Wilma Longdon
Executive Director
Wilma joined WomensTrust in February 2011 as Executive Director stationed in Pokuase, Ghana. She brings with her an expertise in project management, risk management, and information technology. Having previously been employed by Process International in Ghana, Wilma served as their project manager and previously as the executive assistant to the managing director. In addition she has experience in the field of banking where she worked as a credit risk analyst with Ecobank Ghana Limited.
A creative thinker and problem solver, Wilma has the ability to manage time-critical projects, and has a proven track record in managing concurrent projects. Her communications skills are excellent, and she has worked on multicultural teams interacting with both customers and management.
Wilma earned a masters degree in Analysis, Design, and Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics where she received an award for distinction. Her undergraduate work in computer science and statistics was completed at the University of Ghana.
Gertrude Ankrah
Program Development Director
Gertrude Ankrah has served as on-the-ground Program Development Director for WomensTrust in Pokuase, Ghana since 2005. Her responsibilities include maintenance of relationships for program growth and sustainability, including coordination of integrated programs and special projects. Born and raised in Pokuase, she graduated from a local private high school, the Confidence School (COINS) with top academic, sports, and speaking awards.
Unlike many women in her village, Gertrude holds several post senior secondary educational certificates. In 1993, she graduated from the Mars Business Secondary School in Accra, Ghana, in business administration. From 1993 to 1995, she worked as a customer service representative and account clerk at the Ga Rural Bank in Amasaman, the regional capital of her district. She then enrolled at the Sydalk Computer College, and in 1999 took ownership of a general store in Pokuase.
That same year Gertrude began an involvement with politics that has moved her from the local to national level. She currently holds four political offices: Constituency Woman’s Organizer for Trobu-Amasaman Constituency (winning re-election for a second term in 2009); Secretary to the Greater Accra Women’s wing of New Patriotic Party (NPP); government appointee member of the Ga West District Assembly; and District Committee Member for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). In addition, Gertrude worked as second-in-command for Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s winning campaign for Member of Parliament in 2005. She is an appointee to the MASLOC Committee (the Ghana government program for microfinance) and was selected for the prestigious ABANTU training program for emerging women leaders in Ghana.
In June 2006 and 2007, Gertrude furthered her education relative to her role at WomensTrust by attending the Microenterprise and Development Institute (MDI) at Southern New Hampshire University, her first trip out of her country. That program was subsequently named SMDP and shifted to The Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire, where she was also a conference speaker in November 2010. She delivered the keynote address at the annual meeting of UN African Mothers’ Association (UNAMA) in New York in December 2009.
Eric Ankrah
General Services Officer
Eric Ankrah joined WomensTrust in February 2006 as General Services Manager. His responsibilities include processing daily loan repayments, reconciling receipts for repayments and operational expenses, and helping to manage community interaction.
Born in Pokuase, Eric attended the Nii Otto Kwame III school, completing his senior secondary studies in 1987. The following year, braving a two-hour commute each way, he enrolled at the Institute of Management Studies, passed his coursework, and earned an advanced degree in accounting.
Following completion of the coursework in 1991, he was assigned to a post in Wa, the capital of the country’s Upper West region, where he completed a required two-year commitment to the Ghana National Service. During this time, he traveled extensively throughout the country as financial secretary for the regional office of the National Service Personnel Association.
Eric was also recruited to work as an accountant for the 31st December Women’s Movement, a program with a microlending component founded by President Rawling’s wife. When his service was completed, Eric took a position with the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) as distributor of liquid propane gas for the entire Upper West region.
In 1995 Eric returned to Pokuase and started his own audio/cassette sales business. With a commitment to serving his community, he founded a town football league, and in 2002 was invited to join the Pokuase Development Association. Subsequently, he was elected chairman of the local Assembly Unit Committee for the 2007-2008 term. This committee is responsible for the development of the Pokuase township.
Solomon Fiagah
Loan Administrator
Solomon Flagah joined WomensTrust in the summer of 2009. Initially he worked on a part-time basis assisting in the collection of loan repayments.
A Pokuase native, Solomon has become an integral part of the WomensTrust team, and as of July 2010 he is employed full-time in the office as the WomensTrust Loan Administrator.
His duties include assisting in loan collection and reporting, managing the electronic tracking system and hardware, and facilitating marketing projects for the organization.
Samuel Gyabah
Education Program Coordinator
Samuel Gyabah first joined the WomensTrust team in 2007 as a part-time translator. In 2008, his role changed when he took on the responsibilities of Education Program Coordinator. Sami brings with him over 5 years of involvement with program management and administration. His resume also includes several years of teaching experience, including one year of National Service at the Opoku Ware School in Kumasi, Ghana.
Raised in Pokuase, Sami’s roots run deep in the community. A graduate from Konongo Odumase Senior High School, he then attended the University of Cape Coast, where he received his Bachelor with Honors in Management. His research works include the Attitude and Perception of Petty Traders towards the Tax System- a case study in the Cape Coast Ministry.
An educator at heart, even Sami’s hobbies reflect his thirst for knowledge. He is proficient in 3 languages- English, Ga and Twi and is an avid reader. In addition to his many talents, Sami always enjoys playing a good game of soccer.
Abigail Mettle
Education Program Coordinator
Abigail oversees the WomensTrust scholarship program and is lead teacher in the GEEC (Girls Exploration and Empowerment Club) program. She co-teaches classes that range in size from 75 – 100 students in first through sixth grades.
Educated at Our Lady of Apostal Training College with a degree in Basic Education, she began her teaching career in Ayikaidoblo and later transferred to Kutunse. Currently she is an instructor at the Ofankor District Assembly School, where she has been teaching students the local Ga language for the past eight years. In total, she has been teaching for over twenty years.
Abigail is married to Thomas Dua, who is the Area Council Chairman for the village of Pokuase. They have three children: two girls and a boy. Abigail was introduced to WomensTrust through her husband who has been a strong advocate of the program.
Dominic Osei
Computer Training Teacher
Dominic Assibey Osei joined WomensTrust’s team in Ghana in 2009 as a computer teacher for WomensTrust’s afterschool program. Dominic has significant experience as a computer repairman and has taught for over six years. His education includes Armed Force secondary school in Burma-Camp as well as a degree in ICT from High-Tech Marketing Institute in Achimota.
Dominic’s passion and enthusiasm for both his work and his students are evident in his teaching. Pupils are responsive to his encouragement and eager to participate in class. He creates an atmosphere of knowledge and pride in the lab.
An avid reader, Dominic likes to spend his time outside of the classroom with a book. He is also an accomplished musician who enjoys both listening to, as well as playing his own music.
