Akua Boatenmaa Adjei the female photographer
Photography over the years has been male dominated but in the past few years, some women have tried to defy the norm. One of such is Akua Boatenmaa Adjei, Chief Executive Director of Akiboat Impressions.
For her, photography is a lifestyle and a hobby. A dream she never wants to wake up from.
She has had the opportunity to shoot some of Ghana’s finest stars and couples; the smile on their faces when she delivers gives her all the satisfaction and fulfillment she wants.
Speaking to Totalshowbiz on how the journey began, Akua said “when I was a child I was a photo freak, popping into photos that I’m not invited to. Then I grew up and started roaming from one studio to the other taking photos of myself. Then I got a camera phone and all I did what taking photos left right centre.
“But it really got to me when I took shots of my auntie’s pregnancy through to delivery and the growth of my cousin. Then I knew it wasn’t just photos but keeping memories for years to come.”
She told Totalshowbiz that even though journalism was her dream job she realised it was not satisfying enough, adding that for months she did not wake up looking forward to go to work. “I needed satisfaction and fulfillment and I was not getting that in my journalism work. I was extremely disappointed because I went ahead to have a formal training in it. I liked seeing the newscasters on television and honestly field reports fascinated me.”
“So initially I had an agreement with a friend overseas who helped me start up so I worked and paid. After three years of sacrificing my time and talent to build the business there were breaches and misunderstandings, so I bowed out with absolutely nothing but my name. I stayed in my room almost for four months. I prayed and cried to God and He finally opened his flood gates since then my life has never been the same with the help of my family and husband, she told the paper.”
Throughout the hard times Akua said she was motivated by her passion for photography and the will to succeed against all odds.
Akua can smile now because she fought against all odds to get here
Akua can smile now because she fought against all odds to get here
Akua who can also be described as a “runaway nurse” said she had to go to a nursing school her mother registered her in to prove to her colleagues and community that she was not a failure.
She said after completing secondary school she wanted to go to the University of Ghana by all means but all efforts prove futile.
Akua was accused of being a failure because she could not get a school so she had no choice than to enroll in the nursing school her mother had gotten for her. But after a week she packed her bags and off she went back home because clearly that was not her calling.
Aside photography Akua also has a thing for children and the aged so as part of her social responsibility she started volunteering at an orphanage as Asebu with her close friend Mame Esi Mensah.
“When I was in my second year in school I had a strong force pushing me to help the needy. I already had a soft spot for kids and the aged so my friends and I made plans of looking for an orphanage to visit one Easter break. Through that we founded Haven Harbour Foundation which helps the needy in all angles. Presently, we have 10 kids in school which we take care of from our own pockets. We used to pay the fees with our national service allowance.”
For months she had to travel between Accra to host a show on Top Radio and Asebu to be with the kids. Friends at the time thought she was being stupid but her mother supported her with money to survive till she started her National Service.
Akua on November 15 2014 graduated with a BA in Communication Studies a decision she said she took because her mother wanted to see her wear an academic gown. “I got a degree just to make my mother happy.”
“A day after my graduation I had two jobs offers from one big media house and another from a renowned bank but I said no. Why? Because I didn’t go through all these tough times to work to build some ones dream.”
Akua has currently opened an ultramodern photo studio at Awoshie, her ultimate dream is to have an advertising agency.
If she is not on set working or in her studio, Akua loves to watch television and hang out in her couch. Her favourite place she said was her bedroom. “It’s my haven and yes I love to sleep a lot.”
