On March 23, 2024, the thirteenth African Games which took place in Ghana came to an end successfully. It is described as the most outstanding since the competition started many years ago.
“It’s been 16 days with over 5,000 athletes from 54-member states of the AU competing in 29 different sports disciplines in Accra. Ayekoo is a Ghanaian way of saying well done” – H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana
“The opening ceremony was a dazzling display of color, choreography, and symbols that celebrated Africa’s vast diversity” – H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana
“As the participating nations paraded into the stadium, an electric atmosphere of excitement and pride filled the air, embodying the collective values of unity and friendship” – H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana
Ghana won gold in both men and women football, athletics, boxing and other disciplines. This brought an unimaginable joy and an indelible marks in the hearts of Ghanaians. Aside sports, Ghanaian musicians were on stage — both opening and closing ceremonies to add to their quota to this historic moments. The likes of Shatta Wale, Wiyaala, Stonebowy etc gave top notch performances that got the entire African and sports and entertainment lovers across the world talking.
Aside, embodying the collective values of unity and friendship, the African Games gives platform for various talent exhibitions and note, though the main focus of this event is on sports but few other people outside the field gets the opportunity to put their talents on display.
Interestingly, Anita Erskine got the opportunity put her talent and experience on display. Anita was the MC for both colorful opening and closing ceremonies of the continental multi-sports event held in Ghana from March 8th to 23rd. She did it with Jalal Bouzrara from Egypt.
“I had the honor of bringing the continent together through sports as the Co-Host of the Opening Ceremony of the 13th African Games. My favourite part of the event was introducing the participating countries during the athletes’ parade! A REAL dream come true!!!!”
When LEAP Creative Studio extended the invitation for me to co-host the Opening Ceremony of the 13th African Games, it felt like the pages of a journal entry I had penned with unyielding ambition back in late July 2012 were suddenly brought to life. Here was an opportunity to turn a dream I had nurtured for 12 years into a reality—a chance to stand at the forefront of an event that not only showcased the pinnacle of athletic prowess but also symbolized unity and celebration on a continental scale. The magnitude of the moment was undeniable, igniting within me a sense of purpose and determination unlike anything I had ever experienced.
Back then, as I sat mesmerized by the grandeur of the London 2012 Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, the melodic and powerful voice of the female announcer, later revealed to be the incomparable Trish Bertram, captivated my senses. Her voice, with its eloquence and her crystal-clear enunciation, resonated deep within me, stirring an indescribable feeling of awe and inspiration. In that moment, the vision of becoming the voice guiding the procession of athletes, as they proudly showcased their flags and waved to their nations, seeped deep into my soul. I wrote it down, etching it into my aspirations, knowing that one day, I too would stand on a stage, channeling that same sense of grandeur and unity through the power of my voice. She posted on social media.
After the successful event, Anita’s performance on the big platform has become one of the most talked about moments. She’s got lots of applause from many people across the world. She’s loved for her unmatchable confidence, fluency and control over the language, work ethics and her unique style of MCing.
Anita Erskine, is a highly esteemed figure in Media and Communications. With over two decades of experience in Strategic Communications Management and Television Content Development and Management, she is widely celebrated for dedicating her voice to shaping Africa’s narrative and emphasizing the imperatives of sustainable development.
Anita is the Executive Director of Erskine Global Communications. The organisation has a mandate to use storytelling and various communications tools like documentary, short film, and talk show production, community engagements and training to heighten awareness and inspire action on urgencies around equal opportunities for women and girls in leadership and education, digital advancement, youth employment, climate awareness, entrepreneurship in Africa and the Diaspora, and sanitation.
With a broadcasting career that dates to 1997, Erskine has successfully produced and hosted over 15 radio and television programs, to the delight of audiences across Africa, Canada, Europe, and Asia. In 2014, “Anita Erskine’s Sheroes,” – an empowering talk show with a global viewership of 15 million to date, became the flagship production of her organisation, while serving as Erskine’s tribute to empowering women worldwide through the art of storytelling.
Erskine is a sought-after personality in the Pan African and global events circuit and has hosted over more than 200 global live events. These span from high-level dialogues to prestigious award ceremonies and global fundraising events hosted by national leaders, economic international agencies, and multinational corporations.
In 2020, she became the official host of Africa’s Business Heroes – The Jack Ma Foundation’s flagship philanthropic entrepreneur program in Africa – a role that affords her the opportunity of contributing to the growth of Africa’s Entrepreneurial ecosystem by hosting the show and providing communications training to the diverse collective of ABH finalists both on the African continent and in the Diaspora.
Anita is an unapologetic social impact advocate. In 2019, she launched the STEM Woman Project, designed to curate hybrid events fostering awareness and interest in STEM among young ladies aged 15 to 25. The program facilitates engagement between accomplished women in STEM and aspiring female students. Additionally, the STEM Woman Project doubles as an awards scheme, recognizing and celebrating inspirational women leaders in the STEM field. The Women’s Elevation Fund, founded in 2018, provides scholarships and bursaries to brilliant but marginalized girls who have an ambition to pursue careers in Film and Television. The WEF currently has five beneficiaries. She mentors Female entrepreneurs across Canada, and a collective of female Film and Television Directors through Black Women Film Canada.
Anita Erskine has been twice ranked one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Africa and among the 500 most influential Africans around the world, one of the top 100 Women CEO’s in Africa, in the Top 100 Career Women in Africa list, and acknowledged as one of the Most Distinguished Change Makers (Women) in Africa. In 2023, she was ranked among Africa’s top 50 Most Impactful Voices, cementing her role as a storyteller of repute. She is also the recipient of the 2021 Trent University Alumni of the Year for using her voice to advocate for Youth and Women.
Anita’s determination to showcase the burgeoning prosperity of Africa through her presence, voice, and persona is fortified by her unwavering tenacity, discipline, and focus — qualities she staunchly believes should never be compromised in the pursuit of ambitious excellence.
Erskine is an alumnus of Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. She and her husband are blessed with two children.
