Victoria L. Hamah, PhD
Founder & President - POWA | Researcher of Public Administration and Public Policy | Former Deputy Minister for Communications
Dr. Victoria Lakshmi Hamah is a Public Administration researcher, political actor, and gender advocate whose work sits at the intersection of governance, representation, and structural inequality. She previously served as Deputy Minister for Communication of the Republic of Ghana, having been appointed in 2013 by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. Her tenure in public office, combined with her subsequent academic and advocacy engagements, reflects a sustained commitment to interrogating and reshaping the institutional foundations of governance in Ghana and beyond.
She holds a PhD in Public Administration and Policy Management from the University of Ghana. Her doctoral research, titled “Gender Asymmetry in Ghana’s Parliamentary Committees: A Critical Analysis of Women’s Representation and Legislative Influence,” offers a rigorous examination of the institutional, cultural, and patriarchal structures that condition women’s participation and influence within legislative spaces. Her work advances critical debates on gendered power relations, demonstrating how formal institutional arrangements and informal norms converge to reproduce asymmetries in political representation.
Dr. Hamah’s research interests span gender and governance, legislative studies, social policy, and inequality, with an expanding focus on digital governance, artificial intelligence, and the political economy of technological transformation. Her scholarship is grounded in an interdisciplinary lens, drawing connections between structural power, policy outcomes, and evolving socio-economic systems.
She is the Founder and President of the Progressive Organisation for Women’s Advancement (POWA), an advocacy platform dedicated to advancing women’s participation, visibility, and influence within political and public life. Through POWA, she has led and contributed to policy dialogue, research collaborations, and public engagement initiatives, including partnerships with the University of Ghana’s Centre for Social Policy Studies.
Dr. Hamah’s academic and professional formation is rooted in the University of Ghana, where she earned a BA in Political Science with Philosophy and an MA in Social Policy. She also holds an Executive Certificate from the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. She has benefited from international academic exposure through the Erasmus+ Credit Mobility programme at Mendel University in Brno. In addition, she participated in the Bergen Summer Research School at the University of Bergen, where she obtained certification in Artificial Intelligence in Education.
Beyond academia and policy, Dr. Hamah has maintained an active presence in media and public discourse, with a career spanning television and radio as a presenter and producer. Her engagement with civic and political life dates back to her student leadership, where she served as National Women’s Commissioner of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS). Over the years, she has contributed to national and international conversations through public lectures, policy forums, and opinion writing on governance, gender, youth, and the political economy.
A deep spiritual orientation further informs her intellectual and public journey. She studied under the guidance of Swami Ghananand Saraswati, whose teachings have shaped her philosophical outlook on truth, discipline, and service.
Across politics, academia, advocacy, and media, Dr. Victoria Hamah represents a distinctive synthesis of scholarship and practice. Her work continues to engage critically with the structures of power that define contemporary governance, while advancing a normative vision of inclusive, equitable, and transformative public leadership.
Hon. Joe Baidoe-Ansah
Former Member of Parliament Republic of Ghana and a former Minister of State
Joe Baidoe-Ansah is a seasoned former Member of Parliament (MP) in Ghana with a distinguished career in governance, human rights, and communication. He holds two Master of Arts degrees: one in Human Rights from the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, and another in Conflict, Peace, and Security from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. With an academic foundation in Journalism and Communications from renowned institutions, he has become a respected figure in the fields of public policy, nonprofit organizations, intercultural communication, and government.
Baidoe-Ansah was first elected to the Ghanaian Parliament on January 7, 2001, representing the Effia/Kwesimintsim constituency under the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He served this constituency until 2013, after which it was split. He continued his parliamentary career by representing the Kwesimintsim constituency from 2013 to 2017.
During his time in Parliament, Baidoe-Ansah played an instrumental role in shaping national policies. He served on various influential committees, including the Appointment Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and as Chairman of the Communications Committee. He was also the Ranking Member of the Committee on Government Assurances and Chairman of the Youth and Sports Committee. His leadership and commitment to national development were evident in these roles.
In addition to his parliamentary duties, Baidoe-Ansah held significant ministerial positions in President John Agyekum Kufour’s government. He served as the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Minister of Aviation, and Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development, and President’s Special Initiatives, where he made substantial contributions to the growth and development of various sectors in Ghana.
A passionate advocate for human rights and public policy, Joe Baidoe-Ansah continues to influence discourse in governance and development. His expertise and commitment to advancing democratic values remain invaluable to Ghana’s ongoing progress
Ernestina Korleki Tetteh, PhD
Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) University of Ghana
Dr. Ernestina Korleki Tetteh (formerly Dankyi) is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS), University of Ghana. Since joining the Centre in August 2015, she has been actively engaged in teaching and research, specializing in Qualitative Research Methods, Gender and Social Diversity, Contemporary Issues in Public Policy, and Social Diversity, Gender, Equity, and Public Policy. She is a 2016 Global Fellow with the Global Child Behavioural Health Fellowship programme, funded by the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University, and is also a member of the Society for Research in Child Development.
Dr. Tetteh’s research focuses on the experiences of children and adolescents affected by internal and international migration, with a particular emphasis on mental health challenges among street children and adolescent migrants, a subject she has been exploring since 2018. Inspired by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, her research examines the interaction between macro structures of care and the immediate environments in which children and adolescents live, assessing how these dynamics influence their well-being. Her broader research interests include analyzing the micro, meso, and macro-level structures responsible for providing care for street children and adolescents, with the aim of understanding and improving their welfare within these systems.
Dr. Tetteh holds a PhD in Migration Studies (2014), an MPhil in Sociology (2008), and a BA in Social Work (2003), all from the University of Ghana. Her academic background has provided her with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in social policy, migration, and child welfare, shaping both her research focus and her approach to teaching. She remains committed to advancing child and adolescent welfare through policy-relevant research, with a particular interest in mental health and social protection for vulnerable youth populations.
George Domfe, PhD
Senior Research Fellow & MRPP Programme Coordinator, Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS), University of Ghana
Dr. George Domfe is a Development Economist and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS), College of Humanities, University of Ghana. He has been with the Centre since January 2014 and also serves as the Master of Research and Public Policy (MRPP) Programme Coordinator. His career spans both academia and public service, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and policy analysis.
Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Domfe trained as a professional teacher at Wesley College, Kumasi, from 1995 to 1998, after which he worked with the Ghana Education Service (GES) as a Principal Superintendent for a decade, from 1998 to 2008. His research career began at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, where he served as a Principal Research Assistant (PRA) from 2008 to 2010. He later joined the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), as a Lecturer in Economics, a position he held between August 2012 and December 2013.
Dr. Domfe’s research interests lie in Poverty and Inequality, Gender, Impact Assessment, and Inclusive Development. His work seeks to explore the economic and social dynamics that influence development outcomes, with a focus on creating equitable policies that address socio-economic disparities.
He holds a PhD in Development Studies (2013), an MPhil in Economics (2007), and a BA in Economics (2004), all from the University of Ghana. With his background in both economics and policy studies, he continues to contribute to evidence-based research and policy development aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
Antoinette Adjoa Tsiboe-Darko, PhD
Research Fellow - Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) | University of Ghana | Deputy General Secretary - New Patriotic Party (NPP) | Former Executive Director - Danquah Institute
Dr. Antoinette Adjoa Tsiboe-Darko is a Social Development Researcher and Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS), University of Ghana, where she has been actively engaged in research and teaching since 2015. Before joining academia, she accumulated over a decade of experience in the private sector, working as a consultant for various mining companies in Ghana, providing expertise in social development, natural resource management, and development management in resource-endowed communities.
In addition to her academic and private sector engagements, Dr. Tsiboe-Darko has played a key role in civil society activities, collaborating with organizations such as STAR Ghana Foundation, UNICEF, and World Vision International. Her work with these organizations has involved facilitating stakeholder dialogues, conducting grant evaluations, and leading community research projects aimed at improving development outcomes.
Dr. Tsiboe-Darko’s professional journey also includes significant contributions to governance and political leadership. She currently serves as the Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where she supports the party’s strategic and administrative functions. She is also a Former Executive Director of the Danquah Institute, a policy think tank dedicated to promoting democracy, development, and free enterprise in Ghana. Her leadership in both roles underscores her commitment to influencing policy and advancing national development through research-informed governance.
Her principal research interests focus on governance structures, institutions, sustainable livelihoods, and corporate social investments within Ghana’s extractive sector. Her research delves into social development and governance issues, particularly in health, poverty, and education, and examines their impact on community development, citizen participation, and political decision-making.
Dr. Tsiboe-Darko holds a PhD in Development Studies (2014) and a BA in Geography and Resource Development (1999), both from the University of Ghana, Legon, as well as an MPhil in International Development Studies (2002) from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. With her extensive interdisciplinary expertise in both academic research and practical development work, Dr. Tsiboe-Darko remains committed to influencing policies and promoting sustainable development through evidence-based research and advocacy.
Michael Opare-Danso, Esq.
Accomplished Lawyer | Consumer Rights Advocate | Founder, International Center for Consumer Issues and Advocacy
Michael Opare-Danso, Esq., is a seasoned legal professional with 25 years of experience providing expert counsel and representation across various sectors. With a proven track record in litigation, dispute resolution, and corporate law, he is recognized for his ability to develop strategic legal solutions while advocating for justice and fairness. His practice is anchored in professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to legal excellence.
Beyond his legal career, Mr. Opare-Danso has been a strong advocate for consumer rights and protection for the past 15 years. As the founder and executive of the International Center for Consumer Issues and Advocacy, he has played a pivotal role in championing consumer protection, ensuring that individuals who have been shortchanged by businesses and institutions receive due redress. His advocacy has led to policy discussions, legal interventions, and public awareness campaigns aimed at strengthening consumer rights frameworks.
With extensive expertise in both the legal and consumer protection landscapes, Mr. Opare-Danso continues to influence policy, legal practice, and social justice by bridging the gap between law, corporate accountability, and consumer rights. His dedication to ensuring fairness and legal redress has positioned him as a respected figure in legal practice and advocacy.
Eric Don-Arthur
Creative Director | Visual Communication & Photography Specialist | Communication Director - POWA
Eric Don-Arthur’s track record in content and communication design, development, and delivery spans over 20 years of delivering measurable value through a unique blend of talent, experience, skill, and a global outlook. He consistently and cost-effectively exceeds performance targets across diverse sectors.
Currently serving as Creative Director of the Progressive Organisation for Women’s Advancement (POWA), Eric leads strategic visual and communication efforts that amplify the voices and agency of women in development and leadership spaces. His creative leadership supports POWA’s mission to champion women’s rights, equality, and empowerment through compelling campaigns and media strategies.
A Visual Communication & Photography Specialist, Eric brings critically acclaimed high-value brand and fine art photography into alignment with award-winning television production, philanthropic storytelling, and cause-based content. His portfolio reflects an instinctive mastery of narrative-building through visual media, making him a sought-after consultant for high-impact campaigns.
Eric has discreetly contributed to high-level corporate and political communications, including helping a multinational gold mining company position itself ahead of an IPO on the NYSE, modernizing a Fortune 500 African household brand, and crafting the winning visual identity of a Presidential candidate in a historic election.
He also made a significant foray into public service as the 2016 Parliamentary Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Effutu, Central Region of Ghana. His experience in politics enriches his communications perspective with first-hand understanding of public discourse, governance, and grassroots engagement.
Eric’s clients benefit from his integrated analytical, verbal, visual, and creative competencies—refined through over three decades of cross-platform content and brand communication experience. His trilingual fluency in English, Russian, and German further enhances his capacity to operate in multicultural environments and complex markets.
Whether leading strategic brand development, conducting editorial assignments with Getty Images, or championing family-based care for orphans as an Advocacy Ambassador for oAfrica.org, Eric brings a deep commitment to meaningful and innovative communication.
His intrinsic motivation, hands-on experience, and intellectual curiosity make him a powerful strategic asset to enterprises, institutions and causes seeking to shift narratives, inspire audiences, and drive measurable impact.
