Hayford Siaw
Founder & Director
Email: hayford(a)vpwa.org
Hayford Siaw, childhood experiences and professional journey inspired the creation of Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa (VPWA). With a deep-rooted desire to bridge the gap between privileged urban areas and marginalized communities, Hayford established VPWA in 2007 using his personal resources. Transitioning from a successful career in Real Estate and Tourism, he dedicated himself to nurturing VPWA into an independent charity, leveraging sustainable funding models for its growth and expansion.
Under Hayford's leadership, VPWA has flourished into an organization that collaborates with over 100 international volunteers annually, engaging in impactful development projects across Ghana and beyond. His innovative funding strategies have not only sustained VPWA's operations but have also been adopted in countries like Liberia, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Malawi. Hayford's global outlook and expertise have positioned him as a sought-after speaker and moderator at international conferences focusing on social benefit sectors and entrepreneurship.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Hayford has been recognized for his outstanding contributions, including being named a Change Leader of Reach for Change in 2012, a Ford Motors International Fellow in 2015, and receiving the prestigious 15th Commonwealth Point of Light award from Queen Elizabeth II. In 2017, his leadership and dedication to community development led to his appointment as the Chief Executive of the Ghana Library Authority by the President of Ghana. Beyond his role at VPWA, Hayford also plays pivotal roles on the boards of various nonprofit and government institutions, further solidifying his commitment to driving positive change and empowerment in West Africa and beyond.
Portia Adwoa Siaw
Co- Founder & Director
Email: portia(a)vpwa.org
Portia Adwoa Siaw is the dynamic individual behind our impactful initiatives at Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa (VPWA). With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a self-motivated attitude, Portia is deeply committed to enhancing the welfare and opportunities for young women across Africa.
Before co-founding VPWA with Hayford Siaw, Portia served as the Country Chief Executive Officer for Citrec Worldwide, a consultancy firm specializing in international trade, real estate, and construction. Her extensive experience working with organizations in Ghana and Nigeria has equipped her with a unique perspective on addressing societal challenges and fostering sustainable development across the region.
At VPWA, Portia leads our Education, Media, and Affordable Housing projects, combining her expertise and passion to bring about positive change in communities across West Africa. Her dedication and vision drive our mission forward, making a lasting impact on the lives of young women and beyond.
A fervent advocate for women’s empowerment, Portia has been instrumental in designing and implementing initiatives that equip young women with the skills and resources needed to achieve economic independence and leadership roles in their communities. Through her work, she actively supports policies and programs that promote gender equality and access to opportunities for women across various sectors.
In addition to her focus on women’s empowerment, Portia is committed to fostering youth participation in governance systems across West Africa. She believes that young people play a critical role in shaping the future of their nations and has worked tirelessly to create platforms that encourage civic engagement, policy advocacy, and leadership development among the youth.
Portia’s dedication to economic empowerment extends to her work with MicroQuips, an initiative aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs with sustainable livelihood options. Through MicroQuips, she has played a key role in providing financial literacy training, access to microloans, and business mentorship programs, enabling women to establish and grow their businesses. This initiative has had a transformative impact, empowering women to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to their local economies.
Through her leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment, Portia Adwoa Siaw continues to drive impactful change, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society for women and youth across West Africa
Constance Afriyie Siaw
Projects Manager
Email: constance(a)vpwa.org
Constance Afriyie Siaw is a dedicated Project Manager at Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa (VPWA). She brings a wealth of experience and passion for community development to her role, having worked tirelessly to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities in need. With a strong background in project management and a deep commitment to serving others, Constance plays a crucial role in coordinating volunteer efforts and driving impactful projects at VPWA.
Her leadership, organizational skills, and relentless drive to create sustainable change have been instrumental in achieving meaningful results for the organization. Constance is deeply passionate about supporting young people in their personal and professional growth, particularly in fostering strong ethical values. She believes that empowering youth with integrity, discipline, and moral leadership is key to building a responsible and forward-thinking society.
Through mentorship programs, workshops, and community engagement initiatives, Constance actively works to instill high ethical standards in young people. She is a firm advocate for nurturing a generation of ethical leaders who are equipped to tackle societal challenges with honesty, fairness, and a commitment to social justice. Her unwavering dedication to improving lives and shaping the character of future leaders serves as an inspiration to all who work alongside her.
Constance’s work at VPWA continues to leave a lasting impact, as she remains committed to fostering a culture of ethical responsibility and sustainable development within the communities she serves.
Other details:
Name: Volunteer Partnerships for West Africa
Location: Pokuase- Accra
Address: P. O. Box OF 75, Ofankor-Accra
Tel : 233 24 3340112 / 233 20 8272943(Ghana),
Email : info@vpwa.org
Legal Status:
Incorporated under the companies code, 1963(Act 179) Limited by guarantee .
Social Welfare Department
Internal Revenue Service as Tax Exempt Organisation.
Memberships:
United Nations Global Compact
United Nations Online Volunteering Service
International Peace Commission
Coalition for International Criminal Court