Ann Akua Buruwaa Obeng Ababio

CEO & Board Chairman

Ann is a seasoned recruitment and human resources banking executive with over 25 years of experience in executive search and selection across Africa. Her expertise spans executive search, talent management, organizational transformation, change management, mergers and acquisitions, and employee relations. She has successfully led executive search assignments for top-tier financial institutions and international organizations operating in Africa, demonstrating a deep understanding of the African talent landscape and market trends.

As Lead consultant she brings a strong network, deep understanding of the market and partnerships with agencies in Africa and globally built over the years.

Ann worked for over fifteen years as Head HR, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank Plc, She had oversight over the HR operations across 15 African countries, managing mergers, acquisitions, expansions and setting up greenfield operations. Notably, she led HR integration in major bank mergers and secured banking licenses in new markets. Ann has a proven track record of identifying and placing top talent in Africa and globally, including C- suite executives, senior managers, and technical specialists. She has a deep understanding of the African talent landscape and a strong network of contacts within the African financial sector and diaspora communities.

Her notable achievements include identifying and recruiting all leadership roles for Access Bank Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Cameroon, Guinea, Kenya, Rwanda, DRC, Zambia and Mozambique.

Ann's commitment to excellence extends beyond recruitment. As a gender advocate, she advises clients on diversity and inclusion initiatives, employer branding, and talent management best practices. Her consultancy background includes projects with KPMG, the African Development Bank, UNDP, and Shell plc, focusing on HR optimization and organizational development. She also serves as a Director on the Board of the Nubuke Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to promoting arts and talent across the continent.

Ann's academic credentials include a postgraduate degree in Human Resources Management from Middlesex University Business School, a BSc in Media Communication and New Technology from the University of East London, and certifications in CIPD Compensation, Benefits and Reward Management and Leadership, People Management & Operational Efficiency from the University of Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Kwesi Simmons

Director Marketing and Business Development

Benjamin is a dynamic professional with a proven track record in brand management and sales, specializing in employer branding and talent acquisition. In his role at A&S, Benjamin leads the development and execution of targeted initiatives designed to position our clients as leading employers of choice.

As a key account manager, Benjamin plays an instrumental role in establishing strong client relationships from the outset. He thoroughly assesses client needs, ensuring a tailored approach to every engagement. Benjamin also takes charge of our online platforms and job boards, optimizing their use to identify top-tier talent.

Benjamin's expertise in candidate screening is evident in his thorough research into candidate backgrounds, qualifications, and career trajectories, ensuring a strong alignment with client requirements. He further manages the administration of pre-employment assessments, ensuring a robust evaluation of potential hires. Benjamin spearheaded the A&S Source and Find Pipeline Project where he has successfully cultivated a diverse pipeline of qualified candidates from across West Africa leveraging recruitment fairs and events, professional networks, job boards, and social media.

Benjamin's educational background includes a BSc in Marketing from Lancaster University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Digital Business from Columbia and MIT.

Hardi Kamara

Executive Director

Hardi Kamara is an experienced consultant with extensive experience in SME development and start- ups across Africa. At A & S, he plays a pivotal role in interview logistics and support and has contributed significantly to the design and implementation of recruitment strategies leading to successfully led SME recruitment efforts, resulting in high-quality placements for our clients. He leads project engagements in East Africa (particularly Rwanda and Kenya) and is proficient in international and local recruitment for administrative positions.

Hardi expertly develops job descriptions, evaluates applications, creates shortlists, and manages interview logistics. He has successfully led SME recruitment efforts, resulting in high- quality placements.

With specialized expertise in international and local recruitment, Hardi is adept at crafting precise job descriptions and advertisements aligned with operational standards. He diligently evaluates applications against predetermined criteria to identify top-tier candidates, curating shortlists for further evaluation. Hardi's data-driven recruitment strategies have significantly improved match rates and reduced time-to- hire. He spearheaded the A&S Source and Find Pipeline Project, creating a valuable database of qualified candidates across West and East Africa. Additionally, he supports the facilitation of visa and relocation processes and supports onboarding for international hires.

With expertise in applicant tracking systems, operations management, and project execution, Hardi empowers teams and drives efficiency through process improvements. He is a skilled communicator, building strong relationships with candidates, hiring managers, and partners. Hardi upholds ethical recruitment practices and possesses a deep understanding of local labour laws.

Technically proficient in applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment tools, Hardi also possesses a strong background in operations management, operational excellence, and project execution. He has a proven track record of empowering teams, driving efficiency through process improvements, and successfully navigate complex projects from inception to delivery.

Hardi holds a BSc in Accounting and Finance from Lancaster University Management School, is a certified Project Manager (PMP), and an IFC-LPI TPMA Certified Trainer

Mr Samuel Opoku

Executive Director

Samuel is a highly accomplished Senior HR Consultant with 9 years of experience driving successful recruitment and talent management strategies across diverse sectors. At A&S, Samuel plays the key role of reporting and monitoring. His strong background in finance is also used to support the teams’ financial assessments and efficiency.

As Deputy Head of Human Resources at the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), he plays a pivotal role in shaping the Fund’s human capital strategy overseeing critical functions including, staff optimization, the design of training initiatives to enhance staff capabilities, and the management of performance evaluation and compensation systems.

Previously serving as Team Lead for HR Operations at Access Bank Ghana, Samuel demonstrated exceptional proficiency in talent acquisition for diverse roles spanning local and international markets, where he spearheaded the recruitment of over 3,000 professionals across various roles within the Bank's local and international branches. He significantly streamlined recruitment processes, reducing time-to- hire by 20% and fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Samuel's professional credentials include being a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) and an adept tax practitioner. His contributions extend beyond HR, including tax advisory for third-party payroll services and strategic analysis across multiple markets. At Access Bank, he held a pivotal role as Lead Manager for Financial, Regulatory, and Tax Reporting, overseeing critical tasks such as preparing quarterly and annual reports, regulatory filings with central banks, and tax compliance with the Ghana Revenue Authority. He was instrumental in implementing significant projects like the E-levy and ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics for HR and Finance HRIS, across the bank's branches in Ghana and subsidiaries abroad.

Samuel holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and is currently pursuing a professional certificate in Human Resource Management.

Mrs Clara Fosu Quaye

Non-Executive Director

Mrs Clara Fosu Quaye is a seasoned financial sector professional with an impressive career spanning over three decades, marked by profound contributions to Ghana's financial sector and beyond. With more than a decade devoted specifically to advancing microfinance, she has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and providing strategic guidance to Apex Institutions and their microfinance entities. Her expertise extends to designing and implementing capacity-building initiatives and operational frameworks aimed at maximizing the impact of microfinance on communities.

At A&S, Clara spearheads local talent acquisition efforts across client markets, demonstrating her adeptness at tailoring recruitment strategies to meet diverse market dynamics. Mrs. Fosu Quaye is a staunch advocate for gender inclusivity within microfinance, evident from her advisory role to the Ministry of Women & Children's Affairs. Her counsel has significantly enhanced access for women micro-entrepreneurs to essential financial and non- financial services under various developmental projects. She also champions diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering minority representation in recruitment processes.

Her international influence includes a notable tenure on the advisory board of the Sustainable Microenterprise Development Program at the Carsey Institute, Southern New Hampshire University, USA (2008-2016). She holds an MSc in Community Economic Development from the University of Southern New Hampshire and a diploma in Financial Institutions for Private Enterprise Development from Harvard Kennedy School.

In 2017, Mrs. Fosu Quaye assumed the role of Executive Director at Continental Fuels Limited, where she successfully led efforts to pioneer Ghana's first small-scale LNG virtual pipeline project. Her strategic liaisons with governmental bodies and external stakeholders have fortified her extensive network within Ghana's Oil and Gas sector.

Her governance acumen is evident from her board positions at Asa Savings and Loans (2012- 2021), where she made pivotal decisions shaping the institution's trajectory, and as Board Chairperson of SERVACO PPs Limited since 2016. Recently, she accepted a board membership at VIRL Microfinance Institution in Zimbabwe, underscoring her commitment to advancing financial inclusion across borders. Mrs. Fosu Quaye is a distinguished member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) Ghana and actively contributes to governance best practices through her involvement with Board Room Africa.

Her multifaceted career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to economic development, gender equality, and sustainable practices within the financial sector, making her a driving force in both local and international arenas.

Sarah-Jane Danchie

Executive Director

Sarah-Jane Danchie is a socio-economist. In her role at A&S, Sarah-Jane applies her expertise to assess executive candidates, evaluating their leadership capabilities, cultural alignment, and fit with client needs through in-depth interviews and assessments. She also manages the Immigration Desk, providing relocation support and assistance to international hires and their families.

Sarah serves as the Director for Africa at The Social Investment Consultancy (TSIC), where she plays a pivotal role in empowering businesses and organizations to understand, measure, and demonstrate their impact on communities and individuals. With over 15 years of experience, Sarah-Jane specializes in conducting rigorous research, analysis, and monitoring/evaluation, as well as spearheading strategy development aimed at enhancing social impact across various sectors.

Under her leadership, TSIC established its African presence in Ghana in 2019, marking the beginning of an expansive journey that now spans engagements across 24 African countries. Sarah-Jane's strategic vision has been instrumental in positioning TSIC as a leader in capacity building and local participation in national and global initiatives. She has personally overseen the recruitment of C-suite executives and support teams across multiple countries, leveraging her extensive network and expertise to foster impactful partnerships.

Sarah-Jane's influence extends globally, evidenced by her involvement in international projects spanning Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and more recently, Latin America. Her project leadership spans diverse sectors including mining, oil and gas, agriculture, education, and health, where she addresses critical cross-cutting issues such as climate change, women and youth empowerment, and business ethics within global supply chains.

Prior to TSIC, Sarah-Jane spent a decade with an African-led economic research and policy institute, honing her deep understanding of socio-economic dynamics and policy frameworks. Her commitment to advancing business and human rights, with a strong emphasis on gender equity, racial justice, youth empowerment, and climate action, is underscored by her active participation on various boards and her role in driving diversity and inclusion initiatives within client engagements.

As an Acumen fellow, Sarah-Jane is part of a global cohort of social enterprise leaders, further exemplifying her commitment to driving positive social change through innovative and sustainable solutions. Her multifaceted career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to creating meaningful impact and fostering inclusive growth across continents. She holds a BSc in Economics with French language, and her MSc specialises in Sub Saharan African economies.

Akosua Constance Ababio

Non-Executive Director

Akosua C. Ababio is a licensed board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. She trained at Northern Kentucky University in both medication management and psychotherapy. Akosua is also a trained Family Nurse Practitioner-BC. She treats patients of all ages, from children and adolescents to adults and seniors. Her non-judgemental approach to her practice in mental health is what makes her unique.

Some of the disorders she treats include mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, dementia, eating disorders, personality disorders, Insomnia, and OCD, among other psychiatric disorders. Akosua also does suboxone management.

Faez Ibrahim-Adam

Non-Executive Director

Faez Ibrahim-Adam is a dynamic Engagement Consultant who leverages his bilingual proficiency in French and Portuguese to support recruitment processes across our ffrancophone markets. His role at A&S spans the entire recruitment lifecycle, from conducting introductory calls with potential candidates through sourcing, selection, and comprehensive interviews that assess skills and experience in both English and French.

Faez's linguistic abilities extend to managing translations for job descriptions and fostering relationships with recruitment agency partners, ensuring effective communication and streamlined processes for outsourced contractor roles in the Francophone market. He also plays a crucial role in managing employment contracts and onboarding paperwork for successful candidates, facilitating a seamless transition into their new roles.

With a background in research and analysis, coupled with expertise in legal and compliance matters, Faez provides the team with valuable data on local labour laws, cultural nuances, and recruitment best practices within the markets the company operates. His insights are instrumental in tailoring recruitment strategies to specific contexts.

A graduate of the University of Ghana with a major in Sociology and French, Faez also holds a Diploma in French Studies and Business Management from the Université de Franche- Comté (CLA) in Besançon, France. His academic and professional experiences contribute to his well-rounded skillset and make him an asset to the team. His diverse skill set and academic background uniquely position him to contribute effectively to our team's success in multicultural environments.