About Banko Women organization
Meet our community
We’re not just a team; we’re a community that includes all the wonderful people at our learning center and at the hostel. But also our local guides and taxi drivers and all the amazing people supporting us worldwide!
Patricia Zoer
Co-Founder BWO
As a young girl in the Netherlands, I harbored dreams of aiding those in need in Africa, particularly in Benin. However, when I turned 20, my volunteer journey led me to Ghana in West Africa, as my French skills weren’t fluent. Fast forward to my 40s, and I’ve now called Ghana home for over a decade.
I AM NOW IN MY 40S AND I HAVE BEEN LIVING IN GHANA FOR 14 YEARS
Life has unfolded in unexpected ways, teaching me valuable lessons and blessing me with two wonderful children whom I raise together with the BWO community.
Amidst it all, I’ve found immense fulfillment in realizing my childhood dreams, albeit in a different form. Overseeing the Banko Women Organization, including BWO Hostel, has become my soul’s guiding light, rooted in sustainable tourism practices that prioritize positive impacts on the local community.
I love my work, creating beautiful things together with the enthusiastic BWO Hostel Team, the ladies in the BWO Learning Center and our volunteers. I enjoy living in nature, interacting with our guests, showing them and experiencing beautiful Ghana!
TEAM BWO SHARES MY COOKING PASSION
Cooking is one of my greatest passions, and luckily, the BWO Hostel team shares this enthusiasm! We take pride in surprising our guests with an array of delicious and diverse dishes, often receiving praise for our culinary offerings despite being located in a small village. Curious about our culinary delights? Check out our blog featuring the 10 best BWO Hostel dishes.
I LOVE TO SHARE MY GHANA KNOWLEDGE WITH OUR GUESTS
Sharing my deep knowledge of Ghana is another passion of mine. With two decades of experience as an entrepreneur, volunteer, and avid traveler in Ghana, I’ve become well-versed in its customs, traditions, and travel routes. I love imparting this knowledge to our guests and anyone interested in exploring, volunteering, or working in Ghana. I write regular updates about our lives and BWO, when you subscibe you will receive an E book with lot’s of traveling tips and tricks, plus 2 detailed itineraries. Click here to sign up!
Whether you’re a seasoned Ghana traveler or someone considering a holiday here, feel free to reach out with any questions or uncertainties. You can also stay updated by following BWO Hostel on our active Instagram channel.
The Force Within BWO
Dorcas’s ability to “make things happen” is evident in every aspect of her work. Her tenacity and proactive approach ensure that every project she undertakes is executed flawlessly. Whether it’s coordinating activities at the learning center or handling organizational responsibilities, Dorcas’s contributions are vital to our success.
A Leader and Organizer
Her journey from the guesthouse to nursing school and back to BWO illustrates a remarkable blend of compassion, skill, and leadership. Dorcas Aachia embodies the spirit of BWO, driving our mission forward with her unique blend of expertise and heartfelt dedication. Her presence not only strengthens our team but also enriches the experiences of everyone who engages with our organization.
The Key Factor Behind Success
Dorcas Aachia
Co-Founder BWO
Dorcas’s ability to “make things happen” is evident in every aspect of her work. Her tenacity and proactive approach ensure that every project she undertakes is executed flawlessly. Whether it’s coordinating activities at the learning center or handling organizational responsibilities, Dorcas’s contributions are vital to our success.
Inspiring Journey
Her journey from the guesthouse to nursing school and back to BWO illustrates a remarkable blend of compassion, skill, and leadership. Dorcas Aachia embodies the spirit of BWO, driving our mission forward with her unique blend of expertise and heartfelt dedication. Her presence not only strengthens our team but also enriches the experiences of everyone who engages with our organization.
Emmanuel Agyapong
Co-Founder BWO
A Versatile Talent
Agyapong Emmanuel is the dynamic co-founder of BWO, a key pillar of our organization whose versatile talents and unwavering dedication have made a profound impact. As a skilled construction contractor by profession, Emmanuel’s exceptional ability to turn visions into reality is evident in every corner of our hostel and learning center. His mantra, “What his eyes see, his hands can make,” truly encapsulates his extraordinary gift for creating and fixing anything with precision and passion. Beyond his hands-on work, Emmanuel is also a natural leader, adept at instructing others and ensuring projects are completed to the highest standards.
A Key Contributor to Our Community
When he’s not enhancing our facilities, Emmanuel steps into the role of a tour guide and driver, offering guests an authentic and immersive experience of Ghana.
Whether he’s picking you up from distant locations or leading you through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultural heritage of our country, his deep knowledge and genuine enthusiasm make every journey memorable. His commitment to ensuring every visitor feels welcomed and well-cared-for is a testament to his warm personality and dedication to BWO’s mission.
An Essential Link in Community Building
Emmanuel’s multifaceted contributions, from construction and maintenance to guiding tours, exemplify the heart and soul he pours into BWO. His hands-on expertise and welcoming spirit not only support the growth of our facilities but also enrich the experiences of everyone who visits us. With Emmanuel at the helm, both behind the scenes and on the road, BWO continues to thrive as a beacon of hospitality and excellence in Ghana.
The Voice of Reason at BWO
Owusu Afriyie Christian serves as the accountant for Banko Women Organization (BWO) and plays a crucial role on our board. While the rest of the team—Dorcas, Pat, and Agyapong—make decisions with passion, Christian ensures that our choices are grounded in reality. He keeps us accountable, offering a balanced perspective that aligns our dreams with what is financially possible.
Guiding BWO with Financial Insight
As BWO’s voice of reason, Christian’s sharp financial insight guides the organization, helping us grow sustainably while staying true to our mission. Beyond his role as an accountant, Christian also teaches business classes to our students, equipping them with the financial literacy and skills needed to succeed in their own ventures.
Owusu Afriyie Christian
Accountant
Madam Frema
Sewing workshop instructor
Madam Fremah is renowned as the finest seamstress in town, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have her among us. Not only does she possess exceptional skills in sewing and design, but she also has a passion for sharing her expertise through teaching.
Furthermore, her gentle demeanor, kindness, and wealth of life experience make her an invaluable asset to our community.
Sir Ike
Agricultural Instructor & Tourguide
Sir Ike heads our newly established agricultural department. We initiated snail farming on a modest scale, a venture more intricate than anticipated.
Beyond his role, Ike serves as a dedicated and patient tour guide, diligently addressing any visitor inquiries.
Madam Dorcas
Hairdresser Instructor
Madam Dorcas is an expert in hairstyling, she knows all the ins and outs of the latest trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. In addition to her ambition to be successful so that she can take good care of her children, she is also assertive and has a strong personality. This creates a nice balance between the different characters of the ladies that are heading the training departments.
Support us by staying at BWO Hostel
Welcome to our guesthouse in Banko-Ashanti, where you’ll immediately feel at home!
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about your stay or about Ghana in general!
Our primary aim is your comfort and well-being, whether you’re a long-term volunteer or a short-term traveler seeking relaxation.
Need some downtime? We’ve got you covered.
Want a friendly chat? We’re here.
Interested in exploring the village? Let’s go!
Meet Our Staff and Students
Our community is too big to introduce everyone, something we are most grateful for! Below you will find the staff and students who you are likely to meet when visiting our organization.
Abigail
Ataa
Grace
Martina
Ajara
Belinda
Kate
Mespa
Albertina
Christiana
Maame U
Salomey
Angela
Faustina
Mabel
Veronica
Get Involved with Banko Women Organization
Support our mission to empower women through education, employment, and community development. Learn more about our volunteer program and find out how you can contribute to creating lasting change.
