Can you provide a brief overview of your background?
I am a trusted advisor to global companies on responsible business investment and partnerships in Africa. I ensure that my clients’ operations have positive socio-economic impacts on the countries in which they operate, whilst realising optimal financial value.
I have decades of experience in government relations, political risk management and sustainability, focusing on the mining, oil & gas and power sectors. As an environmental lawyer for almost a decade from the early 1990s, I advised international organisations and governments on environmental policy and legislation. I went on to practice corporate and commercial law at the international law firm, Linklaters and the De Beers Group Diamond Trading Company. Before starting Kina Advisory in 2014, I was Vice President, External Affairs and CSR at Tullow Oil plc.
I am a member of the Bar of England and Wales and of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. In addition to my position as a Non-Executive Director of Cal Bank Limited, Ghana I also serve on the boards of Aker Energy, GEMS Africa and Invest in Africa. I also serve as the Vice Chairperson and Trustee of the Africa Gifted Foundation.
In 2016 I was honoured to be named by Forbes Afrique Magazine as one of the 100 influential women on the African continent, and by Arise Magazine in 2012 as one of the top 100 dynamic women. I was nominated as one of Britain’s most influential people of African and African Caribbean heritage by The Power List in 2008.
What excites you about being a board member on the Cal Bank board?
I am passionate about two things: the future of the African continent and the transformative role which businesses can play in helping countries and communities positively shape that future. Cal Bank, as an indigenous Ghanaian business can play this transformative role by providing much needed finance to emerging and existing companies in Ghana. For example, I am thrilled that the bank has recently come to an agreement with the International Finance Corporation for a facility to fund businesses run by women.
What was your initial impression of Cal Bank when you joined?
I was and am very impressed by the quality of the senior management of Cal Bank – particularly of the CEO, who has his finger on the pulse of every aspect of the bank whilst at the same time effectively delegating to empowered staff.
There has been a crisis in the banking sector in Ghana recently and it has been satisfying to see that Cal Bank has not been caught up in it and is doing all that it can to deliver on its business mandate.This is no easy feat as the new regulations both nationally and internationally have posed many challenges to the local banking sector. It is pleasing to see that Cal Bank continues to offer new services and products amongst this backdrop.
What inspires and drives you and what is your motto in life?
There are two key words that both inspire and drive me – excellence and integrity. I am always inspired when I see excellence at work in and through others – no matter the field. For example, I recently had one of the best visits to a dentist ever – in Accra, Ghana. From the moment I drove up to the dental practice, through the speed and efficiency of being registered, the care and knowledge of the dentist, to my checkout time. Absolutely fabulous… I aim for that excellence in absolutely everything I do in my life.
Integrity – uncompromising integrity. I know it comes at a cost, but I take a long-term bigger picture view and believe it is a cost worth paying.
