Akua Djanie-Manfo Celebrates African Culture, Caregivers and Giving at PLEO Gala

The PLEO Awards and Fundraising Gala welcomed distinguished guest speaker Akua Djanie-Manfo, who travelled from Accra, Ghana, to be part of the special occasion.

Akua, a former Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, has continued to champion Africa through her work with books, tours, cultural experiences, and curated events. Her presence at the gala added a strong message of African pride, community service, and generosity to the evening.

A Warm and Memorable Introduction

During her introduction, the host highlighted Akua’s professional background and her passion for promoting the beauty, culture, and potential of Africa.

Her journey from public service in Ghana’s tourism sector to creating experiences that showcase Africa reflects her continued commitment to telling positive African stories and connecting people with the continent’s rich heritage.

The atmosphere quickly became relaxed and entertaining when the conversation turned to one of West Africa’s most famous friendly rivalries — Nigerian versus Ghanaian Jollof rice.

A Playful Ghana–Nigeria Jollof Debate

The host jokingly raised the long-running debate over which country makes the better Jollof rice.

Akua responded in good humour, proudly choosing Ghana when it came to food, while joking that she had chosen Nigeria “in terms of the man” because of her Igbo in-laws.

The lighthearted exchange brought laughter to the room and reflected the cultural connection, friendship, and shared identity that exist between Ghana and Nigeria despite their famous Jollof rivalry.

Recognising the Commitment of the Organisers

Beyond the humour, Akua used her time on stage to acknowledge the dedication behind the event.

She praised Chioma, the event organiser, for successfully bringing the programme together for three consecutive years.

Organising a major community event year after year requires vision, consistency, and commitment, and Akua recognised the effort required to create a platform that continues to celebrate service, empowerment, and positive impact.

Her words served as an important reminder that successful community initiatives are often built through the determination of individuals who continue working behind the scenes.

A Special Message to Caregivers

One of the most meaningful moments of Akua’s speech was her recognition of caregivers.

She publicly thanked them for the essential work they perform every day, acknowledging the important role they play in supporting individuals, families, and communities.

Caregiving can often be demanding and under-recognised, making her message of appreciation especially significant.

By taking time to celebrate caregivers, Akua reinforced one of the central themes of the PLEO event — recognising people whose compassion and dedication improve the lives of others.

Turning Book Sales Into Community Support

Akua also demonstrated her commitment to the fundraiser through a generous charitable pledge.

While attending the event as part of her book tour, she announced that 20% of the proceeds from all books sold during the evening would be donated to the event’s fundraising initiative.

The pledge transformed her book sales into an opportunity to directly support the organisation’s work.

It also reflected the spirit of the evening, where personal achievement, business, culture, and community responsibility came together for a greater purpose.

A Celebration of African Excellence and Generosity

Akua Djanie-Manfo’s appearance at the PLEO Awards and Fundraising Gala brought together several powerful themes: African culture, humour, entrepreneurship, service, and giving.

From the playful Ghana–Nigeria Jollof debate to her heartfelt appreciation for caregivers and her commitment to donating part of her book proceeds, her contribution added warmth and meaning to the occasion.

Her message demonstrated how individuals can use their platforms, careers, and creative work not only to celebrate Africa but also to support communities and recognise those who dedicate themselves to helping others.

The evening served as another reminder that meaningful impact is created when people come together to celebrate achievement, appreciate service, and give back to the communities around them.