News
RANKING: Avance Media announces 100 Most Influential Women In Africa 2021
Published
5 years agoon
Leading African PR & Rating firm, Avance Media has announced the 2021 list of 100 Influential Women in Africa. The list which celebrates African women in leadership who inspire the next generation of women around the world is the third publication from Avance Media since 2019.
The 2021 list has women from 28 African countries from various backgrounds in business leadership, academia, diplomacy, philanthropy, entertainment and media.
Put together with inspiration from the 2021 International Women’s Day theme: “Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”, Prince Akpah, Managing Director of Avance Media noted that, the honourees on the qualified for this deserving honour because of their works and accomplishments which continue to inspire a lot of young people across the African continent and beyond.
He also noted that, the 100 influential African women were selected based on criteria that spans their leadership & personal accomplishments, commitment to sharing knowledge and the audacity to break several status quos.
Some notable names on the list are UN’s Amina J. Mohammed (H.E), Sahle-Work Zewde (H.E), Samia Suluhu Hassan (H.E) presidents of Ethiopia and Tanzania respectively, Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, Prime Minister of Togo, Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (H.E), Mariam Chabi Talata (H.E.) Vice Presidents of Uganda and Benin respectively, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, World Trade Organization Director General and Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh first African Woman to head IBM’s operation in Africa as Regional Head and Executive Director.
The youngest honouree to make the list for the second time is Namibia’s Deputy ICT Minister, Hon. Emma Theofelus.
Profiles of the 2021 100 Most Influential African Women are published on 100women.avancemedia.org
Below is the list of Avance Media’s 2021 100 Most Influential African Women arranged in alphabetical order
1. Agnes Binagwaho (Prof) || Vice Chancellor, University of Global Health Equity
2. Agnes Matilda Kalibata (Dr) || CEO, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
3. Ahunna Eziakonwa || Director, UNDP Africa
4. Aisha Yesufu || Activist
5. Aja Fatoumata C.M. Jallow-Tambajang (H.E.) || Former Vice-President, Gambia
6. Allen Kagina || Executive Director, Uganda National Roads Authority.
7. Amina J. Mohammed (H.E) || Deputy Secretary General, United Nations
8. Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh || Regional Head, IBM North, East and West Africa
9. Angèle Makombo || President, League of Congolese Democrats
10. Angélique Kidjo || Musician
11. Anne Waiguru (H.E.) || Governor, Kirinyaga County
12. Athaliah Molokomme || Permanent
Representative of Botswana to the UN
13. Awa Ndiaye-Seck || Resident Representative UN Women, Democratic Republic of the Congo
14. Aya Nakamura || Musician
15. Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu || CEO, soleRebels
16. Bience Gawanas || Executive Consultant, Gawanas Consulting
17. Busiswa Gqulu || Musician
18. Charity Ngilu (H.E.) || Governor, Kitui County
19. Chebet Chikumbu || Africa Director, Global Citizen
20. Chileshe Kapwepwe (H.E.) || Secretary General, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
21. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie || Novelist
22. Damilola Ogunbiyi || CEO, Sustainable Energy for All
23. Djamila Ferdjani (Dr) || Medical Doctor, MedCom
24. Dorothy Ghettuba || Content Manager for Africa, Netflix
25. Dorothy Kisaka || Executive Director, Kampala Capital City Authority
26. Edith Yah Brou || Blogger
27. Elizabeth M. Mrema || Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
28. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (H.E.) || Chair, EJS Centre
29. Emma Theofelus || Deputy Minister, Namibia
30. Eve Bazaiba || Deputy Prime Minister, DRC
31. Fatima Kyari Mohammed (H.E) || Permanent Representative, African Union Mission to the UN
32. Fatoumata Ba || Founder, Janngo Africa
33. Faustina Fynn-Nyame || Executive Director for Africa, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation
34. Filsan Abdullahi || Minister of Gender, Children and Youth, Ethiopia
35. Frehiwot Tamru || CEO, Ethio Telecom
36. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (Dr) || CEO, Conservation Through Public Health
37. Graça Machel || Founder, Graca Machel Trust
38. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim || Coordinator, Association of Peul Women and Autochthonous Peoples of Chad
39. Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu || CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation
40. Irene Asare || Global HR Director,
CarvinClay People Development
41. Jacqueline Fatima Bocoum || Journalist
42. Jacqueline Moudeïna || Lawyer
43. Jeannette Kagame (H.E) || First Lady, Rwanda
44. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (H.E) || Vice President, Uganda
45. Julienne Lusenge || President, Female Solidarity for Integrated Peace and Development
46. Julitta Onabanjo (Dr) || Regional Director, UNFPA East and Southern Africa
47. Kaba Nialé || Minister of Planning and Development, Ivory Coast
48. Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo (Dr.) || Journalist
49. Laureen Kouassi-Olsson || Founder & CEO, Birimian Holding
50. Letty Chiwara || Representative to Ethiopia, AU & ECA, UN Women
51. Louise Mushikiwabo || Secretary General, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
52. Mamokgethi Phakeng (Prof.) || Vice Chancellor, University of Cape Town
53. Mariam Chabi Talata (H.E.) || Vice President, Benin
54. Martha Ama A. Pobee (H.E.) || Assist. Secretary-General for Africa, UN
55. Martha K Koome (Lady Justice) || Chief Justice, Kenya
56. Mary-Jane Morifi || Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Tiger Brands
57. Matshidiso Moeti (Dr) || Regional Director for Africa, WHO
58. Mercy Johnson || Actress
59. Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi || CEO, MTN Rwanda
60. Monde Muyangwa (Dr.) || Director of the Africa Program, Woodrow Wilson Center
61. Monique Nsanzabaganwa (H.E.) || Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission
62. Musonda Xoliswa Mumba (Dr) || Chief of the Terrestrial Ecosystems, UNEP
63. Mwele Malecela || Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases, WHO
64. Nabou Fall || CEO, Vizeo
65. Nadeen Ashraf || Activist
66. Nafissatou Jocelyne Diop || Chief of Gender and Human Rights, United Nations Population Fund
67. Nancy Matimu || Managing Director, MultiChoice Kenya
68. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala || Director General, World Trade Organization
69. Nnenna Nwakanma || Chief Web Advocate, WWW Foundation
70. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda || Chairperson, ActionAid International
71. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde || Actress
72. Oulimata Sarr || Regional Director West and Central Africa, UN Women
73. Owen Omogiafo || CEO, Transcorp Group
74. Patricia Obo-Nai || CEO, Vodafone Ghana
75. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka || Executive Director, UN Women
76. Rasha Kelej (Dr) || CEO, Merck Foundation
77. Renée Ngamau || Chairperson, Amnesty International Kenya
78. Roberta Annan || Founder, Africa Fashion Foundation
79. Rose Mwebaza || Director, UN Climate Technology Centre and Network
80. Rosebell Kagumire || Editor, African Feminism
81. Roselyn Akombe (Dr) || Governance and Peacebuilding Regional Coordinator, UNDP Africa
82. Sahle-Work Zewde (H.E) || President, Ethiopia
83. Samia Suluhu Hassan (H.E) || President, Tanzania
84. Sheila Ochugboju (Dr) || Head, Strategic Communications, Africa CDC
85. Sola David-Borha || Group CEO, Standard Bank Africa
86. Stella Nyanzi (Dr.) || Convenor, Women’s Protest Uganda
87. Stigmata Tenga (Dr.) || Executive Director, Africa Philanthropy Network
88. Tiguidanke Camara || CEO, Tigui Mining Group
89. Titi Akinsanmi || Policy and Government Relations Lead, Google
90. Tsitsi Dangarembga || Author
91. Ubah Ali || Activist
92. Uche Ofodile || CEO, MTN Benin
93. Victoire Tomegah Dogbé || Prime Minister, Togo
94. Wanjira Mathai || Regional Director for Africa, World Resources Institute
95. Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg (Dr) || Director, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)
96. Waris Dirie || CEO, Desert Flower Foundation
97. Winnie Byanyima || Executive Director, UNAIDS
98. Yemisi Akinbobola (Dr) || Co-Founder, African Women in Media
99. Yolanda Cuba || Chief Digital and Fintech Officer, MTN Group
100. Zainab Hawa Bangura || Director General, United Nations Office at Nairobi
Source: Ifeanyi Ahyia Adjei, Avance Media
Multiple Award Winning Travel & Celebrity Blogger | Teacher | Geographer | Writer| Publicist | PR Expert| Editor | Artistes Promoter| Talent Manager | Digital Marketer | Social Media Consultant | Web Entrepreneur | CEO of Sintim Media |
You may like
-
2023 Top 100 Ghana’s Women Board Directors announced by Avance Media
-
Prince Akpah to Represent Ghana at 2023 SHAPE Africa Conference in South Africa
-
Avance Media announces 2022 Top 50 Ghanaian Bloggers ranking
-
2022 Ghana Bloggers Summit: Hon Kojo Oppong Nkrumah & Hon Fatimatu Abubakar announced as speakers
-
Avance Media Launches Writing & SEO Workshop for Bloggers
-
Avance Media Announces Top 30 Female Diplomats in Ghana
News
A Mindset Revolution Letter to the President of Ghana – John Dramani Mahama
Published
2 weeks agoon
May 20, 2026
Mr President, my name is Oscar Bimpong, and I’m a proud son of this Nation called Ghana. I know you are a listening President, and that is why I have the confidence to write this letter.
The fact is, I have advocated for a mindset change for the last 18 years in schools, religious organisations, and public and private sector institutions in Ghana. Many call me the Mindset Revolutionist of the 21st century.
I was so proud when, during your campaign, you touched on RESETTING Ghana. That means you were going to drive change that will steer Ghana to where it belongs on the world map. The fact is, I’m so happy you kept to your promise.
Therefore, resetting in my definition means bringing something to its original state. A typical example is the factory settings feature on a phone. A factory setting is the original software state of a smartphone when it leaves the factory. When you hit the factory settings feature on your phone, all your personal files, contacts, messages, and customised settings are permanently deleted. Relating this to governing the people of Ghana, it means you want to bring Ghana to a fresh start, where we can build the country in the direction where we want it to be. This is where President John Dramani Mahama wants to take Ghana, for us to build a new Nation that will be hinged on experiencing not only the Ghana we want, but the Africa we desire.
This is a very great initiative, but the RESET lacks one critical ingredient that would
make it a complete initiative, and that is: MINDSET RESET.
Reset and mindset have the word ‘set’ in it. The word set has various meanings, but to contextualise it, the word set defines how you’ve programmed something to operate. If I position a car in gear 1, it means the car is programmed to move at a slower speed, but if the gear is positioned at gear 6, then it means you are firing all cylinders to cause the car to operate at its utmost maximum speed. This is the true definition of programming.
Meaning, if a car can be programmed, then in the same vein, the mind of a person can be programmed; likewise, the mind of a nation. The question is, do Ghanaians have a mindset such as resilience, a positive and consistent attitude towards work, a drive for higher productivity, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, etc.? We do have a level of mindsets listed, but it is not in a higher dimension that can drive growth and productivity, leading to the success of a nation. This is why we should have a mindset revolution as part of the reset agenda of the President.
Using the car as a case study, it means some of us are programmed to operate at the speed of gear 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. However, if you ask me, on a scale of gear 1 to 6, I will give the nation operating at the level of gear 2. This means our president wants us to operate at gear 6, but the question is, are we programmed at the level? Meaning, we are operating below our potential as a nation. That is my personal opinion. This is why mindset change is critical to any reset.
Where does Ghana sit in all that I have said culturally as people? Are the people wired for a reset that will drive a new mindset that will bring change? Are we ready as a nation to move from our comfort zone to the uncomfortable zone to experience different results?
Every successful nation has a mindset development agenda as an integral part of its policies that has driven its success. The mindset of a nation will determine the level of success it can achieve. No Nation can succeed beyond the mindset of its people. How the people have set their minds to operate will surely reflect in achieving the goals of the Nation.
One of the campaign promises of our President, John Dramani Mahama, was RESETING Ghana to where it belongs for growth and productivity. One of the projects that is significantly aligned with his mantra of RESET is the BIG PUSH. The big push simply means a heavy investment in infrastructure, from roads to overhead bypasses and developmental strategic construction projects.
This is very good as it serves as a strategic tool for job creation and a strong foundation for the growth of a nation.
I have followed the Minister of Roads and Highways keenly on monitoring the road projects assigned to contractors, and the feedback is not fully aligned with the RESET agenda of the President. Sometimes the Minister gets to the site, and the contractors are not on site; some are scheduled behind time, and for some, the community complains that the contractors are never on site.
This is my point: you cannot RESET a nation without a MINDSET RESET.
For President John Dramani Mahama to succeed with his RESET agenda, MINDSET CHANGE must be at the forefront of this big push and anything else he wants to achieve.
A country cannot achieve anything substantial if the mindset of its people is culturally wired to the status quo.
If you ask me, I will say Ghana must have a whole MINISTRY FOR MINDSET CHANGE.
The mindset of some of the contractors defines the mindset of many Ghanaians and our leaders.
Therefore, a reset without a mindset reset means a project like a big push has a high potential to fail, and even if it succeeds, the after-project servicing will surely be a challenge because of our cultural orientation when it comes to maintenance. The fact is, we are a country that doesn’t have any iota of maintenance culture in us. Therefore, imagine all the roads under the big push are completed, I can bet that within a few years, the roads will come to a deplorable state just because of the lack of a maintenance culture. This is why you cannot ignore mindset when you are talking about a reset. Mindset change should be a national agenda to drive a new wave of thinking that drives a high-impact attitude, leading to higher productivity that creates a results-oriented culture in the country.
It is about time the country invests in the mindset of its citizens. If our attitude towards work does not change, then you can invest so much, but the return on investment will be low relative to the initial cost.
Countries like the UAE, China, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Rwanda, etc., and a host of others, succeeded with a strong emphasis on mindset change. Let’s use Singapore as a s case study. Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, from 1965, cultivated a survival mindset among its citizens to overcome a lack of natural resources. They adopted a first-world mindset based on honesty, meritocracy and pragmatism and today, Singapore is a highly advanced country. We have natural resources in abundance, unlike Singapore, but we are still hinged on exporting raw materials with no value addition. This is about to change as the President has emphasised that our natural resources will have value addition by 2030. Great initiative, but this must be backed by a strong mindset, not only from leadership but from the people.
In my book, Mindset Revolution – Re-engineering your Mind from Prison to Purpose,
I stated that Africa is the only continent that has proven that having enough resources is not a means to wealth creation. How can the richest continent in terms of natural resources be inhabited by the poorest people on earth? This means God has endowed us with all the things we need to succeed, but we are still poor. If this is not attributed to the mindset that we carry, then what else can this be?
The mindset of the people in a nation will determine the level of success they can achieve. A weak mindset
will yield mediocre results, and a strong mindset will yield higher productivity.
Recently, Burkina Faso decided not to provide us with tomatoes, and we went begging. How can a country have such blessed soil that if I throw tomato seeds in my backyard, in a few days, tomatoes are growing? How can such a Nation not have an abundance of this commodity?
Just imagine that Israel and the UAE have turned the desert into an arable land. Can you imagine the mindset these countries carry? The word impossible is not in their DNA. They only see the word possible in the word impossible. That is how the nation is wired to operate, and that is to find solutions to problems that seem impossible to weak minds.
Put a Ghanaian in the same scenario where they are supposed to turn a desert into fertile soil, and I can bet the first response will be, ” This is not possible”. Why, because we’ve been programmed with a mindset that we easily succumb to challenges. The moment we see a problem, we walk away instead of finding a solution.
This means that you cannot win as a leader if the people you are going to war with have weak minds.
Mr President, it is about time mindset becomes an integral part of our national discourse from primary school to the universities, from the public to the private sector organisations and the nation as a whole. I remember when we were young, we read books like ” Courtesy for Boys and Girls ” that shaped our attitude and character. In this generation, our young people must read books like Mindset Revolution for Boys and Girls. Helping this generation to develop the right mindset is the greatest inheritance we can give them. I was having a conversation with a top executive of this nation, and I suggested that every school must have a curriculum on mindset, and every public agency and private institution in this country must have a DEPARTMENT OF MINDSET.
For example, the UAE has a Minister of Happiness and Well-being. Her role is to make sure she aligns government policies to promote social good, positivity, and a high quality of life. This simply means the minister is tasked to make sure the citizens have the right mindset needed for policies to be adhered to by driving a positive mindset, leading to a high quality of life among its citizens. Also, Albania recently appointed an AI-generated “non-human” minister defined as the minister of mindset programmed to eliminate corruption. Mindset is everything, as it is the strong foundation upon which anything GREAT can be built.
I can assure everyone reading this letter, including our leaders, that Ghana cannot get
to the pinnacle of its success if the mindset is not part of the national agenda.
In conclusion, Mr President, my team and I stand ready to partner with your government in developing and implementing a transformative national Mindset Revolution Programme for Ghana. We believe that beyond policies, infrastructure, and economic reforms, the true strength of a nation lies in the mindset of its people.
This initiative has the potential to inspire a new generation of disciplined, innovative, responsible, and purpose-driven citizens who will contribute meaningfully to national development and global competitiveness. Through intentional mindset transformation, Ghana can unlock the full potential of its human capital and position itself as a model for sustainable growth and leadership in Africa.
Mr President, history remembers leaders not only for the offices they held but also for the lasting impact they had on the lives of their people. You have a unique opportunity to leave a defining legacy — one where Ghana’s transformation becomes a global case study of how visionary leadership and a renewed national mindset can drive extraordinary progress against all odds.
We are fully committed to supporting this vision and would be honoured to work with your administration to make this national transformation agenda a reality.
My mantra is that it is possible if you only believe. Never start anything you don’t believe in. I’m writing this letter to the President because I know the impact our coaching and training sessions dubbed Mindset Revolution for Personal and Corporate Success have had on our dear Nation. The positive impact on schools, public agencies and private sector organisations must be replicated nationwide.
Let’s believe in ourselves and let’s work to get Ghana to where it belongs. The transformation journey of Ghana has started through a Mindset Revolution.
I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, MR PRESIDENT
Written by Oscar Bimpong
CEO & Founder of Train2inspire Consultancy.
Email – info@train2inspire.com
Tel – +233 (0) 555803924.
Search
Featured
Swagger Essel Features Kwame Nut in New Single “Maama”
Ghanaian versatile artiste Swagger Essel has officially released a brand new single titled “Maama” featuring talented musician Kwame Nut, with...
B/A Musicians Release Tribute Song in Honor of Late DJ Kazopy
The music fraternity in the Bono and Ahafo regions has come together to honor the memory of late renowned disc...
Nee Oseye Ade Leke Releases New Single “Hello Sunshine” Featuring Hardcore Original
Ghanaian Ga musician Nee Oseye Ade Leke has officially released his latest single titled “Hello Sunshine” featuring Hardcore Original, adding...
Nee Oseye Ade Leke Revives Ga Highlife Spirit With New Song “I Dey Think About You”
Ghanaian Ga musician Nee Oseye Ade Leke has returned with a refreshing cultural sound as he teams up with Red...
A Mindset Revolution Letter to the President of Ghana – John Dramani Mahama
Mr President, my name is Oscar Bimpong, and I’m a proud son of this Nation called Ghana. I know you...
FTF Summit pushes Youth collaboration as catalyst for Ghana’s Development
Kezia Asiedua Sanie, Lawyer and President of For The Future (FTF) Organisation and Convener of the FTF Impact Summit –...
Sunyani Duo – Alka Blaka Makes Bold Statement With New Album – After the Ship Sunk
The music scene in Sunyani continues to grow with the release of AlkaBlaka (After the Ship Sunk) — a deeply...
“Youth Are Partners In Building Today, Not Just Tomorrow” – Elkanah Fredrick Ayittey States
Assin North independent candidate hopeful Elkanah Fredrick Ayittey has shared a strong message emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in...
Bright Mumuni Commends President Mahama for Assenting Legal Education Bill into Law
Social and education advocate Bright Mumuni has commended President John Dramani Mahama for assenting to the Legal Education Act, describing...
Putogo set to represent Ghana at the Destalker Laughter Crusade in Lagos
Ghanaian comedian Putogo is set to fly the country’s flag high on an international stage as he joins the star-studded...
Swagger Essel Features Kwame Nut in New Single “Maama”
B/A Musicians Release Tribute Song in Honor of Late DJ Kazopy
Nee Oseye Ade Leke Releases New Single “Hello Sunshine” Featuring Hardcore Original
Nee Oseye Ade Leke Revives Ga Highlife Spirit With New Song “I Dey Think About You”
A Mindset Revolution Letter to the President of Ghana – John Dramani Mahama
Putogo set to represent Ghana at the Destalker Laughter Crusade in Lagos
B/A Musicians Release Tribute Song in Honor of Late DJ Kazopy
Abdul Rauf Mumuni Abugri Rises from Rural Beginnings to Build a Pan African Business Empire
Publicist Ferty Felix, Emcee Nice, DMB and Musicians Pay Emotional Visit to The Late DJ Kazopy’s Family
Bright Mumuni Commends President Mahama for Assenting Legal Education Bill into Law
Trending
-
Events3 weeks agoPutogo set to represent Ghana at the Destalker Laughter Crusade in Lagos
-
Entertainment3 days agoB/A Musicians Release Tribute Song in Honor of Late DJ Kazopy
-
News4 weeks agoAbdul Rauf Mumuni Abugri Rises from Rural Beginnings to Build a Pan African Business Empire
-
Showbiz3 weeks agoPublicist Ferty Felix, Emcee Nice, DMB and Musicians Pay Emotional Visit to The Late DJ Kazopy’s Family
-
Local News3 weeks agoBright Mumuni Commends President Mahama for Assenting Legal Education Bill into Law
-
Music2 weeks agoSunyani Duo – Alka Blaka Makes Bold Statement With New Album – After the Ship Sunk
-
Local News2 weeks ago“Youth Are Partners In Building Today, Not Just Tomorrow” – Elkanah Fredrick Ayittey States
-
Hiplife2 weeks agoNee Oseye Ade Leke Revives Ga Highlife Spirit With New Song “I Dey Think About You”