Williams Ayaaba Akongbabre: The Visionary Educationist Transforming Northern Ghana Through Creativity and Compassion

Williams Ayaaba Akongbabre is a trailblazing Ghanaian educationist, social entrepreneur, and creative visionary whose 20+ years of work have redefined education access, teacher training, and community empowerment in Northern Ghana. As the founder of Relcaso Ghana, Willi-Gif College of Arts and Technology, and Willi-Gif Arts Series, Williams has bridged gaps in literacy, creative arts education, and social justice, impacting thousands of teachers, students, and marginalized communities.

Early Life and Education

Williams’ journey began with a passion for education and social equity. His academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management Studies: University of Cape Coast.

• Ongoing MPhil Studies: University for Development Studies (UDS).

• Professional Certifications: Accounting, Auditing, and Economics (ICA Ghana).

This blend of managerial expertise and grassroots insight laid the groundwork for his innovative approach to education reform.

Key Achievements: Pioneering Education Reform

1. Revolutionizing Creative Arts Education

• Author of “Self-Teaching” Creative Arts Textbooks:

  • Designed to eliminate teacher phobia of the subject.

  • Endorsed by the Upper West Regional Education Office for use in all basic schools.

  • Over 5,000 teachers trained to use these resources effectively.

• Teacher-Friendly “Action Packs”:

  • Curriculum support tools helping educators navigate Ghana’s Standard-Based Curriculum.

  • Distributed to schools during textbook shortages, benefiting 10,000+ pupils.

2. Transformative Projects

• Education Quality Assurance Project (EQAP):

  • Improved teaching standards and learning outcomes in rural schools.

• My Life My Right (MLMR):

  • Empowered youth through mentorship and skills development.

• Innovative Scheme for Small-Scale Farmers and Agroforestry (ISSSFAF):

  • Boosted agricultural productivity and sustainability in Northern Ghana.

• Scholarship Scheme for Needy Children (SSNeC):

  • Funded education for 200+ orphans, including victims of the Wa serial killings.

3. Hybrid School Model for Inclusivity

• Established a first-of-its-kind school in Wa integrating:

  • Children with special needs.

  • Orphans and vulnerable children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Provides free education, meals, and psychosocial support.

Community Impact: Beyond the Classroom

Williams’ work extends far beyond traditional education, touching every facet of community life:

1. Youth Empowerment

• Radio Mentorship Programs:

  • Hosted “The Chronicles of Fr. Abraham” and “Willi-Gif Time with Heuristics” on GN Radio (92.7 FM).

  • Trained 500+ youth in public speaking, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

• Vocational Training:

  • Willi-Gif College of Arts and Technology offers courses in graphic design, video editing, and fine arts.

2. Economic and Social Justice

• Support for Small-Scale Farmers:

  • ISSSFAF provided tools, training, and agroforestry resources to 300+ farmers.

• Healthcare Advocacy:

  • Organized medical camps and donated supplies to rural clinics.

3. Grassroots Mobilization

• Served as Zonal Supervisor and Media Officer for the Complementary Education Agency.

• Designed district maps to improve resource allocation for underserved communities.

Media Recognition and Thought Leadership

Williams’ innovations have garnered national attention:

• Featured in Ghanaian Education Reports: Recognized for curriculum development and teacher training.

• Radio Shows: Leveraged airwaves to advocate for education reform and youth empowerment.

• Public Speaking: Keynote addresses on creative arts education and social entrepreneurship.

Future Goals: Expanding the Vision

Williams aims to:

1. Scale the Hybrid School Model: Replicate it across Northern Ghana.

2. Publish More Educational Resources: Expand his “self-teaching” textbook series.

3. Launch a Creative Arts Institute: Train the next generation of Ghanaian artists and educators.

How to Support Williams’ Mission

• Donate to Relcaso Ghana: Support scholarships, teacher training, and agroforestry projects.

• Partner with Willi-Gif College: Collaborate on vocational training programs.

• Follow His Work:

  • Website: www.relcasogh.org

  • Facebook: Williams Ayaaba Akongbabre 

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation and Empathy

Williams Ayaaba Akongbabre embodies the power of education fused with creativity. From demystifying Creative Arts for teachers to building inclusive schools for orphans, his work proves that sustainable change begins at the grassroots. In a region often overlooked, Williams stands as a testament to Ghana’s potential for equitable development.

Explore More:

• How Creative Arts Education Transforms Communities

• Grassroots NGOs Changing Northern Ghana