Akwaaba means ‘Welcome’ in Ghana and Angelina Nana Akua Oduro’s iconic Akwaaba photo taken in 1999 when she was a teenager, has broken all records in the Ghanaian modeling industry.
Nana Akua’s divine achievement is so legendary that even Ghanaian models yet unborn would struggle to match the record she has set.
The Akwaaba picture is popularly recognized by Ghanaians across the World as a true representation of Ghana’s hospitality to foreigners.
Arguably the most popular model in Ghana, Angelina Nana Akua Oduro became a household name over two decades ago featuring on several collectibles like special calendars, bags, dresses, gift items, and many more.
The iconic image, widely recognized as a symbolism of Ghana’s hospitality (Akwaaba) features Nana Akua adorn in regal Ghana Kente while holding a calabash with a flashing smile.
After over two decades of posing for the camera, with the least expectation of becoming a celebrated national figure, Angelina Oduro, earned her spot during a major national event with the least effort.
Her image had done the work years ago making her the face that welcomes people including some of the world’s most important people into the country during national events. Angelina sat for an interview and revealed that she first took the photo in 1993 when she was still very young and had no expectation that her image would become a national asset. So much of an asset, her photo continues to be used and has crossed borders.