Meet Manfred Tawiah: the DCE nominee for Afadzato South District

On March 26, 2025 President John Dramani Mahama has nominated some individuals for the position of Metropolitan, Municipal, District Chief Executives to represent him to implement his programmes at the district levels (local government) across the country.

One of the personalities nominated to head the local government in the Afadzato South District is Mr. Manfred Tawiah. Awake News cought up with him and asked him, who is Manfred Tawiah that have earned the nomination of His Excellency John Mahama.

Who is Manfred Tawiah?

Manfred, hails from Leklebi Agbesia in the Afadzato South District of the Volta Region is a seasoned executive and community development professional with over 20 years of experience in creative leadership and strategic vision. He has over the years demonstrated the ability to forge strategic alliances and drive initiatives that align with organizational goals.

He is a social entrepreneurial and expert in corporate development, enhancing both profitability and corporate image. He is committed to community development, youth empowerment, fostering skills and resources to create positive change in local environments.

Academic Background

Manfred had his secondary education at Leklebi Secondary School (Leklebi Senior High) at Leklebi Duga in the Afadzato South District.

He proceeded to Ho Politechnic now Ho Technical University where he pursued Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing and gradited in year 2000.

Manfred proceeded to the Institute of Professional Studies now University of Professional Studies.
Accra-Ghana where he got his first degree, Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 2009.

He traveled abroad where he obtained Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business and Management – Hanze University of Applied Sciences in The Netherlands in 2011 and Master of Arts (MA) in International Business – Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge-UK in 2012.

In 2023, he obtained  Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Via Wisconsin University College, Accra-Ghana

Short courses he persued

• 2016 Public Relations Research – National University of Singapore on Coursera. Singapore
• 2016 Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content – University of Pennsylvania on Coursera. USA
• 2016 Public Private Partnerships (How Can PPPs Deliver Better Services) – The World Bank Group on Coursera
• 2014 International Relations -The Changing Global Order – Leiden University on Coursera. The Netherlands
• 2014 English Common Law-Structure and Principles – University of London on Coursera. UK
• 2011 Certificate in Start-Up Business Management: – Anglia Ruskin University. Cambridge -UK
• 2011 English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) Program – Anglia Ruskin University. Cambridge UK

Specialized training

2004 to 2006 On-the-job training (OJT) – Standard chartered Bank. Accra-Ghana.
• Sales Leadership Course for Team Managers Basic Banking Course

• Introduction of Foreign Savings Account Sales Management

2007 to 2008 On-the-job training (OJT) – Barclays Bank of Ghana. Accra-Ghana,
• Managing sales Team (Certified)

• Anti-Money laundering

• Business Continuity Management KYC/ Customer Due Diligent

Career History

Mr. Manfred Tawiah in 2012 foundered the ORGANISATION FOR STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA (OSDA) and has been the Executive Director till date.

Through this organization, Manfred hs implemented several communicate development projects in the areas of Health, Education, ICT, poverty reduction, NGO capacity building, tourism, youth development among other with many donor partners including the European Union.

Between 2009 – 2010, he was the NORTHERN SECTOR SALES MANAGER for PHC MOTORS GHANA where was responsible for:

• Comprehensive Sales Plan Design: Designed and implemented a comprehensive sales plan.
• Sales Growth Achievement: Achieved a remarkable 200% increase in sales through effective restructuring and adaptation of marketing activities.
• Sales Team Performance Oversight: Oversaw the performance of the sales team, providing coaching and development to achieve desired results.
• Client Relationship Management: Built strong relationships with key clients to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Sales Training Program Development: Designed and implemented training programs to improve product knowledge and sales techniques.
• Sales Targets and Metrics Establishment: Established clear sales targets and performance metrics to measure team effectiveness.
• Marketing Collaboration: Worked closely with the marketing team to develop promotional campaigns that align with sales strategies.

Between 2008 – 2009, he also served as the CUSTOMER TEAM LEADER at BARCLAYS BANK OF GHANA and was responsible for:

• Operational Support: Supported the branch/sales manager in managing day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient execution of all administrative functions.
• Customer Assessment and Compliance: Performed thorough assessments of potential customers before account openings to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with banking regulations.
• Team Performance Evaluation: Regularly evaluated the performance of team members and designed development plans to enhance their skills and productivity.
• Sales Team Leadership: Led a team of thirty sales professionals, providing coaching and motivation to achieve sales targets.
• Customer Satisfaction Strategies: Developed and executed strategies aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and service delivery within the branch.
• Training and Development: Conducted training sessions for team members to ensure knowledge of banking products and effective customer assistance.
• Promotional Activities Engagement: Engaged in promotional activities aimed at increasing branch visibility and attracting new customers through targeted marketing efforts.

Again, bwteen 2004 – 2008, Manfred was the TEAM MANAGER at STANDARD CHARTERED BANK OF GHANA and was tasked with:

• Team Leadership and Development: Led a team of ten sales professionals, focusing on their development through coaching and performance management.
• Strategic Meeting Facilitation: Organized and facilitated team meetings to design strategic plans aimed at meeting and exceeding monthly sales targets.
• Relationship Building for New Business: Actively sought out and established relationships with referral sources to generate new business opportunities.
• Performance Assessment and Improvement: Regularly assessed the team’s sales performance against established metrics, identifying areas for improvement.
• Targeted Sales Strategies Creation: Created targeted sales strategies and action plans to drive team performance aligned with overall business objectives.

INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS ORGANIZED and FACILITATED

• Financial Literacy – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Portugal, 2024. – Training of Trainers
• African and European Women in Action – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Kenya – 2024. Training
• Arriva and Hanze University Groningen Integrative – Arriva and Hanze University of Applied Sciences. The Netherlands, 2011. Simulating Innovations through University and Industry Collaborations
• Youth Marketing Leaders for Sustainable Development – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). North Macedonia, 2015. The kick-off meeting of the implementation team- 26.05-01.06.2015: mobility of youth workers-20.09.2015-30.10.2015
• Youth Marketing Policy Makers for Sustainable Development – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). North Macedonia, 2016. Mobility of youth workers-20.09.2015-30.10.2015: Mobility of youth workers-May 14-20, 2017
• Gender Equality in Journalism – Getting the Balance Right – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Italy, 2018. Mobility of youth workers
• Gender Equality in Journalism – Getting the Balance Right: Macedonia, – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Greece, 2019: Mobility of youth worker
• World Without Hate – Youth for Human Rights: – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Italy, 2018. Mobility of youth workers
• World Without Hate – Youth for Human Rights – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Macedonia, 2018. Mobility of youth workers
• World Without Hate – Youth for Human Rights – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Bulgaria. Mobility of youth workers
• Power to Change – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Argentina, 2020. Training of youth workers
• Young Leaders world Forum – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Mexico, 2033. Leadership Training
• Young Leaders world Forum – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Greece, 2024. Leadership Training
• Youth Workers International Network – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). Spain, 2023. Leadership Training
• Game ON PLAY – Funded by European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport (Erasmus+). France, 2023. Training of Trainers

Community Involvement

Education

• Supported educational initiatives in the Afadzato Districts with volunteers from Europe.

• Provided electricity to Leklebi Agbesia EP Primary School to enhance teaching and learning.
• Provided school uniforms to Leklebi Agbesia EP Primary School.

• Provided electricity to Leklebi Fiape EP Primary School to enhance teaching and learning.

• Established an ICT lab at Leklebi Fiape EP Primary School to enhance teaching and learning

Health

• Have been supporting clinics and polyclinics with European health workers.

• Embarked on clean-up exercises in some health facilities in the Afadzato District Infrastructure

• Constructed a three-unit classroom block for Adigbo Tornu Junior High School.

• Assisted in securing cement from the Ghacem Foundation for some projects in the district.

Youth Development

• Contributions to Emerging Deprived Young Musicians: This program aims at developing the skills of deprived young musicians, focusing on identifying and nurturing their musical potential.

• Graduate Placement: Facilitated the placement of graduates in various institutions, including parliament, to gain industrial experience.

• Youth Exchange Programs: Sent youth to Europe for exchange programs under the Erasmus+ initiative, promoting cultural exchange and personal development.

• Scholarship Opportunities: Secured scholarships for some young individuals to study abroad, enabling them to access quality education and broaden their horizons.

European Commission Funded Projects Localled Managed

2024 – Present AFRICAN AND EUROPEAN WOMEN IN ACTION – Reference Number: ERASMUS-EDU-2023-VIRT-EXCH
2023 – Present FINANCIAL LITERACY – Reference Number: ERASMUS-EDU-2022-VIRT- EXCH-NDICI
2019 – 2023 Game ON PLAY – Reference Number: 608613-EPP-1-2019-1-FR-EPPKA2- CBY-ACPA
2020 – 2023 YOUNG LEADER WORLD FORUM – Reference Number: 617978-EPP-1- 2020-1-IT-EPPKA2-CBY-ACPALA
2019 – 2022 Youth Workers International Network – Reference Number: 608525-EPP-1- 2019-1-IT-EPPKA2-CBY-ACPALA
2019 – 2022 Power to Change – Reference Number: 608465-EPP-1-2019-1-RS-EPPKA2- CBY-ACPALA
2017 – 2020 Gender Equality in Journalism – Getting the Balance Right – Reference Number: (589791-EPP-1-2017-1-MK-EPPKA2-CBY-ACPALA)
2017 – 2020 World Without Hate – Youth for Human Rights – Reference Number: (589910- EPP-1-2017-1-MK-EPPKA2-CBY-ACPALA)
2016 – 2019 Youth Marketing Policy Makers for Sustainable Development – Reference Number: (573098-EPP-1-2016-1-MK-EPPKA2-CBY-ACPALA)
2014 – 2017 Youth Marketing Leaders for Sustainable Development – Reference Number: (559019-EPP-1-2014-2-MK-EPPKA2-CBY-ACPALA)

Political Affiliation

Mr. Tawiah is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) since 1996  till date and had contributed significantly for the development of the party at the local level.

He is currently the Chairman of the Leklebi Agbesia NDC Branch.