Every December, Accra’s streets come alive with dazzling lights, festive installations, and a renewed sense of joy.
But behind the project is the determination of one woman who refused to let her dream fade, even after years of rejection.
Afi Amoro, the CEO of Jandel Limited, recalled in an exclusive interview with Elsie Lamar on GhanaWeb’s Talkertainment, “I decided to do lighting for the public areas. I wanted to take light to the city. I pitched that it was going to give more money to the economy, because when people are uplifted, they spend more.”
She noted that although banks such as ECOBANK and Standard Chartered offered initial support, it was not sufficient to fully realise her vision.
Undeterred, Madam Afi Amoro said she poured her own earnings from weddings and events into the project.
With grit and creativity, she transformed the Ako Adjei stretch, renamed Independence Avenue, up to Ridge Roundabout into a glowing corridor of hope.
Old lorry tyres, abandoned cars, and graffiti from Kokompe artisans became part of the vibrant décor.
“I decided to do light for the public areas; I wanted to take light to the city. I pitched that it was going to give more money to the economy, because when people are uplifted, they spend more. Two banks held my bank; ECOBANK and Standard Chartered. They held my back but it was not enough to do what I envisaged, so I decided to use my own money.
“So every wedding and event we did, I just collected the money and poured it into the project. I had named the Ako Adjei stretch Independence Avenue. I decided to decorate from Ako Adjie to Ridge Roundabout. I used lorry tyres, old cars, I got someone from Kokompe to do graffiti and so on,” she said.
She added that her pride is not only rooted in the lights but also in the people who built them.
@exploregh A very beautiful Christmas in Accra. Enjoy #ghana #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanatiktokers🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭 #ghanatourism ♬ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas – Michael Bublé
Having encountered this development in China, Madam Afi Amoro said she transferred her knowledge to over 120 local artisans who constructed Christmas trees, animal figures, and other installations.
“All the things you see there are our local artisans, and that is my pride,” she added.
@brightseye_ Christmas is Here 🇬🇭 📍Kotoka International Airport Follow for more #accra #ghana #brightseye #christmas #dettydecember #citylights #fyp #cityview ♬ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas – Michael Bublé
Speaking on how the idea was birthed, she said countless ‘doors were closed in her face’.
Eventually, with the help of a friend named Kelly, Madam Amoro said she developed a concept and pitched it to corporate institutions.
Although many dismissed her vision, she emphasised the economic, religious, and social value of Christmas decorations.
She said her travels across the world reinforced her conviction.
Even in China, Dubai, and Russia, countries with different religious traditions, Afi Amoro said she witnessed grand Christmas displays.
“Even in China, they are not a Christian society, but they have done extensive decorations. Dubai, a Muslim enclave, they do décor as well. Russia too. They are concentrating on lights,” she maintained.
@nyameba_pesewa Christmas 🎄 in the city #Christmas #citylights #viral #Ghana ♬ original sound – TheDon
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