I'm Kofi Osei-Kusi, and I'm thrilled to share my life's passion with you: serving and empowering leaders to unlock their potential and become a force for good in the world.
As you step into this digital space, I hope you feel the warmth of a genuine connection. My purpose in life is to serve, inspire, educate, and challenge you to become the best version of yourself, so you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Take a journey with me through the pages of my story, and discover how serving others has transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. Explore the initiatives closest to my heart, including the Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI) and Osei-Kusi Foundation (OKF), where we're dedicated to raising leaders who will change the world.
In these pages, you'll find:
My Story: A tale of purpose, passion, and transformation
My Inspiration: The spark that fuels my fire
Profile: A glimpse into my journey and expertise
TV Programs: Conversations that inspire and empower
News: Updates from my world and the impact we're making
Gallery: Snapshots of love, laughter, and lessons learned
My Wise Sayings and favorite African Proverbs: Timeless wisdom to guide you on your path
As you navigate this space, remember that you're not just a visitor – you're a fellow traveler on this journey of growth, service, and leadership. May our connection inspire you to embrace your purpose, unleash your potential, and make a lasting impact on the world.
Dr. Kofi Osei-Kusi
President & Co-founder, Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI)
President, Osei-Kusi Foundation
Chancellor, GH Media, Cosmetology, Fashion, Catering & Technology Schools, Ghana
Years of Experience
1
My Story
In June 2011, I faced a life-altering moment when I almost died in a car accident. This pivotal experience wove together various strands of my life, transforming the trajectory of my work. Up until then, my career had spanned roles at Deloitte, Sight Savers International, and the Australian High Commission in Ghana. Alongside my professional journey, I had dedicated over 15 years to volunteerism and nurturing young leaders through 'Chosen Generation,' a group founded by my friend Kojo in 1996.
The accident served as a powerful invitation to re-examine my priorities: What was my mission? How did I want to be of service to the world? Memories of supporting hundreds of young people through Chosen Generation resurfaced, as did my childhood experiences growing up in Mim, a vibrant and multicultural town in Ghana, surrounded by nature and neighbors from around the world, including Canadians, Swiss, Germans, and Irish, among others. This diverse community instilled in me a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. I also recalled my father's leadership and legacy as the Managing Director of Mim Timber Company, where I first envisioned myself as a leader, inspiring others from a place of purpose.
Following the accident, I left my position with the Australian High Commission in 2011 and, with the unwavering support of my wife, founded the Osei-Kusi Foundation (OKF) to bring hope and love to the destitute. In 2019, we refined OKF's focus to provide educational scholarships for physically-challenged youth. The Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI) was subsequently established in 2020, with a mission to cultivate holistic, entrepreneurial, and conscientious leaders for Africa and beyond.
My work in philanthropy and leadership development brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Witnessing young people thrive through our scholarship program at OKF and supporting senior leaders through PALI feels like the culmination of my life's journey. I attribute my life and purpose to Jesus Christ, whom I encountered at 13, and have since committed to trusting and emulating His servant leadership approach. It is a profound privilege to dedicate my life to serving humanity through leadership development and genuine service.
Service Impact
Dr Kofi's legacy is the love and compassion he has vested in the lives he has transformed. He has greatly positively impacted the lives of not only the individuals blessed to be graced by his fatherly care, but their families and communities as well. His (personal) sacrifice of time and resources ensure that those who are often overlooked by society are empowered to live full lives, regardless of any disadvantage they might have faced.
Kofi’s contribution to the OC community has been enormous, starting in 2018 when he
hosted a conversation for fellow impact authors, to leading the Africa Affinity Circle the last
several years. He consistently provides thoughtful, inclusive experiences for many different
types of people, especially Africa-based entrepreneurs and changemakers, naturally
exemplifying empathy, respect, deep listenership, and humble service. As such, Kofi has
become a committed spokesperson and connector for the global impact community, with a
rightful focus on his home continent of Africa.
In 2019, we had the opportunity to collaborate with this organization for a Mentorship Programme led by their Founder and CEO, Dr Kofi Osei-Kusi which brought him to South Africa in 4 quarterly intervals. The mentoring engagements were life-changing for our staff interns, high school and university students.
This organization has been a joy to work with and Dr Kofi’s positive impact continues to influence our youth in various ways including his books.
Their staff and board are organized, passionate, and dedicated to empowering youth not only in Ghana but have a vision to impact youth throughout Africa.
Osei-Kusi Foundation has played a very vital role for IFED Global especially in the area of mentorship and offering of free advisory services. Mr. Osei-Kusi being a patron to IFED has never in any way disappointed the organization. His words are soothing and full of encouragement. He has been able to impact and transform lives of many youth across the globe especially at our yearly conference IYDC. He is prompt to our request and very apt in delivery. His foundation has been able to reach out to many individuals wishing to start NGOs to keep societal problems on a sober note just like ours. The Osei-Kusi foundation has been instrumental in youth empowerment.
My experience with OKF is amazing! The founder traveled to Uganda to support our Charity, Kalekekasome foundation located in Mpigi. The OKF foundation donated books and visited our Public library. I was invited to Ghana by the foundation and awarded, Best Volunteer in the East African region. I am forever grateful and thankful to OKF, it has inspired me to serve the community more and make our world a better place.
The Pan-African Leadership Institute Corporate leadership course provided many valuable knowledge and
skills that will not only benefit me but the staff and members of companies/
organizations that I have the privilege of leading. Over the past four weeks I have
developed and enhanced critical skills such as communication, emotional
intelligence, cross-cultural leadership and networking, all of which are essential for
effective leadership in today's business world.
I have never had the experience I got from the Pan-African Leadership Institute. The
institution offers world class learning environment with practical experiences.
The Youth Leadership Professional course had an excellent teaching and
organization. The leadership skills acquired during the course will be of great value
to my personal and professional life. I will pass on the contents learned to the young
people in social vulnerability at the Institution Associação Pró Social Reintegração
da Criança, where I work.
I have always dreaded leadership and being in the front row. I always prefer to do
things without being seen and as a result I have shied away from many roles that I
should have played perfectly. The course at Pan-African Leadership Institute has actually given me ways I can
enhance my self-confidence. I resolved to show up with my full self and be
intentional about my leadership. I am very grateful for this course.
My experience has been a phenomenal one. Not only am I released from what was
holding me back professionally but I am able to show up confidently now. Thanks to
the team at Pan-African Leadership Institute. Looking forward to joining more courses throughout the year.
I am Michael Osai Akron, a visually-impaired person. I graduated from the University of Education, Winneba in 2023 with a degree in Education, and I am full beneficiary of the Osei-Kusi Foundation (OKF).
This foundation has has brought smiles and excitement to so many people (able & disabled). The Chief Executive Dr Kofi Osei Kusi is a well-known philanthropist in Ghana. He is a father to fatherless, a shield to vulnerable; in fact, I can write a whole booklet about him, but the LORD GOD testifies of his kindness to humanity. God bless
papa! Actually, you have wiped away my tears since the time we met a little over ten years ago, and today I am the first university graduate in my family (including my sighted relatives).
Kofi is a father to many people: privileged and underprivileged alike. A well-loved pathfinder and pacesetter in youthful life guidance and development. He is a thinker, educator, philosopher, and an astute philanthropist whose work both nationally and internationally has paved the way for many underprivileged and physically-challenged young people without hope to become hopeful in life. His foundation (OKF) is an international investor
in people and cancels “lessness” from “hopelessness.
The life of Dr. Kofi Osei Kusi is marked by commitment to making a positive impact on the world and improving the lives of others through his foundation, Osei Kusi Foundation. Indeed he has touched my life in many ways.
He has been of support to me not only through financing my education but he has established a pursuit of compassion, empathy, and a genuine desire to create meaningful change within every aspect of my life. He has a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to give back to society. He is driven by a profound belief in the power of generosity and the potential to effect change. He understands that giving encompasses much more
than money alone. He invests not only his wealth in me but also his energy, skills, and connections to create a lasting impact.
I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Osei-Kusi for over three years and watched him
develop a global leadership institute from the ground up. He has a unique set of leadership
skills so that he was able to gather incredible leaders from around the world to share with
the students, while at the same time instructing them regarding vision, vision casting, and
motivating others behind your vision. As an instructor, he is relevant and timely, well-
informed on his topics, and offers a wealth of personal experience (and an outstanding
personal example) in a way that students can “get it”. With over 35 years in higher
education, I have not seen a more skilled, dedicated, and committed leader. His passion for
educating the next generation of African leaders is evident in all that he does. Dr. Kofi is an
exceptional leader and example for those aspiring leaders. You will do yourself a great
service to learn from him.
In my work with Kofi, I have found him to be an incredibly skilled leader with unbounded generosity of spirit and a perceptive and
sharp intellect. He leads from a deep commitment to service and an impressive depth of experience. Kofi is an absolute pleasure
to work with and an immense blessing to those of us fortunate enough to know and work with him!
Dr Kofi can only be described as a man of vision, purpose and awesome faith. His work has touched the lives of many persons
across the world as he continues to unfold new training and thought leadership to advance people and organizations. His engaging
and futuristic persona supports long term growth and development of individuals and their interests.
Dr. Osei-Kusi is a guiding force of hope and inspiration. His ineffable character, filled with boundless empathy and unparalleled
dedication, leaves me in awe. There's a profound energy about him, a potent blend of wisdom, humility, and passion that defies
description. His warmth touches not just those around him, but it reaches out, inspiring countless hearts and souls across the
globe. Through his philanthropic endeavours he demonstrates the true meaning of service. His generous contributions, tireless
advocacy, and passionate volunteer work have given shape to dreams that were once merely distant echoes. To me, he is not just
a benefactor, but an alchemist of opportunities, a nurturer of potential, and a weaver of brighter futures. What strikes me most
about Dr. Kusi is his unfaltering faith in the power of the human spirit. He has the extraordinary ability to see the light at the end of
the darkest tunnel. In my moments of despair, his words have been a beacon, guiding me towards a path of optimism. His
messages, imbued with courage and resilience, reignite the dwindling sparks of hope and inspire the strength to face even the
toughest challenges. His kindness warms those who feel lost in the icy winds of life's harsh realities. With every empathetic
gesture, he shows the world the true power of kindness. He paints a picture of a world where empathy is not a rarity, but the norm.
In these times of turmoil and uncertainty, I am truly grateful for Dr. Osei-Kusi's unwavering commitment to uplift, empower, and
inspire. His life serves as a powerful reminder of the monumental change one person's actions can bring about.
Seeing his dedication to serve humanity, I am inspired, not just to dream of a better world, but to strive for it. His story is a
testament that our collective efforts can have a profound impact on the world.
I am Beatrice Wahura Waithaka. I am the fifth born of eight siblings and l served a ten year jail sentence at the Nsawam Female
prison in Ghana. I am a Kenyan national and indeed Mr Osei and the Osei-Kusi Foundation made me feel am an important person
despite me being in prison. They walked the journey with me inside prisons. They visited me, celebrated my birthdays with me, and
after servicing 9years of my sentence, the Osei-Kusi Foundation team was there for me until my exit from Ghana to Kenya. Up to
date they are still walking the journey with me. Although I am in Kenya, they recently paid for me to enroll on the Women’s
Leadership course at PALI to help me grow as a leader. Indeed I truly have a family that has helped to keep me going. They have
taught me that if you are faithful in little, God gives and rewards in big blessings.