“Is this the last speaker?” Adoley asks, disappointment in her voice, when we start to type out the details of the last speaker. “Is she a Reverend Minister? Wow. Please tell me about her.” One would think that I should be tired at this point but we all know that given the chance, I can talk for the whole of Ghana, so I eagerly begin to tell her about Rev. Akua Rev. Akua Ofori Boateng is the Director of Programs for the Anglican Diocese of Accra, where she serves at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. She is one of a handful of lady reverends in such a position. She regularly speaks on youth and women’s platforms, with the aim of using her story and her experiences to encourage young people. Rev. Akua is also the co-founder of Aequitas, a faith-based foundation with a vision for a world where underprivileged youth have an opportunity to pursue their passions. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics from Miami University in the USA; a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in the USA; an MBA from Indiana University in the USA; and a Master of Arts degree in Ministry from the Trinity Theological Seminary in Legon, Ghana. “So did you meet her at a youth program?” Adoley asks as she sips the last of her orange juice. “No. Akua was my student when I worked at Ghana International School as the school’s counselor. I actually remember writing her recommendation to gain admission to college in the United States. I met her again several years later, when she was working in a managerial role at Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST). She had employed the services of my firm, Self Search Ghana, to conduct a recruitment exercise for BOST. At that very time, she also employedmy services privately as her counsellor and coach. After several counselling sessions with her, she became more emotionally grounded, so we shifted into coaching and supporting her to own her voice and visibility, to release her fears, build authentic confidence, step into her zone of greatness in priesthood, and build stronger connections with her significant other. She gave herself permission to be broken for God’s use. Her book, “Broken for Use,” is a must read. I soon became her friend, mentor, coach, and confidante. I have been instrumental in discussing major decisions and taking major steps in her life. I have always admired her for her focus, intelligence, commitment to purpose, sense of maturity, and integrity. Most importantly, her sincerity in her relationship with God. Whenever I am with her, I see and feel the bigness and greatness of God, and I am humbled that God chose me to be part of her story in her flight to success, impact, and fulfillment. She navigated and charted paths for her life through coaching, and when what I call Elisha’s overtakers’ anointing came upon her, she started taking territories, creating and developing projects, and venturing into varied areas of growth and possibility. Akua, thank you for being a part of my life. 52
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