Start-Right Mentorship Fellowship
Cohort 2
Cohort 2 Mentors
Nana Esi Idun - Arkhurst
Divisional Director, Retail & Business Banking, Fidelity Bank
Board Chair, Sanlam Life Insurance Ghana Ltd. Founder, Ripples Leadership Hub
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Nana Esi Idun-Arkhurst is the Divisional Director of Retail Banking at Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited. She handles strategy and leads the team to address the financial needs of diverse customer segments within Retail and Business Banking. She has led the transformation of the business into a dominant one, meeting the needs of customers through strong value propositions, innovative products,effective operating models and strategic partnerships. With 20 years of experience in Banking, Nana Esi has expertise in SME Financing, Financial Inclusion, Wealth Management, Bancassurance and Digital Transformation. She is an Independent Non-Executive Director and Board Chair of Sanlam Life Insurance Ghana Limited. Prior to joining Fidelity Bank in 2016, Nana Esi worked with Standard Chartered Bank for 13 years where she worked in different roles across markets and headed various units. She holds a BSc. in Chemical Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and an MBA from The University of Edinburgh Business School in Scotland, where she was a Chevening Scholar as well as the school’s 25th Anniversary Scholar. She has certificates in Tech contracts and Global Banking Program in Fintech/ Digital/ Analytics from the Columbia Business School.
Donna Forte Regis Muleba
International Banking Business Development manager - Standard Chartered Bank, UAE
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Donna is a seasoned global professional with a rich background in Banking, Media and Health having worked across Canada, South East Asia, Africa and Middle East. In her role as a representative of the Jersey corridor, Donna specializes in cross border international banking, supporting clients with offshore financial solutions that unlock global opportunities. Now based in Dubai, she expertly balances her demanding career with a deep commitment to travel, family and faith. As a mentor, Donna is passionate about empowering young women at the start of their careers. She draws from her own diverse experiences to inspire others to embrace challenges, believe in their potential and take bold steps towards their goals. Donna’s journey proves that with determination and vision, anyone can make a global impact, no matter where they begin.
Dr. Sabina Amponsah
General Practitioner, Safeguarding and Palliative Lead, Brettonpark Healthcare, U.K.
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Dr. Sabina Amponsah is a highly experienced General Practitioner with a rich background in medical practice and specialist training. She obtained her medical degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and began her career as a Medical Officer at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Dr. Amponsah has specialized training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and has served at St. Peter Catholic Hospital in Jacobu. She furthered her career in the U.K., where she worked as a junior doctor with the NHS and completed her specialist training as a General Practitioner. Dr. Amponsah has a special interest in Women's Health, Palliative and End of Life Care, Safeguarding Children, and Clinical Supervision for GP trainees. She is a dedicated mid-career mentor for newly qualified General Practitioners, providing guidance and support as they navigate their professional journeys. In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Amponsah is actively involved in medical missions with the Catholic Medical Relief Fund (CMRF). She is married and a proud mother of two children.
Ing. Dr. Bertha Darteh
Independent Consultant, Civil Engineering - Water and Sanitation Expert
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Ing. Dr. Bertha Darteh, is a development consultant and policy advisor in the Water and Sanitation Sector in Ghana. She is a Senior Professional Engineer within the Civil Engineering Division of the Ghana Institution of Engineering. Dr. Darteh earned her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, complemented by a PhD from the Natural Resources Institute/University of Greenwich in the UK. Dr. Darteh's career spans across academic research and project implementation to policy advisory roles. Throughout her career, Dr. Darteh has been instrumental in numerous high-profile projects funded by organizations such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, UNICEF, UNDRR and the EU, among others.
Doreen Nyiramugisha
Head Marketing and Communications, Housing Finance Bank, Uganda Ltd.
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Doreen Nyiramugisha (ACIM) is the General Secretary of the Uganda Marketers Society. She has worked with both Ugandan and global brands in her 13 years’ experience in Marketing Communications. She works as the Head Marketing and Communications at Housing Finance Bank Uganda, the leading Mortgage bank in the country. She also served at PostBank (another 100% government owned bank) where she has been pivotal in the institution’s transition to a tier one commercial bank from a brand management perspective. Her work experience started at Marketing Communications / advertising agencies like fireworks Advertising, SCANAD Uganda, Moringa Ogilvy (now TBWA – Uganda), Fideli Uganda where she managed local brands in the financial sector, insurance, telecoms, social security, aviation, beauty products among others. Off the clock, she is an entrepreneur, and consulting director with Strategy and Ops an Australian transdisciplinary consultancy that covers corporate strategy, environmental science, data science and analytics, AI, energy technologies, management and leadership, policy and regulation, EDI, finance and investment, risk management, etc. Doreen holds a Bachelor of International Business degree from Makerere University Business School (MUBS) and Professional Diploma in Marketing from Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM UK). She is also currently pursuing an MBA from the University of South Wales.
Irene Ansa-Asare
Rector, MountCrest University College Founder, Horsham Consulting
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She is a barrister by profession. She attended Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape-Coast, following which she earned her LLB (Hons.) degree from the University of Leicester, England. She also holds an MBA and an LLM in International Commercial Law from Cardiff University, Wales. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Bath, England, pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (Higher Education Management). She was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2004 and then to the Ghana Bar later that year. She was the first African woman to practise as a barrister on the Wales and Chester Circuit of the Bar of England and Wales, before returning to Ghana in 2011 to join MountCrest University College (‘MountCrest’), the first private tertiary institution in Ghana to establish a Faculty of Law. Irene joined MountCrest at its inception as its Director of Legal Services and then served as its Deputy Rector for Institutional Advancement, Corporate and International Affairs until her appointment as Rector in 2020, becoming the youngest woman to head a tertiary institution in Ghana. She founded Horsham Consulting, a strategic advisory and consulting firm dedicated to the establishment and sustainable growth of institutions and businesses in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Irene has recently launched a blog titled “UNAPOLOGETIC: Musings of an Educated African Woman.” Irene lives in Accra and is a mother of two beautiful daughters.
Joyce Adjei
Chief Finance Officer, Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Ghana Ltd.
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Joyce Adjei is the Chief Finance Officer at Sanlam Allianz Life Insurance Ghana Ltd. She brings over 15 years of experience in Insurance and the Financial sector with expertise in Financial Reporting and Compliance, Corporate Tax Returns, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Investment, Leadership and People Development, Performance Optimization Strategies, Cash flow and Reconciliation. Joyce is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA UK) and a Member of Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) She has an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) – Finance from the University of Ghana and Bachelor of Commerce Degree (BCOM) from the University of Cape Coast. Joyce is a result-oriented and dedicated finance professional with a strong history of achieving both financial and non-financial business goals with effective controls and planning.
Mrs. Doris Poku
GSFIL-Wilmar, Packaging /Tankfarm Head,PPIC lead
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Professional Background: Mrs. Doris Poku is a highly accomplished Chemical Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the chemical engineering and manufacturing sector . She holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Throughout her career, Doris has been instrumental in developing innovative processes that have significantly enhanced production efficiencies within various industrial sectors. Ministry and Community Engagement: In addition to her professional achievements, Doris is also a dedicated Minister of the Gospel. She is serving as a Women’s leader at Christ Kingdom Embassy in Accra, where she has been pivotal in the spiritual growth and development of the congregation. Doris’ ministry focuses on the integration of faith and work, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership and integrity in both professional and personal life. Her dual calling as a chemical engineer and a minister allows her to mentor young professionals, guiding them in navigating the challenges of balancing career aspirations with their faith. She frequently speaks at conferences and seminars on topics such as leadership, entrepreneurship, and the role of faith in business. Personal Life: Doris is a family woman, married with children. She is passionate about education and community development. Her life’s mission is to impact lives positively, both through her professional endeavors and her ministry. Summary Mrs Doris Poku exemplifies the integration of professional excellence and spiritual dedication. As a chemical engineer, industrialist, and minister of the gospel, she has made significant contributions to the industrial sector and the community, inspiring many through her work and ministry.
Emefa Randolph
Lawyer-Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana
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Emefa Randolph currently serves as in-house lawyer assigned to criminal prosecution at The Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana. She has been in this role for nearly two years, actively contributing to the country's legal framework around narcotics control and criminal justice. Emefa holds a BSc in Criminal Justice from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, LLB from Wisconsin International University College and two professional law degrees from The Gambia Law School and the Ghana School of Law. She is called to both the Gambian Bar and the Ghana Bar. Previous Experience: Lawyer, CQ Legal & Consulting, Labone, Accra (2021-2022) Paralegal, CQ Legal & Consulting, Labone, Accra (2020–2021) Intern, Human Resource Department, Judicial Services of Ghana, Accra (May 2019–August 2019) Head of Administration/Board Secretary, Peace Petroleum Ltd, Cantonments, Accra (2014–2019) Lead/Advisor, Zucker Goldberg & Ackerman, Mountain Side, New Jersey (2005–2012) Debt Recovery Specialist, Freeman & Gertner, South Orange, New Jersey (2002–2005) Legal Assistant, Bevacqua & Tyler, South Orange, New Jersey (1999–2002) Emefa’s legal career spans both Ghana and the United States, where she held various roles in law firms, corporate entities, and judicial services. Her extensive experience includes legal consulting, debt recovery, corporate administration, and advisory roles, making her a versatile and seasoned legal professional. Community Involvement: Emefa is passionate about mentoring and guiding young people, particularly those struggling with addiction, abuse, delinquency, and poverty. She was part of a team that established over 10 youth outreach centers in the United States, training volunteers to run youth programs that support disadvantaged young individuals. Currently, she is a member of the counseling division at her local church, where she continues to provide guidance and support. Her dedication to community work and legal matters makes her an invaluable mentor and leader in both her professional and personal life.
Rita Afoakwa
Senior Account Manager, EMI Group Africa/Resawce Assistant Business Growth Consultant, Unicom Chemist Ltd. Lead Project Head/Coordinator, Ripples Leadership Hub & Ripples Professionals Book Club
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Rita Afoakwa is a distinguished expert in business growth solutions with extensive experience across multiple sectors. She currently serves as the Senior Account Manager at Resawce, a subsidiary of EMI Group Africa, where she provides innovative consultations and strategic solutions to foster business growth and individual success. Rita’s expertise extends to her role as Assistant Consultant at Unicom Chemist Ltd. and Head Coordinator at the Ripples Professionals Book Club Additionally, she coordinates the Ripples Leadership Hub, where she oversees the Start-Right Mentorship Program, which is dedicated to supporting and empowering young female professionals. Beyond her professional roles, Rita is an avid writer and reader, and she actively serves as a lady pastor in Teras International Ministry, where she plays an integral role in supporting her husband in ministry. Together, they are blessed with three beautiful children. As a staunch advocate for women's empowerment, Rita is passionate about helping women thrive and achieve their God-ordained potential, continually working to uplift and inspire those around her.
Olivia Kumordzi
Investment Advisor - FinDev Canada
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Olivia Kumordzi currently works as an Investment Advisor at FinDev Canada; Canada’s Development Finance Institution with a mandate of promoting women’s economic empowerment, climate action and market development by supporting the private sector in developing countries and emerging markets. Olivia’s work focuses on investment and financing, working with partners and financial intermediaries in Sub Saharan Africa, Latin America & the Caribbean and South-East Asia. Olivia is an experienced Banker and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, UK). She has several years of experience in Transactional and Corporate Banking, Trade & Treasury Solutions, Corporate Finance, Debt Capital markets advisory and risk management solutions. Before FinDev Canada, Olivia spent most of her career working with Citibank across some of its key markets Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) cluster, in London, Johannesburg and Accra, managing a diverse client portfolio including financial institution clients, corporate and public sector relationships. In Olivia’s most recent role at Citibank, she was Country Representative and Director of Citibank’s Ghana franchise and corporate bank portfolio. Prior to Citibank, Olivia began her career with KPMG as a Chartered Accountant/External Auditor. Olivia is mother to 2 delightful pre-teen boys and is passionate about development, women’s empowerment and volunteering for charitable causes. Olivia has an avid interest in all topics related to investment and personal finances. In her spare time, she loves to read non-fiction, biographies and to discover new places, cultures and cuisines with her family. Olivia holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Cambridge, UK and is an alumna of the University of Ghana Business School, where she was the valedictorian for her graduating class.
