West Africa Nobles Forum Holds End Of Year Congress

By Editor Last updated Aug 13, 2025 0

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Eminent West African Nobles Conference 2024

The Eminent West Africa Nobles have held their end of year congress and Awards night. The event took place at the GS plaza hotel in Accra on Thursday 19th Dec, 2024.

The program was held in collaboration with the Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana.

Grounds Preparation for Arrival of Guests

Chief Bishop Dr. Dr. Stella Dartey – Chairperson

After the necessary salutation and protocols, the speaker highlighted on the importance of integrity.

She stated that “integrity is the hallmark of a noble”. Dr. Dartey referred to the Wikipedia and encyclopedia definition for integrity as “a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectation and outcomes…it is a quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It is doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances”

She espoused the topic further to include faithfulness in action and in deeds. In her view, nobles are obliged to show faithfulness in doing what is required of them, the right way, achieve the right results whether it is convenient or not. “Integrity means to stand out as different”, she said.

In being a noble, keeping integrity and being faithful, the speaker said nobles should be afraid to fail or disappoint the trust of people.

In attributing success to God, Dr Dartey told the nobles “there are people who are more hardworking than you are, and others who have made more sacrifices than you have made, yet they may not be as successful as you are. It then means that it is not by your power or might that you are who you are today, but by the courtesy of His grace”

In conclusion, she said “cherished nobles, whatever is true, the bible says, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, think about these things”

Welcome Address

Director of West Africa Nobles Dr. Dee Otibu-Asare

The welcome address was given by the Director of the West African Nobles Dr. Dee Otibu-Asare. Since this was the gathering of nobles from West Africa, the word noble was never absent from the occasion.

Dr Otibu-Asare also espoused further the attributes and characteristics of a noble. For him, apart from the key attribute of a noble being integrity, a noble should be one who can be counted on and continuously exhibit integrity until one is no more. He said “You have to be responsible for both your successes and your failures”.

He further stated that honesty to oneself is foremost of the hallmark of integrity. “Walking the walk and talking the talk and avoiding situations of conflict of interests are essential for building trust” he added.

Corruption has deeply infected every sector of society. Despite efforts by well-meaning individuals to build a fairer system, greed and dishonesty continue to undermine progress.

Dr. Asare directly tackled these issues, offering clear guidance:

On Avoiding Corruption:

“Steer clear of conflicts of interest,” he warned. “If a situation compromises your integrity, remove yourself immediately. When employers demand unethical actions, resign without hesitation.”

On Preserving Marriages:

He also addressed emotional infidelity, advising: “If you confide more in a female colleague than your spouse, create distance immediately. Honor your commitments—always keep your word.”

This blunt advice challenges listeners to uphold moral standards in both professional and personal life.

The message was clear for married couples that an improper relationship can lead to marital disaster, since emotional closeness paves the way for eventual and unintended sexual intimacy.

The speaker quoted the popular axiom “everyone has a price” attributed to Sir Robert Walpole, a British prime minister of the 18th century which nicely sums up the fact that throughout history, loyalty has been traded for selfish gain. Dispelling that notion however, Dr. Asare stated that a man of integrity has no price because he prices himself above all other possessions. He further said, “living with integrity is easier than living with regrets”.

Dr. Asare breathed life into words like loyalty, faithfulness, integrity etc. His message was clear that for some, it is easy to merely speak of such attributes, but true loyalty, faithfulness and integrity have to be backed by actions that do not involve fearful compromise.

Keynote Address

H.E. Amb. Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, Commissioner, Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana

Theme : AKL Lumi and Regional Integration: Strengthening Africa’s Economic Identity In The Global Digital Economy.

Perhaps, Ghana has not seen a better marketer in a long while. Consumers are normally subjected to a relentless barrage of marketing, with the endgame or marketers turning wants into needs.

However, the keynote speaker’s address was one that made guests realize their needs instead of their wants

Talk about an ambassador who could sell his country efficiently and effortlessly, Prof. Hugh Keku Aryee, Commissioner, Vanuatu Trade Commission, Ghana.

Insight On Vanuatu.

Vanuatu is a South Pacific Ocean nation made up of roughly 80 islands that stretch 1,300 kilometers. Part of the archipelago, which is of volcanic origin, is 1,750 km (1,090 mi) east of northern Australia, 540 km (340 mi) northeast of New Caledonia. It is a three hour flight from Sydney.

The speaker revealed that Vanuatu has been saddled with natural disasters like cyclones in the past few years because of it’s geographical location. It has a total population of about 330,000 people. Irrespective of the country’s small population, it is very strategic in revenue generation. The country was badly affected by COVID 19 which invariably deeply impacted the tourist industry. Prof Aryee said one of the advantages Vanuatu has is that it is “the only country in that region that is fluent in English and French”. This is because the country was colonized by the English and the French. Hence, both languages are used in the curriculum of schools.

Trade & Economy

A small country however boasts of its trade strengths. The only country which has an underwater post office. Speaking on trade capabilities of Vanuatu, the Prof stated to the amazement of all guests “the Tuna you take here is actually from Vanuatu, it is taken to Thailand, repackaged and sent here as Tuna flakes. The Ginseng you have here is also from Vanuatu, it is taken to China, re-packaged and sent here”.

According the Ambassador, beef from Vanuatu is adjudged as the best in the world by the UN. Talking about peace and happiness, the speaker said “The country has been voted four consecutive times as the happiest place in the world. It is the best destination for tourism and business”.

“Its visa free for Ghanaians, you can invest there and even get citizenship by investing, and travel to 154 countries with its passport. Government has enabling environments to repatriate profit as well” he said

AI Training In Africa: A Pathway To Transformation

1. The Digital Imperative for Africa’s Future

The ambassador emphasized digitalization’s critical role in today’s evolving landscape, announcing secured funding to train 5 million Africans in AI by 2025. “The AI race has begun – early adopters will reap tremendous benefits,” he declared, citing ongoing programs at Ghanaian institutions like Accra Technical University and Wisconsin University.

2. Continental Expansion: Rwanda’s Success Story

Professor Aryee revealed the initiative’s pan-African impact, with 3 million Rwandans already trained. AKL Lumi’s funding will scale this to 11 million trainees by 2030, creating a continent-wide AI talent pipeline.

3. Strategic Partnerships Driving Change

The address highlighted how Vanuatu Trade Commission collaborations and emerging technologies like cryptocurrency/Lumi are accelerating Africa’s digital economy. “These synergies between AI, trade policy and fintech are rewriting Africa’s economic playbook,” he noted.

4. Unleashing AI’s Transformative Potential

“While Africa’s digital revolution advances, AI remains our most underutilized asset,” Professor Aryee asserted. He detailed AI’s capacity to revolutionize industries, optimize trade, and solve persistent developmental challenges through predictive analytics and automation.

5. The AI Africa Training Initiative in Action

The program delivers measurable impact through:

Workforce capacity building
Innovation ecosystem development
Smart policy formulation

Early results show transformative effects across fintech, agritech, and healthcare sectors, particularly in mobile banking and data security infrastructure.

6. AI as a Trade Catalyst

The ambassador concluded with AI’s business applications: “From supply chain optimization to market forecasting, these skills are vital for boosting intra-African trade and global partnerships.” The initiative positions Africa to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s next phase

Conclusion

The Prof and Ambassador called all in attendance to adopt the fast moving pace of the digital market. He said initiatives like AI and AKL Lumi and regional integration are not just tolls, but are pathways to a more inclusive, innovative and prosperous Africa.

Presentation Of Awards

MRS. SYLVIA ASAFU-ADJAYE FRIMPONG

Chief Operating Officer at Spectra Health and Imaging since 2013.

MRS. DIANA ADARKWAH ADDO

A Distinguished Healthcare Leader

HON DR. ALEX ADOMAKO-MENSAH

An Accomplished Politician and Financial Administrator, currently serving as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Sekyere Afram Plains Constituency in the Ashanti Region of Ghana