Christabel E. Dadzie
Founder and Co-Chair
Christabel E. Dadzie is an international development specialist with extensive experience working on economic development across Africa, in Latin America and South Asia, leading projects in education, gender, agriculture, trade, social protection and youth employment with various international development organizations including United Nations entities and for the USAID. Currently, she works with the World Bank as a Social Protection Specialist, managing the Ghana portfolio to promote social inclusion and end extreme poverty, and part of the design team for the Ghana Jobs and Skills project. Additionally, she has supported the Social Protection and Jobs portfolio in Liberia.
Upon returning to Ghana from the US in 2010, she identified the need to promote Brain Gain and leverage the expertise of young Ghanaian professionals, she founded Ahaspora to support the returnee transition. From 12 members at inception in 2011, Ahaspora has grown to over 1800 members and has a flagship mentoring program for high school students across Ghana as its give-back initiative.
Christabel is a Board member of the Emerging Public Leaders organization, on the Management team of the Moremi young African women leadership initiative, and a member of the Women’s Advisory Board of The College of Wooster in Ohio, where she earned a Bachelors’ Degree in International Relations. She also has a Masters’ Degree in International Affairs from Columbia University.
David K. Hutchful
Co-Chair
Previously, he was a member of the Technology for Emerging Markets (TEM) Group at Microsoft Research. In addition to other award winning innovations, Mr. Hutchful co-developed a scalable content creation model and a software platform that has simplified and reduced the cost of creating and sharing educational courses freely online.
David received undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Philosophy from Calvin College and a Master’s degree in Information with a specialization in Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Michigan. He loves traveling, listening to and reading good stories, fidgeting with technology and is an avid fan of the game of football (soccer).
At Ahaspora, David brings extensive experience to the team with his leadership and technology expertise, providing management and oversight to Ahaspora programs and partnerships.
Freda Obeng Ampofo
Programs Manager
She assisted with planning the 2013 Accra International Marathon, and is involved in planning The Valentines Day 5k run/walk also in Accra. Freda also has a running club, RACE Ghana, a hub for runners of all levels.
Along with running races, Freda runs a lifestyle blog www.fabfitfine.com, where she writes on health, nutrition and beauty with the aim to keep Ghanaians and African s healthy!
Francis Appiah
Finance Manager
Francis is a financial services and technology professional. He has worked in diverse roles both in Ghana and the United States. He was a Structured Credit Analyst doing performance analysis on collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) at Fitch Ratings Inc “Fitch”, an international bond rating agency in New York City.
In Ghana he has held a diverse range of roles including research analysis, investment management, compliance, corporate finance and most recently operations management for a payments focused fintech. Beyond finance and investments his professional interests also include infrastructure development, economic development, strategy and business development.
Francis holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA.
Mary Asante-Asamoah
Information Management Officer
Prior to joining Barbex she was an Operations Associate with TransAfrica Forum, a non-profit organization based in Washington DC that serves as a policy, educational and organizing center that influences US foreign policy concerning Africa and the Diaspora and promotes African American solidarity with civil society.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Global Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo Canada. Also, she recently began her journey to become a CIMA qualified professional.
Outside work, Mary loves to spend time with her family and loves the opportunity to mentor others and give back to society. She has participated in several volunteering programs such as Reach for Recovery: Cancer Awareness and Bike for Aids. She is also an ardent supporter of Joyful Way Incorporated, a ministry that is focused on youth evangelism.
At Ahaspora, Mary runs our knowledge bank, making sure that all our meetings and activities are adequately documented to promote effectiveness and sustainability of the organization.
Aba Enyimayew
Career Development Programs Manager
When she is not managing human resources, Aba facilitates career development activities and contributes to implementing the mentoring program with the Ahsapora team.
She also takes personal interest in raising funds and useful items for street children and has served as a resource person for Orphan Aid youth rallies. She is currently developing her passion for baking into voluntary lessons for interested youth to occupy themselves.
Nana Tayibah Eshun
Communications & Public Relations Manager
Nana Tayibah Eshun is a human resource and compliance professional with experience across a number of sectors including secondary food processing specific to the production of cocoa products, business development and oil & gas. She currently works in the same capacity for Codex Fortress Ghana, a joint venture specialist engineering firm based in Accra.
Tayibah is the Communications & Public Relations Manager for Ahaspora and is responsible for making sure that word spreads far and wide about what Ahaspora is up to. Tayibah has a passion for mentoring and assisting young people in particular, dream bigger than they ever thought they could. She has thrown herself into the Ahaspora Mentorship Programme where she serves as both a coordinator and mentor.
A self-described closet introvert, part time thrill seeker and secret creative Tayibah likes to participate in outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, abseiling and biking. She also loves to read, tell stories and moonlights as a voice over artist and copy writer.
Yaw Attua-Afari
Strategy Manager
Yaw Attua-Afari is an investment professional with over 12 years’ experience across private equity, investment banking, project development and strategy in developed and emerging markets. Yaw is currently focused on commercial real estate investments.
Yaw is Managing Director of EYJ Group, a project development and advisory firm, and was most recently the promoter and co-developer for 335 Place, a commercial office building in Accra. His experience also covers energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, and he currently sits on the board of GFX brokers, a fixed income and commodities trading firm based in Accra.
Previously, he had roles at Oasis Capital, Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch.
Yaw holds a BA degree in Economics with honors from Howard University in Washington DC.