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Behind Ghana’s most Famous Iconic Akwaaba Image is a Woman whose Story was never told until now

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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.

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Culture

“We Entertain Stupidity in This Country” — GHOne’s Lilly Mohammed Slams Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa Over IShowSpeed Passport Saga

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Broadcast journalist Lilly Mohammed has descended on Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over the decision to issue a Ghanaian passport to American streamer IShowSpeed.

 

Speaking on GH Today, GHOne TV’s morning show, the host expressed strong dissatisfaction with the minister’s action, questioning the justification for granting Ghanaian citizenship to the internet personality after a brief visit to the country.

 

“Let’s get serious as a country. It’s like we’re not serious at all. Somebody comes to Ghana, he’s a streamer, he’s putting Ghana on the global map, he’s doing whatever. He comes for a day or two, and then you shove a Ghanaian passport into his hands. You’re not serious,” she said.

 

Lilly Mohammed stated that she could not see the importance of IShowSpeed’s visit that warranted the issuance of a Ghanaian passport.

 

“You’re not serious. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, you were somebody we had high expectations of. You shoved a Ghanaian passport into the hands of somebody who came here streaming and embarking on his own personal thing. Coming to step on our jollof, jumping on the Black Stars Square, what has that done to our GDP? What has it added to our economy?” she questioned.

 

The media personality further compared the situation to Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, who has consistently promoted Africa on the global stage, asking whether any country had rewarded him with citizenship for his efforts.

 

“Wode Maya has been putting Ghana on the map globally. Have you seen America give him an American passport? Even Nigeria, has Nigeria given him a Nigerian passport? You entertain stupidity so much. You’ve given him a Ghanaian passport for what achievement? What has he done for Ghana?” she asked.

 

She also criticised the public reaction surrounding the visit, particularly an incident where some Ghanaians reportedly ate jollof rice that IShowSpeed had stepped on during his visit.

“You give him a Ghanaian passport because he sat on our jollof, and the moment he steps away, Ghanaians rush to eat it. You are not serious. With the greatest respect, let’s put some value on our passport. Let’s put value on this country,” she stressed.

Lilly Mohammed further lamented the difficulties faced by Ghanaian citizens in acquiring passports, contrasting it with the ease with which the streamer was allegedly granted one.

 

“Meanwhile, Ghanaians are queuing for passports. Ghanaian citizens born in this country, who by the Constitution are entitled to citizenship, are struggling. You say you have opened the passport system to eliminate goro boys, yet people are still finding it difficult to get a basic passport,” she said.

 

While clarifying that she had no personal issue with the streamer, she maintained that the decision to issue him a Ghanaian passport was unjustified.

 

“I have no problem with him. I didn’t even know him until he came to Ghana. It’s a beautiful thing what he’s doing, and it’s risky. For a young man, he’s very bold and deserves a pat on the back. However, to give him a Ghanaian passport, what has he done to deserve it? Let’s get serious in this country, for real,” she concluded.

 

Background

 

On Tuesday, January 27, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the Ministry had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to popular American streamer and internet personality IShowSpeed. According to the minister, the decision followed confirmation of what he described as the influencer’s “irrefutable ties” to Ghana.

IShowSpeed, an American streamer currently on an African tour highlighting the continent’s culture and lifestyle, arrived in Ghana on Sunday. He was officially welcomed on Monday, January 26, with a traditional Akan naming ceremony held in the Eastern Region.

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Entertainment

Ghana Music Awards Europe Appoints Mona Gucci as Chief Operations Officer

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Ghana Music Awards Europe has officially announced the appointment of Abigail Monalisa Semaha, widely known as Mona Gucci, as its new Chief Operations Officer.

The announcement, made in Accra and Europe, marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to strengthen its operational leadership as it expands its footprint across Europe and the global Ghanaian music community.

According to the organizers, the appointment reflects Ghana Music Awards Europe’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership. Mona Gucci brings with her extensive experience in media, branding, communications, and creative industry management. She is widely respected for her deep understanding of entertainment culture, audience engagement, and strategic leadership.

In her new role, Mona Gucci will oversee the day-to-day operations of Ghana Music Awards Europe, lead strategic planning, manage partnerships, and supervise the execution of key initiatives aimed at elevating the awards scheme’s brand. Her leadership is expected to improve organizational efficiency, strengthen industry relationships, and enhance the overall experience for artists, stakeholders, and audiences.

Speaking on the appointment, organizers of Ghana Music Awards Europe expressed strong confidence in her ability to drive growth and innovation within the organization. They noted that her professionalism, experience, and insight into the entertainment landscape make her a valuable addition to the executive team.

Mona Gucci also expressed her excitement about the new role, stating that she looks forward to contributing meaningfully to the celebration and global promotion of Ghanaian music and culture.

Ghana Music Awards Europe remains dedicated to recognizing and honoring Ghanaian musical excellence while creating platforms that connect artists to international audiences. The annual awards scheme was established to celebrate and promote Ghanaian music and creatives in Europe and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and global recognition for Ghana’s vibrant music industry.

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Entertainment

High Court Confirms No Will on Record for Late Highlife Icon Daddy Lumba

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The High Court in Accra has confirmed that there is no record of a last will belonging to the late highlife musician Charles Kwadwo Fosuh, widely known as Daddy Lumba, at the Probate and Administration Division’s registry.

This confirmation followed an official search conducted as part of the legal process surrounding the administration of the musician’s estate.

According to court documents, the registry search was initiated to determine whether Daddy Lumba had deposited a will with the High Court. The request also sought details such as the date of deposit, the individual who submitted the document, and the lawyer who prepared it, should such a will exist.

However, a formal response from the registry, dated January 19, 2026, at 2:37 pm, stated that no will associated with the late musician is on record. The document, signed and stamped by the Registrar of the Probate and Administration Division, confirmed that the court’s registry holds no such record.

The absence of a registered will indicates that Daddy Lumba’s estate may be administered under Ghana’s intestate succession laws, unless a valid will is produced from another source. This development introduces additional legal considerations for the family and legal representatives managing his affairs.

Daddy Lumba, one of Ghana’s most influential and celebrated highlife musicians, left behind an extensive musical catalogue that continues to shape the country’s music industry. Since his passing, public attention has remained focused on the handling of his estate, reflecting both his stature and the enduring impact of his legacy.

 

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