Interview Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE
THE WICK: What does your average Monday morning look like?
Dentaa Amoateng: I try to make my Monday mornings significant, as I believe it sets the tone for the week. My Monday morning routine begins with prayer and meditation with my family. This is then followed by making sure my to-do list is ready and uploaded into my project management software, before setting off for the day.
TW: You are Founder & CEO of GUBA Enterprise, a social enterprise organisation dedicated to the advancement of diaspora Africans and Africans. What prompted you to start this initiative?
DA:
The GUBA Awards, established in 2009, was inspired by the need to recognize the achievements of high-performing Africans in the community. The initiative aimed to highlight role models for the youth and to provide avenues for aspiring entrepreneurs. Individuals from the African community were blazing the trail in business, entertainment and industry, and continue to do so to date.
The organization has since evolved into an enterprise – GUBA Enterprise, which now encompasses the GUBA Trade Expo, GUBA Foundation, GUBA Careers, GUBA Tours and the GUBA Diaspora Network. Through these various branches, the GUBA Enterprise has expanded its scope to focus on globally enhancing African Diaspora relations.
TW: Your work to improve UK-African relations earned you an MBE in 2016. What’s next on your agenda to conquer?
DA: Under the GUBA Diaspora Network, my aim is to expand the initiative into various African countries. The GUBA Diaspora Network (GDN) solves the problem many face when planning to establish businesses in Africa. Navigating the terrain in Ghana and other countries can be challenging as the systems differ from that in most western countries. From business registration to purchase of property and more, GDN exists to help facilitate that. I believe that having this initiative in many countries will encourage the development of new and innovative businesses.
TW: If you could spend a day with any historical or contemporary figure, who would it be and why?
DA: I would choose to spend a day with Kwame Nkrumah. His advocacy for education, economic self-sufficiency, and political unity has had a lasting impact on African politics. I would love to have had the opportunity to speak to him about his Pan-African vision and his advanced plans for self-sufficiency.
“I am motivated by impact, specifically the impact on young people. When I see young people especially young women, excelling in spaces that are predominantly male-dominated, it really inspires me to keep pushing.”
