GhanaWeb recently announced the nominees for the 2025 Edition of its annual GhanaWeb Excellence Awards.

These nominees have been categorised into more than 20 categories.

And as a way of bringing readers up to speed on who has been nominated, here are brief profiles of some of them.

All of the following have been nominated under the Influential personalities category.

Ibrahim Mahama

He is a Ghanaian businessman and the founder of Engineers and
Planners, the largest indigenous-owned mining company in West Africa, was established in 1997.

In addition to his visionary leadership in the mining sector, he owns Dzata Cement Limited, Ghana’s first wholly Ghanaian-owned cement processing factory, producing the highest quality and certified cement product in Ghana, at Tema.

Established in 2018 after construction began in 2011, Dzata Cement aims to produce 2 million tonnes of cement annually and is projected to create 1,200 direct jobs. Ibrahim owns the hi-tech Asutsuare Poultry Farms, in the Greater Accra Region producing many eggs and live broilers daily.

Ibrahim Mahama also has investment in transportation under Man Bosch Ghana Limited (representing Renault truck. His pioneering efforts include opening up Liberia’s economy to commercial mining - post-civil war - for Arcelor Mittal, creating thousands of jobs and driving regional economic growth.

Ibrahim Mahama was born on January 29, 1971, in Piase, Northern Region, Ghana. He is the son of Emmanuel Adama Mahama and Joyce Tamakloe. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, was a prominent political figure, serving as the first Minister of State for the Northern Region under President Kwame Nkrumah.



Ibrahim Mahama received his early education in Ghana before relocating to the United Kingdom, where he enrolled at the College of North London. However, he discontinued his formal education during his third year, realising
his passion for entrepreneurship and business.

Ibrahim Mahama began his professional journey after completing his studies, initially working for a property development company in London. His time abroad provided him with valuable experience in business and infrastructure development. He later returned to Ghana with a vision to contribute to the

country’s industrial growth and create employment opportunities. In 1997, Ibrahim founded Engineers and Planners, which has grown into one of the largest indigenous-owned mining companies in West Africa. The company employs over 3,000 Ghanaians, significantly contributing to the country’s economy.

Beyond his business ventures, Mahama is known for his philanthropy, supporting health, education, and economic empowerment initiatives. In 2024, he donated $25,000 to support a kidney transplant for 13-year-old Rosemary Boadu, who was battling end-stage kidney disease.

His contributions to Ghana’s industrial sector and philanthropic efforts earned
him widespread recognition, including the African Industrialist of the Year in
2018 at the African Achievers’ Awards in London.

Mahama plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economic and social development through his entrepreneurial vision and commitment to social impact. Ibrahim Mahama, the Ghanaian businessman and founder of Engineers and Planners, is married to Oona Mahama.

Beyond business, he continues to influence industry, innovation, and sustainable development across Ghana. In recognition of his remarkable achievements, leadership, and influence, he has been nominated for the GhanaWeb Excellence Awards in the “Most Influential Personality” category, celebrating his outstanding contributions to Ghana’s economy and society at large.

Akosua Dentaa Amoateng



Dentaa Amoateng MBE, popularly known as Dentaa, is an award-winning British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, actress, TV presenter, singer, producer, and manager. Born in 1983 in Juaso, Ghana, she moved to the UK with her family at the age of five and has since become a dynamic force across the entertainment, media, and business sectors.

Known for her creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit, Dentaa has built a remarkable career spanning multiple industries while championing African talent and culture globally.

Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, reflecting dedication, hard work, and influence. She has been nominated for the GhanaWeb Excellence Awards, celebrating her outstanding impact and contributions as a leading figure in media, entertainment, and
entrepreneurship.

Dr Abubakari Millah



Dr Abubakari Millah is an accomplished Chartered Accountant, entrepreneur, and thought leader, serving as the Executive Chairman at the Global Centre for International Best-Practices and Sustainable Management and President of the Pan-African Chartered Accountants Group (PACAG).

As the lead author of the acclaimed” Five Most Important Books of Our Time,” he empowers governments, organisations, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals to achieve excellence through coaching seminars and training workshops. He is also Senior Partner at Millah and Associates Chartered Accountants, providing audit, assurance, tax, and advisory services.

Through his work, Dr Millah has transformed leadership and management practices, promoting efficiency, sustainability, and impact. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, visionary leadership, and influence, he has been nominated for the GhanaWeb Excellence Awards, celebrating his dedication and
transformative role in professional development and organisational growth.

Theresa Ayoade



Theresa Oparebea Ayoade is a distinguished Ghanaian business executive, entrepreneur, and leader in the media, creative, events, and cultural industries, with nearly 30 years of experience. She is the Co‑Founder and CEO of Charterhouse Productions, one of West Africa’s leading event management and marketing companies, responsible for flagship platforms such as the Ghana Music Awards Festival, Miss Malaika Ghana, A Night of 1000 Laughs, and the Ghana Rocks Concert.

Theresa began her career in sales and media before co-founding Charterhouse in 2002, growing it into a powerhouse that delivers high-profile events, TV productions, and corporate programs across Ghana and beyond. She is recognised for her innovative leadership, ability to nurture talent, and commitment to empowering emerging creatives, women, and youth in the industry.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions, visionary leadership, and impact on Ghana’s creative and cultural sectors, she has been nominated for the GhanaWeb Excellence Awards, celebrating her dedication, hard work, and transformative influence.

Berthold Kobby Winkler (Wode Maya)



Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, popularly known as Wode Maya, is a Ghanaian YouTuber, digital media influencer, and content creator. He is dedicated to changing the global narrative about Africa. Wode Maya was born on March 3, 1990, in Ahekofi, Western Region, Ghana. He studied Aeronautical Engineering at Shenyang Aerospace University in China, before leaving engineering to focus on digital storytelling, after a viral 2017 video about his experiences in China.

He has become one of Africa’s most influential digital media personalities, using his platform to promote African culture, tourism, entrepreneurship, and success stories. He is the first Ghanaian YouTuber to reach over 1 million subscribers, and his work has earned him some accolades, including Online Content Creator of the Year (2022) and the Social Media Star Award (YouTube), at the YEN Entertainment Awards 2025.

Beyond content creation, Wode Maya is recognised for mentoring young African storytellers, teaching students and inspiring content creators on how to leverage digital media for global impact and income. He travels extensively across the continent, personally funding his projects, to maintain creative independence.

In recognition of his dedication, creativity, and influence in media and communication, Wode Maya has been nominated for the GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025. This is to celebrate his contributions to reshaping Africa’s image globally and inspiring a new generation of African content creators.