DR. GEORGE AGYEKUM DONKOR

CHAIRMAN

Dr. George Agyekum Donkor is the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), a regional international financial institution belonging to the fifteen (15) ECOWAS Member States.

Dr. Donkor had previously held the position of Vice-President, Finance and Corporate Services, for seven (7) years and prior, to that, Head of Legal Division/Compliance for four (4) years in the same institution. His professional areas of interest focus on corporate law, leadership, change management, and improvement.

A lawyer by profession and a development banker by training, Dr. Donkor’s illustrious career, which spans over three decades, has been marked with outstanding success. He focuses on implementing change to drive progress not only in the West African sub-region but also to stimulate a wider international impact through regional integration and engagement.

He possesses a unique gift for leading large diverse teams from multi-cultural environment. Under Dr. Donkor’s visionary leadership, EBID has achieved remarkable successes on all fronts including receiving the Financial Institution of the Year-2024 (Africa) at the Africa Sustainability Awards 2024, an upgrade in its credit ratings by Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, among other achievements. Dr. Donkor holds numerous academic degrees including a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) and a master’s degree in Applied Business Research (MABR), both from the SBS Swiss Business School, Zurich, Switzerland.

He is a Council Member of the University of Ghana and former Chairman of the Investment Committee of the University Council. He is also a Board member of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), ASKY Airlines, and WAICA Re-Insurance, among others. He is an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Finance, School of Business of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, Ghana.

Dr. Donkor has been recognised with many awards, notable among them are the 2023 Development Champion Award, at the Rebranding African Forum, Brussels, Belgium, the 2023 CEO of the Year -Africa, (Ghana CEO Vision and Awards), the 2022 Prix de la Foundation award at the prestigious Crans Montana Forum, Geneva, Switzerland, and Ghana Innovation Leadership Award by the Ghana Innovation/NIBS Award in 2019. His name has been featured three consecutive times among the 100 personalities transforming Africa by FinancialAfrik, a renowned international magazine.

Dr Donkor is the first appointed Chancellor of the NiBS University. He is also the current Honorary President of the Global Network for Export-Import Banks and Development Finance Institutions (G-NEXID) which is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. He is currently serving as President of the African-Jewish Chamber of Commerce.

MR. ETSE GADEGBEKU

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Mr. Etse Gadegbeku is the Managing Director of Labianca Company Limited, one of the largest food distribution companies in West Africa. Over the past decade, he has transformed Labianca from a modest team of seven into a thriving enterprise of more than 300 employees, firmly establishing the company as a leader in the region’s food industry.

A passionate advocate for a sustainable meat and poultry supply chain, Mr. Gadegbeku founded Holland Akokor in 2015. The innovative firm addresses inefficiencies in the poultry sector by providing Ghanaian farmers with essential day-old chicks and premium-qualityfeed. His strategic vision also extends to national development: as a Non-Executive Director of the National Investment Bank (2017–2021), he contributed valuable insights to strengthen Ghana’s financial strategy.

Under his leadership, Labianca has pioneered critical infrastructure in partnership with the Dutch government, including three state-of-the-art cold storage facilities in Ghana. Among them is West Africa’s largest solar-powered cold store — a groundbreaking project that reflects his commitment to innovation and impact. In recognition of this leadership, Labianca received the prestigious Liner Importer of the Year Award at the 2021 Ghana Shippers Awards.

Mr. Gadegbeku holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Information Studies from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a Master’s degree in Accountancy from Keller Graduate School of Management in the United States. After qualifying as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and gaining experience in various accounting roles, he returned to Ghana with a mission: to make a lasting impact in the food industry.

MR. STEFANO KWABENA ABAIDOO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Stefano Abaidoo doubles as Shareholder and Director of this prestigious organization, La Bianca Company Limited. He is the son to the late CEO Hon. Mrs. Eunice Buah Asomah-Hinneh and has been present from inception of the organization. He was involved in the running and administration of La Bianca company Limited based in Tema Ghana. A product of Central University College, his dedication and involvement during the start of this business helped move the company in the right direction towards achieving success as one of the largest and most successful in the field of importation of frozen meat products.

MR. EMMANUEL ADOM BADU

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Personal Philosophy: Security is not a physical product, but a process and a mindset.

Mr. Emmanuel Badu is currently the Safety Manager of Labianca Company Limited. He is a Director of BenniJos Medical Center at Afienya, a Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Feedlot Restaurant located at Community 19 in Tema, and Vice President of Men In Business and Tourism. Mr. Emmanuel Badu had previously held the position of the General Manager of BNJ Company Limited, an importer of frozen products, focusing on business development and proper work ethic. After taking a leading role at Total Ghana Limited, focusing on safety and security for Sixteen (16) years, he moved to Labianca at its infantile stage assuming the role of the General Manager with the main aim of building an unbeatable customer base.

His Interests:
As a dedicated Safety Officer, Mr. Badu prioritizes the well-being and safety of others. He is passionate about teaching and sharing knowledge to empower individuals and communities. Traveling allows him to experience new cultures and perspectives, broadening his understanding of the world. He is a reserved yet compassionate person who values giving back and striving for excellence. His goal is to continue growing and making a positive impact in his sphere of influence.

His Values:
• Safety and well-being
• Knowledge sharing and education
• Personal growth and development
• Community service and giving back

His Goals:
• Continue to excel in his role as a Safety Officer
• Share his knowledge and experience with others through teaching and mentoring
• Explore new places and cultures through travel
• Make a positive impact in his community and beyond

His Strength:
Demonstrates strong leadership skills in managing safety/security teams, overseeing operations, and making effective decisions in challenging situations.

Summary:
As a Decisive, target driven marketer and a safety and security-oriented coach by profession, His noteworthy profession, which spreads over almost a thirty (30) year period symbolizes a magnificent achievement.

DR. DENNIS OWUSU OTENG

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dr. Dennis Owusu Oteng was an Administrator and the Operations Manager of Labianca Company Limited for a decade before his appointment as the Managing Trustee of same institution. As the operations manager, he led many of the company’s operational process innovations and customer-centric initiatives. He is widely known as an astute supply chainand business development expert who focuses on building structures for business sustainability.

Dr. Oteng is the Founder and Managing Consultant for Ravens Consulting, a reputable family business consultancy firm in Ghana and has provided business structuring consultancy to many businesses across Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, and Algeria). As the Founder and Managing Consultant for Ravens Consulting, Dr.Oteng offers tailored solutions to the governance and strategy challenges of families in business. He is the Author of Legacy to the Next Generation of Families in Business, an intriguing book that presents a model for building lasting legacy for family businesses. Dr. Oteng has worked on a couple of projects with notable institutions such as the International Finance Corporation. He was recently named by CIO Views Magazine in the USA as one of Africa’s 10 Most Visionary Business Leaders to Watch in 2025.

Furthermore, Dr. Oteng is the esteemed host of the Africa Family Business Summit (AFBS), a premier event that unites business owners, the next generation of leaders, and investors to share insights, foster collaboration, and drive the future of family businesses in Africa. Passionate about entrepreneurship and the empowerment of business leaders, Dr. Oteng is committed to creating impactful connections and fostering a thriving business ecosystem. He has served on the Nominating Committee of the Family Firm Institute, and also served as a member of the program committee for the 2025 Family Firm Global Conference which was held in Boston Massachusetts, USA. Dr. Oteng has received the “Excellence in Family Business Leadership and Legacy Award” from International Prime Awards.

Dr. Oteng has an Advanced Diploma in Import and Export from International Career Institute, UK. He has also attained an MBA from Pentecost University, Ghana and an MSc with Distinction in Accounting and Finance from the University of Salford, Manchester, UK. Dr. Oteng has attended various Executive Education programmes with institutions such as Harvard Business School, Babson College and MIT Sloan School of Management all in Massachusetts, USA and London Business School, England. He has attained an Advanced Certificate in Family Business and Family Wealth Advising from the Family Firm Institute, Boston, Massachusetts. He has participated and presented in many Conferences including the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 FFI Global Conference in London, Boston, New York, and London respectively. Dennis has a Doctor of Business Administration degree from IPAG Business School, Paris, France at the partner institution – NiBS University, Accra, Ghana.

Dr. Oteng is a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, member of the Africa Academy of Management; member of the Family Firm Institute, USA; member of the Institute of Directors, England; and member of the Institute of Directors, Ghana.

JUDE ATAKORA TUFUOR, ESQ, MCIArb, MCIT

SECRETARY

Jude Atakora Tufuor was appointed as a legal advisor to Rikair on 22nd October, 2017 and subsequently made its Board secretary on 4th January, 2021.

Jude holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London, UK, a Master of Laws(LLM) in International Economic Law from the University of Warwick and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Legal Professional Skills from City University, UK specialising in International Trade and Commercial Law. Jude has been called to both the English and Ghana Bars respectively. He has also been a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in the United Kingdom since 2009. He is also a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London and Ghana Chapter.

Jude worked at Kulendi@Law in his early years as a lawyer and later worked in the public sector with Cocoa Marketing Company (GH) Limited (“CMC”). At CMC, Jude served as Board and Company Secretary between 2017 and 2019. He advised Management and Board on all related issues ranging from financial instruments with regard to COCOBOD syndicated loans as well as shipping documents for its sale of cocoa beans to the international community. During the same period, he advised on several matters ranging from labour, tax, procurement and commercial related matters.

Currently, Jude consults for some multinationals such as Sustainable Impact Fund and AV Ventures LLC, both United States Not-For Profit entities specialized in the agriculture value chain that seeks to have direct social and environmental impact on communities via lending, technical and financial advisory services.

Further to his professional work, Jude is an academic and currently lectures at Central University as a Commercial Law lecturer. He is the co-author of Atakora & Attakora on Sale of Goods, a commercial law book published by LexisNexis in 2020.

Further to his practice, Jude consults on tax related matters and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

Besides law and practice, Jude is an avid follower of soccer and building structures.