Nana Aba Anamoah: Transforming Media Influence into Social Change

Nana's commitment extends to combating the misuse of drugs, which has devastated Ghanaian communities.

In Ghana’s dynamic media landscape, Nana Aba Anamoah shines not only for her notable presence on screen but for her unwavering dedication to social justice and advocacy. As the General Manager of GHOne TV, Nana has emerged as a leading advocate for gender equality, health reform, and youth empowerment, evolving from a celebrated media personality into a potent agent of change.

A Childhood Dream Realized

Nana's journey into journalism was inspired by a childhood fascination with television, nurtured by her father’s admiration for news and shows like Larry King Live. “My father introduced me to Larry King Live at a very young age,” she recalled. “By the time I was nine, I knew I wanted to be on TV - not just to be seen, but to make a difference.”

Advocacy for Health and Justice

Driven by a desire to effect real change, Nana has tackled some of Ghana’s most pressing social issues. One of her notable efforts is her advocacy for kidney disease patients, who often struggle with the high costs of life-saving dialysis. After receiving a distressing letter from patients unable to afford treatment, Nana mobilized resources and raised awareness, not only to fund treatments but also to address systemic discrimination in the workplace.

“It’s not just about raising money - it’s about changing the policies that allow this kind of injustice to continue,” she emphasized.

Nana's commitment extends to combating the misuse of drugs, which has devastated Ghanaian communities. Her investigative reporting exposed widespread abuse, leading to the establishment of Ghana’s first national addiction center. “Seeing the extent of the problem was shocking,” she said. “But it was even more rewarding to see real action being taken to address it.”

Additionally, Nana played a pivotal role in the successful separation of conjoined twins in Ghana, using her platform to rally support and resources for the life-saving surgery.

Championing Gender Equality and Inclusion

At GHOne TV, Nana has prioritized the promotion of women into leadership roles, ensuring that they are well-represented both in the newsroom and beyond. “When I became General Manager, one of my main goals was to ensure that women had more opportunities to lead,” she said. “These women have proven that they are not just capable - they excel.”

Her commitment to inclusion also encompasses individuals with disabilities. Nana has been instrumental in integrating persons with disabilities into the newsroom, ensuring their stories are told with authenticity and empathy. “We often tell the stories of people with disabilities without truly understanding their experiences,” she noted.

Empowering Women Across Africa

Nana’s passion for empowering women led her to create the Women of Valor platform, which annually brings together women from across Africa to share experiences and find solutions to common challenges. “One of the most powerful moments was when a young woman shared her story of surviving sexual abuse by her father,” Nana recalled. “Her courage inspired others to come forward, and it reminded me of the strength and resilience of women everywhere.”

With millions of followers across social media, Nana Aba Anamoah has leveraged her influence to inspire change and amplify marginalized voices. Her tireless work in advocating for health, combating drug abuse, and promoting women’s leadership continues to drive progress in Ghana.

“I’ve always wanted to do something that matters, something that will outlive me,” she said. “I believe that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Nana expressed hope that world leaders meeting in New York this September for the Summit of the Future will prioritize gender inequality in their discussions. “If we truly want a better future, we have to start by making sure everyone has a seat at the table - especially women.”

Nana Aba Anamoah’s impactful journey, highlighted in an interview for the Sustainable Africa Series by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, underscores how African celebrities and personalities use their platforms to uplift humanity and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.