The Eminent West Africa Nobles Forum (E-WANF), a sub-regional policy think tank, has appointed renowned educationist, businessman and politician, Dr. Richard Asiedu, as its new President-General.
Dr. Asiedu, who previously served as Vice-President of the Forum, succeeds Nana (Dr.) Appiagyei Dankawoso I, the immediate past President-General. His elevation is expected to mark a new phase of strategic direction for the organisation, which is modelled after the Philosophical Society of America and focuses on developing policy ideas and practical solutions to challenges facing West Africa.
The Forum described Dr. Asiedu as a long-standing contributor to nation building, with a strong record in mentorship, youth empowerment and community development.
Since joining E-WANF in 2016, he has earned both local and international recognition and has represented Ghana and the sub-region at several global seminars and conferences. His work spans business, finance and human resource development.
Dr. Asiedu currently serves as Board Chairman of the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDC). In the private sector, he is the Chief Executive Officer of the St. Andrews Group of Schools and Companies, which includes a College of Healthcare and the Rich Multimedia Institute. Through these institutions, he has supported the training of thousands of young people with employable and technical skills.
He has also invested significantly in educational infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to expand access to quality education and strengthen human capital development. As part of efforts to advance tertiary education, he has secured affiliation with the University of Cape Coast and is in the final stages of approval to establish the Mount Hebron University College of Health and Allied Sciences.
Beyond education, Dr. Asiedu operates several businesses, including Nakata Travel and Tours, Kings Forex Bureau, and St. Andrews Transport and Haulage Services, providing jobs for many young people.
Academically, he holds a PhD in Human Resource Management from Atlantic International University in the United States, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from GIMPA, and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from the University of Cape Coast.
E-WANF has a membership of more than 3,000 drawn from across West Africa, including statesmen, legal experts, technocrats, professionals, clergy and business leaders. The group meets annually to deliberate on socio-economic and governance issues affecting the region and the continent.
With Dr. Asiedu now leading the Forum, expectations are high that its policy advocacy and regional engagement will expand further in the years ahead.