AFRICAN LED,
WORLD CLASS.
Since day one, our programmes have been 100% locally-led. From the field to the boardroom, our team are from the country they serve, many with a personal experience of AfriKids’ programmes themselves. Together we have more than 300 years’ experience making AfriKids’ life-changing projects for children happen.
Meet the team
Cecilia “Cece” Awiah
District Manager, Binduri – Ghana
Bio coming soon.
Linda Marfoh
Director of Operations – Ghana
Linda joined AfriKids as a volunteer in 2004 whilst pursuing her degree in Sociology and Law. She also holds an MSc in Human Resource Management from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. Prior to working with AfriKids, she worked as a teacher and an Assistant Director at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service. Linda is from Bawku in the Upper East Region, and her sacrifice to remain in northern Ghana hundreds of miles from her own family in the south, is testament to her incredible dedication to AfriKids and improving life for children in her home region. Linda has occupied various positions at AfriKids, across Programmes and Operations. She was appointed Director of Operations in 2021, now co-leading AfriKids Ghana with David and sitting on the International Leadership Team.
Linda Marfoh
Director of Operations – Ghana
Linda joined AfriKids as a volunteer in 2004 whilst pursuing her degree in Sociology and Law. She also holds an MSc in Human Resource Management from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK. Prior to working with AfriKids, she worked as a teacher and an Assistant Director at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service. Linda is from Bawku in the Upper East Region, and her sacrifice to remain in northern Ghana hundreds of miles from her own family in the south, is testament to her incredible dedication to AfriKids and improving life for children in her home region. Linda has occupied various positions at AfriKids, across Programmes and Operations. She was appointed Director of Operations in 2021, now co-leading AfriKids Ghana with David and sitting on the International Leadership Team.
Lena Naaso
Transforming Futures Manager – Ghana
Lena Naaso is a native of Ko – Bukong, a village in the Nandom district of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Lena is married and lives in Bolgatanga with her family.
Lena joined AfriKids in December 2008 as Administrative Officer and Personal Assistant to the Country Director of AfriKids Ghana. Presently she is the Internal Affairs/Charity Human Resource Manager (thus works closely with all staff), doubling as Personal Assistant to the Country Director. Her role involves everything administrative including drafting letters, coordinating reports, and serving as a secretary to the AfriKids Ghana Board. Lena is also in charge of AfriKids Charity personnel issues, while managing the educational and health funds.
Prior to joining AfriKids, Lena worked with Ghana Cotton Company Limited and Education Quality for All (EQUALL) Project as an Administrative Officer. Lena has a Higher National Diploma in Secretaryship and Management Studies and is currently pursuing a Degree in Business Management Studies at the University of Cape Coast.
Lena Naaso
Transforming Futures Manager – Ghana
Lena Naaso is a native of Ko – Bukong, a village in the Nandom district of the Upper West Region of Ghana. Lena is married and lives in Bolgatanga with her family.
Lena joined AfriKids in December 2008 as Administrative Officer and Personal Assistant to the Country Director of AfriKids Ghana. Presently she is the Internal Affairs/Charity Human Resource Manager (thus works closely with all staff), doubling as Personal Assistant to the Country Director. Her role involves everything administrative including drafting letters, coordinating reports, and serving as a secretary to the AfriKids Ghana Board. Lena is also in charge of AfriKids Charity personnel issues, while managing the educational and health funds.
Prior to joining AfriKids, Lena worked with Ghana Cotton Company Limited and Education Quality for All (EQUALL) Project as an Administrative Officer. Lena has a Higher National Diploma in Secretaryship and Management Studies and is currently pursuing a Degree in Business Management Studies at the University of Cape Coast.
Mandela Atibila
Fund-Raising Manager – Ghana
Mandela has been part of the AfriKids Ghana team since 2010, when he joined as a volunteer after completing his degree in Sociology and Philosophy from the University of Ghana. His experience supporting our local Project Managers for a number of years has given him an intimate knowledge of AfriKids’ work on the ground – of everything that goes into making it effective and of its transformational impact on people’s lives. Today, Mandela is our local Fundraising Manager, working closely with our fundraisers in the UK to support our international partnerships, as well as managing our funding partners in Ghana.
Mandela Atibila
Fund-Raising Manager – Ghana
Mandela has been part of the AfriKids Ghana team since 2010, when he joined as a volunteer after completing his degree in Sociology and Philosophy from the University of Ghana. His experience supporting our local Project Managers for a number of years has given him an intimate knowledge of AfriKids’ work on the ground – of everything that goes into making it effective and of its transformational impact on people’s lives. Today, Mandela is our local Fundraising Manager, working closely with our fundraisers in the UK to support our international partnerships, as well as managing our funding partners in Ghana.
Valeria Abakisi
District Manager, Builsa South – Ghana
Bio coming soon.
Charlie Hay
Chief Executive Officer – UK
A VSO programme took Charlie to northern Ghana in 2009, where she lived with a local family for three months while volunteering in the community, including with AfriKids.
Returning to the UK, she joined the London team as an intern to lend her passion for fair trade and experience in retail to AfriKids’ nascent ethical trade projects at the time. She has subsequently worked in all areas of the organisation with a focus on programmes and operations, spearheading innovation like new social enterprise ventures and an overhaul of monitoring and evaluation systems for better transparency and accountability.
In 2018, she presented her vision to take AfriKids to the next level and was appointed CEO of AfriKids UK. Charlie is passionate and proud of AfriKids’ fierce commitment to locally-led development and is now co-leading AfriKids’ International Leadership Team, working on ambitious plans for growth; to bring our life-changing projects in education, health and child protection to more children than ever before.
Charlie Hay
Chief Executive Officer – UK
A VSO programme took Charlie to northern Ghana in 2009, where she lived with a local family for three months while volunteering in the community, including with AfriKids.
Returning to the UK, she joined the London team as an intern to lend her passion for fair trade and experience in retail to AfriKids’ nascent ethical trade projects at the time. She has subsequently worked in all areas of the organisation with a focus on programmes and operations, spearheading innovation like new social enterprise ventures and an overhaul of monitoring and evaluation systems for better transparency and accountability.
In 2018, she presented her vision to take AfriKids to the next level and was appointed CEO of AfriKids UK. Charlie is passionate and proud of AfriKids’ fierce commitment to locally-led development and is now co-leading AfriKids’ International Leadership Team, working on ambitious plans for growth; to bring our life-changing projects in education, health and child protection to more children than ever before.
Nuhu Bapio
Family Livelihood Improvement Support Programme (FLISP) Manager – Ghana
Soloman Ali Baba
Finance Manager – Ghana
Solomon Ali Baba originates from Gbane in the Talensi Nabdam District of Bolga in the Upper East Region of Ghana; he is married to Bernice Akolgo, with two beautiful girls Racheal and Laura and a boy name Lucretus.
Solomon joined AfriKids in August 2007 as a Finance Manager and has continued this role ever since. Solomon Ali Baba oversees finances of all AfriKids’ Projects and Programs, ensures that all funds transferred to them are accounted for and prepares the annual financial report to Auditors and to management in both the UK and Ghana. He receives instruction from the Country Director and the Director of Programs and work with colleague accounts staff in various projects, namely Sandra, Simon, Sophia, Seno-Rita, Ishaman, Seth.
Prior to joining AfriKids Solomon worked with Fusion, an NGO based in the northern region of Ghana.Solomon has a First Class BSc degree in Accounting and Computing and is currently a studying for Masters in Business Administration, majoring in accounting at KNUST.
Soloman Ali Baba
Finance Manager – Ghana
Solomon Ali Baba originates from Gbane in the Talensi Nabdam District of Bolga in the Upper East Region of Ghana; he is married to Bernice Akolgo, with two beautiful girls Racheal and Laura and a boy name Lucretus.
Solomon joined AfriKids in August 2007 as a Finance Manager and has continued this role ever since. Solomon Ali Baba oversees finances of all AfriKids’ Projects and Programs, ensures that all funds transferred to them are accounted for and prepares the annual financial report to Auditors and to management in both the UK and Ghana. He receives instruction from the Country Director and the Director of Programs and work with colleague accounts staff in various projects, namely Sandra, Simon, Sophia, Seno-Rita, Ishaman, Seth.
Prior to joining AfriKids Solomon worked with Fusion, an NGO based in the northern region of Ghana.Solomon has a First Class BSc degree in Accounting and Computing and is currently a studying for Masters in Business Administration, majoring in accounting at KNUST.
Raymond Ayinne
External Affairs Manager – Ghana
Raymond Ayinne is from Bolgatanga, he is married to Edna Atuguba and has two children.
Raymond came on board AfriKids in June 2007 as an Administrative Officer for two of AfriKids Ghana’s core projects. Initially as Manager of AfriKids Ghana’s Operation Sunlight that worked to remove children from illegal small scale gold mining in the Talensi and Nabdam districts, and now as the External Affairs Manager. Raymond’s role involves organising trips and hosting guests, managing media and communications, publicity, and branding.
Prior to working with AfriKids Ghana, he worked as the Department Assistant in the English Literature Department of Ghana International School in Cantonments whilst stringing for the News Agency in Accra.
Raymond has a Bachelor of Arts degree (English major, Philosophy minor), University of Ghana; A Diploma in Communication Studies, from the Ghana Institute of Journalism; and a Senior Secondary School Certificate, from Notre Dame Minor Seminary Secondary School, Navrongo. He works closely with almost all AfriKids Ghana’s projects and partners supporting their media and communications related activities, with the International Relations Manager of AfriKids in the UK to organise and deliver the AfriKids Experience Challenge and trips to Ghana, and additionally works with the Director of Programmes on fundraising.
Raymond Ayinne
External Affairs Manager – Ghana
Raymond Ayinne is from Bolgatanga, he is married to Edna Atuguba and has two children.
Raymond came on board AfriKids in June 2007 as an Administrative Officer for two of AfriKids Ghana’s core projects. Initially as Manager of AfriKids Ghana’s Operation Sunlight that worked to remove children from illegal small scale gold mining in the Talensi and Nabdam districts, and now as the External Affairs Manager. Raymond’s role involves organising trips and hosting guests, managing media and communications, publicity, and branding.
Prior to working with AfriKids Ghana, he worked as the Department Assistant in the English Literature Department of Ghana International School in Cantonments whilst stringing for the News Agency in Accra.
Raymond has a Bachelor of Arts degree (English major, Philosophy minor), University of Ghana; A Diploma in Communication Studies, from the Ghana Institute of Journalism; and a Senior Secondary School Certificate, from Notre Dame Minor Seminary Secondary School, Navrongo. He works closely with almost all AfriKids Ghana’s projects and partners supporting their media and communications related activities, with the International Relations Manager of AfriKids in the UK to organise and deliver the AfriKids Experience Challenge and trips to Ghana, and additionally works with the Director of Programmes on fundraising.
Joe Asakibeem
Kassena Nankana Area Programme Manager – Ghana
Joe is the Kassena Nankana Area Programme Manager.
Joe lives with his family in Busongu. Before coming to work for AfriKids he taught at a local primary school. He has voluntarily been involved with community initiatives for many years and as a result is a well known, well liked and respected figure in the community. He manages AfriKids’ founding project, Operation Sirigu, now the Kassenna Nankana Area Programme, as well as overseeing micro-finance initiatives across the organisation.
Joe Asakibeem
Kassena Nankana Area Programme Manager – Ghana
Joe is the Kassena Nankana Area Programme Manager.
Joe lives with his family in Busongu. Before coming to work for AfriKids he taught at a local primary school. He has voluntarily been involved with community initiatives for many years and as a result is a well known, well liked and respected figure in the community. He manages AfriKids’ founding project, Operation Sirigu, now the Kassenna Nankana Area Programme, as well as overseeing micro-finance initiatives across the organisation.
Amy Swainston
Philanthropy Manager – UK
Amy joined AfriKids in September 2022 to help create new opportunities for donors to become an integral part of the AfriKids family. Amy has six years’ experience within the charity sector, working in Trusts and Foundations and Philanthropy within healthcare, animal welfare and youth homelessness in the UK and overseas. Amy was drawn to AfriKids’ ambition to lift children out of poverty within northern Ghana, through several locally led and sustainable programmes. She is passionate about sharing the amazing work AfriKids does with others to help fund even more life-changing projects for children. When not at AfriKids, Amy loves travelling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family!
Amy Swainston
Philanthropy Manager – UK
Amy joined AfriKids in September 2022 to help create new opportunities for donors to become an integral part of the AfriKids family. Amy has six years’ experience within the charity sector, working in Trusts and Foundations and Philanthropy within healthcare, animal welfare and youth homelessness in the UK and overseas. Amy was drawn to AfriKids’ ambition to lift children out of poverty within northern Ghana, through several locally led and sustainable programmes. She is passionate about sharing the amazing work AfriKids does with others to help fund even more life-changing projects for children. When not at AfriKids, Amy loves travelling, hiking, and spending time with friends and family!
Daniel Kpabitey
Head of Programmes – Ghana
Daniel Kpabitey is a member of the Ga-Adanbge tribe and originates from Krobo-Odumase in the Eastern Region of Ghana. However he has four siblings who reside in the Greater Accra region.
Daniel joined AfriKids in 2008 and his role makes him responsible for providing expertise, consultancy, training, policy implementation in the area of IT and further ensuring that all businesses have IT integrated in their businesses. He primarily identifies bottlenecks in existing systems and makes recommendations by providing input.
He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Statistics from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Daniel Kpabitey
Head of Programmes – Ghana
Daniel Kpabitey is a member of the Ga-Adanbge tribe and originates from Krobo-Odumase in the Eastern Region of Ghana. However he has four siblings who reside in the Greater Accra region.
Daniel joined AfriKids in 2008 and his role makes him responsible for providing expertise, consultancy, training, policy implementation in the area of IT and further ensuring that all businesses have IT integrated in their businesses. He primarily identifies bottlenecks in existing systems and makes recommendations by providing input.
He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Statistics from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Martha Huntley
Partnerships Manager – UK
Martha joined AfriKids in 2021 having spent the last 7 years working with individuals and corporate funders to make a meaningful impact for charitable causes. Her experience spans international development, animal welfare and the environmental sectors. Having studied international development at University, Martha was drawn to AfriKids as she believes that all children deserve to be safe and to reach their potential, regardless of their birthplace, and was impressed by the organisation’s ambitious and sustainable strategy. In her spare time, Martha enjoys paddleboarding, cycling and baking!
Martha Huntley
Partnerships Manager – UK
Martha joined AfriKids in 2021 having spent the last 7 years working with individuals and corporate funders to make a meaningful impact for charitable causes. Her experience spans international development, animal welfare and the environmental sectors. Having studied international development at University, Martha was drawn to AfriKids as she believes that all children deserve to be safe and to reach their potential, regardless of their birthplace, and was impressed by the organisation’s ambitious and sustainable strategy. In her spare time, Martha enjoys paddleboarding, cycling and baking!
Zoe Rippon
Head of Fundraising – UK
Zoe joined AfriKids in June 2023 and leads of the fundraising programme in the UK. Zoe is responsible for AfriKids fundraising strategy to grow and diversify income, build a committed supporter base, and develop strategic partnerships – helping the charity achieve its ambitious goals to increase impact and reach many more children.
Zoe’s worked in the voluntary sector since 2006, working across health, international development, and social justice charities. Before AfriKids, Zoe led the award-winning fundraising and communication department at Refugee Action for a decade. There she and the team achieved significant growth and embedded lived experience and a co-creation approach across the programme and built an active supporter base committed to standing up for refugees.
Passionate about social and racial justice, Zoe was drawn to AfriKids ambition, agility, locally led approach and its commitment to driving the transformation needed across the sector to remove the barriers to power and agency, for those who’ve been stripped of it for so long.
Zoe Rippon
Head of Fundraising – UK
Zoe joined AfriKids in June 2023 and leads of the fundraising programme in the UK. Zoe is responsible for AfriKids fundraising strategy to grow and diversify income, build a committed supporter base, and develop strategic partnerships – helping the charity achieve its ambitious goals to increase impact and reach many more children.
Zoe’s worked in the voluntary sector since 2006, working across health, international development, and social justice charities. Before AfriKids, Zoe led the award-winning fundraising and communication department at Refugee Action for a decade. There she and the team achieved significant growth and embedded lived experience and a co-creation approach across the programme and built an active supporter base committed to standing up for refugees.
Passionate about social and racial justice, Zoe was drawn to AfriKids ambition, agility, locally led approach and its commitment to driving the transformation needed across the sector to remove the barriers to power and agency, for those who’ve been stripped of it for so long.
Matthew Abagna
District Manager, Mamprugu-Moagduri – Ghana
Bio coming soon.
Abigail Woodcock
Communications & Engagement Manager – UK
Jed Matthews
Senior Information Officer – UK
Jed, our Senior Information Officer, joined the team Fundraising in 2020 and has since transitioned into role improving our data systems and information processes. He holds degrees in International Development (BA) and Conflict, Security & Development (MA), both from the University of Sussex. Jed was really drawn to AfriKids’ model of locally-led solutions and our commitment to challenging power imbalances within the sector
Jed Matthews
Senior Information Officer – UK
Jed, our Senior Information Officer, joined the team Fundraising in 2020 and has since transitioned into role improving our data systems and information processes. He holds degrees in International Development (BA) and Conflict, Security & Development (MA), both from the University of Sussex. Jed was really drawn to AfriKids’ model of locally-led solutions and our commitment to challenging power imbalances within the sector
David Pwalua
Country Director – Ghana
David joined AfriKids Ghana as Head of Partner Projects in 2008, having previously worked with Navrongo Health Research Centre and Link Community Development NGO. While in this role, he completed a Master’s Degree in Governance and Sustainable Development from the University of Cape Coast and was promoted to Director of Programmes in 2012. David played a pivotal role in elevating AfriKids’ project portfolio from a collection of disparate community projects to a strategic programme of complementary, holistic interventions affecting systemic change as well providing frontline support to children at risk. Under his leadership, AfriKids’ projects have won multiple international awards and transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.
In January 2021, David presented his vision for taking AfriKids Ghana further with an ambitious new five year strategy and was appointed Country Director for AfriKids Ghana.
David Pwalua
Country Director – Ghana
David joined AfriKids Ghana as Head of Partner Projects in 2008, having previously worked with Navrongo Health Research Centre and Link Community Development NGO. While in this role, he completed a Master’s Degree in Governance and Sustainable Development from the University of Cape Coast and was promoted to Director of Programmes in 2012. David played a pivotal role in elevating AfriKids’ project portfolio from a collection of disparate community projects to a strategic programme of complementary, holistic interventions affecting systemic change as well providing frontline support to children at risk. Under his leadership, AfriKids’ projects have won multiple international awards and transformed the lives of hundreds of thousands of children.
In January 2021, David presented his vision for taking AfriKids Ghana further with an ambitious new five year strategy and was appointed Country Director for AfriKids Ghana.
Meet the Ghana Board
Bob Tater
Legal – Ghana
“Lawyer Tater” joined the AfriKids Ghana Board in 2024 and brings a wealth of legal expertise to support the Board’s oversight and governance, especially on matters such as risk management and compliance. Graduated from the Ghana School of Law in 1992, Lawyer Tater is a barrister registered with the Ghana Bar Association (and Vice President of the Upper East Branch), and his legal career spans more than three decades, including executive and NED roles with a wide range of public and third sector organisations and his own private law firm, based in Bolgatanga (where AfriKids is based). Lawyer Tater’s work with NGOs, including Legal Aid and as Chairman of Youth Alive, has had a particular focus on the rights of women and children in Ghana. Mr Tater has also served as Counsel to the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, assisting the Committee in its judicial deliberations on Chieftaincy disputes, and in 2022, he was enskinned (appointed) as Divisional Chief of the Nandom-Kuselle Traditional Area. Today, alongside his role on the Board of AfriKids Ghana, Lawyer Tater continues to serve in a number of advisory roles including to the Bolgatanga Muncipal and East District Assemblies and the Ghana National Association of Teachers.
Bob Tater
Legal – Ghana
“Lawyer Tater” joined the AfriKids Ghana Board in 2024 and brings a wealth of legal expertise to support the Board’s oversight and governance, especially on matters such as risk management and compliance. Graduated from the Ghana School of Law in 1992, Lawyer Tater is a barrister registered with the Ghana Bar Association (and Vice President of the Upper East Branch), and his legal career spans more than three decades, including executive and NED roles with a wide range of public and third sector organisations and his own private law firm, based in Bolgatanga (where AfriKids is based). Lawyer Tater’s work with NGOs, including Legal Aid and as Chairman of Youth Alive, has had a particular focus on the rights of women and children in Ghana. Mr Tater has also served as Counsel to the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, assisting the Committee in its judicial deliberations on Chieftaincy disputes, and in 2022, he was enskinned (appointed) as Divisional Chief of the Nandom-Kuselle Traditional Area. Today, alongside his role on the Board of AfriKids Ghana, Lawyer Tater continues to serve in a number of advisory roles including to the Bolgatanga Muncipal and East District Assemblies and the Ghana National Association of Teachers.
Chirakizm Comfort Pagadagah
Finance – Ghana
Mrs Pagadagah joined the Board of AfriKids Ghana in 2023 with expertise in finance and accounting. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development. Mrs Pagadagah has worked as an auditor for over a decade and is currently Regional Internal Auditor for Ghana Education Service in the Upper East Region of Ghana (where AfriKids is based).
Chirakizm Comfort Pagadagah
Finance – Ghana
Mrs Pagadagah joined the Board of AfriKids Ghana in 2023 with expertise in finance and accounting. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development. Mrs Pagadagah has worked as an auditor for over a decade and is currently Regional Internal Auditor for Ghana Education Service in the Upper East Region of Ghana (where AfriKids is based).
Prof. Apusigah Agnes
Chairperson Emeritus/Ambassador – Ghana
Professor Apusigah formerly served as Chair of the AfriKids Ghana Board and remains engaged and recognised as a valued ad hoc advisor in her role as Chairperson Emeritus. She is a retired Professor of cultural analysis and gender studies and former dean of the Faculty of Education at the University for Development Studies in Tamale, Ghana. Prof. Apusigah holds a PhD in Cultural Studies with a minor in Curriculum Studies from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Her research is in the areas of gender/women studies, the political economy of African development, educational reform and policy development, and indigenous knowledge systems. Prof. Apusigah has taught courses in human rights, democratic governance African Studies, Gender/women’s studies and Development, Educational Foundations, Research Methodologies, Endogenous Development, Development Education and African Studies.
Prof. Apusigah has also been deeply involved in practical development work offering consultancy to donor agencies such as the AfDb, ILO, UNICEF, G-rap, CIDA and NGOs such as Christian Aid, Action Aid Ghana and Send Ghana. She is an active part of the Women’s Movement of Ghana and Member of The Network on Women’s Rights Ghana and supports the activities of community-based Women’s Manifesto Coalition and Domestic Violence Coalition. Prof Apusigah has also served on the governing Council of Star Ghana Foundation where she chaired its gender equality and social inclusion committee.
Prof. Apusigah Agnes
Chairperson Emeritus/Ambassador – Ghana
Professor Apusigah formerly served as Chair of the AfriKids Ghana Board and remains engaged and recognised as a valued ad hoc advisor in her role as Chairperson Emeritus. She is a retired Professor of cultural analysis and gender studies and former dean of the Faculty of Education at the University for Development Studies in Tamale, Ghana. Prof. Apusigah holds a PhD in Cultural Studies with a minor in Curriculum Studies from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Her research is in the areas of gender/women studies, the political economy of African development, educational reform and policy development, and indigenous knowledge systems. Prof. Apusigah has taught courses in human rights, democratic governance African Studies, Gender/women’s studies and Development, Educational Foundations, Research Methodologies, Endogenous Development, Development Education and African Studies.
Prof. Apusigah has also been deeply involved in practical development work offering consultancy to donor agencies such as the AfDb, ILO, UNICEF, G-rap, CIDA and NGOs such as Christian Aid, Action Aid Ghana and Send Ghana. She is an active part of the Women’s Movement of Ghana and Member of The Network on Women’s Rights Ghana and supports the activities of community-based Women’s Manifesto Coalition and Domestic Violence Coalition. Prof Apusigah has also served on the governing Council of Star Ghana Foundation where she chaired its gender equality and social inclusion committee.
Dr. Abdul Razak Dokurugu
Chair – Ghana
Dr Dokurugu has served on the Board of AfriKids Ghana since 2017 and was appointed Chair in December 2023. He is currently Deputy Director of Clinical Care at Ghana Health Service’s Upper East Regional Health Directorate. He holds an MSc in Reproductive Health Management for Keele University as well as an MSc in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Middlesex University, both in the United Kingdom. Dr. Dokurugu is an active ambassador for adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in northern Ghana, speaking to raise awareness of key issues such as unsafe abortions and STIs and appealing to the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to include sex education in the curriculum and improve critical health services for young people.
Dr. Abdul Razak Dokurugu
Chair – Ghana
Dr Dokurugu has served on the Board of AfriKids Ghana since 2017 and was appointed Chair in December 2023. He is currently Deputy Director of Clinical Care at Ghana Health Service’s Upper East Regional Health Directorate. He holds an MSc in Reproductive Health Management for Keele University as well as an MSc in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Middlesex University, both in the United Kingdom. Dr. Dokurugu is an active ambassador for adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in northern Ghana, speaking to raise awareness of key issues such as unsafe abortions and STIs and appealing to the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to include sex education in the curriculum and improve critical health services for young people.
Justice Agyei-Quartey
MERL/Research/Programmes – Ghana
Mr Agyei-Quartey joined the AfriKids Ghana Board in 2023 and brings more than two decades of experience in the social development sector in Ghana, including consultancy work with AfriKids. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Management from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, and a certificate in Mixed Methods from The Evaluators Institute, USA. Justice is a published researcher and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) specialist, with a range of experience across all regions and districts of Ghana, in designing, delivering and consulting on development interventions relevant to the work of AfriKids. Alongside his role on the Board of AfriKids Ghana, Justice currently serves on the Boards of Bureau for 360 Research and Innovation Limited (BRI 360) and Rootlink Africa. He is also the Strategic Country Advisor to Luminos Fund, technical advisor to the Government of Ghana on Complementary Education, MERL Advisor to Africa Education Watch and also the MERL Specialist at Akyeampong Research and Development (ARD) Consult. He is also a member of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) and the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) Alliance.
Justice Agyei-Quartey
MERL/Research/Programmes – Ghana
Mr Agyei-Quartey joined the AfriKids Ghana Board in 2023 and brings more than two decades of experience in the social development sector in Ghana, including consultancy work with AfriKids. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Management from the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana, and a certificate in Mixed Methods from The Evaluators Institute, USA. Justice is a published researcher and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) specialist, with a range of experience across all regions and districts of Ghana, in designing, delivering and consulting on development interventions relevant to the work of AfriKids. Alongside his role on the Board of AfriKids Ghana, Justice currently serves on the Boards of Bureau for 360 Research and Innovation Limited (BRI 360) and Rootlink Africa. He is also the Strategic Country Advisor to Luminos Fund, technical advisor to the Government of Ghana on Complementary Education, MERL Advisor to Africa Education Watch and also the MERL Specialist at Akyeampong Research and Development (ARD) Consult. He is also a member of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) and the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) Alliance.
Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu
Social development/Programmes – Ghana
Mr Tanko joined the Board of AfriKids Ghana in 2024 with over three decades of experience as a governance and social development specialist. Mr Amidu’s particular areas of technical expertise include gender equality and social inclusion, voice and accountability, social protection, institutional development and strengthening, political economy analysis, development management and civil society strengthening. He has led the design and implementation of social development and livelihoods programmes funded by major development partners in Ghana including DfID (UK), the European Union, USAID, DANIDA, Global Affairs, Canada, private sector foundations and International NGOs such as Comic Relief. He has also provided consultancy services on evaluations, programme design, training and capacity strengthening for clients including DFID (FCDO), the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oxford Policy Management, Mott MacDonald Ltd and DAI Europe Ltd. Mr Amidu worked for three years as Northern Ghana Programmes Coordinator for CARE International in Ghana, five years as Ghana Country Director for VSO International and ten years as Programme Director of the STAR-Ghana Programme. He is currently the Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, with a focus on driving active citizenship, local philanthropy and inclusive development.
In 2015, Mr Amidu was recognised for his work in social development, being awarded the ‘Global Partnerships for Social Accountability (GPSA) Prize for Leadership in Social Accountability, Africa Region’ by the World Bank Group. Mr Amidu holds a Masters Degree in Social Policy Studies from the University of Ghana and is currently studying for a PhD in the same subject
Mr. Edmund Apiigah (Social welfare)
Mr Apiigah has served on the Board of AfriKids Ghana since 2019 and as the current Upper East Regional Director for the Department of Social Welfare, bringing expertise in and connections to child and social welfare policy and practice.
Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu
Social development/Programmes – Ghana
Mr Tanko joined the Board of AfriKids Ghana in 2024 with over three decades of experience as a governance and social development specialist. Mr Amidu’s particular areas of technical expertise include gender equality and social inclusion, voice and accountability, social protection, institutional development and strengthening, political economy analysis, development management and civil society strengthening. He has led the design and implementation of social development and livelihoods programmes funded by major development partners in Ghana including DfID (UK), the European Union, USAID, DANIDA, Global Affairs, Canada, private sector foundations and International NGOs such as Comic Relief. He has also provided consultancy services on evaluations, programme design, training and capacity strengthening for clients including DFID (FCDO), the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oxford Policy Management, Mott MacDonald Ltd and DAI Europe Ltd. Mr Amidu worked for three years as Northern Ghana Programmes Coordinator for CARE International in Ghana, five years as Ghana Country Director for VSO International and ten years as Programme Director of the STAR-Ghana Programme. He is currently the Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, with a focus on driving active citizenship, local philanthropy and inclusive development.
In 2015, Mr Amidu was recognised for his work in social development, being awarded the ‘Global Partnerships for Social Accountability (GPSA) Prize for Leadership in Social Accountability, Africa Region’ by the World Bank Group. Mr Amidu holds a Masters Degree in Social Policy Studies from the University of Ghana and is currently studying for a PhD in the same subject
Mr. Edmund Apiigah (Social welfare)
Mr Apiigah has served on the Board of AfriKids Ghana since 2019 and as the current Upper East Regional Director for the Department of Social Welfare, bringing expertise in and connections to child and social welfare policy and practice.
Ms Mercy Babachuweh
Headmistress/education – Ghana
Ms Mercy joined the Board of AfriKids Ghana in 2019 and is currently the Headmistress of Navrongo Senior High School in Ghana’s Upper East Region, where AfriKids is based. She brings practical experience and insight on the education system in Ghana, and the challenges faced by rural public schools like hers, and the children they seek to serve.
Ms Mercy Babachuweh
Headmistress/education – Ghana
Ms Mercy joined the Board of AfriKids Ghana in 2019 and is currently the Headmistress of Navrongo Senior High School in Ghana’s Upper East Region, where AfriKids is based. She brings practical experience and insight on the education system in Ghana, and the challenges faced by rural public schools like hers, and the children they seek to serve.
Meet the UK Board
Sally Vivyan
Chair of the UK Board of Trustees – UK
Sally was one of AfriKids’ first members of staff when she joined our UK team back in 2005. Leading our fundraising efforts, she was instrumental in growing AfriKids from a small charity into a multi-million-pound organisation, and was recognised as National Fundraiser of the Year along the way. Since leaving the team in 2016, she has held senior leadership roles in the philanthropic sector, most recently as Co-Director of Gower Street, a funder of education and environmental work in Ghana. She holds a PhD from the Open University’s Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership, and is a recognised authority on education, community engagement, and locally-led change in Ghana. Sally re-joins AfriKids in 2025 as Chair to help guide our next chapter of growth and impact.
Sally Vivyan
Chair of the UK Board of Trustees – UK
Sally was one of AfriKids’ first members of staff when she joined our UK team back in 2005. Leading our fundraising efforts, she was instrumental in growing AfriKids from a small charity into a multi-million-pound organisation, and was recognised as National Fundraiser of the Year along the way. Since leaving the team in 2016, she has held senior leadership roles in the philanthropic sector, most recently as Co-Director of Gower Street, a funder of education and environmental work in Ghana. She holds a PhD from the Open University’s Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership, and is a recognised authority on education, community engagement, and locally-led change in Ghana. Sally re-joins AfriKids in 2025 as Chair to help guide our next chapter of growth and impact.
Richard Pickard
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Richard is Group Director of Operations at The Telegraph Media Group, where he oversees high-value operations, performance, and growth. He has led major organisational change, driven significant revenue growth, and delivered innovation through digital transformation and international expansion. Richard brings deep expertise in operational leadership, technology, and systems, and is passionate about using his skills to support AfriKids’ ambitions for scale.
Richard Pickard
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Richard is Group Director of Operations at The Telegraph Media Group, where he oversees high-value operations, performance, and growth. He has led major organisational change, driven significant revenue growth, and delivered innovation through digital transformation and international expansion. Richard brings deep expertise in operational leadership, technology, and systems, and is passionate about using his skills to support AfriKids’ ambitions for scale.
Avril Kudzi
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Avril is a Ghanaian development professional with nearly 30 years’ experience, including senior roles with USAID Ghana, VSO, Christian Aid Ghana, and most recently as Country Lead for the Jacobs Foundation. She has helped mobilise over $118m for education in Ghana, with a strong track record in political engagement, advocacy, and convening funders. Avril is committed to locally-owned, community-led change and brings invaluable insight and connections from her base in Accra.
Avril Kudzi
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Avril is a Ghanaian development professional with nearly 30 years’ experience, including senior roles with USAID Ghana, VSO, Christian Aid Ghana, and most recently as Country Lead for the Jacobs Foundation. She has helped mobilise over $118m for education in Ghana, with a strong track record in political engagement, advocacy, and convening funders. Avril is committed to locally-owned, community-led change and brings invaluable insight and connections from her base in Accra.
Leonora Dowley
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Leonora is Senior Lead, Philanthropic Coalitions at the International Education Funders Group, where she works with leading global funders, including those focused on Ghana. She has lived and worked in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia, among other countries, and brings rich experience in education, philanthropy, and international collaboration. Leonora is passionate about advancing “localisation done well” and strengthening connections between funders and impactful locally-led organisations like AfriKids.
Leonora Dowley
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Leonora is Senior Lead, Philanthropic Coalitions at the International Education Funders Group, where she works with leading global funders, including those focused on Ghana. She has lived and worked in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia, among other countries, and brings rich experience in education, philanthropy, and international collaboration. Leonora is passionate about advancing “localisation done well” and strengthening connections between funders and impactful locally-led organisations like AfriKids.
Karim Dhalla
AfriKids UK Trustee and Treasurer – UK
Karim is a Private Equity investor at the Future Business Partnership, an impact investment firm working to fuel the transition to an ethical and sustainable consumer goods economy with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With a background in commercial investment and a strong affinity for companies with purpose, he works with the best mission-led businesses to deliver superior growth and create positive social and environmental impact. Karim was previously in the Private Equity team at Neuberger Berman, a global investment firm that manages over $65 billion of private market assets. He began his career in the Corporate & Institutional Bank at RBS and is also a Chartered Accountant.
Karim passionately believes the lives of children should be valued, appreciated and their potential recognised and nurtured. He has spent time in Africa and Latin America working with charities that provide paths out of poverty for children and their families. Ensuring a child’s rights is what Karim considers should form the building blocks of any young person’s life, and he wants to further advance and amplify AfriKids’ sustainable, long-term impact in his role as a Trustee.
Karim Dhalla
AfriKids UK Trustee and Treasurer – UK
Karim is a Private Equity investor at the Future Business Partnership, an impact investment firm working to fuel the transition to an ethical and sustainable consumer goods economy with a focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With a background in commercial investment and a strong affinity for companies with purpose, he works with the best mission-led businesses to deliver superior growth and create positive social and environmental impact. Karim was previously in the Private Equity team at Neuberger Berman, a global investment firm that manages over $65 billion of private market assets. He began his career in the Corporate & Institutional Bank at RBS and is also a Chartered Accountant.
Karim passionately believes the lives of children should be valued, appreciated and their potential recognised and nurtured. He has spent time in Africa and Latin America working with charities that provide paths out of poverty for children and their families. Ensuring a child’s rights is what Karim considers should form the building blocks of any young person’s life, and he wants to further advance and amplify AfriKids’ sustainable, long-term impact in his role as a Trustee.
Olivia Jenkins
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Olivia joined the board of AfriKids in 2020, having long admired their work with children in Ghana. Olivia is passionate about the philanthropy ecosystem, believing strongly in encouraging collaboration. Prior to her current role, she worked at Sentebale, an HIV/AIDs charity working in sub-Saharan Africa where she was Head of Fundraising and advised on international strategy.
Olivia is currently a Senior Philanthropy Advisor in J.P. Morgan’s award-winning Philanthropy Centre, providing advice to clients in Europe and the Middle East on philanthropic focus, strategy and governance as well as opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and connections with likeminded philanthropists.
Olivia Jenkins
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Olivia joined the board of AfriKids in 2020, having long admired their work with children in Ghana. Olivia is passionate about the philanthropy ecosystem, believing strongly in encouraging collaboration. Prior to her current role, she worked at Sentebale, an HIV/AIDs charity working in sub-Saharan Africa where she was Head of Fundraising and advised on international strategy.
Olivia is currently a Senior Philanthropy Advisor in J.P. Morgan’s award-winning Philanthropy Centre, providing advice to clients in Europe and the Middle East on philanthropic focus, strategy and governance as well as opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and connections with likeminded philanthropists.
Sandra Scheerer
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Sandra joined the Board of AfriKids UK in 2023. She is a consultant to City law firms and a former Director in Pillsbury’s Global Technology and Sourcing Practice Group in London. Sandra was previously General Counsel and Board member at Unisys Limited, where she negotiated and advised on all outsourcing projects, some of which were the biggest in the UK. She was the youngest person on the Unisys board, and the first woman ever to be appointed to it. Sandra also advises various charities, is a former Board member of Sense and is on the board of the Microloan Foundation. Born and raised in Ghana, Sandra still regularly visits and is passionate about working with AfriKids to ensure happier childhoods and brighter futures for the country’s next generation. Along with her extensive professional skills and experience, Sandra brings valuable lived experience, insight and connections to stakeholders in Ghana to strengthen the understanding and effectiveness of the UK Board in helping us to achieve our mission.
Sandra Scheerer
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Sandra joined the Board of AfriKids UK in 2023. She is a consultant to City law firms and a former Director in Pillsbury’s Global Technology and Sourcing Practice Group in London. Sandra was previously General Counsel and Board member at Unisys Limited, where she negotiated and advised on all outsourcing projects, some of which were the biggest in the UK. She was the youngest person on the Unisys board, and the first woman ever to be appointed to it. Sandra also advises various charities, is a former Board member of Sense and is on the board of the Microloan Foundation. Born and raised in Ghana, Sandra still regularly visits and is passionate about working with AfriKids to ensure happier childhoods and brighter futures for the country’s next generation. Along with her extensive professional skills and experience, Sandra brings valuable lived experience, insight and connections to stakeholders in Ghana to strengthen the understanding and effectiveness of the UK Board in helping us to achieve our mission.
Keith Stone
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Keith joined AfriKids after a very successful career in consultancy, spanning 30 years. He was a Senior Partner within Deloitte’s Consulting Financial Services Group, and led their FS Tech and Finance Transformation practice. Prior to Deloitte he was a partner at Arthur Andersen. Now as a retired partner he has been working as an Independent Advisor and Quality Assurance expert to various CEO/CFO.
In 2020, Keith joined as a Trustee. As a South African, living in London for the last 25 years he wanted to be more involved in helping children in Africa. AfriKids operates in an area where he is passionate and its focus on rights for children, education and healthcare, resonates strongly.
Keith Stone
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Keith joined AfriKids after a very successful career in consultancy, spanning 30 years. He was a Senior Partner within Deloitte’s Consulting Financial Services Group, and led their FS Tech and Finance Transformation practice. Prior to Deloitte he was a partner at Arthur Andersen. Now as a retired partner he has been working as an Independent Advisor and Quality Assurance expert to various CEO/CFO.
In 2020, Keith joined as a Trustee. As a South African, living in London for the last 25 years he wanted to be more involved in helping children in Africa. AfriKids operates in an area where he is passionate and its focus on rights for children, education and healthcare, resonates strongly.
Georgie Fienberg
Founder and AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Georgie founded AfriKids in 2002 after working with a group of local heroes she met while travelling on her gap year. During her time at AfriKids, she pioneered AfriKids’ unique approach to sustainable development through social entrepreneurship and investment partnering.
Under Georgie’s leadership, AfriKids went from supporting a handful of community projects to being the leading organisation for children in northern Ghana and secured grants from well renowned grant-giving organisations such as the National Lottery, Comic Relief, the Department for International Development and the UN.
Since stepping down as AfriKids’ International Director in 2014, Georgie maintains an active role in the charitable sector as a trustee at AfriKids and acting as a sounding board and adviser to senior executives across a broad range of industries, from hedge funds to professional services and tech start-ups.
Georgie Fienberg
Founder and AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Georgie founded AfriKids in 2002 after working with a group of local heroes she met while travelling on her gap year. During her time at AfriKids, she pioneered AfriKids’ unique approach to sustainable development through social entrepreneurship and investment partnering.
Under Georgie’s leadership, AfriKids went from supporting a handful of community projects to being the leading organisation for children in northern Ghana and secured grants from well renowned grant-giving organisations such as the National Lottery, Comic Relief, the Department for International Development and the UN.
Since stepping down as AfriKids’ International Director in 2014, Georgie maintains an active role in the charitable sector as a trustee at AfriKids and acting as a sounding board and adviser to senior executives across a broad range of industries, from hedge funds to professional services and tech start-ups.
Dieudonnee “Didi” Yakubu Ogede
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Didi joined the Board of AfriKids UK in 2023. She has over 10 years’ experience of working with a range of NGOs, start-ups, and corporations. Providing research, insight, and strategic advice to help solve problems, grow products and services. She has substantive expertise and interest in Human rights, public policy, charity governance and diversity, equity & inclusion. She was previously a Trustee and safeguarding focal point for The Diversity Project Charity.
Didi is half Ghanaian (from Pusiga in the upper east) and spent her early years in Ghana. She brings her knowledge of the region, passion for promoting human rights and experience of fundraising, grant making and working for charity organisations in Ghana and internationally to her role as trustee for AfriKids. She strongly believes in the vision, mission and aims of AfriKids to advocate for the rights of the child, by facilitating the provision of adequate protection, health and education for Children in Northern Ghana.
Dieudonnee “Didi” Yakubu Ogede
AfriKids UK Trustee – UK
Didi joined the Board of AfriKids UK in 2023. She has over 10 years’ experience of working with a range of NGOs, start-ups, and corporations. Providing research, insight, and strategic advice to help solve problems, grow products and services. She has substantive expertise and interest in Human rights, public policy, charity governance and diversity, equity & inclusion. She was previously a Trustee and safeguarding focal point for The Diversity Project Charity.
Didi is half Ghanaian (from Pusiga in the upper east) and spent her early years in Ghana. She brings her knowledge of the region, passion for promoting human rights and experience of fundraising, grant making and working for charity organisations in Ghana and internationally to her role as trustee for AfriKids. She strongly believes in the vision, mission and aims of AfriKids to advocate for the rights of the child, by facilitating the provision of adequate protection, health and education for Children in Northern Ghana.