Entertainment
Behind Ghana’s most Famous Iconic Akwaaba Image is a Woman whose Story was never told until now
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.
Okyeame Kwame’s ” No Hep” song has been released by Ghanaian rapper and National Hepatitis Ambassador, Okyeame Kwame, as part of efforts to support the country’s campaign to eliminate viral hepatitis.
The new song, titled “No Hep,” is aimed at raising awareness, encouraging Ghanaians to get tested, reducing stigma, and promoting vaccination against hepatitis.
Speaking during an interview on World Hepatitis Day, Okyeame Kwame, popularly known as “The Rap Doctor,” explained that he chose music as a tool because of its ability to reach a wider audience and communicate health messages effectively.
According to him, the Okyeame Kwame No Hep song will help make hepatitis education more relatable and easier for people to understand.
“I made this song because I want to help the ministry promote the elimination of hepatitis from Ghana. Music has the power to drive messages home quickly. If people begin singing ‘No Hep, no more,’ they will be encouraged to go for testing, and the stigma around the disease will reduce,” he said.
The musician revealed that the song will be available on digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, and other major streaming services, while radio stations across the country will also broadcast it to reach more Ghanaians.
Okyeame Kwame also shared that his involvement in hepatitis advocacy started over two decades ago when he discovered the high cost of hepatitis B testing and vaccination while preparing for marriage.
He explained that the situation motivated him to establish an initiative that provided free hepatitis testing to help people access important health services.
The rapper expressed optimism about the progress Ghana has made in the fight against hepatitis, noting that treatment costs have reduced significantly compared to previous years.
He highlighted that hepatitis C medication is now available for free in Ghana, while testing services have also become more accessible.
As part of activities marking World Hepatitis Day, Okyeame Kwame encouraged Ghanaians to take personal responsibility by getting tested, receiving vaccination when necessary, and seeking medical attention if they test positive.
He believes that increased awareness, early detection, and access to treatment will help Ghana achieve its goal of eliminating viral hepatitis in the coming years.
Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has been appointed as the Ghana Health Service Ambassador to support the country’s national campaign against hepatitis.
The appointment forms part of efforts by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to strengthen public awareness about hepatitis, encourage preventive measures, and educate Ghanaians on the dangers of the disease. As one of Ghana’s most influential entertainers, Okyeame Kwame is expected to use his platform to reach millions of people with life-saving health messages.
The Okyeame Kwame Ghana Health Service Ambassador initiative seeks to increase public understanding of hepatitis, promote regular screening, and encourage early diagnosis and treatment. Health experts believe that greater public engagement is essential to reducing the burden of hepatitis and preventing avoidable deaths.
According to the Ghana Health Service, effective public education remains one of the strongest tools in the fight against hepatitis. By partnering with respected public figures like Okyeame Kwame, the service hopes to inspire more people to seek testing, vaccination where applicable, and timely medical care.
Okyeame Kwame has built a strong reputation for supporting public health campaigns over the years, making him a suitable choice to champion the fight against hepatitis in Ghana. His appointment is expected to strengthen nationwide advocacy efforts and encourage more communities to participate in hepatitis prevention initiatives.
Health authorities continue to urge Ghanaians to learn about hepatitis, get tested, and seek professional medical advice when necessary, stressing that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Video credit@ChannelOne Tv
The Foundation of Concerned Arts Professionals (FOCAP) has welcomed the appointment of three new Cultural Attachés (Tourism Officers) to represent Ghana abroad, describing the decision as a landmark achievement for the country’s creative industry and a major boost for cultural diplomacy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, FOCAP said the appointments validate years of advocacy by the organisation for the establishment of Cultural Attaché positions within Ghana’s diplomatic missions to promote the country’s culture, tourism and creative economy on the global stage.
The organisation congratulated Kokui Selormey, who has been appointed Cultural Attaché (Tourism Officer) to Dubai, Akofa Edzeani, appointed Cultural Attaché (Tourism Officer) to Turkey, and Dr Akosua Abdallah, appointed Cultural Attaché (Tourism Officer) to Malaysia.
According to FOCAP, the appointments demonstrate growing recognition that Ghana’s creative and cultural industries should play a strategic role in the country’s international relations and economic development.
The organisation noted that it has consistently advocated for the creation of Cultural Attaché positions through public campaigns, media engagements and policy discussions, arguing that Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, tourism attractions and creative talents deserve dedicated representation across the world.
Speaking on the appointments, FOCAP President described the development as a significant milestone for Ghana’s creative sector.
“We are delighted that government has listened to the voices of industry stakeholders and has taken steps towards institutionalising cultural diplomacy. The appointment of Cultural Attachés (Tourism Officers) is not just about representation; it is about creating economic opportunities for our creative professionals, promoting Ghana’s identity globally and unlocking the full potential of the Orange Economy.”
FOCAP also praised the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for responding to the industry’s long-standing calls and taking concrete steps to give Ghana’s culture greater international visibility.
The organisation believes the newly appointed Cultural Attachés can serve as key ambassadors for promoting tourism, increasing creative exports, attracting international investment, strengthening global partnerships and enhancing engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora.
Despite welcoming the appointments, FOCAP urged the government to ensure that future appointments within the creative and cultural sector are based on professional competence, industry experience and proven expertise rather than political considerations.
According to the organisation, the creative economy requires professionals with a deep understanding of cultural diplomacy, intellectual property rights, international creative markets and the business of culture.
FOCAP stressed that Ghana’s embassies should be supported by qualified professionals capable of transforming the country’s creative strengths into economic opportunities.
The organisation further called on government to expand the Cultural Attaché (Tourism Officer) programme to more Ghanaian embassies and high commissions, particularly in countries with strong creative industries, high tourism potential and large Ghanaian communities.
FOCAP also appealed for greater institutional support for independent arts advocacy organisations that continue to influence policy and contribute to the growth of Ghana’s creative sector.
The foundation said it has remained one of the country’s most consistent voices championing reforms in the arts and creative industries through research, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy aimed at building a sustainable creative economy.
FOCAP concluded by congratulating the newly appointed Cultural Attachés and expressed confidence that they would successfully promote Ghana’s cultural identity, tourism potential and creative aspirations on the international stage.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies that empower creative professionals, strengthen cultural institutions and position Ghana as a leading force in the global creative economy.
Endurance Grand’s role in Children of Blood and Bone has sparked excitement among Ghanaians after the talented dancer and actress was featured in newly released footage from the upcoming Hollywood fantasy blockbuster, marking another major milestone in her rapidly growing international career.
The appearance has attracted widespread praise from fans, who have celebrated Endurance Grand for securing a place in one of the most anticipated international movies scheduled for release in 2027.
Children of Blood and Bone, a Hollywood adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel, features a star-studded cast including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Damson Idris, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Amandla Stenberg.
The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood, is expected to premiere in cinemas on January 15, 2027.
Endurance Grand’s role marks another major achievement in her growing acting career. Although she is best known for her exceptional dancing skills, she has gradually established herself as a promising actress.
She made her acting debut in the internationally recognised short film The Fisherman, where she played the character Shasha. The movie, directed by Zoey Martinson, received major recognition after winning Best Director and Best Narrative Feature at the 2025 American Black Film Festival.
The Fisherman also gained attention during its Ghanaian premiere at Silverbird Cinemas, where it attracted a strong audience response.
With her latest appearance in Children of Blood and Bone, Endurance Grand has taken another important step onto the global entertainment stage. Many Ghanaians believe her achievement represents a positive moment for Ghana’s creative industry and a sign of the growing influence of Ghanaian talent in international cinema.
Daddy Lumba Mausoleum will soon be opened to the public, allowing fans, friends, and music lovers to visit the final resting place of the late Highlife icon and honour his remarkable legacy.
Former manager of the legendary musician, Roman Fada, has disclosed that the family is preparing to announce an official date for public access to the mausoleum.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Kofi Adoma, Roman Fada explained that the move is aimed at giving admirers of Daddy Lumba the chance to pay their respects and celebrate the musician’s contribution to Ghana’s music industry.
According to him, the mausoleum will serve as a place where visitors can learn more about Daddy Lumba’s life, career, achievements, and influence on Highlife music.
He added that plans are in place to make the facility a memorable experience for fans, with displays featuring the musician’s journey, major performances, awards, and important moments from his career.
Roman Fada revealed that giant screens will be installed at the mausoleum to showcase some of Daddy Lumba’s historic performances, while his music will also be played to create an atmosphere that keeps his legacy alive.
He further stated that visitors may be required to pay a small fee to access the facility, with funds expected to support the maintenance and upkeep of the mausoleum.
The announcement comes after the family marked the first anniversary of the passing of the Highlife legend by sharing details about his final resting place.
Daddy Lumba, born Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, passed away on July 26, 2025, and was laid to rest at his private residence in East Legon, Accra, ending months of speculation about where his final resting place was located.
The planned Daddy Lumba Mausoleum is expected to become a centre for preserving and celebrating the life, music, and legacy of one of Ghana’s most influential musicians.
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