How We Work

Our key driver is passion fueled by our desire to see our clients bring value adding changes to their businesses and organisations. We believe that every intervention must necessarily add value to its beneficiaries.

Deriving from this passion, our philosophy revolves around forging true partnership and cooperation with our discerning clients resulting in appropriately tailored business and organisation solutions.

Our Expertise

Our team is a unique group of experts with rich experience and knowledge in the field of business and organisation advisory services. Our deep understanding of the general business and operating environment in Ghana and the West African sub-region, positions us to offer unparalleled value adding services to our cherished clients.

We have built a strong understanding of topical issues in our chosen sectors. Our expertise lies in key sectors including microfinance, education, health, agribusiness and tourism.

Meet Our Team

We aim to provide an environment in which our consultants develop their potential in an inclusive, varied, and supportive workplace.

Ernest Senyo Dzandu

Group Head

Ernest is the Group Head of The CDC Group. He has spent the past 20 years working in advisory services, and providing leadership and strategic direction in CDC Consult Limited.

Prior to starting The CDC Group, he worked in international consulting firms and the financial services sector. Advisory work he has undertaken over the years has focused on the financial services, education, agribusiness, health and tourism sectors. His specific areas of expertise cover the areas of risk management and assurance services; capacity building including training, coaching and mentoring; strategic and business planning; research and knowledge management; local economic development and business-to-business encounters; as well as management information systems and human resource management.

Over the years, Ernest has consulted for several multinational, international and national organisations and business. Ernest’s main passion is to see businesses become sustainable, offering unparalleled and responsive solutions to the needs of their clients. He believes interventions have to add value to the beneficiary businesses and their clients otherwise there is no need for advisory service.

He is particularly keen on seeing stronger providers in the microfinance, education, agribusiness and health sectors. As a certified entrepreneurship teacher, Ernest is convinced that businesses and organisations can only survive if their offering add value to their respective clients and beneficiaries.

Ernest has participated in several short courses including Certified Entrepreneurship Teacher by National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), USA; SME – Project Finance, IFC and Bank Consult, India; Training in Microfin, Bering Consult, Washington DC, USA; Business Edge Training of Trainers, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Ghana Stock Exchange Securities Training.

Ernest holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting; BSc Administration (Accounting) and is a Chartered Accountant.

Akosua Aboagyewaa Darkwa

Executive Director – Rufinlit

Akosua is a consultant with over 20 years’ work experience spanning multiple sectors. She is also the Executive Director of Rufinlit where she is responsible for the provision of strategic leadership for effective implementation of the firm’s mission and goals. She collaborates with all stakeholders of the Group in the development and implementation of projects.

As part of her mandate, Akosua is responsible for the efficient operation of programs, projects and personnel and is committed to working in partnership with both local and international organisations, communities, and individuals to create a financially literate Ghana that helps build resilient households and enterprises.

Akosua’s previous work experience includes roles such as the Programs Manager of Rufinlit where she was responsible for the effective and efficient implementation of projects; and Manager in charge of CDC Consult’s Market Solutions and Organisational Development business line. She has valuable expertise in project management; capacity building and training; entrepreneurship and MSME development; and research. Clients Akosua has worked with include UNICEF; GIZ; SNV; IFC; Ministry of Finance; GHAMFIN; Kuapa Kokoo Farmers Union; Newmont Ghana Limited; the Centre for the Study of African Economies, Oxford University, and Innovations for Poverty Action, among others.

Akosua is passionate about the economic and financial empowerment of the vulnerable, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities. She believes every individual has the potential to excel, given the opportunity and the right tools. She has an MBA in Project Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and a BA in Social Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Babilo Mahama

Managing Partner – CDC&Associates

Babilo is a Financial Management expert and the Managing Partner of CDC&Associates. He has over 15 years’ experience in Financial Management, Accounting and Audit Training. He has gained experience through his work with institutions such as DKF Professionals, Veritax Associates, Ghana Armed Forces, and School of Education for the Military Academy and Training Schools (MATS).

He has lectured at professional capacity in Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Financial Reporting, Financial Management, Financial Reporting and Economics. Babilo has also audited financial statements, reviewed accounting systems and internal control procedures, drawn audit programs and strategies, as well as conducted performance risk assessment associated with various client businesses.

Babilo brings on-board his experience gained over the years to CDC as he trains, coaches and undertakes assignments that include institutional assessments and audits. He has facilitated trainings and produced quality-controlled training materials on Financial Management, governance, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, the Business Rules and Sanctions and the Act 930.

Babilo is a Chartered Accountant and Lecturer, and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (PGDTLHE). He also holds a BA (Hons) in Economics with Computer Science.

Peter Kyere

Consultant/Project Manager

Peter is a consultant with over nine (9) years’ experience in the fields of research; monitoring and evaluation; entrepreneurship; medium, small and micro businesses development; coaching; financial management; and organisational development. He heads the Research, Innovations and Knowledge Management business unit of the CDC Consult Limited.

Over the years, Peter has worked as a researcher with both local and international organisations in mining, agribusiness, finance, education health and sanitation. He coordinated baseline and endline surveys where he supervised enumerators to gather baseline and endline data. Peter has also conducted market assessment across the country where he has undertaken both desk and field research, developed assessment tools and configured tablets for enumerators he works with on the field to collect data.

He has also led assignments which have entailed the sensitisation, screening and training of participants in various regions in the country. Particularly, Peter has facilitated the training of youth and MSMEs in financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Peter is a very dynamic team player and upholds the principles of hard work, humility and honesty in all assignments engaged in. He holds a Masters of Development Management from GIMPA and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Ghana, Legon.

Francis Mensah Arthur

Consultant/Project Manager

Francis is a Financial Management and Investment Advisory professional with over 13 years relevant experience.

In the last 6 years, Francis has led/worked on over 40 consulting assignments in Investment Advisory and Funding Services; Agribusiness Development; Financial Inclusion; SME Development; and Corporate Organizational Development for clients and partners such as IFC of the World Bank Group, GIZ, USAID, UNICEF, DSIK, Bank of Ghana, FSD Africa, Promasidor etc.

Key tasks have included development of concept papers and funding proposals; funding transaction advisory/brokerage; project implementation and management; institutional assessment; business and strategic plan development; training design and facilitation; development of business tools and templates; SME coaching and hands-on support; entrepreneurship and SME hub development; business research; monitoring and evaluation etc.

Francis has completed over GHS 13 million in funding with over GHS 30 million in pipeline in 1 year; over 15 strategic and business plans; training assignments with over 5,000 beneficiaries; hands-on support in business improvement for over 100 SMEs etc.

Prior to consulting, Francis worked in lead finance and accounting roles such as Accountant, Finance Manager and Internal Auditor for businesses in the Textiles, FMCG, WaSH and Health sectors from 2011 to 2018. Francis also provided private tuition for candidates of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) in Advance Financial Management, Cost and Management Accounting, Financial Management and Public Sector Accounting from 2014 to 2019.

Francis is a Chartered Accountant with an M.Sc. in International Business as well as a Certified Expert in Agricultural Finance.

Nana Yaw Amponsah-Boadu

Consultant/Project Coordinator

Nana Yaw is a financial management consultant and a team member of CDC&Associates. He has in-depth knowledge in financial management and business strategy development. He has a wealth of experience ranging from multiple assignments with financial institutions, association development and donor funded projects.

At CDC, Nana Yaw has worked as a project consultant under the Microfinance Companies Capacity Improvement Project (MICCIP). He has undertaken assignments such as institutional diagnostics of financial institutions, strategic business planning for micro finance (MFCs), on-site support and the training of MFCs. Nana Yaw has supported the development and delivery of the following trainings under MICCIP; business model definition, implementing risk management framework, business and operational performance strengthening, market segmentation analysis, and interest rate determination. Other activities undertaken by Nana Yaw include the development of financial models, concept papers, business proposals, institutional assessments and developing reports on assessments.

In the area of research and knowledge management, Nana Yaw has actively participated in the development of data collection instruments, analysis and reporting in Financial Inclusion. He is also passionate about Entrepreneurship and Technical and Vocational training for the youth. Nana Yaw has supported young entrepreneurs under the Educata business training coaching to the youth on developing an implementable business plan.

Nana Yaw is actively carving a career in Financial Management and Business Strategy as he believes these two disciplines will help businesses create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

Nana Yaw holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ashesi University College, Berekuso, and is currently undertaking his professional qualification with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Elizabeth Asante

Consultant Trainee

Elizabeth is a financial consultant trainee and team member of CDC&Associates. She has developed knowledge and expertise in the areas of research, financial management and strategy development. She has gained experience working on different assignments relating to financial institutions, Associations and Small and Medium Enterprises.

Elizabeth began her journey as a consultant while working as a project intern under the Microfinance Companies Capacity Improvement Project (MICCIP) where she supported research in the financial services sector; development of training; institutional diagnostics; data analysis and financial report analysis.

At CDC, Elizabeth has supported assignments such as the MSME resilience study; institutional diagnostics of financial institutions; Board evaluation; the Technical Conference Series (TCS) among others. She has also played a critical role on the team as a data analysis personnel where she has analysed data received on training needs assessments, training evaluations and pre- and post-training assessments. etc. Elizabeth has also actively participated in the development of data collection instruments, analysis and reporting in the Financial Inclusion sector. She is focused on supporting Entrepreneurship, Youth and Women Development.

Elizabeth is establishing a career in Financial and Project Management as she believes these two disciplines will help create sustainable value for all stakeholders in the fields of Financial Inclusion and Social Growth in the sub-Saharan region.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Ghana, Legon and is currently pursuing a professional qualification with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Edinam Dzandu

Research Consultant Trainee

Edinam is a research consultant trainee and team member of the Research, Innovations and Knowledge Management (RIKM) business unit of CDC Consult. She has extensive knowledge and expertise in the areas of research, data collection and analysis. She has gained experience working on different assignments relating to research, financial literacy and inclusion, and gender responsiveness.

Edinam gained experience as a consultant while working as an intern under the Microfinance Companies Capacity Improvement Project (MICCIP) where she provided invaluable support in research and data analysis.

At CDC, Edinam has supported assignments such as the development of an LPG behavioural change and public awareness strategy; impact of insurance awareness coordinators group financial literacy activities in Ghana; and the implementation of the women's innovation for sustainable enterprises project in Ghana.

Edinam has also contributed to the development and digitalization of data collection instruments and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Godfred Addo

E-Learning Manager

Godfred is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional with extensive experience in eLearning content development and LMS administration. He has over nine (9) years practise in the development of content for and administration of learning platforms which he applies in managing CDC Consult’s learning platform - Adansonia.

As the eLearning Manager at CDC Consult, Godfred is responsible for overseeing the development, promotion and delivery of eLearning programs to target institutions, and the administration and maintenance of the learning platform. He works closely with a team of content developers and instructional designers to provide interactive course content on the learning platform. He interacts with instituions to understand their specific learning needs and offers them suitable packages to address the needs identified. This approach has been instrumental in helping clients achieve their training objectives and improve the overall effectiveness of their eLearning initiatives.

Godfred is skilled in using a range of authoring tools and LMS platforms and has a strong understanding of instructional design principles and eLearning best practices. He is a dedicated professional who is committed to delivering high-quality online training courses and ensuring that his clients are satisfied with the results of their eLearning programs and courses.

Godfred holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) and a Certificate in Instructional Design and E-Learning Theory and Practice from Alison Education Centre.

Ewurasi Derby Wilson

Business Development Officer/Project Coodinator

Ewurasi is an Office Assistant, Business Development Officer, and a member of the CDC Group in-charge of the Western Regional Office. In this role, she coordinates and assists all projects for the team within the jurisdiction and is responsible for costing, monitoring and evaluation, data collection and analysis, as well as generation of general reports for ongoing projects within the Region and its environs.

At CDC, Ewurasi brings on board over eight (8) years of experience in general office administration, coordination, training roles and HR-related matters. She is committed to good customer relations and retention, staff management and standard entrepreneurship planning to progress business continuity. She has gained expertise in the areas of leadership, management and digital literacy. This is to help MSMEs grow, instilling profitability and sustainability measures to make their businesses viable.

She has offered unlimited training, coaching and administrative services on capacity-building interventions for SMEs/MSMEs under projects including the Ghana Local Economic Development Programme (International Finance Corporation initiatives); Access to Finance Programme (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) initiatives). She has, under these projects, worked with business owners and management, coached, and tracked the growth of MSMEs in line with developed strategic business plans.

Being an avid promoter of eliminating social, economic, and cultural barriers that prevent women and youth-owned enterprises from succeeding and advancing, Ewurasi coordinates all initiatives under The Creation Hub (a subsidiary of CDC Group) which seeks to offer Entrepreneurship Development Programmes for member businesses, with the primary objective of looking for grants to nurture, invest in and oversee start-ups and unemployed graduates who have the desire to venture into entrepreneurship. The Creation Hub conducts intensive applicant profiling to select the most qualified and suitable to participate in the Hub’s programmes.

She actively participates in research to help enterprises within the geographical area take advantage of the available local resources to develop their various businesses up to international standards and enable them reposition their institutions adequately for contracts within the mining sector and the oil and gas chain.

Ewurasi is a detail-oriented team member with strong organisation communication and interpersonal skills which she brings on board projects. She holds a Master of Science in Management and Human Resource Strategy and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology.

Rasheed Raji Quacoe

Business Development Officer

Rasheed is a Business Development Officer with The CDC Group’s Western Regional Office. He has extensive experience in the microfinance and hospitality industries, and is knowledgeable of the trends, challenges, opportunities and interventions that exist in those sectors.

Prior to joining CDC Group, Rasheed worked with Ras Engineering Ltd as an accountant, Bridebota as a business development officer, Edifice Ghana as a marketing officer, Sancourt Hotel as a manager and Daily Capital Micro-finance as a loans recovery officer.

Over the years, Rasheed has developed skills in marketing and business development, accounting services, business, and finance, to serve discerning customers thus ensuring their growth. He has given workshop support to participants’ engagement under the Ghana LED Programme; documenting inputs from participants for Business Planning. He has also conducted various interviews with stakeholders in relation to the above programme. He assists with managing the scheduling of participants for training sessions.

Rasheed's zeal for entrepreneurship has been his key drive in facilitating growth and accomplishment of The Creation Hub under The CDC Group. He seeks out innovative and self-driven candidates to take advantage of the Hub's initiatives. Rasheed provides administrative, operational and marketing support to promote the activities of the Hub. He also develops and executes strategies to increase the company’s client portfolio, identifying new market entries. He ensures commercial success and strengthens relationships with existing clients.

Rasheed is keen on building his career in the field of consulting, with a focus on accounting and finance. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree, a Diploma in Commerce from the University of Cape Coast and a certificate in Tally accounting software and Sage. He is pursuing additional professional certification in Finance.

Akorfa Dzandu

Head Finance & Admin/Outsourced Projects

Akorfa is Financial Management expert and the Head of the Outsourced and Project Management Services with The CDC Group. She has over 26 years’ experience in providing consulting services to institutions in the education, health, tourism, and private sectors, 20 of which she has worked with CDC Consult Limited, where she plays an additional role as Head of Finance and Administration of the Firm.

Akorfa has specific expertise in providing support to SMEs in the areas of accounting and bookkeeping, auditing, records and administrative management, as well as payroll management for small and large companies. She manages CDC Consult’s staff assigned to various projects that the company collaborates on.

Prior to joining CDC, she gained her rich accounting and assurance experience working with Ernst & Young and Deloitte & Touche. Her work at CDC includes overall management of the firm's outsourced service line with specific responsibility for the firm’s outsourced payroll and accountancy portfolio as well as the provision of business advisory services to small businesses.

As head of CDC Consult’s Finance and Administrative department she is responsible for invoicing and collection of debt, recording the firm’s accounting data, payroll management and human resource (HR), as well as relating with all third parties that the firm deals with and payment of statutory returns to the various institutions.

As a Client Relationship Manager, she manages all correspondence with corporate clients and statutory organisations. She is the contact person for international correspondence and has overall responsibility for office administration. Akorfa's major concern is ensuring that support provided to clients contributes significantly to addressing their needs.

Akorfa has a combined Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Information Studies, ACCA Level 2 and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Leicester.

Benjamin Gladstone K. D. Agborli

Finance Executive

Benjamin is a finance and business administration professional working with The CDC Group. He has over 20 years’ experience in finance and business administration with over 15 years of professional experience in Organisation Finance Modelling, Fund Management, Investment Advisory Services, Outsourced Administrative Support and Financial Compliance.

At CDC, Benjamin is tasked with accounting and finance responsibilities; preparing cashbook, bank reconciliation statements, annual financial statements, filing of statutory returns with the relevant statutory and regulatory authorities, performing tasks in outsourced administrative support and other finance and administration related duties. Prior to joining the Group, Benjamin gained his rich experience with Egas Capital Limited, Renaissance Africa Group Limited, Fafali Law Chambers, and Global Evangelical Church among others.

Benjamin holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Banking and Finance option) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He is also an Associate Member of Association of Business Executives (ABE) UK and is a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) licensee. He also holds a certificate in Anti-Money Laundering from Wisconsin University College.

Lynda Ayisibea Mante

Administrative Executive

Lynda is an Administrative Executive of CDC Consult Limited. She has a fifteen (15) years’ proven track record in administration, with eleven (11) of these years spent working with CDC Consult. She has contributed significantly to structuring the firm's administrative system to ensure that office administration is seamless and fits in well with the busy schedule of the Consulting Team. A keen eye for perfection, she has excellent formatting and editing skills, which are exhibited in each of the documents that are run by her on assignments undertaken by consultants.

Lynda is accustomed to working in fast-paced environments, particularly when dealing with multiple projects and priorities at the same time. She strives to achieve the highest standard possible on any given task and in any situation.

Lynda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies (BBS Accounting) from Wisconsin International University College, Accra.

Ebenezer Wilberforce Kwakye

Finance Associate

Ebenezer is a finance and tax professional with The CDC Group, astute in accounting, finance and taxation. Ebenezer has over the years gained experience working on several freelance assignments in relation to business records-keeping, finance management, inventory recording systems and financial literacy training to small and medium business organisations.

At CDC, Ebenezer is tasked with accounting and finance responsibilities including entering data into the Group’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and payment vouchers; vouching of field documents; and other finance and administration related duties. Prior joining CDC, Ebenezer worked with Sweetmarvelous Clothing Textile Limited -Nigeria as branch manager; the Church of Pentecost – Teshie (A.T. Nartey Assembly) as deputy finance secretary and DanEsther Ventures as inventory control manager.

Ebenezer is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants - Ghana and a final level student at the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIT). He is also pursuing Advanced Excel and financial modelling at Aspire Executive Institute.

Ferdinand Kwasi Ledi

IT & Systems Executive

Ferdinand has seven (7) years of experience in working in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT). His specialties include Server Administration, Local Area Network (LAN) management and computer hardware maintenance.

Ferdinand has strong technical and interpersonal skills which enable him to interact with team members and ensuring that all ICT devices are highly functional and team members have the best gadgets to use both on the field and in the office.

He has designed, setup and managed various LAN networks in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and the Northern regions of Ghana. As a results-oriented individual, Ferdinand is passionate about creating change, and is always ready to learn new things. He is also passionate about utilising his technical know-how to benefit the people he works with in CDC.

Ferdinand is a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) with a Diploma in Computer Techniques.

Benjamin Harry Danso

IT & Support Executive

Benjamin is an IT and Support Executive of CDC Consult Limited. He has 11 years of experience working in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT), and Transportation management. He specialises in network engineering and hardware maintenance.

Benjamin has gained knowledge and experience over the years in warehousing, transport and office administration and has worked for several reputable organisation including, Benaisling Investment Limited, Databank Investments and Feedtime Company Limited.

He has supported the consulting team on several assignments including the Microfinance Companies Capacity Improvement Projects (MICCIP) in his capacity as a transportation officer. He currently working under the IT and media department and is responsible for the maintenance of project vehicles and transportation; camera equipment; photography and videography and editing of same.

For Benjamin, every day is a learning opportunity as he is passionate about learning new things and using his experience in the field of hardware and IT to benefit the Group as a whole.

Benjamin holds a Diploma in Hardware and Networking from the Business Information Technology and IPMC.