Theme: Beyond Barriers: Shaping the Africa We Want

Imagine Africa – what visions and thoughts emerge? By the year 2050, a staggering one-quarter of the global population will call Africa home. This continent, rich with untapped opportunities, also navigates unique challenges in areas spanning technology, education, socio-political issues, identity, environmental stewardship, and the advancement of renewable energy. Our TEDx event, “Beyond Barriers: Shaping the Africa We Want,” is a beacon for inclusivity and diversity, promoting a transformative journey from unlearning entrenched ideas to embracing new solutions that transcend traditional boundaries.

We will bring together a dynamic assembly of thinkers and innovators from the KNUST community, including students, faculty, and alumni, for this event. Engaging in vibrant, thought-provoking conversations, these leaders challenge established norms and share ideas with the power to initiate change. Their collective insights aim to forge pathways for a continent on the cusp of significant global influence. As we navigate these pivotal times, this event is more than a conversation; it's a collaborative effort to build a future that aligns with the promise and potential of Africa as foreseen in emerging global trends. Join us in this vital endeavor to shape a resilient and prosperous Africa for generations to come.

Block F Auditorium
KNUST School of Business
Kumaso, Ashanti, 00233
Ghana

Angokor Nai-Kwade

Cofounder of WEAR Ghana

Angorkor is a distinguished fashion entrepreneur and the Creative Director of WEAR Ghana a brand celebrated for its dedication to African culture and craftsmanship. With a career spanning over a decade, Angorkor has been at the forefront of the fashion industry in Accra, where she has not only showcased African aesthetics on global platforms but also championed the empowerment of women. Together with her team, WEAR Ghana has grown significantly, boasting a team where 90% are women, reflecting her commitment to creating opportunities for female leadership in business. Angorkor's ultimate goal is to help individuals and organizations realize their potential sustainably. As she continues to lead and innovate, Angorkor remains a vibrant advocate for the potential of African fashion and the empowerment of women in the industry.

Bibiana Gyasi

Ghanaian Food Blogger and the Founder and Creative Director of Cheflifestyle

Bibiana is a Ghanaian food blogger and founder of Cheflifestyle in Kumasi, Ghana. Passionate about culinary arts and cultural storytelling, she promotes Ghanaian culture through simple, easy-to-make dishes that educate her audience about traditional practices, methods, and ingredients. As a digital strategist and commercial photographer at CL Studios, Bibiana specializes in food and product photography, helping brands enhance their narratives and drive sales. Her skills in photography and social media strategy boost brand visibility and engagement. Bibiana also hosts "The Growth Roadmaps" podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, focusing on self-development and personal growth. Her multifaceted career underscores her dedication to developing people and brands, making her a sought-after influencer and public speaker in the food and cultural sectors.

Clarkson Duku-Acheampong

Mental Health Advocate and Medical Student at the University of Ghana.

Clarkson Duku-Acheampong, named after abolitionist Thomas Clarkson, is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Ghana and a passionate mental health advocate. During high school, he founded clarksonsblog.com to educate others on mental health topics and share his personal experiences. His impactful work led to a nomination for the 2023 Humanitarian Awards Global in the category of best physical and mental health advocate. Clarkson has cultivated an online community dedicated to demystifying psychology and mental health, emphasizing the importance of open communication and shared coping mechanisms. Clarkson seeks to inspire a shift in perspective towards mental health challenges, fostering a culture of acceptance, understanding, and proactive support. His ultimate goal is to encourage individuals to embrace their vulnerabilities and initiate meaningful conversations about mental health.

Leonard K. Amekudzi

Professor of Atmospheric Physics and Climate Science and Provost of the College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

Professor Leonard K. Amekudzi is the Provost of the College of Science at KNUST, Kumasi, and a Full Professor of Atmospheric Physics and Climate Science. He holds a BSc and MPhil in Physics from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and a PhD in Atmospheric Physics and Satellite Remote Sensing from the University of Bremen, Germany. With over 18 years of research in Remote Sensing, Biometeorology, and Hydrological Modeling, Professor Amekudzi has contributed to international projects like ENVISAT SCIAMACHY, QWeCI, WASCAL, DACCIWA, and GCRF African SWIFT. A frequent fellow at The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Italy, he has mentored numerous postgraduate students and consulted on climate projects in Ghana. He has over 60 peer-reviewed publications and is actively involved in farming, entrepreneurship, and family life, demonstrating his commitment to science and community.

Lolynda Kekeli Adonu

Director of Monitoring Evaluation and Learning, CARISCA

Kekeli is a social scientist with over 13 years of experience in research, planning, monitoring and evaluation and social protection financing. Her expertise spans diverse projects, to which she has contributed in capacities such as program design and implementation, project management, gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) mainstreaming. She has worked as Social Policy Research Institute's consultant to UNICEF in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia and Zambia, where she played a significant role in Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis projects. Kekeli has authored articles and research reports on poverty and social policy, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a more inclusive society. Kekeli recently spoke at the annual conference of the Organization of Women Scientists for the Developing World, Ghana Chapter, where she addressed the integration of intersectionality in development approaches towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Maxwell Dan

Founder of toddlerWalks

Maxwell is the founder of toddlerWalks, a platform dedicated to addressing unemployment in Africa and helping individuals achieve their career aspirations. A KNUST graduate in Business Information Technology, Maxwell started with no digital skills but went on to establish toddlerWalks, achieving a remarkable 308% growth rate. He has trained over 200 individuals in digital skills and serves as a CS50 X Educator at Harvard University. Maxwell focuses on innovation, developing solutions across Aerospace, Logistics, and Education, and is currently involved in Al projects. Committed to leveraging innovation to combat unemployment in Africa, he envisions a future where human potential is prioritized for global development.

Nana Kwaku Opoku Bonah

Co-Founder and CEO of Bonvas Group Global

Nana Kwaku Opoku Bonah is a visionary entrepreneur and business leader, renowned for his dynamic leadership as the Co-Founder and CEO of Bonvas Group Global. With over 7 years of experience, he has excelled in business formation, operations, finance, and innovation. Nana's expertise lies in establishing and growing businesses, optimizing operations, financial analysis, and team management. He has spoken at prestigious events such as the Techpreneurship Summit 2024 and Career & Entrepreneurship 2023. Nana's influence extends beyond business, as he has mentored and inspired others through initiatives like the Student Entrepreneurs Initiative KNUST (SEIK) and philanthropic engagements. Recognized as one of the YEA 2020 50 Most Outstanding Young Entrepreneurs he continues to lead with a vision for entrepreneurial growth, mentorship, and societal impact.

Papa Arkhurst

Communications Consultant

Papa Arkhurst is a dynamic public speaking coach and leadership trainer with over a decade of experience. A Distinguished Toastmaster, he excels in communication, facilitating strategic and team-building sessions across sectors like academia, banking, and FMCGs. Papa's collaborative approach to professional development helps clients tackle unique challenges with bespoke solutions. He enhances individual and team capabilities through leadership and communication training, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical skills. His workshops focus on overcoming stage fright, refining corporate messages, and boosting presentation prowess, aiming to drive transformation by bringing out the best in people.

Paul Azunre

AI Researcher and CoFounder, GhanaNLP

Dr. Paul Azunre holds a PhD in Computer Science from MIT and has served as a Principal Investigator on several DARPA research programs. He founded Algorine Inc., a Research Lab dedicated to advancing Al & ML and identifying scenarios where they can have a significant social impact. Paul also co-founded Ghana NLP, a research initiative focused on using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Transfer Learning with Ghanaian and other low-resource languages. He serves as Director of Research at this organization, working on various Al projects whose goal is to ensure that Ghanaian Language and Culture in particular, and African Language and Culture in general, is appropriately represented in the ongoing Al revolution. He is the author of the book "Transfer Learning for NLP" by Manning Publications.

Priscilla Gyasi

Project Coordinator and Founder, the Baker's Lounge Ghana

Priscilla, passionately also known as #Cakewura, comes from a background in Food and Nutrition Education. She holds the position of Project Coordinator for Startup Germany Africa (StArfrica) and serves as the Lead of Gender Affairs and Entrepreneurship at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences. A proud fellow of the African Germany Young Leaders, she is currently pursuing an MPhil Degree in Educational Innovation and Leadership Sciences. In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, she owns a small business, The Baker's Lounge Ghana, which focuses on bakery and food production. Her interests include food, project management, grant acquisition, partnership, entrepreneurship, STEM, TVET, STEAM, and digital skills.

Riverson Oppong

Chief Executive Officer and Industry Coordinator for the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC)

Dr. Riverson Oppong is a renowned leader in the oil and gas sector, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Industry Coordinator for the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMC) in Ghana since April 2024. His role involves pivotal coordination with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Energy and the National Petroleum Authority to advocate and promote the interests of the petroleum sector in Ghana. Additionally, Dr. Oppong holds a strategic advisory position on the Management Board of Relu Interactives, and imparts his extensive knowledge in academia as an Adjunct Faculty at GIMPA Business School, focusing on Energy Markets. He also engages as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, specializing in Petroleum Downstream Economics and Marketing, and serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Coventry University.

Samuel Tinagyei

Optometrist and Cyber-Activist

Dr. Samuel Tinagyei is a renowned Optometrist and Mental Health Therapist & Advocate in Ghana. He currently serves as the Director of Cyber Clinic & Cyber Trauma Specialist at the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, where he leads initiatives to address cyber-related trauma. In addition to this pivotal role, he is the CEO of Mandate Books, managing a dynamic bookshop and publishing company, and holds a senior supervisory position at Amasha Partners Optical Services. Dr. Tinagyei, an Emotional Intelligence Master Coach and NLP Master Practitioner, has authored six books and received the African Youth Award for Literary Excellence in 2017. He is listed among the Top 100 Speakers in Ghana and contributes significantly to mental health, education, and trauma recovery through MindHugs Wellness.

Shulammite Aseye Tornyie

Special Needs Educator

Shulammite has dedicated over a decade to supporting the physically challenged and neurodivergent community through partnerships with organizations like the Ghana Blind Union and the Ghana Federation of the Disabled. She advocates online, volunteers at special schools, and has appeared on TV to discuss autism and neonatal jaundice. Shulammite has mobilized donations for flood victims and provides training for special children from her home. A committed mental health advocate, she has intervened in preventing suicides and promotes respectful treatment of mental health patients. In 2024, she discussed virtual autism on TV and distributed educational materials to children in her community.

Steve Sebastian Owusu

Msc Health Supply Chain, KNUST and CARISCA scholar

Steve is an MSc Health Supply Chain student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a CARISCA scholar. He is a ghostwriter, mentor, and academic coach. Steve aspires to become one of the best children's book writers, aiming to make meaningful contributions to future generations. He also runs a YouTube channel that provides educational content for junior high and tertiary business students.