Our Team

Sarah Annable-Gardner

Chief Executive

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“a passion for creating brighter futures”

Sarah co-founded Action Through Enterprise in 2012, after a frustrating year as a development volunteer – today, she oversees a team of more than 30 staff and is driving an ambitious growth plan. She’s recently published her memoir – To Lawra with Love – telling the compelling and very honest story of a challenging and inspiring decade.

“The work we do couldn’t be more important. As a former primary school teacher. my great passion is enabling young people to access education and creating opportunities for brighter futures. I am beyond proud of my team and the impact we have, enabling the people of Lawra to fulfil their potential.”

Sarah lives in Wiltshire with her husband, daughter and cat, and in her spare time, she is a governor at Hungerford Nursery School Youth and a reluctant runner.

sarah@ateghana.org

Kaamil Issahaku

Lawra Manager

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 “the baton is now in my hands”

Assuming the Lawra Manager role after five successful years running our SNAP disability Programme, Kaamil has quickly become a vital asset. His humility and interpersonal skills have already brought progress as he guides the team towards making Lawra our Centre of Excellence.

“My favourite part is us enabling underprivileged children to access education and healthcare – and you see them smile. Many times I sit at home and think about it, and say ‘wow, this is amazing’.”

Kaamil, from a renowned Muslim family in Zongo community, previously ran the IT Unit at Lawra District Assembly. His experience working with different agencies, senior officials and  traditional authorities will be a strength as ATE grows. “I believe all the things we do here is what is going to bring the funding. To be able to expand further than where we are today, that is how I am looking at it.”

Read more about Kaamil here: https://ateghana.org/an-interview-with-kaamil-issahaku/

kaamil@ateghana.org

Tara Colsell-Hawes

Development Director

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“passionate about the empowerment of women and girls”

Tara works across programmes, strategy, fundraising and financial management. She is passionate about the empowerment of women and girls, and is a strong advocate for increasing equity and opportunity in education – an essential tool to fight poverty and build sustainable communities in the Upper West.

Tara is also currently studying a part-time masters at the Institute of Development Studies, Sussex, where she is developing her practical experience with ATE with theoretical knowledge from some of the leading academics in the discipline.

“The highlight of my year is the month or two I spend in Lawra, working on the ground with ATE’s brilliant Ghana team, reconnecting with beneficiaries, and eating plenty of jollof rice!”

tara@ateghana.org 

Michele Carlisle

Head of Communications

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“telling the world about ATE”

Michele is a TV executive producer and co-author of To Lawra With Love, Sarah Gardner’s memoir. She has been using her storytelling experience to tell the world about ATE, spreading the news about the transformational work through communications and new relationships.

“People are always blown away by what we do. The work on the ground, the team, the passion, the experience and insight driving it all. We have an amazing story to tell and I feel privileged to be telling it.”

michele@ateghana.org

 

Charity Kyekpo

Hub Manager

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“leading and encouraging girls”

“I am Charity Kyekpo, and I began my life transition with ATE in 2021. My initial job was a Hub Assistant, from which I learned so much and today am confident to say I am now a Hub Manager working with great positive wishes.

“Leading and encouraging school girls as the Girls Project Lead has been a great pleasure. The mentorship, experiences and the positive impact are what makes me better. As I embrace ATE with much love and gratefulness, so are the many people I work with in Lawra. In all, ATE is a life-changing organisation.

 

Sylvester Karbo

Hub Manager

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I am Sylvester Karbo. A young ambitious and service oriented person who has developed a matured approach of any task I undertake or situation am presented with. I am a native of Lawra. I studied Languages and translation. I have work with NGO’s and local sector with over seven years experience, and developed a career in community development and project management.

I am a self- motivated, reliable team leader, and I am driven by passion to make a positive impact in the lives of people around me. I was moved by the work of ATE to reduce poverty in the lives of people in Lawra. I feel it’s a great opportunity to contribute to such a worthy course.

Umar Abdul-Gafar

Hub Manager

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“a passionate advocate for community development” 

I’m Umar Abdul-Gafar, a passionate advocate for community development and equality in education, with a special focus on the Lawra area. As a firm believer in the power of education, I joined ATE to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in Lawra. I’m dedicated to eradicating poverty and promoting equal opportunities for all. Together with the incredible team at ATE, I will help various programmes and initiatives that empower the community through education, healthcare, and livelihood support. I’m excited to contribute my skills and knowledge to this meaningful cause and work towards a brighter future for Lawra. I’m happy to join hands and make a difference together!

Esther Bekah

SNAP Coordinator

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“I am much proud of the role”

Esther works every day, supporting and inspiring the children and carers who attend SNAP.

“ATE is a great organisation that has made changes in many families in Lawra and most especially myself. I joined ATE in 2021 and I am much proud of the role in which I play which is teaching SNAP children to regain their mind with a lot of sensory activities.

“The greatest part of the work as an employee, which I love, is associating with disabled children, for them to feel accepted though they are vulnerable in the society as a whole. My greatest hope one day is to see SNAP families marvel.”

 

Ernestina Gan

SNAP Coordinator

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“I love seeing smiles on their faces”

Ernestina started her ATE journey in 2019, as a SNAP Coordinator.

“I left for school in 2021 and came back to ATE in 2023, since ATE’s doors are open for everyone. I love supporting vulnerable children get access to special schools, seeing smiles on the faces of such children in their various homes, with great support from ATE. I feel happy to see how SNAP children now socialise with friends and families around them.”

 

Helen Gala

SNAP Coordinator

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“transformational and life-changing”

“My name is Helen, I joined ATE as a Special Needs Awareness coordinator, main aim was to make them feel accepted in society without a single discrimination. Suddenly, through ATE  monthly SNAP meetings across six hubs, I became a motivational speaker (inspiring parents to have patience, though not easy) and a great comedian (making parents laugh even in the midst of their problems).

My wish is to see SNAP families look good in their various homes and in public so that great acceptance from everyone will be a key. To say the least I have become a transformational and a life changing person through ATE.

 

Kanyiri Kuube-isaan

Impact Manager

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“a deep-rooted love for the work`’

Kanyir has been a dedicated member of ATE for several years – starting as an intern and currently serving his national service with us. He’s always shown enthusiasm, dedication and a strong willingness to learn, and has become an integral part of ATE, contributing his unique skills to various projects.

He has a deep-rooted love for the work, and this passion is at the core of his commitment. “What I find most fulfilling is the tangible impact I can make on the lives of those in need, knowing that every effort directly contributes to improving the living conditions of rural communities. The most fulfilling moments are witnessing positive changes in the lives of the people ATE serves.”

Read more about Kanyir here: https://ateghana.org/kanyiri-kuube-issan-rising-star-of-ate/

Rachel Barker

Admin and Finance Officer

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“the work is inspiring”

Rachel brings the combined experience of accounts for a global market research company, maths teacher and working with young people who had been permanently excluded from school. She knows first-hand how vital all the support systems around school are.  This is what fired her passion for ATE. Knowing that those excluded from the community because of disability, those unable to learn because they are hungry and those unable to study because they are female are all being supported by ATE in Ghana has inspired her. This role perfectly matches her outside interest too – working to promote healthy lifestyles through the Hungerford Food Community group.  She brings all her passion to ATE and has high hopes of bringing Hungerford and Lawra district closer in many ways. She has lived in Hungerford for 24 years and has 3 grown up sons and husband Rob – all of whom share her passion for the environment, sustainability and equal opportunity.

Gabriel Maanibe

Strategic Advisor

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“proud to be part of this journey”

Gabriel has been part of Action Through Enterprise from the very start, and is leading our growth into the new district of Nandom.

A native of Lawra, he brings the right type of leadership for the Ghana team, building on his master’s degree in Public Affairs and many years’ experience in the non-profit sector in the United States and Ghana. From volunteering for ATE in 2012, he became Lawra Director in 2021, Country Director in 2022, and is now a Strategic Advisor for the organisation whilst working in America.

“Working with this organisation has been an impactful moment and a career-high for me. It has brought me much closer to the people, the communities and the team. I am very proud to be part of this journey and proud of seeing how much I have contributed in impacting the lives of our communities through our programmes. More importantly, I am looking forward to supporting the organisation to build another success-driven team in Nandom and I am excited to encounter the challenges Nandom brings while ensuring that Lawra becomes the Centre of Excellence.”

 

Kakpe Kuube-isaan

Development Intern

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“the opportunity to learn”

Kakpe has been working with ATE as a volunteer since the very early days of the organisation. As a volunteer, he provided great support to the team through his consistent hard work and dedication, and he continues to work with ATE during his university breaks.

“It has always been my passion to contribute to community development and help make a difference in the lives of people. This passion has greatly influenced my choice of study, and I am pursuing a degree in Development Planning.

“I hope to complete uni and make use of my new skills to augment the transformational works of ATE in Upper West Ghana. Working with ATE has given me the opportunity to work with and learn from great personalities en route.”

 

Benon Rexford

Project Manager

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I am a born native of Ambori. Ambori is a community in Lawra. I have lived a major part of my life in Lawra. For the sake of schooling, I have lived outside of Lawra in Wa for sometime too. Financial Accounting is what I studied in school. But I have a passion for the less privileged. There has being a question in my mind: “In the future, what contribution can I make in the lives of the poor to put a smile on their faces?” Bridging the gap between the poor and the less privileged has being my heartbeat because I have being though that road. So when I heard that ATE Ghana was recruiting a Project Assistant, I knew this was it.

Support Staff

Lamisi Karbo

Catering Coordinator

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Dowine JHS Cooks

Felicia, Anthonette and Jacline

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Gombile JHS Cooks

Emelia, Gifty and Yelbeen

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Biro JHS Cooks

Piutoar, Songbo and Longwuor

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Bagri Junction JHS Cooks

Ikaa, Tierwaya and Zeg-ir

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Model Girls JHS Cooks

Sophia, Josephine and Christiana

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Kunyukuo JHS Cooks 

Ayishetu and Evelyn

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Tanchara Koro JHS Cooks

Mary and Agnes

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Kalsagri JHS Cooks

Theresa and Juliana

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Nanyaare JHS Cooks

Paulina and Fidelia

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Edina Nuokpier

Cleaner

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Dibaar Yirle

Security Guard

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Trustees and Advisors

Dee Anderson

SNAP Advisor

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“SNAP is joyous, positive, productive”

Dee is a retired primary school deputy headteacher with many years’ experience as a special needs coordinator. She has been involved with ATE since the beginning, and has visited Lawra on several occasions where she has helped develop the SNAP play schemes and worked with the families of disabled children. She provides ongoing support and guidance to the SNAP team, as we open continue to launch more groups.

 

 

Charles Gardner

BizATE Advisor

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“our strength is our people”

Co-Founder of the organisation, and Chair of Trustees for 10 years, Charles now focuses on providing vital support to ATE’s small business development programme. Charles is instrumental in the planning, execution and monitoring of the BizATE, where his extensive business background contributes significantly. Regular trips to Ghana are an important part of his role, where Charles facilitates training workshops for ATE’s Small Business Owners and Consultants.

Charles’s business background included senior roles in Kantar Retail, Glendinning Management Consultants, St.Ivel, Tesco and Sara Lee.

 

Nathalie Burdet

Chair of Trustees

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“passionate about making a difference”

Nathalie is a marketing and communications executive specialising in building brands globally and helping business grow.

She provides strategic marketing and communications advice to ATE and is mentoring some of our local team members. She is a keen runner and recently ran the half marathon in Accra and a trip to Lawra to fundraise for ATE and meet the local team and the communities.

 

trustees@ateghana.org

Peter Willetts

Trustee

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Peter is involved in the day-to-day running of ATE. In his working life, he was involved in the operations of businesses so he attends the monthly Operational Management Meetings and gives support in the finance and project areas as well. Peter is a key fundraiser and advocate for ATE.

trustees@ateghana.org

Susan Suchopar

Trustee

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“huge pride in delivering great outcomes”

Following a long career in Human Resources, Susan has spent the last 20 years in voluntary work. She became a Trustee of ATE over 10 years ago. She provides support on a wide range  of activities, particularly on Human Resources management and is a strong supporter and advocate for ATE, particularly in the local Wiltshire community.

trustees@ateghana.org

Asif Noorani

Trustee

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“transforming lives with deep empathy and local heroes”

Asif is a behaviour change specialist and board level advisor, fostering creativity and collaboration across the domains of art, science, engineering, and design. As a former trustee of UK Youth and current Governor of the University of Worcester, he brings his wide experience and insight to Action Through Enterprise. He has visited the Lawra district on four occasions, including time as a BizATE volunteer and producing two films to show the impact of the charity’s work in action.

trustees@ateghana.org

Priyanka Devani

Trustee

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Priyanka is a development practitioner specialising in education and gender programming. During her career, including her work with the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, she has designed and managed large-scale implementation programmes supporting communities across a variety of humanitarian and conflict-affected contexts. She provides strategic advice to ATE’s programmes, including how to mainstream gender and inclusion into projects and initiatives.

trustees@ateghana.org

Andrew Ritchie

Trustee

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“hope and ambition, enabled by good financial control”

Andrew has been ATE’s Treasurer since the charity was founded in 2012. After a career in financial management, holding senior positions in multinational companies, both large and small, he uses his broad accountancy expertise to advise on all areas of finance.  He completes regular management accounts for the trustees and the annual statutory accounts that are published with the Annual Report.  As ATE’s size and scope has grown, he has worked with the UK and Ghana teams to strengthen their financial procedures and controls.

“My ambition is for ATE to be able to build on its strong financial foundations, using its proven strategy and, with the continuing support of its many generous supporters, bring more opportunities to a wider area and to ever more people.”

trustees@ateghana.org

Suki Ritchie

Trustee

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 “privileged to work alongside such inspiring changemakers”

Suki supports ATE’s financial management as well as providing input and advice across other operational aspects of the organisation. Having trained as a chartered accountant and worked as a transformation consultant, she now specialises in operations at a large multinational, covering a range of areas including people development, process improvement, supplier management and technology enablement.

trustees@ateghana.org

Jacob Winter

Trustee

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“together turning hope into reality”

Jacob is an experienced international development practitioner who has been key in the continuous improvement of accountability and the introduction of systematic quality management at Dutch development agency Cordaid. More recently he managed the development and worldwide rollout of unified management standards, with compliance checks, in the international Caritas network.

He contributes to the Board’s strategic planning, is involved in some HR activities and will be working with ATE management to explore fundraising opportunities in the Netherlands.

trustees@ateghana.org

Nigel Henham

Trustee

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 “excited to make a difference”

Nigel grew up in Ghana and retains personal and business links with the country.

A chartered architect with project management and development consultancy experience, he has supported Action Through Enterprise for several years, raising funds and awareness of the charity and its work in Ghana through the Rotary organisation on local, national and international platforms.

trustees@ateghana.org

Sarah Eliot-Cohen

Trustee

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 “so proud of ATE’s inspirational and impactful work”

Sarah grew up in Ramsbury and is proud to be supporting Action Through Enterprise and mentoring the team in the most effective and strategic way to raise their essential funds. A professional fundraiser for almost thirty years, Sarah has led Development Teams since 1998 and most recently for The Royal Ballet School, where she raised over £50m. Prior to this, she was part of the founding team of Breast Cancer Haven, raising the initial £25m to establish three breast cancer support centres. Her learning ground was Macmillan Cancer Support where she was part of their events team.

trustees@ateghana.org

Ros Fitton

Trustee

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 “I love that it feels very local even though it’s based in West Africa”

Ros is a former teacher who previously had her own nursery school and worked with preschool children with special needs. She also used to run the London branch of a charity that provided holidays in the UK for children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. She’s become involved in the work of ATE through its strong connection with Ramsbury, where she brought up her four children before moving away.

“I love the fact that it feels very local even though it is based in West Africa. There is so much support for the charity in Ramsbury and since moving back here I wanted to be a bigger part of it. Also, I have had some experience of charities in Africa as my daughter is heavily involved and is very passionate about the African people. The work she does is along very similar lines to what ATE is doing but on a larger scale, and I am very keen to be a part of this charity and to see it grow in the future.”

trustees@ateghana.org

Registered charity number: 1149988