Dr. Nana Achiaa Ankrah is a distinguished pharmacist and visionary entrepreneur whose contributions to Ghana’s pharmaceutical and agro-food industries have been transformative. Her dedication to improving the nutritional landscape of her country has made her a leading figure in the fight against malnutrition and the promotion of healthier living. As the Chief Executive Officer of Arise Foods Limited, she has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at producing nutritious, safe, and affordable food products for the Ghanaian population and beyond.
Her journey into this field is rooted in a strong academic background and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She attended Holy Child Senior High School, where she developed a passion for science, which later guided her academic and professional choices. This passion led her to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she pursued a degree in Pharmacy, equipping her with essential knowledge in drug formulation and health sciences.
As part of her educational journey, she broadened her horizons by undertaking an enriching internship at Alcala University in Spain, further enhancing her understanding of global pharmaceutical practices. Her commitment to acquiring specialized knowledge did not stop there, as she later earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, giving her advanced expertise in drug formulation, product development, and overall pharmaceutical operations.
With more than a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical and agro-based industries, she has built a career that reflects both versatility and leadership. Her professional journey includes key roles such as Superintendent Pharmacist and Production Pharmacist at Kama Industries Ltd, where she played a crucial role in drug production and quality assurance. She later joined Aspen Pharmacare Holdings as Head of Production, a position that allowed her to refine her expertise in supply chain management and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
In addition to these roles, she has worked as a consultant, offering specialized services in business startups, tendering processes, retailing, wholesaling, and product marketing. Her consultancy work also includes expertise in small-to medium-scale manufacturing setups and supplier management, providing comprehensive value chain services that benefit suppliers, distributors, and retailers.
In 2016, motivated by an unwavering commitment to tackling malnutrition, particularly among children, she established Saliscom Limited, operating under the brand name Arise Foods. The company was founded with a clear mission: to produce high-quality, nutrient-rich food products that enhance the well-being of consumers. Arise Foods has since made a significant impact in the market, offering fortified cereals for children and an expanded product line that caters to the nutritional needs of entire families.
Under her leadership, the company has achieved remarkable growth and established a strong distribution network that includes over 30 distributors and major retail outlets such as Melcom Group of Companies, Palace Mall, Ernest Chemists, and TotalEnergies stores. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, Arise Foods is certified by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Halal, ensuring that its products meet stringent food safety and compliance requirements. Expanding beyond the Ghanaian market, Arise Foods exports products to Kenya and the United States, demonstrating its growing international reach and influence.
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, she is a passionate advocate for proper nutrition and public health awareness. She has consistently emphasized the importance of a balanced diet in preventing diseases and fostering healthy growth, particularly among children. Her advocacy work highlights the dangers of poor dietary choices, which she identifies as significant contributors to malnutrition and related health complications.
She beckons on parents and guardians to be more mindful of what their children consume, stressing that a good diet is essential for their physical and cognitive development. In her public engagements, she stresses the importance of having breakfast as a crucial meal that strengthens the immune system and helps prevent illnesses, reinforcing the need for healthier eating habits from an early age.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding the reach and influence of Arise Foods, she has been involved in international exhibitions such as the New York City Fancy Food Show, where she showcased her company’s products to a global audience. Her participation in this event was facilitated through support from Prosper Africa and USAID, reflecting an effort to introduce Arise Foods’ nutritious offerings to consumers in the United States.
Her company’s dedication to excellence has been recognized through several awards, including the Best Organic Baby Food of the Year at the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Summit and Awards in Accra. Additionally, Arise Foods was prominently featured in the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Awards 2024, further cementing its reputation as a key player in Ghana’s industrial and food production landscape.
Amidst her professional responsibilities, she also balances a fulfilling personal life as a dedicated wife and mother. Her ability to seamlessly manage the demands of entrepreneurship while nurturing a family is a testament to her resilience and determination. She is also a devoted philanthropist, actively engaging in community initiatives aimed at improving public health and well-being. Her compassionate nature is evident in her efforts to ensure that nutritious food products are made accessible to underserved communities, reflecting her deep-seated commitment to social responsibility and equitable healthcare.
Her extensive contributions to both the pharmaceutical and agro-food industries have positioned her as a transformative figure in Ghana’s efforts to enhance nutritional standards and public health. Through her leadership at Arise Foods Limited and Saliscom Limited, she continues to make a lasting impact by providing innovative and healthy food solutions, particularly for children, and advocating for healthier lifestyles. Her journey is not just one of personal achievement but a broader narrative of dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to the well-being of individuals and communities.
At a time when global health and nutrition challenges are more pressing than ever, her work serves as a beacon of hope and a model of what is possible through expertise, entrepreneurship, and an unwavering commitment to positive societal change. Her story is one of perseverance and purpose, inspiring others to contribute towards a healthier and more nourished future for all.