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.
Entertainment
‘Please Forgive Me’ – Awal Apologises to Senior Colleagues
Ghanaian rapper Awal has publicly apologised to his senior colleagues, including Fameye, Medikal, and every other creative industry player he may have offended over the years, saying he wants to put past misunderstandings behind him and focus on unity within the Ghanaian music industry.
Speaking during an interview on Okay FM, Awal admitted that some of his relationships with fellow musicians were damaged by misunderstandings and competition. He said he now regrets how some situations unfolded and believes it is time to reconcile for the growth of the industry.
Awal Opens Up About Fallout with Fameye
Awal disclosed that his relationship with Fameye, whom he described as someone he was once close friends with, deteriorated after a business misunderstanding dating back to around 2019.
According to the rapper, the disagreement began after he featured Fameye on his song “Akuapem Ploo.” He explained that he paid the award-winning singer GH¢500 to appear in the music video for the song, but Fameye allegedly failed to show up for the scheduled video shoot.
Although the incident strained their friendship, Awal said he no longer wants to dwell on the past.
“I had issues with Fameye. I don’t even know how it ended, but there was a misunderstanding between us. I don’t know how he felt. Maybe he felt really bad. I would like to tell him that if I’ve stepped on his toes, I’m sorry. We were friends and there was business involved, but sometimes I feel bad that we don’t have that kind of vibe anymore,” Awal said.
Apology to Medikal
Awal also extended an apology to rapper Medikal, explaining that their misunderstanding stemmed from the competitive culture of hip-hop, where rappers often exchange lyrical attacks through their songs.
He revealed that he recorded a diss track titled “Take It or Leave It,” adding that although Medikal had supported and admired him in the past, the nature of rap music may have caused him to offend the award-winning rapper.
“As for Medikal, I recorded a song, ‘Take It or Leave It.’ In the hip-hop fraternity, it’s part of the culture to take shots at someone. Medikal also used to like me and support me, but through rap culture, one way or the other, I stepped on his toes,” he explained.
Appeals to All Senior Colleagues
Beyond Fameye and Medikal, Awal extended his apology to every senior colleague in Ghana’s creative arts industry whom he may have offended over the years.
He urged musicians and other industry players to forgive one another, put personal differences aside, and work together to elevate Ghanaian music on the international stage.
“To all my colleagues in the industry, if I’ve stepped on your toes in one way or another, I want to say please find a place in your heart to forgive me. Let’s do this together because we are doing this for the culture. Let’s put Ghana on the map,” he appealed.
Entertainment
Ghanaians Question Akwaboah’s Advice to Save GH¢8,000 Monthly Before Marriage
Highlife musician Akwaboah has sparked intense conversations on social media after advising Ghanaians to save GH¢8,000 every month before getting married, with many describing the suggestion as unrealistic considering the country’s current economic conditions.
In a post shared on X on July 15, 2026, the singer wrote:
“Learn to save 8,000 cedis from your salary every month. Save before you marry. I go come explain soon.”
The post quickly gained traction, attracting hundreds of reactions from users who questioned how many Ghanaians earn enough to set aside such an amount each month.
Many social media users argued that while financial preparedness before marriage is important, the suggested savings target does not reflect the financial realities of the average worker.
One user responded, “How much is the salary itself? And now you’re talking about saving GH¢8,000 from it? You really have to explain this.”
Another commenter also questioned the practicality of the advice, writing, “Did you really mean the three zeros after the 8? How much does President Mahama even save at the end of the month? Please come again.”
Beyond the financial debate, some users suggested Akwaboah has increasingly positioned himself as a relationship adviser since getting married.
One reaction read, “Ever since you got married, you’ve been giving plenty of advice. You should focus on making music instead.”
Another user remarked that the singer appeared to be speaking from personal experience, noting that many people who have been married for decades rarely offer such public advice, despite having far more experience.
Despite the criticism, some users supported Akwaboah’s message, saying couples should prioritise saving before marriage. However, they maintained that the amount should depend on an individual’s income and financial capacity rather than a fixed figure.
The singer has indicated that he will soon explain the reasoning behind his recommendation, leaving many followers waiting for further clarification.
Entertainment
Stonebwoy Mourns Reggae Icon Fantan Mojah, Says His Voice Will Live Forever
Afro-dancehall star Stonebwoy has paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary Jamaican reggae artist Fantan Mojah following the news of his passing. In an emotional message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Stonebwoy described the late musician as a cultural icon whose music inspired generations and whose legacy would continue to influence people worldwide.
Reflecting on Fantan Mojah’s visit to Ghana during the 2025 Bhim Festival, Stonebwoy said it had been a privilege to host the reggae veteran in the Motherland. He noted that the festival provided an opportunity to celebrate the artist’s immense contributions to reggae music, culture, and conscious storytelling.
Referencing Fantan Mojah’s iconic song “Macka Tree,” Stonebwoy praised the singer as a symbol of truth, resilience, and authentic cultural expression. He emphasized that although the reggae legend had passed away, his voice and message would continue to live on through his timeless music.
Stonebwoy wrote:
“It was an honour to welcome you to the Motherland and to celebrate your legacy at @BHIMFESTIVAL 25. You stood tall like the Macka Tree—rooted in culture, unshaken in truth, and sheltering generations with your sound. Rest well, Jah Warrior.”
He continued with another emotional tribute:
“Though you’ve returned to the ancestors, your voice still echoes in every chant, every prayer, every revolution your music sparked. Your songs were more than music—they were medicine, they were fire, they were faith. You uplifted my spirit, and you continue to uplift millions worldwide. FANTAN MOJAH Forever in our hearts.”
Fantan Mojah, born Owen Moncrieffe, died at the age of 49, only weeks before his 50th birthday. According to reports, he passed away on July 14, 2026, at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, after suffering heart-related complications.
The celebrated reggae artist was widely respected for his spiritually conscious lyrics, Rastafarian beliefs, and commitment to using music as a vehicle for truth, hope, and social awareness. His death marks a significant loss to the global reggae community, with tributes continuing to pour in from fellow musicians and fans around the world.
Stonebwoy’s tribute also reflects the deep cultural ties between Ghana and Jamaica, as artists from both countries continue to celebrate and embrace each other’s musical heritage. His message highlighted Fantan Mojah’s influence beyond entertainment, pointing to the reggae icon’s commitment to spreading messages of unity, faith, and cultural identity through his music.
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