For decades, the Akwaaba picture has stood as one of Ghana’s most recognisable visual symbols, an image that greets the world with warmth, hospitality, and cultural pride. It adorns billboards, tourism brochures, airport halls, hotel lobbies, school textbooks, and international exhibitions. Yet, behind this globally celebrated photograph is a woman whose story remained largely untold for years: Angelina Nana Akua Oduro.

This is the human story behind the image that welcomed the world to Ghana.

A Moment That Became History

The iconic Akwaaba photograph was taken during a period when Ghana was intentionally positioning itself as a leading cultural and tourism destination in Africa. The image showing a young Ghanaian woman dressed in traditional attire, gracefully holding a calabash and a clay pot, pouring palm wine in a gesture of warmth and welcome, captured the very essence of Ghanaian hospitality.

What many did not know was that the woman in the photograph was Angelina Nana Akua Oduro, then a young woman whose life was far removed from the global attention the image would later command.

At the time, the photo session felt ordinary. There were no grand promises, no discussions about long-term usage, royalties, or legacy. It was simply a shoot that would later evolve into a national symbol.

From Photograph to National Emblem

As the years passed, the Akwaaba image took on a life of its own. It became synonymous with Ghana’s tourism identity, often representing the country at international fairs, cultural expos, and diplomatic events.

The photograph travelled farther than Angelina ever imagined, crossing borders, continents, and generations. Yet, while the image flourished, the woman behind it remained largely invisible.

In several instances, the photographer Mr Joseph Osae reproduced, sold, and commercialised without her knowledge of the commercial value. Copies appeared in both public and private spaces, often stripped of context, credit, or acknowledgement.

A Story of Silence and Strength

Angelina Nana Akua Oduro’s story is not one of bitterness, but of quiet resilience. For years, she watched as an image of her younger self became a national asset. At the same time, she lived a modest life, disconnected from the economic and symbolic value attached to the photograph.

Her experience reflects a broader challenge within Ghana’s creative and cultural industries: the absence of structured protection for image rights, creative ownership, and fair compensation.

Like many models, creatives, and cultural contributors of her generation, Angelina was never fully briefed on usage rights, intellectual property, or the long-term implications of her participation.

Reclaiming Identity and Narrative

In recent years, Angelina has found the courage and voice to tell her story not to seek sympathy, but to reclaim her identity within Ghana’s cultural history.

Her revelation has sparked important conversations about:

• Image rights and consent
• Creative ownership and compensation
• The ethical use of cultural symbols
• The need to recognise individuals behind national icons

By stepping forward, she has helped humanise an image many took for granted, reminding the nation that behind every powerful symbol is a real person with a real story.

Beyond the Akwaaba Image

Angelina Nana Akua Oduro is more than a photograph. She is a mother, a woman of dignity, and a silent contributor to Ghana’s global image. Her story now stands as a lesson for policymakers, creatives, photographers, institutions, and brands.

It calls for:

• Clear contracts and fair agreements
• Respect for contributors to cultural heritage
• Systems that protect creative participants from exploitation

A Symbol Reimagined

Today, the Akwaaba picture carries a deeper meaning. It is no longer just a welcoming gesture; it is a reminder of the faces, sacrifices, and overlooked contributors behind Ghana’s cultural storytelling.

By telling her story, Angelina Nana Akua Oduro has finally stepped out from behind the image that defined a nation’s welcome and into her rightful place in Ghana’s cultural narrative.

Service to humanity remains one of life’s greatest virtues, holding profound significance from both a moral and spiritual perspective.

In that spirit, Rev. Mrs. Adwoa Abrafi Ampiah-Kwofi, wife of Rev. Robert Ampiah-Kwofi, General Overseer of Global Revival Ministries, marked her 60th birthday with an act of compassion and generosity. Rather than a private celebration, she chose to extend love and support to both Save Them Young Orphanage and James Camp Prisons in Tema and Korle Gonno respectively. This underscores the importance she places on service to others on such a milestone occasion. Accompanied by members of Global Revival Ministries, Rev. Mrs. Ampiah-Kwofi donated essential food items such as such as cooking oil, rice, diary products, bread, maize, frozen foods, clothing and other valuable materials to support the welfare of the underprivileged children at the orphanage. During the visit, the children received words of encouragement, hope,compassion, and joy, leaving a lasting impact on their spirits. The outreach was part of a broader birthday charity initiative, which involved a visit to the James Camp Prisons at Korle Gonno, where the inmates also received valuable food items. The gesture reflected a deep commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable social development.

The 60th birthday celebration of Rev. Mrs. Adwoa Abrafi Ampiah-Kwofi thus stood not only as a personal milestone but also as a meaningful demonstration of faith in action and service to humanity.

Below are pictures from the donations at both Save The Young orphanage and James Camp
Prisons.

Ghanaian gospel musician Mistress Dorcas has once again demonstrated her compassionate heart by reaching out to people living on the streets through her charitable initiative. In her latest act of kindness, she donated essential items including money, clothing, food, and other necessities to support the less privileged. The gesture has been widely praised by many who admire her consistency and genuine concern for humanity.

This generous outreach was carried out through the Mistress Dorcas Foundation, a charity organization she established to help the needy. According to the gospel singer, the foundation undertakes this benevolent exercise annually as part of its mission to bring hope and relief to vulnerable individuals. She explained that seeing people struggle on the streets often makes her sad, and this emotional connection inspired her to create the foundation as a way of giving back to society.

Mistress Dorcas shared that life is not easy for many people, especially those without basic necessities. She emphasized that her desire has always been to support those in need and remind them that they are not forgotten. Through her foundation, she hopes to encourage others to also lend a helping hand whenever they can, no matter how small the support may seem.

In line with this message, the gospel musician is set to release a new song titled “Obra,” which translates to “Life.” She revealed that the song highlights the struggles of life and serves as a call for Ghanaians to show love, compassion, and support to the needy. As she continues to combine music with humanitarian work, many are praising Mistress Dorcas for her good heart and praying for God’s blessings upon her life and ministry.

There’s something special about walking into your home after a long day in Lagos heat – that first rush of cool air that almost feels like forgiveness.
You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and for a moment, everything slows down.
That’s what my Scanfrost Air Conditioner gives me – not just cooling, but peace of mind.

The best inverter AC to buy in Nigeria?

The Nigerian Heat Test

Let’s be honest – Nigerian heat doesn’t play.
Whether it’s February sun in Abuja or October humidity in Lagos, the air feels like it’s testing your willpower.

I’ve used different ACs over the years, but most couldn’t handle the power surges, the dust, or the unpredictable voltage.
Then I switched to the Scanfrost Split Inverter AC (SFACS12INM) – and that’s when everything changed.

It’s quiet, steady, and energy-smart.
Even when NEPA does their usual on and off, the auto-restart function brings it back without fuss.
And with its R410A eco-friendly gas, I’m cooling responsibly – better for my home, better for the planet.

The Power of Presence

In my living room stands the Scanfrost Floor Standing Inverter AC (SFACFS18INM) – sleek, tall, and powerful.
It’s the kind of appliance that doesn’t just cool the room; it commands it.

When I host family or colleagues, it’s the unsung hero – quietly doing its job while everyone else relaxes.
And because it’s inverter-powered, it consumes less energy while maintaining that consistent chill Nigerians love.

No sudden drop. No loud humming. Just a steady flow of comfort that feels… premium.

Built for Real Nigerian Homes

Here’s what I’ve come to realize – comfort isn’t about gadgets; it’s about reliability.
In a country where power can be uncertain and heat relentless, you need an AC that understands your environment.

Scanfrost ACs are engineered with that in mind:

Copper condensers that last longer.
Smart inverter technology that saves up to 40% energy.
Turbo cooling that cools your space fast, even on the hottest afternoons.
It’s more than cooling. It’s control – over temperature, bills, and peace of mind.

A Quiet Kind of Luxury

Maybe luxury isn’t gold fittings or imported décor.
Maybe it’s coming home after a chaotic Lagos commute, pressing one button, and watching your space turn calm, cool, and silent.

That’s my kind of luxury.
That’s Scanfrost – built for real life.

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In its continued commitment to promoting quality education in rural Ghana, the Shidaa Foundation has donated several backpacks filled with essential school supplies to pupils of the Dodi Papase DA/ARS Basic School in the Oti Region.

The donation included items such as exercise books, pens, pencils, mathematical sets, and other learning materials, all intended to equip students with the tools they need to excel academically.

Speaking during the presentation, the Headmaster of the school, Mr. Amegayao Stanislaw, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Shidaa Foundation for their thoughtful support. He commended the Foundation for its consistent efforts toward improving education at the basic level, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

> “We are sincerely grateful to the Shidaa Foundation for this timely support. These materials will not only reduce the financial burden on parents but also motivate our pupils to take their studies seriously,” Mr. Stanislaw said.

The Founder of the Shidaa Foundation, Mr. Roland Akwensivie, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to empowering young learners and supporting educational development across Ghana.

> “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty and shaping the future of our communities,” Mr. Akwensivie stated. “At Shidaa Foundation, we believe every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, dream, and succeed—regardless of where they come from. This donation is a small step toward that vision.”

Through such initiatives, the Shidaa Foundation continues to demonstrate its commitment to bridging educational inequalities and ensuring that students in rural areas have access to quality learning resources. The Foundation has pledged to extend similar support to other schools across the country in the coming months.

The long wait is finally over, Ghana’s most exciting Indigenous Food Festival returns to Accra to celebrate History, Heritage, Tradition, and Culture. It’s the AYEWA FESTIVAL 2025!

After a successful debut in Accra in 2023 and an unforgettable journey to the origin of the earthenware “Ayewa” in Kwahu during Easter 2024, the festival is back home to the capital Accra bigger, better, and tastier than ever.

This year’s edition promises an extraordinary food experience featuring authentic Ghanaian dishes such as Fufu, Banku, Omo-Tuo, Jollof, Ampesi, Kenkey and more all beautifully served in the traditional Ayewa pot.

Proudly endorsed by the December In GH Secretariat, under the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Creative Arts, this year’s event forms part of Ghana’s December In GH Experience. It takes place on Friday, 5th December 2025 (Farmers Day) a day set aside to honour the hardworking farmers who feed our nation.

The Ayewa Festival now becomes a bi-annual celebration, with Accra’s edition on December 5th at the Centre for National Culture (Art Centre Forecourt) next to Kwame Nkrumah Museum and Kwahu’s edition every Easter.

Vendor spaces are now open! Call 0501095449 for bookings, sponsorship, or general enquiries.

Don’t miss this vibrant celebration filled with mouthwatering food, live music, cultural displays, fun activities, and unforgettable experiences at Ghana’s biggest indigenous food event Ayewa Festival 2025!

Ayewa Festival “Obiara bɛ didi” (Everyone will eat!)

We’re thrilled to announce that award-winning Ghanaian blogger, Eaziman, has signed a 1-year ambassadorial deal with See Clear Eye Clinic! This partnership is a testament to Eaziman’s influence and dedication to excellence.

With See Clear Eye Clinic’s commitment to providing top-notch eye care services and Eaziman’s passion for promoting positivity, we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make together!

Located in New Atuabo, opposite Methodist Church Duncan Street, See Clear Eye Clinic is your go-to destination for exceptional eye care. With Eaziman on board, they’re poised to take their services to the next level!

Congratulations to Eaziman and See Clear Eye Clinic! May this partnership bring joy, clarity, and success to all involved!

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Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, the former First Lady of Ghana, passed away in Accra at the age of 76.

According to family reports, she died in the Ridge Hospital in Accra early on Thursday, October 23.

Neither the Rawlings family nor government officials have yet to issue an official statement.

The late former president Jerry John Rawlings’ wife, Nana Konadu, was a well-known politician and a strong supporter of women’s rights.

After serving as First Lady from 1979 to 2001, she was the first woman in Ghanaian history to run for president in 2016.

Ghanaians are grieving the loss of one of the country’s most powerful women, and tributes are starting to come in from all over the country.

We anticipate more information soon.

Ghanaian music superstar Stonebwoy and Mary Spio, a deep space engineer, tech innovator, entrepreneur, and founder of CEEK, will be honoured by Howard University.

Stonebwoy is being honoured for his pioneering role in globalizing African music, his cultural authenticity, and his unique influence.

His recognition aligns with the event’s mission to elevate Black and African diaspora voices in the music industry, reflecting Howard University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through its music business programs.

Mary Spio, on the other hand, is also being honoured for her endearing contribution to Black excellence and the music industry.

The ceremony, which takes place at the Blackburn Center Gallery Lounge at Howard University in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, October 23, 2025, forms a part of the activities listed for the 2025 Howard University Homecoming Takeover.

The event is put together by the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business with support from Warner Music Group, 300 Entertainment, and Atlantic Records.

Multiple award winning hitmaker DJ Azonto has sent a strong warning to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, expressing displeasure over how Nigerian artistes have started using his popular street term “Attassa.”

According to the Fa No Fom hitmaker, artistes including Davido, Chief Cubana, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Asake, Portable, VeryDarkMan, and even Genevieve Nnaji have used his terms without his consent.

DJ Azonto urged President Tinubu to instruct Nigeria’s Creative Arts Minister to make sure all Nigerian musicians and entertainers stay away from “Attassa.” A term coined from his name “Arthur” and frequently used to “Ta” from nursery making him known in school as “Attassa”.

“Nigeria and Ghana are one, I don’t see why they can’t call me as a brother before using my term. President Tinubu must warn the Creative Arts Minister to make sure no artiste uses “Attassa” again before I take legal actions”, he stated.

Despite his frustration, DJ Azonto expressed deep admiration for Tinubu’s leadership, saying his respect for the President is why he has not taken harsher actions. He further suggested that Tinubu could compensate him by renaming “Banana Island to Attassa Island” or renaming Lagos airport after him.

DJ Azonto has warned Sarkodie and others already over the term “Attassa” and says any Nigerian who uses it without his permission will pay $100 million.

Stream “Attassa” from DJ Azonto below