Akua turned what was supposed to be her family’s beach house into one of the most coveted events and hospitality destinations in Ghana, The Signature, having hosted top International and Ghanaian corporates as well as ‘signature’ events and weddings that stand out amongst the best in the country. Signature was awarded “The Best Hospitality Facility Garden” at the 2017 Ghana Garden and Flower Show organised by Stratcom Africa. Akua was also voted the most outstanding personality in hospitality at the 2017 40 Under 40 Awards.
Akua has a Masters Degree in Analysis, Design and Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics (UK) and a Bachelors Degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Reading (UK) combined with extensive industry experience, having worked with the likes of Legal & General and Markit Data in the UK. Akua relocated to Ghana and joined OSTEC Ltd to design, build and manage Data Centres and other Major IT Infrastructure for organisations.
Akua took a career break to be a mother, but as a true entrepreneur, motherhood surprisingly gave her the time to spot the gap in the Ghanaian hospitality industry and capitalised on and exploited it.
Akua and her team of local artisans transformed 10acres of neglect into a private and exclusive eco-friendly Resort set within beautifully landscaped gardens with charming architecture.In September 2015, The Signature was the first institution to be registered as an “Events Venue” with the Ghana Tourist Authority. The friendly and competent staff, coupled with the beautiful architecture and landscape, continues to attract the most prestigious Organisations in Ghana and Internationally. Signature has had the privilege of planning and executing corporate retreats, board meetings, strategy sessions and workshops for companies such as Slaughter and May (UK), Vodafone, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Guinness Ghana, Unilever Ghana, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic Bank, Puma Energy, Rancard Solutions, Bullion Investment Group, Surfline, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Achimtao Golf Club, Unilever Ghana, and Stanbic Bank.
Akua and her team are actively promoting Ghana as a destination through Wedding Tourism. The Signature has one of the most idyllic settings for a beautiful and unique dream wedding, offering peace and tranquillity with lush flowering gardens, turquoise waters and even the relaxing sounds of birds. With excellent health and safety record and the resources, staff and amenities to ensure truly memorable weddings for clients. In the past couple of years, The Signature has attracted couples from the UK, US, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa and Nigeria.
Events at The Signature have contributed to the rise in traffic of visitors to the Ningo-Prampram area, increasing the knowledge and recognition of this particular part of Ghana. The business is also contributing tremendously to this region’s economic growth as it offers training, mentoring, and employment to the local staff and partnerships with various local hotels, who also benefit from hosting event guests.
In addition to The Signature, Akua has established her own IT, Engineering, Design and Project Management Consultancy, NDesign, implementing high-performance office spaces for Organisations.