The Team

Founder and Co-Chair

Christabel E. Dadzie

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.

Co-Chair

David K. Hutchful

As a User Experience Researcher with more than 15 years of experience in software development, David Hutchful is committed to and passionate about designing and creating appropriate technology solutions that are informed by a nuanced understanding of the socio-economic and cultural contexts of the problems. David is currently the Director of Technology Innovations at the Grameen Foundation working at the intersection of technology and international development. In this capacity he contributes to the strategic design and implementation of innovative solutions including the award winning mHealth intervention, MOTECH.

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.

Programming

Freda Obeng Ampofo

Freda is Ahaspora’s Programs Chair, meaning that she is responsible for ensuring success for all Ahaspora programming. She is a Global Public Policy professional with a regional focus on Africa. She spends her days coordinating and writing reports for USAID West Africa Programs and her leisure running competitive races in various cities in the world:Vienna, Nice, Washington DC, Barcelona, Paris, London and Accra (with the opportunity to raise funds for charity: cancer research & treatment).

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!

Finance

Francis Appiah

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.

Programs

Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey

Apiorkor [Seyiram Ashong-Abbey] is a Ghanaian Poet, Writer/Author, and Literary Scholar known for her captivating poetry and unique blend of narrative, prosaic, and journalistic elements. With Ga-Daŋme and Ewe ancestry, Apiorkor’s work is celebrated for its vivid imagery and engaging performances that incorporate music, contemporary dance, and alternative art forms. She has graced TEDx stages, showcasing her insights on the power of poetry.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Apiorkor is a passionate advocate for recognizing and documenting Ghanaian and African poets, artists, and creative arts. Her efforts have made a significant impact on platforms like Wikipedia and local media sources, elevating African artistic contributions to a global stage.

Apiorkor’s multifaceted talents extend beyond poetry. She is actively involved in organizations such as the Ghana Association of Writers and the Democrats Abroad
Africa Committee, where she coordinates Democrats Abroad – Ghana. Her dedication to diplomacy is reflected in her role as a Fellow and Moderator-in-Residence at the Institute of International Affairs, Ghana.

Through her exceptional talent, dedication to African creativity, and advocacy for artistic recognition, Apiorkor continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Her upcoming projects, including a Spoken Word EP, a play, a poetry chapbook, and a novel, further demonstrate her commitment to storytelling and artistic expression.

PR and Communication Development

Nadia Takyiwaa-Mensah

Nadia, a British-born Ghanaian is the founder and owner of Sixth Sense Marketing Agency and agency that has successfully worked with brands like, Vodafone Ghana, Sage, Merck Pharmaceutical, Viber, WorldRemit, Prudential and many more; and Sai Wine Cafe, West Africa’s first wine café.

Nadia in January 2020 self-published her first book ‘How to Get Ahead in Ghana’, which is a 10 step, self-help, motivational book written for Ghanaians by a Ghanaian. The book sets out to encourage Ghanaians to embark on a journey of self-discovery allowing them to be the change they want to see in the world. Moving them away from blaming the government, family, their circumstances and situations for their lack but rather looking within for the solution. In February 2021, she published her second book ‘Imajin!!!’, which is a satire short book, which looks at some of the unimaginable things which take place in Ghana’

At Ahaspora, she is the board member who leads PR and Communication Development. Besides all these in 2016, she won Women Entrepreneur of the Year in Ghana and has been featured in many interviews, university talks, event panels and of late webinars as she shares her experience, knowledge and wisdom in all things God, purpose, culture, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, motherhood, wine, being a diasporan and much more.

Strategy

Yaw Attua-Afari

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.

Career Development/ Human Resources

Aba Enyimayew

Aba is currently the Human Resource Manager at Ashesi University College. She is a Work and Organizational Psychology Practitioner with over six years’ experience in Human Resources (HR) Management in Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria, as well as customer care experience from the United Kingdom. She has also worked with developmental researchers in areas of health, youth development, girl child education and work psychology. With diverse experience working with several multinational companies, she has insight into developing organizational culture that balances high performance, while providing freedom and flexibility to be innovative.

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.

Knowledge Management

Mary Asante-Asamoah

Mary is currently the General Manager of Barbex Technical Services, a 25 year old business providing mining support services to the mining industry in Ghana and Ivory Coast.

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.

Senior Programs Coordinator

Felicia E. Arthur

Felicia is the Senior Program Coordinator at Ahaspora, having worked with the organization for the past seven (7) years. She has vast experience in project management and coordination, event planning, visual communication, team management, project concept development, as well as mentoring and talent acquisition. At Ahaspora, she provides project management, communication and administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the organization’s operations.

Felicia graduated among the top of her class, with a Bachelor of Communication Design from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana in 2014. Currently she is working on a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy to expand her knowledge about intercultural approaches and theories to help solve complex problems. Other areas of practical expertise include, human rights advocacy, visual communications, product branding, creative directing, advertising and visual marketing. Felicia is a creative entrepreneur who also runs a freelance makeup artistry firm.

Finance and Operations Coordinator

Patrick Moore

Patrick is the Finance and Operations Coordinator for Ahaspora. Patrick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Ghana and Chartered Institute of Marketing UK certificates in Marketing and Integrated Communications.

Prior to working in this role, Patrick has been an Ahaspora Mentor from 2015 till date and has served on the Ahaspora Mentoring Planning Committee since 2017. Patrick has over 5 years of experience in banking and finance, fundraising and partnership development for nonprofits. He aspires to not only be a seasoned professional but also a well-rounded individual in all aspects of his life. Inspiring others while doing so.