The Wick Culture - Photo courtesy of Dentaa Amoateng MBE The Wick Culture - Photo courtesy of Dentaa Amoateng MBE
Monday Muse

Interview Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE

Interview
Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE
21 October 2024
Interview
Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE
21 October 2024

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.”

TW:   What motivates you to keep pushing boundaries in the world of African entertainment and philanthropy?

DA:   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. Philanthropy is incredibly rewarding, knowing that the little you do, yields great impact on the lives of many, is great motivation.

TW:   What was the last piece of art, book, or film that left a lasting impact on you?

DA:   The following books; Business Secrets from the Bible (Rabbi Lapin), Will You Ever Be Rich (Victor Lofinmakin) and 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth (John Maxwell), left a great impact. These books focus on personal disciple and relationship with money, and it has influenced my day-to-day management of my finances and habits.

TW:   What’s one lesson you’ve learned through your work that you wish you’d known when you started?

DA:   Leveraging relationships is key to success. I have always known the importance of forming good relationships in and outside of business. It however, took me a while to figure out how to leverage those relationships in business. Since learning that, I have been more intentional about helping and also seeking the help from the friendships I have built over time.

TW:   How do you stay grounded amidst the many hats you wear—entrepreneur, presenter, and humanitarian?

DA:   My family, my team and my relationship with Go, helps to keep me grounded. I am always reminded that I didn’t do it on my own and therefore must be grateful for the good opportunities that come my way.

TW:   Top African artist and fashion designer on your list?

DA:   I really love African print clothing so my top fashion designers at the moment are Kenneth Tetteh, Yartel and Seraban who are all Ghanaian designers.

TW:   Who is your ultimate Monday Muse?

DA:   My Monday Muse will be June Sarpong OBE. She started in the entertainment industry like myself and has been constantly excelling in various industries to date. She is an exceptional woman worth recognizing.


Share story
Further Information
READ MORE
The Wick Culture - Florence Bourgeois
Photography by Paar Room
Monday Muse

Interview Paris Photo Director, Florence Bourgeois

The Wick Culture - Courtesy of Meneesha Kellay
Monday Muse

Interview: Senior Curator V&A Meneesha Kellay

The Wick Culture - Jenn Ellis, 2024. Photography Bart Pajak
Monday Muse

Interview Curator Jenn Ellis

The Wick Culture - Portrait of consultant, coach, speaker, and writer Africa Broke
Monday Muse

Interview Consultant, Developmental Coach, Speaker, & Author Africa Brooke

The Wick Culture - Come Home Again by Es Devlin, Commissioned by Cartier at Tate Modern Garden, photo by Daniel Devlin
Monday Muse

Interview Artist and Stage Designer Es Devlin

The Wick Culture - Dara Huang
Monday Muse

Interview Architect and Designer Dara Huang