PLANNING cOMMITTEE
Dr. Sylvester Akpah
Dr. Sylvester Akpah is a Ghanaian technologist, academic, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of digital governance, extractive-sector innovation, and public health. He serves as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, where he trains the next generation of Ghanaian engineers and technologists while pursuing applied research in digital systems for the mining and natural resource sectors.
Dr. Akpah is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Smart Innovations Ghana Limited (SIGL), a Ghanaian technology company he established to build sovereign, locally-owned digital governance solutions for Ghana’s mining and extractive industries. Under his leadership, SIGL has designed and deployed national-scale platforms for institutions including the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and the Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers — work grounded in the conviction that Africa’s natural resource sectors are best served by technology built for, and by, the economies it governs.
He currently serves as Lead Consultant for the Minerals Commission’s Nationwide Earth Moving and Mining Equipment Registration and Tracking System, a flagship digital initiative using GPS and IoT technology to bring national visibility to mining equipment across Ghana — strengthening regulatory oversight and supporting the ongoing fight against illegal mining.
Beyond the extractive sector, Dr. Akpah extends his commitment to public good through healthcare leadership, serving as Executive Director of both Firm Health Ghana Limited and NephroGhana Limited, organisations dedicated to advancing health outcomes and kidney health awareness in Ghana.
A 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow, Dr. Akpah is recognised as part of a generation of African leaders shaping technology-driven development on the continent. He continues to advocate for digital transformation that is inclusive, locally owned, and anchored in the developmental realities of the communities it is designed to serve.
David Antwi, MBA, CFE, CIA
David Antwi is the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Web Holding, one of Africa’s leading digital media organizations and publishers of Ghana Web, Cameroun Web, and My Nigeria. He provides strategic leadership across media, digital innovation, business growth, corporate governance, and organizational transformation, driving the company’s vision to inform, connect, and empower millions of Africans both on the continent and across the diaspora. With more than 20 years of international executive experience, he has built a distinguished career at the intersection of technology, media, financial services, enterprise risk management, and institutional development.
Prior to joining Africa Web, David held senior leadership positions with Morgan Stanley, the World Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, Genpact, and ACI Worldwide, where he led enterprise transformation initiatives, fraud risk modernization programs, and governance and compliance projects across North America, Africa, and emerging markets.
David is recognized for his expertise in corporate governance, digital transformation, revenue growth strategy, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has advised multinational organizations and public institutions on strengthening operational resilience, improving governance, and driving sustainable growth.
He holds an MBA in International Business from Walden University, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
David is passionate about advancing Africa’s digital transformation and believes that technology should empower Africans to own, create, and share their stories with the world. Through his work, he is committed to building platforms that elevate African voices, foster innovation, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development
Edna Quarshie
Edna Quarshie is a Software Engineer and Executive Administrator at Smart Innovations Ghana Limited, holding a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering. She blends technical expertise with strong executive support and organizational skills to optimize business operations. Deeply committed to humanitarian work, Edna also manages administrative tasks and social media marketing for the Firm Health Ghana Foundation NGO.
Rachelle Kasongo
Rachelle Kasongo is a respected business development executive, corporate finance specialist, and strategic partnerships leader with more than 16 years of experience spanning corporate finance, investor relations, business development, banking, mining and international conference leadership across Africa.
She currently serves as Portfolio Director for African Mining Week at Energy Capital & Power, where she leads one of Africa’s premier mining investment platforms, bringing together governments, investors, mining companies, and industry leaders to accelerate investment, strategic partnerships, and deal-making across the continent’s mining value chain. She also directs the development of flagship industry events, including the Critical Minerals Summit and Mining in Motion, delivered in partnership with the Government of Ghana and the Ashanti Kingdom.
Rachelle began her career at Investec Bank, where she worked as a Client Relationship Manager in Corporate Foreign Exchange, contributing to the implementation of innovative electronic trading platforms and South Africa’s Balance of Payments system. She later transitioned into corporate finance at Cinga Capital, where she played a key role in securing and managing major institutional clients, including the Land Bank of South Africa, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and the Housing Development Agency.
In 2017, she founded Adara Afrika, a specialist advisory firm providing business development, corporate finance, capital raising, and transaction advisory services to both public and private sector organisations across Africa. Through Adara Afrika, she has successfully supported investment and expansion projects in the mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors.
Between 2020 and 2023, Rachelle served as Managing Director of Purple Room Consultancy, where she transformed the business into a profitable strategic communications and PR consultancy serving clients across the mining, financial services, education, agriculture, automotive, defence, and non-profit sectors. Under her leadership, the firm strengthened its market position while delivering high-impact stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, and business growth strategies.
Recognised for her ability to build influential partnerships across government and industry, Rachelle has established an extensive network of relationships throughout Africa’s investment and mining ecosystem. Her expertise in corporate finance, investor relations, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and capital raising has positioned her as one of the continent’s emerging leaders in mining investment and economic development.
Dr. Sylvester Akpah
Dr. Sylvester Akpah is a Ghanaian technologist, academic, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of digital governance, extractive-sector innovation, and public health. He serves as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, where he trains the next generation of Ghanaian engineers and technologists while pursuing applied research in digital systems for the mining and natural resource sectors.
Dr. Akpah is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Smart Innovations Ghana Limited (SIGL), a Ghanaian technology company he established to build sovereign, locally-owned digital governance solutions for Ghana’s mining and extractive industries. Under his leadership, SIGL has designed and deployed national-scale platforms for institutions including the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and the Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers — work grounded in the conviction that Africa’s natural resource sectors are best served by technology built for, and by, the economies it governs.
He currently serves as Lead Consultant for the Minerals Commission’s Nationwide Earth Moving and Mining Equipment Registration and Tracking System, a flagship digital initiative using GPS and IoT technology to bring national visibility to mining equipment across Ghana — strengthening regulatory oversight and supporting the ongoing fight against illegal mining.
Beyond the extractive sector, Dr. Akpah extends his commitment to public good through healthcare leadership, serving as Executive Director of both Firm Health Ghana Limited and NephroGhana Limited, organisations dedicated to advancing health outcomes and kidney health awareness in Ghana.
A 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow, Dr. Akpah is recognised as part of a generation of African leaders shaping technology-driven development on the continent. He continues to advocate for digital transformation that is inclusive, locally owned, and anchored in the developmental realities of the communities it is designed to serve.
David Antwi, MBA, CFE, CIA
David Antwi is the Chief Executive Officer of Africa Web Holding, one of Africa’s leading digital media organizations and publishers of Ghana Web, Cameroun Web, and My Nigeria. He provides strategic leadership across media, digital innovation, business growth, corporate governance, and organizational transformation, driving the company’s vision to inform, connect, and empower millions of Africans both on the continent and across the diaspora. With more than 20 years of international executive experience, he has built a distinguished career at the intersection of technology, media, financial services, enterprise risk management, and institutional development.
Prior to joining Africa Web, David held senior leadership positions with Morgan Stanley, the World Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, Genpact, and ACI Worldwide, where he led enterprise transformation initiatives, fraud risk modernization programs, and governance and compliance projects across North America, Africa, and emerging markets.
David is recognized for his expertise in corporate governance, digital transformation, revenue growth strategy, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has advised multinational organizations and public institutions on strengthening operational resilience, improving governance, and driving sustainable growth.
He holds an MBA in International Business from Walden University, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
David is passionate about advancing Africa’s digital transformation and believes that technology should empower Africans to own, create, and share their stories with the world. Through his work, he is committed to building platforms that elevate African voices, foster innovation, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development
Edna Quarshie
Recognised for her ability to build influential partnerships across government and industry, Rachelle has established an extensive network of relationships throughout Africa’s investment and mining ecosystem. Her expertise in corporate finance, investor relations, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and capital raising has positioned her as one of the continent’s emerging leaders in mining investment and economic development.
Rachelle Kasongo
Rachelle Kasongo is a respected business development executive, corporate finance specialist, and strategic partnerships leader with more than 16 years of experience spanning corporate finance, investor relations, business development, banking, mining and international conference leadership across Africa.
She currently serves as Portfolio Director for African Mining Week at Energy Capital & Power, where she leads one of Africa’s premier mining investment platforms, bringing together governments, investors, mining companies, and industry leaders to accelerate investment, strategic partnerships, and deal-making across the continent’s mining value chain. She also directs the development of flagship industry events, including the Critical Minerals Summit and Mining in Motion, delivered in partnership with the Government of Ghana and the Ashanti Kingdom.
Rachelle began her career at Investec Bank, where she worked as a Client Relationship Manager in Corporate Foreign Exchange, contributing to the implementation of innovative electronic trading platforms and South Africa’s Balance of Payments system. She later transitioned into corporate finance at Cinga Capital, where she played a key role in securing and managing major institutional clients, including the Land Bank of South Africa, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and the Housing Development Agency.
In 2017, she founded Adara Afrika, a specialist advisory firm providing business development, corporate finance, capital raising, and transaction advisory services to both public and private sector organisations across Africa. Through Adara Afrika, she has successfully supported investment and expansion projects in the mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors.
Between 2020 and 2023, Rachelle served as Managing Director of Purple Room Consultancy, where she transformed the business into a profitable strategic communications and PR consultancy serving clients across the mining, financial services, education, agriculture, automotive, defence, and non-profit sectors. Under her leadership, the firm strengthened its market position while delivering high-impact stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, and business growth strategies.
Recognised for her ability to build influential partnerships across government and industry, Rachelle has established an extensive network of relationships throughout Africa’s investment and mining ecosystem. Her expertise in corporate finance, investor relations, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and capital raising has positioned her as one of the continent’s emerging leaders in mining investment and economic development.
David Antwi, MBA, CFE, CIA
David Antwi is the Chief Executive Officer of AfricaWeb Holding, one of Africa’s leading digital media organizations and publishers of GhanaWeb, CamerounWeb, and MyNigeria. He provides strategic leadership across media, digital innovation, business growth, corporate governance, and organizational transformation, driving the company’s vision to inform, connect, and empower millions of Africans both on the continent and across the diaspora. With more than 20 years of international executive experience, he has built a distinguished career at the intersection of technology, media, financial services, enterprise risk management, and institutional development.
Prior to joining AfricaWeb, David held senior leadership positions with Morgan Stanley, the World Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, Genpact, and ACI Worldwide, where he led enterprise transformation initiatives, fraud risk modernization programs, and governance and compliance projects across North America, Africa, and emerging markets.
David is recognized for his expertise in corporate governance, digital transformation, revenue growth strategy, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has advised multinational organizations and public institutions on strengthening operational resilience, improving governance, and driving sustainable growth.
He holds an MBA in International Business from Walden University, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
David is passionate about advancing Africa’s digital transformation and believes that technology should empower Africans to own, create, and share their stories with the world. Through his work, he is committed to building platforms that elevate African voices, foster innovation, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development
Edna Quarshie
Edna Quarshie is a Software Engineer and Executive Administrator at Smart Innovations Ghana Limited, holding a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering. She blends technical expertise with strong executive support and organizational skills to optimize business operations. Deeply committed to humanitarian work, Edna also manages administrative tasks and social media marketing for the Firm Health Ghana Foundation NGO.
Dr. Sylvester Akpah
Dr. Sylvester Akpah is a Ghanaian technologist, academic, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of digital governance, extractive-sector innovation, and public health. He serves as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, where he trains the next generation of Ghanaian engineers and technologists while pursuing applied research in digital systems for the mining and natural resource sectors.
Dr. Akpah is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Smart Innovations Ghana Limited (SIGL), a Ghanaian technology company he established to build sovereign, locally-owned digital governance solutions for Ghana’s mining and extractive industries. Under his leadership, SIGL has designed and deployed national-scale platforms for institutions including the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and the Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers — work grounded in the conviction that Africa’s natural resource sectors are best served by technology built for, and by, the economies it governs.
He currently serves as Lead Consultant for the Minerals Commission’s Nationwide Earth Moving and Mining Equipment Registration and Tracking System, a flagship digital initiative using GPS and IoT technology to bring national visibility to mining equipment across Ghana — strengthening regulatory oversight and supporting the ongoing fight against illegal mining.
Beyond the extractive sector, Dr. Akpah extends his commitment to public good through healthcare leadership, serving as Executive Director of both Firm Health Ghana Limited and NephroGhana Limited, organisations dedicated to advancing health outcomes and kidney health awareness in Ghana.
A 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow, Dr. Akpah is recognised as part of a generation of African leaders shaping technology-driven development on the continent. He continues to advocate for digital transformation that is inclusive, locally owned, and anchored in the developmental realities of the communities it is designed to serve.
Rachelle Kasongo (BCom), Finance
Rachelle Kasongo is a respected business development executive, corporate finance specialist, and strategic partnerships leader with more than 16 years of experience spanning corporate finance, investor relations, business development, banking, mining and international conference leadership across Africa.
She currently serves as Portfolio Director for African Mining Week at Energy Capital & Power, where she leads one of Africa’s premier mining investment platforms, bringing together governments, investors, mining companies, and industry leaders to accelerate investment, strategic partnerships, and deal-making across the continent’s mining value chain. She also directs the development of flagship industry events, including the Critical Minerals Summit and Mining in Motion, delivered in partnership with the Government of Ghana and the Ashanti Kingdom.
Rachelle began her career at Investec Bank, where she worked as a Client Relationship Manager in Corporate Foreign Exchange, contributing to the implementation of innovative electronic trading platforms and South Africa’s Balance of Payments system. She later transitioned into corporate finance at Cinga Capital, where she played a key role in securing and managing major institutional clients, including the Land Bank of South Africa, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and the Housing Development Agency.
In 2017, she founded Adara Afrika, a specialist advisory firm providing business development, corporate finance, capital raising, and transaction advisory services to both public and private sector organisations across Africa. Through Adara Afrika, she has successfully supported investment and expansion projects in the mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors.
Between 2020 and 2023, Rachelle served as Managing Director of Purple Room Consultancy, where she transformed the business into a profitable strategic communications and PR consultancy serving clients across the mining, financial services, education, agriculture, automotive, defence, and non-profit sectors. Under her leadership, the firm strengthened its market position while delivering high-impact stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, and business growth strategies.
Recognised for her ability to build influential partnerships across government and industry, Rachelle has established an extensive network of relationships throughout Africa’s investment and mining ecosystem. Her expertise in corporate finance, investor relations, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and capital raising has positioned her as one of the continent’s emerging leaders in mining investment and economic development.
David Antwi, MBA, CFE, CIA
David Antwi is the Chief Executive Officer of AfricaWeb Holding, one of Africa’s leading digital media organizations and publishers of GhanaWeb, CamerounWeb, and MyNigeria. He provides strategic leadership across media, digital innovation, business growth, corporate governance, and organizational transformation, driving the company’s vision to inform, connect, and empower millions of Africans both on the continent and across the diaspora. With more than 20 years of international executive experience, he has built a distinguished career at the intersection of technology, media, financial services, enterprise risk management, and institutional development.
Prior to joining AfricaWeb, David held senior leadership positions with Morgan Stanley, the World Bank, Navy Federal Credit Union, Genpact, and ACI Worldwide, where he led enterprise transformation initiatives, fraud risk modernization programs, and governance and compliance projects across North America, Africa, and emerging markets.
David is recognized for his expertise in corporate governance, digital transformation, revenue growth strategy, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has advised multinational organizations and public institutions on strengthening operational resilience, improving governance, and driving sustainable growth.
He holds an MBA in International Business from Walden University, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).
David is passionate about advancing Africa’s digital transformation and believes that technology should empower Africans to own, create, and share their stories with the world. Through his work, he is committed to building platforms that elevate African voices, foster innovation, and contribute to the continent’s sustainable development
Dr. Sylvester Akpah
Dr. Sylvester Akpah is a Ghanaian technologist, academic, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of digital governance, extractive-sector innovation, and public health. He serves as Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, where he trains the next generation of Ghanaian engineers and technologists while pursuing applied research in digital systems for the mining and natural resource sectors.
Dr. Akpah is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Smart Innovations Ghana Limited (SIGL), a Ghanaian technology company he established to build sovereign, locally-owned digital governance solutions for Ghana’s mining and extractive industries. Under his leadership, SIGL has designed and deployed national-scale platforms for institutions including the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and the Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers — work grounded in the conviction that Africa’s natural resource sectors are best served by technology built for, and by, the economies it governs.
He currently serves as Lead Consultant for the Minerals Commission’s Nationwide Earth Moving and Mining Equipment Registration and Tracking System, a flagship digital initiative using GPS and IoT technology to bring national visibility to mining equipment across Ghana — strengthening regulatory oversight and supporting the ongoing fight against illegal mining.
Beyond the extractive sector, Dr. Akpah extends his commitment to public good through healthcare leadership, serving as Executive Director of both Firm Health Ghana Limited and NephroGhana Limited, organisations dedicated to advancing health outcomes and kidney health awareness in Ghana.
A 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow, Dr. Akpah is recognised as part of a generation of African leaders shaping technology-driven development on the continent. He continues to advocate for digital transformation that is inclusive, locally owned, and anchored in the developmental realities of the communities it is designed to serve.
Edna Quarshie
Edna Quarshie is a Software Engineer and Executive Administrator at Smart Innovations Ghana Limited, holding a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering. She blends technical expertise with strong executive support and organizational skills to optimize business operations. Deeply committed to humanitarian work, Edna also manages administrative tasks and social media marketing for the Firm Health Ghana Foundation NGO.
Rachelle Kasongo (BCom), Finance
Rachelle Kasongo is a respected business development executive, corporate finance specialist, and strategic partnerships leader with more than 16 years of experience spanning corporate finance, investor relations, business development, banking, mining and international conference leadership across Africa.
She currently serves as Portfolio Director for African Mining Week at Energy Capital & Power, where she leads one of Africa’s premier mining investment platforms, bringing together governments, investors, mining companies, and industry leaders to accelerate investment, strategic partnerships, and deal-making across the continent’s mining value chain. She also directs the development of flagship industry events, including the Critical Minerals Summit and Mining in Motion, delivered in partnership with the Government of Ghana and the Ashanti Kingdom.
Rachelle began her career at Investec Bank, where she worked as a Client Relationship Manager in Corporate Foreign Exchange, contributing to the implementation of innovative electronic trading platforms and South Africa’s Balance of Payments system. She later transitioned into corporate finance at Cinga Capital, where she played a key role in securing and managing major institutional clients, including the Land Bank of South Africa, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), and the Housing Development Agency.
In 2017, she founded Adara Afrika, a specialist advisory firm providing business development, corporate finance, capital raising, and transaction advisory services to both public and private sector organisations across Africa. Through Adara Afrika, she has successfully supported investment and expansion projects in the mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors.
Between 2020 and 2023, Rachelle served as Managing Director of Purple Room Consultancy, where she transformed the business into a profitable strategic communications and PR consultancy serving clients across the mining, financial services, education, agriculture, automotive, defence, and non-profit sectors. Under her leadership, the firm strengthened its market position while delivering high-impact stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, and business growth strategies.
Recognised for her ability to build influential partnerships across government and industry, Rachelle has established an extensive network of relationships throughout Africa’s investment and mining ecosystem. Her expertise in corporate finance, investor relations, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, and capital raising has positioned her as one of the continent’s emerging leaders in mining investment and economic development.
