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
Shatta Wale hints at contesting Ablekuma South seat as independent candidate in 2028
Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has opened up about the possibility of venturing into politics, revealing that he may consider running for office as an independent parliamentary candidate if there is significant public demand ahead of the 2028 elections.
He said this during an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen talk show with OB. Government name, Charles Nii Armah Jnr., said he does not intend to affiliate with any political party should he decide to enter the political arena.
According to him, his interest in politics would be driven by a desire to serve the people rather than by personal wealth. He disclosed that if the opportunity arises, he would consider contesting the parliamentary seat for Ablekuma South as an independent candidate.
“If the people push me to go into politics, I will consider it. I won’t do it because I’m rich, but because I want to serve the people. I would contest the Ablekuma South seat, but I won’t join any political party. I would prefer to run as an independent candidate if the calls become stronger by 2028,” he said.
Shatta Wale also spoke about his strong attachment to Ghana, explaining that his love for the country is one of the reasons he continues to live here despite opportunities to travel or relocate abroad.
He noted that traveling outside the country can be quite costly for him, which makes him more comfortable staying in Ghana.
“I love Ghana so much. Anytime someone asks me to travel abroad, I feel a bit uneasy because I end up spending more money there. Life outside is expensive,” he explained.
The musician added that living in Ghana allows him to enjoy a level of freedom that he values.
“In Ghana, I feel free. Sometimes I go to certain places and I’m able to walk around without any problem,” he said.
He also urged Ghanaians to cultivate a positive mindset, emphasizing that a constructive outlook can drive meaningful change in society.
“If you keep a positive mindset, you can influence change in many ways,” he added.
Entertainment
Legendary musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi Accuses Kuami Eugene of Song Theft
Legendary Highlife musician Sloppy Mike Gyamfi has accused fellow Highlife artiste Kuami Eugene of using his song without authorization.
According to the veteran musician, Kuami Eugene performed his song word for word and uploaded it on YouTube without seeking permission from him. He explained that although the younger artiste sang the song well and added some flavour to it, he did not contact him beforehand to seek clearance.
Speaking on the flagship Ekwanso Dwoodwoo drive time show on Okay FM with host Nana Romeo, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi said he was surprised when he heard the rendition of his song Asem Kakra Bi online.
“Kuami Eugene has taken my song. Visit his YouTube platform; he did it very well.
He sang the song so nicely, and I was awed when I heard it. Just Google Asem Kakra Bi and you’ll find it. He did a very good job on the song though. But Kuami never spoke to me about the song. It’s not like he sampled it or took some parts of it; he sang it word for word,” he said.
When asked by Nana Romeo whether Kuami Eugene was supposed to seek permission before using the song, the veteran musician responded that the right procedure would have been to request clearance.
However, Sloppy Mike Gyamfi indicated that he does not hold any personal grudge against the Angela hitmaker, describing him as someone he sees as a son.
“I won’t fault him that much. He’s like my son, so if he admires my work and uses it, I have no problem with it,” he noted.
Despite his forgiving stance, the veteran musician maintained that proper respect and due process should have been followed.
He added that although Kuami Eugene may know his work, the artiste has never personally introduced himself to him.
“I have forgiven him, but if someday he introduces himself to me, I will be happy. He should bring me my portion of the earnings. Not giving me even a penny is not right,” he added.
Entertainment
Police Arrest Counsellor Lutterodt Over Alleged Incitement in Viral Video About Late Highlife Star Daddy Lumba
Marriage counsellor and public commentator Cyril George Carstensen Lutterodt, popularly known as Counsellor Lutterodt, has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service over remarks made in a viral video that allegedly incited youth to storm the residence of late highlife legend Daddy Lumba.
The arrest was carried out by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following investigations into comments authorities say were offensive and capable of disturbing public peace.
In a press release issued on March 10, 2026, and signed by Chief Inspector Brigitte Babanawoo, Public Relations Officer of the CID, police indicated that Lutterodt’s remarks were linked to issues surrounding the late musician.
“Police investigations indicate that the suspect made some comments in relation to issues surrounding the late musician which are considered offensive and capable of causing a breach of the peace,” the statement said.
Although the police did not disclose the exact content of the viral video, reports suggest the remarks targeted the memory of Daddy Lumba and circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage. Lutterodt is alleged to have encouraged some youth to exhume the musician’s body from his residence in East Legon.
Counsellor Lutterodt is a well-known figure in Ghana’s media landscape, frequently appearing on radio and television programmes to provide relationship advice and commentary on social issues. His outspoken style has often generated both support and controversy.
Police confirmed that he has since been granted bail but will be arraigned before court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
According to the CID, Lutterodt will face charges of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), as well as inciting violence under provisions of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491).
The offences relate to behaviour or speech that could provoke violence, public disorder, or actions likely to disturb societal peace.
Daddy Lumba, widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most influential highlife musicians, died on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a celebrated musical legacy and a large fan base across the country and beyond.
Lutterodt is expected to appear before an Accra court on Wednesday, where the charges will be formally read and his legal team will respond.

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