly improved leading to a significant upward trend in favourable brand perception among SSNIT’s stakeholders.

SSNIT has also won the Best Public Sector company in service delivery twice and Public Sector PR organization of the year since she assumed the role.

Prior to joining SSNIT, Afua was the Director for University Relations and Institutional Advancement at the then Ghana Telecom University College. In this role, she worked to rejuvenate and reposition the GTUC brand as a top ten tertiary institution in Ghana. She also played a pivotal role in contributing to policy development and streamlining processes and procedures of the University College.

Afua also served as the founding Head of the Vodafone Ghana Foundation where she worked to establish the Foundation, its priorities and processes. She also developed and implemented strategy; introduced initiatives and set up a trustee management programme for the Foundation and was awarded Group recognition for it.

She has held several roles in communications and marketing in the last two decades or so and currently serves on a number of boards and committees. She is also a teacher, a voracious reader and enjoys coaching and traveling.

Afua has an MPhil in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana, a post graduate certificate from Maastricht School of Management, Netherlands and is a resource person and an Accredited Member of the IPR.

Esi Mmirba Wilson, Director, People and Transformation, Consolidated Bank Ghana

Esi Mmirba Wilson is a seasoned Human Resource Professional with over 22 years cumulative experience in the financial services and other industries with a wealth of experience and expertise in leading culture transformation that drive organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and sustainable growth.

She is a highly experienced HR professional with expertise in Strategic HR, Executive Development, Performance Management, Talent Development, Learning and Development, Change Management & Employee Relations. Esi is a member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) as well as Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Africa Associates of Human Resource Leaders (AAHRL). She holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from University of Ghana and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Publishing Studies from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

She is currently the Director, People and Transformation at Consolidated Bank Ghana, an indigenous Ghanaian Bank formed in 2018 following the collapse and consolidation of seven erstwhile Banks by the Bank of Ghana. Through her strategic leadership, collaborative engagement, and values-driven initiatives, she is currently driving people and culture transformation that inspires staff, strengthens organizational resilience, and has positioned the Bank as an employer of choice in the Ghanaian competitive financial services landscape.

Esi Mmirba Wilson is an embodiment of authenticity, empathy, and resilience and by dint of these attributes, in 2023, she was recognized and awarded as the HR Leader of the Year (large scale) by the HR Certification Centre, Ghana.

Under her leadership, the Bank has received several awards including, the highest participating Bank in Learning and Development by the National Banking College in 2022, and the highest digital learning adoption by Phillips Consulting Limited, Nigeria in 2023.

Evelyn Acquah, Chief Customer Officer, Absa Bank

Evelyn Acquah is Chief Customer Officer for Absa Bank. Prior to this position, she was Head of Customer Segments and Affluent Banking, responsible for development and ownership of Customer Value Propositions for the Affluent segment.

She has over 20 years’ experience in Banking and Finance with her core expertise being Product design and managing of Customer Value propositions and Customer lifecycles. She has held several senior leadership positions across the bank from CIB to Consumer-banking.

Evelyn is passionate about customer experience. She holds an International Executive MBA in Strategic and Project Management from the Paris Graduate School of Management, a certified Product Manager from the Association of International Product Marketing & Management (AIPMM) and a BSc. Administration degree from the University of Ghana, Legon.

She has also been trained in leadership from the Duke Corporate Education in South Africa and a product of the African Development Initiative, Johannesburg South Africa.

In 2023 Evelyn was awarded Exemplary Customer Experience leader of the year at the National Communications Awards. Evelyn is passionate about mentoring young women and giving back to the society. She is a member of the Executive Women Network.

Angela Mensah-Poku, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Ghana

Angela Mensah-Poku is a distinguished professional with over two decades of invaluable experience in the finance industry.
Throughout her illustrious career, Angela has ascended through various ranks, showcasing exceptional leadership and strategic prowess.

Notably, she served as the immediate past Director of Digital and Commercial Operations at Vodafone Ghana, where her remarkable 15-year journey left an indelible mark on the telecom landscape.
She transitioned to MTN Ghana as the Chief Enterprise Business Officer in November 2023.
Angela’s tenure at Vodafone Ghana saw her undertake pivotal roles, including Head of Fixed Services, Head of Corporate Sales, Director for Vodafone Business Solutions, and Managing Director of Vodafone Wholesale.

As Director of Digital and Commercial Operations, she spearheaded transformative initiatives, championing company-wide digital transformation including the introduction of innovative technologies like ToBi, AI Chatbot, and the My Vodafone App, which underscored her commitment to embracing cutting-edge solutions to drive commercial growth and digital efficiency.
Her enormous skills and abilities have therefore been evident in the MTN Ghana’s recent moves. Her efficacy is therefore unchallenged as all involved stakeholders are experiencing improved services, enjoying their association with the company.

In February 2024, MTN Group Fintech and Mastercard signed a multi-market agreement that will set in motion a new era of collaboration to connect millions of people and small businesses across Africa with digital tools to transact through secure mobile payments, expanding access to the benefits of the cashless digital economy.

The partnership will use Mastercard’s cutting-edge technology and capabilities to support MTN’s ambition to become Africa’s largest fintech platform for both merchants and consumers. This follows Mastercard and MTN’s recent agreement for a minority investment into MTN Group Fintech – the digital financial services arm of Africa’s largest mobile network operator – that concluded this month.
Her visionary leadership facilitated accelerated commercial growth and digital efficiency, positioning Vodafone Ghana as a trailblazer in the industry.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Angela is a staunch advocate for Women in STEM, actively mentoring aspiring professionals and supporting initiatives like the WiSTEM Programme at KNUST.
Her commitment to excellence has garnered widespread recognition, including prestigious awards such as the special recognition for her contribution to the Enterprise and Small Business sector at the Ghana Information Technology and Telecoms Awards (GITTA) and the Best Digital Enabler at the 10th GITTA awards.

Jemima Kotei-Walsh, Chief Customer Relations Officer, MTN Ghana

Mrs Jemima Kotei Walsh is the Chief Customer Relations Officer for MTN Ghana.
She has vast experience in the field of customer service and until her appointment she was the Senior Manager for Quality Assurance and Training/Customer Care Division and acting Customer Relations Executive.

She was instrumental in fueling the growth of the company in recent years through her contribution to the implementation of various mechanisms to seek customer feedback and insight. As the Chief Customer Relations Officer, she implemented the Customer Panel, as well as the Voice of the Customer Programs (VOC).

She also institutionalized an incentive scheme for the staff in the Customer Care Division and set up the Quality Function comprising, the Monitoring, Training, Complaints and Customer Intelligence units.
Jemima is a product of Wesley Girls High School & the University of Ghana Business School. She also holds an MA in Human Resource Development and Consulting from the Management School, Lancaster University, UK.

Yvonne Botchey, Head of Embassies, International Organizations & Airlines, Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited

Yvonne Botchey is an award-winning multilingual, financial, brand and legal professional with over 20 years of experience in North America, Europe and Africa.

She is currently the Head of Embassies, International Organizations & Airlines at Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited where she is focused on facilitating financial services and addressing the specific banking needs for diplomatic missions, international organizations and airlines operating within Ghana.

Prior to this role, she was Head of Marketing at Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited where she was responsible for implementing, monitoring and defining marketing strategies to support the company’s overall plans and objectives. Previously, she was the CEO of UMB Foundation and the Director of Marketing and Communications for UMB Bank.

While at UMB, Ms. Botchey spearheaded the successful launch of UMB Foundation, a charitable organization responsible for the social impact activities of UMB Bank and its affiliates. Prior to joining UMB, Ms. Botchey successfully completed a fellowship program organized by the 92nd Street Y and the New York City Economic Development Corporation in New York for promising young executives in the fashion industry.

She is the successful founder of YYB Luxury Brand Consulting, a premier branding strategy and business development service, where her clients included various emerging, mass market and luxury brands. She has provided legal counsel to Fortune 500 corporations, focusing on multi-million-dollar acquisitions, leveraged buyout financing and general corporate governance.

She is a TEDxAccra speaker; and she has received several notable awards including the 2022 Marketing World Pan-African Marketing Professional of the Year Award and the 2021 and 2017 Marketing World Top Marketing and Communications Professional in West Africa Awards.

She holds an MBA from ESSEC Business School in Paris, France; a law degree from Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States; and a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University in Montreal, Québec, Canada.

Sophia Kudjordji, Chief Corporate Communication Officer, Jospong Group of Companies

Sophia Kudjordji is a distinguished communications leader, celebrated for her significant contributions and multiple accolades in the field. As the Chief Corporate Communication Officer at the Jospong Group of Companies, she brings over three decades of expertise in media and communications. Her journey began with an eight-year stint in journalism, starting at the Ghana News Agency and consulting for the Volta Region Community Water and Sanitation Agency. Her career transitioned into the corporate sector, where she contributed to the British High Commission, Accra, UT Group, and now the Jospong Group of Companies.

Sophia’s excellence is recognized through numerous honors, including the Global Woman of Worth Awards, which she received three times, a place among Ghana’s top ten women in Public Relations, and recognition as one of the top five Corporate Communications Professionals in Africa. Her recent accolade as the Most Impactful Corporate Communications Leader of the Year, Ghana further cements her status in the industry.

Academically, Sophia is highly qualified with a Master’s degree in Development Communication, an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability, a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology & Psychology, and a Diploma in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. She is also advancing her expertise by pursuing an MPhil in Strategic Public Relations Management, specializing in Climate Change Communication.

Beyond her professional role, Sophia is actively involved in various boards and associations. She is a member of The Comms Avenue (TCA), a pan-African Communication Network Group, and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Cancer Foundation Board. She also holds membership in the International Association of Public Relations (including the Climate Change Communication Chapter), the Institute of Public Relations, Ghana, and is a Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana.

Evelyn Ashai Sam, Executive Director, AT

Evelyn Ashai Sam, currently serving as the Executive Director at AT is a seasoned professional with over 23 years of diverse experience in Supply Chain Management across Retail, FMCG, and Telecommunications industries.

Joining the company in April 2018, she spearheaded the Supply Chain function at AirtelTigo Ghana now AT, overseeing vendor management and the seamless supply of goods and services to the business.

Evelyn’s journey in Supply Chain began in the UK, where she gained invaluable experience before returning to her roots in Ghana.

Also during her tenure at Unilever Ghana, spanning over a decade, she held pivotal roles including Company Planning Manager, where she orchestrated operational success and drove various projects forward.

In 2009, Evelyn transitioned to MTN (Scancom Ltd) as General Manager of Supply Chain, where she led her team to numerous accolades and achievements until 2018.

Following the merger of AirtelTigo, she was handpicked to join the Supply Chain Management team, bringing her wealth of knowledge and expertise to navigate new challenges.

A proud alumna of Achimota Secondary School and the University of North London, where she majored in Chemistry, Evelyn’s thirst for knowledge led her to pursue an MBA in Leader and Sustainability from the University of Cumbria, UK.

She also holds memberships with esteemed organizations such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) and the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS).

Beyond her professional pursuits, Evelyn finds solace and strength in her family. Married to Mr. Robert Sam, an HR Consultant, they are blessed with four accomplished daughters who serve as her greatest inspiration.

Evelyn’s deep-rooted connection to her East Cantonments upbringing underscores her commitment to driving positive change and growth within her community and beyond.

Evelyn attributes her career success to a blend of determination, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of growth.

To her, her resilient spirit empowers her to navigate challenges and achieve her goals, while her dedication to continuous learning keeps her at the forefront of the ever-evolving business landscape. As a strategic leader, Evelyn thrives on exploring new opportunities and embracing challenges, positioning herself as a visionary force within the industry.

Driven by a passion for excellence and sustainability, Evelyn envisions a future where Supply Chain practices foster innovation, efficiency, and social responsibility.

With a keen focus on leveraging technology and collaboration, she aims to position AT as a leader in Supply Chain excellence, driving value creation and long-term success for the organization and its stakeholders.

Mrs. Margaret N. M. Macauley, Chief Manager (Water Quality Assurance & Water Resources), Ghana Water Company Limited

Currently holding the position of Chief Manager of water Quality Assurance & Water Resources at the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Mrs. Margaret N. M. Macauley is a phenomenal woman who has a distinguished career with GWCL spanning over three decades.

She began her professional journey with GWCL in 1992 at Barekese Headworks, where she made history as the first female employee at that treatment plant. Over the years, she has taken on various roles of increasing responsibility within the organization.

Prior to her current role, she served for five years as the Water Quality Manager, overseeing operations at the GWCL Central Laboratory within the Accra Tema Area Production Region. In 2009, she was appointed as the Regional Water Quality Manager for the Accra East Region, with additional oversight of Accra West and Tema Regions.

During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the implementation of key projects. In 2008, she led a nationwide project under AVRL aimed at rolling out Water Safety Plans across all regions of Ghana. Between 2005 and 2008, she served as the Regional Chemist in the Central Region, managing seven water treatment systems and their corresponding distribution areas.

Mrs. Macauley’s expertise extends beyond regional roles. She spent five years at the Weija Headworks as a process Chemist and also served as an assistant to the Regional Chemist in the Ashanti Regional Laboratory for two years.

With her wealth of experience and dedication to ensuring water quality and resource management, she continues to make significant contributions to GWCL’s mission of providing safe and reliable water supply to the people of Ghana.

Tawa Bolarin, Director, Enterprise and Wholesale Business, Telecel Ghana

Tawa Bolarin is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry.

Currently serving as the Director of Enterprise and Wholesale Business at Telecel Ghana, her journey exemplifies a blend of astute leadership, strategic acumen, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Bolarin’s career trajectory is marked by a series of impactful roles in renowned multinational corporations.

She began her journey in the telecommunications realm with stints at prestigious companies such as Bharti Airtel Nigeria, British Telecom, MTN, and Virgin Media (UK).

These experiences provided her with a holistic understanding of the industry’s dynamics, enabling her to navigate through challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

Bolarin’s academic pursuits complement her professional endeavors, ascenting to her commitment to continuous learning and growth. She obtained her MBA in Business Administration from the University of Westminster, a testament to her dedication to acquiring comprehensive business knowledge. She also has a Professional Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Since assuming her role as Director of Enterprise and Wholesale Business at Telecel Ghana in 2019, Bolarin has been instrumental in steering the company towards greater heights.

Her strategic vision and leadership prowess have played an essential role in shaping Telecel Ghana’s enterprise and wholesale business strategies, positioning the company as a leader in the telecommunications sector.

Bolarin’s professional achievements extend beyond her impressive resume. As a Chartered Marketer, she has proven the embodiment of excellence and proficiency in her field, garnering recognition for her contributions to the telecommunications industry.

Her appointment to Telecel Ghana’s senior management team underscored her reputation as a distinguished leader, entrusted with driving the company’s growth and innovation agenda forward.

As Telecel Ghana continues to evolve in a rapidly changing telecommunications landscape, Bolarin has remained steadfast in her commitment to driving innovation and delivering unparalleled solutions to meet the evolving needs of customers.

With her strategic foresight, industry expertise, she has led Telecel Ghana to a new height of success, cementing its past glory plus its current achievements as a trailblazer in the telecommunications industry.

Tawa Bolarin’s intellectual journey has been enormous in the telecommunications sector.

Her blend of academic prowess, professional experience, and leadership acumen position her as a driving force behind Telecel Ghana’s success, inspiring admiration and respect within the industry and beyond.

Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, Director, Human Resource, Telecel Ghana

Hannah Ashiokai Akrong is a global Human Resource Business leader with knowledge and expertise working with Fortune 100/500 multinational organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom and Africa.

She has 23+ years of experience working with CEOs, Boards, leadership teams and other partners globally to execute on and advance the people agenda.

Currently serving as the HR Director for Vodafone Ghana, she is responsible for the people strategy as well as working with the CEO and Executive Committee to set and deliver the strategy for Vodafone Ghana.

Some of her key areas of expertise in the career field include leading transformational culture change, digital transformation, employment law and union and labour relations (Ghana, UK, USA); building highly effective teams; employer branding; employee engagement; data-driven business partnering; executive coaching, organizational design and effectiveness and managing high level internal and external stakeholders.

Prior to Vodafone, she worked in various progressive HR roles with Medtronic (USA and UK), Honeywell (USA, with teams in Asia, Europe and the Middle East) Ernst&Young (Ghana) and Multimedia Broadcasting Company Limited (Ghana).

Ashiokai has been recognized both locally and internationally for her contributions to the HR field and building successful teams as well as positioning Vodafone Ghana as an employer of choice. She is credited for leading Vodafone towards Top Employer certification in Ghana and Africa the last 6 years. Most recently, she was recognized as the 2022 Telecom HR Personality of the Year, HR Practitioner of the Year in Ghana (2021) and among the Top 50 HR Leaders in Africa.

Ashiokai is frequently called upon to share her knowledge and expertise on various platforms both local and international. A few of these platforms include: Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization, May 2023 – Digital Transformation, Building a Future Ready HR, HR Focus Interactive, 2022 – HR’s role in Business Stability During Economic Crisis, Lecture, HR Class, University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management, 2022 – Training and Development and Diversity and Inclusion, HR Certification Centre, 2022 – HR Shaping the New Future, Ghana Employers Association, 2021 – “HR Leadership in a Digital Era”, Ghana Trade Exhibition 2020 – “Leading Through Change”, World Bank 2020 – “Advancing Youth Employment in Ghana, Options and Opportunities” and the Ministry of Finance, Investment Fair, 2020 – “The Future of Work, Post COVID-19”

Due to her expertise in the industry, Ashiokai currently serves on the following Boards: Ghana Statistical Service, University of Minnesota, Centre for Human Resources and Labour Studies – Alumni Board Member and the Secure Pensions Trust Ghana Limited.

In terms of her educational background, she has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Ghana and a Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, USA and Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium.

Ashiokai is passionate about promoting diversity, inclusion and equity for females in the workplace and addressing issues that disproportionately affect women. In her downtime, she loves to spend time bonding, travelling and discovering new places, food and culture with her daughter.

Nana Yaa Owusu – Ansah, Marketing Director, Beauty and Personal Care, Unilever Ghana and Francophone Africa

Nana Yaa Owusu – Ansah was appointed in 2017, as the Beauty and Personal Care Marketing Director for Unilever Ghana & Nigeria.

After assuming this role, the beauty and personal care unit of the FMCG giant has been a key driver of Unilever’s growth, experiencing significant portfolio expansion in the skincare, skin cleanse, and oral health subcategories; as key products such as Pepsodent and Geisha have maintained their market dominance.

Under Nana Yaa’s leadership, the launch of Pepsodent Herbal and its Charcoal variant in 2020 along with a diverse range of Geisha Soap products on the Ghanaian market have been critical to driving the market share growth.

In spite of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, preceded by some challenging financial results for the business in 2018 and 2019, Unilever Ghana showed strong leadership by resolving to focus on delivering strong, strategically planned products and outstanding consumer services.

The manufacturing giant led the way in driving activities with the Global Handwashing Day in Ghana and Nigeria. Its World Oral Health Day activations in partnership with the Ghana Dental Association has been winning the topmost recognition globally across Unilever’s markets for four consecutive years since 2017, with Nana Owusu Ansah as the anchor.

Prior to her appointment as Marketing director, she was the Head of Marketing for Africa’s Emerging Markets with responsibility for 24 markets including Angola, Cameroon, DRC, Mauritius, Gabon and Southern African markets.

Nana Yaa joined the leadership team as a seasoned marketer with over 18 years of work experience across Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the years, she has passionately transformed the people she worked with and has been very successful at building high-performing teams.

With a passion for building talent for growth and developing operationally effective and innovative teams, Nana Yaa has successfully set a new ambition and energy for Unilever’s Beauty and Personal Care in West Africa, with strong prospects of consistent market growth and dominance for the household brands.

Nana Yaa is entrepreneurial-oriented with a decade of experience in delivering relevant marketing and management solutions in FMCG that is evident in remarkable business results.

She also has multi-country and category experience in various positions including Personal Care Category Manager for Unilever Ghana and Skin Cleansing Category Manager for Unilever West Africa.

In July 2021, Nana Yaa was at the 2021 Marketing World Awards where she was adjudged as the industry personality of the year.

In July 2022 as well, she was adjudged as the Marketing Industry Personality of the Year as well as Africa Top 50 Marketing & Communications Leader at the MWA 2022 held in Accra where she received accolades in recognition of her sterling performances towards the marketing industry.

Nana Yaa is a business leader with work experience in cross-functional roles within Unilever.

She holds a Bachelor of Education in Psychology from the University of Cape Coast, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business and Marketing Strategy from EduQual and a Master’s degree in Marketing and Innovation from the London School of Marketing, UK.

Nana Yaa Owusu-Ansah is a married woman who has lovely kids.

Due to her creative nature, she loves to build brands at all times. However, on the contrary, if she is not doing that, she loves to spend time with her kids or coaching young, corporate mothers to navigate work and family life responsibilities.

She is a Member of the Executive Women Network of Ghana as well as the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana.

Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director, Absa Bank Ghana

Nana Essilfuah Tamakloe, the Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations of Absa Bank Ghana, with over twenty years of combined experience in Sales, Consumer Services, Business Management, Marketing, Public Relations and Communication is leaving no stone unturned in her role.

Appointed in 2007 as the Marketing and Corporate Relations Director of Absa Bank Ghana, Nana Essilfuah has turned the fortunes of the banking industry around through avant-garde initiatives. Under her leadership, Absa Bank Ghana previously known as Barclays Bank has chalked some successes which included being named Best Bank in Ghana by Euromoney in 2014, making it the second in four years. Also, as of the end of the 2017 financial year, Absa Bank was named the most profitable bank in the country. She has led her team to deliver top-notch results and coordinated with cross-functional teams in the areas of, Integrated Marketing, Corporate Communications, External Relations, Crisis Management, Stakeholder management, Corporate Social Responsibility.

One of her remarkable career achievements is the strong leadership of her team that has led to the successful transitioning of Barclays Bank to Absa Bank in 2017 with the ultimate launch thereof in February 2020. The success of this project was adjudged the biggest rebranding of any organization ever in Africa. This launch won several corporate awards, including Best Marketing Team of the Year (July 2021- Marketing World Awards Africa), Best Rebranding Campaign of the Year (July 2021- Marketing World Awards Africa), Best Bank of the Year (Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana – CIMG 2020) and Best Banking Brand in Africa (2020 – Marketing World Awards Africa).

With Essilfuah’s broad knowledge and experience in both the private and public sectors, she served on a number of them including; the Ministerial Tender Board, GES, Donewell Life Company Limited, and the Ghana Immigration Service. She made significant contributions to performance and growth during her tenure. She transitioned into the banking sector 11 years ago from Nestle Central West Africa (CWA), having built her earlier career in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sector for 14 years. At Nestlé Central & West Africa Region, she was the Category Business Manager, Culinary where she was responsible for coordinating responsibilities in executing Category Strategy for 23 Central West African countries.

Notwithstanding, at Nestle Ghana, she occupied positions such as Group Brands Manager – Food and Consumer Services, Brand Manager- Food & Adult Cereal, Sales Administration Manager, and Area Sales Manager Wholesale and Retail. Nana has also spearheaded projects such as ‘Blazing Trails’ which has changed the recruitment landscape of Ghana by providing alternative job opportunities for the youth through business start-ups and has enabled fresh graduates to become attractive applicants for employers to recruit. She is currently an adjunct lecturer at the Methodist University College Ghana where she lectures Marketing and Corporate Relationship Management for Masters students in Entrepreneurship Education.

Nana Essilfuah’s experience and hard work has won her a number of awards in her career, she was adjudged amongst the Top 50 Marketing & Communication Leader in Africa (July2021- Marketing World Awards Africa), Outstanding Communication Professional of the Year – Private Sector (August 2021 – National Governance & Business Leadership Awards Ghana), Top 20 Marketing and Communications Professional in Africa (2019 – Marketing World Awards Africa), Marketing Personality of the Year (2018 – Marketing World Awards Africa),Top 50 Marketing and Communications Professional in West Africa (2017 – Marketing World Awards Africa) and the most recent being Marketing Personality of the Year at the 8th edition of the Marketing World Awards.

Her additional roles and responsibilities in supporting the development and empowerment of female colleagues within the business earned her the Chairlady of the Barclays Ghana Women network Forum.

Essilfuah holds a BA – Social Science (Law and History) an EMBA in Marketing – University of Ghana Business School, a Professional Masters Certification, Alternate Dispute Resolution from Gamey & Gamey and the University of the Virgin Islands -USA, and a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Stellenbosch Business school in Cape Town, South Africa.

With a sound multi-cultural and diversity management skills and experience in coaching and mentoring, she is passionate about mentoring women, people development and continues to support individuals and teams to develop their competencies for performance. She has mentored a number of marketing professionals in the industry.

In terms of her affiliations, Nana is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana, Institute of Public Relations Ghana, Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB)Media & Communication Committee, International Advertising Association (IAA) and Executive Women Network (EWN), the Brand Lead of Empowered Women, and a Member of the investment and Financial Sustainability Committee of the Accra Diocese- Methodist Church of Ghana.

Asiedua Addae, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank

Asiedua brings over 18 years of experience in corporate affairs, brand management, and marketing to her role as Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand, and Marketing at Standard Chartered Bank. Since assuming this position in November 2015, she has been instrumental in promoting and safeguarding the bank’s reputation in Ghana through strategic corporate affairs, brand, and marketing initiatives.

Prior to her current role, Asiedua held the position of Head of Brand and Marketing within Standard Chartered Bank, where she demonstrated her expertise in enhancing brand visibility and market presence. Her journey with the bank began in 2012, and since then, she has played a pivotal role in driving the organization’s marketing strategies forward.

Before joining Standard Chartered, Asiedua amassed valuable experience working with renowned global brands such as Unilever and L’Oreal across different geographical locations. Her diverse background equipped her with a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market dynamics, which she applies effectively in her current role.

Asiedua is a graduate of the University of Ghana and holds a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from Fordham University. Her educational background, coupled with her extensive professional experience, positions her as a leader in the field of corporate affairs, brand management, and marketing.

Ngozi Aghomi, Supply Chain Director, Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC

Ngozi Aghoni is a seasoned Supply Chain Director with a proven track record of driving results and fostering team success. With over 15 years of experience in various Supply Chain and Sales support functions, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and a strong commitment to excellence.

As the current Supply Chain Director for Guinness Ghana Breweries Plc, Ngozi has established herself as a self-motivated and disciplined professional focused on delivering tangible outcomes. Prior to this role, she served as the Acting Supply Chain Director for Guinness Nigeria, where she successfully led the transformation of key performance indicators, elevating the Ogba Brewery to one of the top-performing sites in Diageo Africa.

Before joining the Guinness Nigeria team in March 2019, Ngozi held the position of WECA Supply Chain Manager at Kimberly-Clark SSA, overseeing operations in West, East, and Central Africa. Her previous experience also includes managing complex supply chains for Nestlé in Nigeria and Ghana, two of the largest markets in the region.

Ngozi’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including customer service, distribution, logistics, import/export, operational procurement, production planning, marketing/sales support, field sales projects, and third-party logistics management. She is known for her sense of urgency, initiative, and ability to drive first-time-right results.

With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Benin and the University of Lagos, respectively, Ngozi has complemented her technical background with an MBA in General Management from Lagos Business School. Additionally, she has pursued executive education in Emerging Markets from University of Navarra’s IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, and the University of Wisconsin, USA.

Ngozi’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to work effectively with diverse teams and cultures, bringing out the best in her colleagues and driving continuous improvement. Her dedication to excellence and proven track record make her a valuable asset to any organization she serves.

Mrs. Nana Defie Badu, Director – Consumer and Corporate Affairs, National Communications Authority (NCA)

Mrs. Nana Defie Asamoa-Bonsu Badu, Director of Consumer and Corporate Affairs at the National Communications Authority (NCA), is a highly experienced communications professional with a rich background spanning various industries, including banking, telecommunications, aviation, and organizational development.

With extensive experience in senior roles at both the NCA and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Nana Defie specializes in public relations, design, communications, consulting, and consumer and corporate affairs.

Nana Defie Badu brings over 15 years of comprehensive experience in communications, with significant contributions across multiple sectors. Prior to her current role at the NCA, she accumulated 7 years in media, 7 years in banking, and 2 years in aviation, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in different professional environments.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, with postgraduate qualifications in Communication Studies from the University of Ghana and in Organization Development from the University of Cape Coast.

Mrs. Belinda Dede Tandoh, Chief Finance Officer, GLICO Pensions

Mrs. Belinda Dede Tandoh is a professional Accountant with over twenty-six (26) years of experience in Accounting, Finance, and Management. As the CFO, she oversees the financial administration of Glico Pensions.

Prior to her current role at GLICO Pensions, Mrs. Belinda Dede Tandoh served as the Finance Manager. She later advanced within the organization to her current position. Previously, she held the position of Finance and Administration Manager at SSNIT Informal Sector Fund, where she oversaw the financial management of the Fund.

Mrs. Belinda Dede Tandoh’s exceptional performance has garnered her numerous accolades over the years.

In 2021, Mrs. Belinda Dede Tandoh won the Best Pension CFO of the Year award for her immense contribution towards the outstanding financial performance and growth of GLICO Pensions, which has been achieved through the design and implementation of an efficient system for record-keeping, analysis of financial data and effective supervision of the activities of Fund Managers.

Again, in 2018, Mrs Belinda Dede Tandoh was adjudged the Best CFO of the Year respectively at the 4th Ghana Finance Innovations awards ceremony organized by Instinct Wave, Africa’s premium B2B Event Company.

She is a member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) and holds an MBA (Finance) degree from the University of Ghana Business School, Legon.

Estella Muzito, Marketing and Innovations Director, Guinness Ghana Plc

Estella Muzito serves as a pivotal member of the executive leadership team at Guinness Ghana Breweries Plc, holding the esteemed position of Marketing and Innovations Director. In this capacity, Estella is dedicated to advancing the company’s overarching goal of becoming the foremost consumer products company in Ghana, distinguished by its performance, trustworthiness, and respectability.

At the heart of her role lies the commitment to fostering an environment conducive to the success of every team member as they safeguard the integrity of the company’s brands. Prior to assuming her current position, Estella held the role of Marketing Manager for Malta Guinness and Orijin at Diageo from 2019 to 2021.

Before joining Guinness Ghana Breweries Plc, Estella served as the Marketing Manager and Consumer Planning and Media Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited, where she honed her expertise in brand management and strategic planning.

Estella’s academic journey includes prestigious stints at Columbia Business School and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, where she further cultivated her leadership and management acumen. With her wealth of experience and academic credentials, Estella Muzito is poised to drive innovation and excellence in the marketing landscape of Guinness Ghana Breweries Plc.

Antoinette Kwofie (Mrs), Chief Finance Officer, MTN Ghana

Mrs. Kwofie, the first Ghanaian and inaugural female to join the board of Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) as Chief Finance Officer (CFO), has achieved significant milestones in her career.

She spent over eight years at Absa Bank, commencing in 2007, where she ascended to the role of Chief Finance Officer in 2013. During her tenure, she held various pivotal positions such as Finance Business Partner, Head of Business Performance and Analytics, and Financial Controller.

Her remarkable contributions to the finance industry were recognized in December 2023 when she received the Ultimate Woman in Leadership – Finance Award at the 5th edition of the Women’s Choice Awards Africa in Accra. This prestigious accolade acknowledged her exceptional achievements in a predominantly male-dominated field and applauded her exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing gender and youth development.

Under her stewardship, MTN Ghana achieved remarkable success, clinching five awards at the 7th Instinct Business Awards.

As a member of the Executive Women’s Network, Mrs. Kwofie emphasizes the importance of STEM education as a catalyst for driving socio-economic and inclusive growth.

She holds the prestigious title of Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and she is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK.

Additionally, she is an alumna of the University of Ghana, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics.

By: Diella Teku | Carol Opata| Esther Adwoa Gyanwah Karikari | Princess Debrah Avenyoh | Ruth Esi Amfua Sekyi | InstinctBusiness Magazine