Lakeshia Ford, a Jamaican-American who now proudly calls Ghana home, is the dynamic CEO of Ford Communications, a full-service strategic communications agency focused on propelling African brands to the global stage. Her journey from the United States to West Africa is not only inspiring but also a powerful testament to the global Black diaspora reconnecting with Africa.
As the Vice President of the Ghana-Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Lakeshia is actively bridging trade and cultural ties between Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Since launching Ford Communications in 2016, she has worked tirelessly to reshape how Africa communicates with the world.
The Journey to Ghana: A Purposeful Relocation
When asked about her decision to move from the U.S. to Ghana, Lakeshia traced it back to 2008, when she first visited Ghana through a student exchange program. That initial experience planted a seed. Years later, in 2015, she returned to conduct a research project on the impact of Chinese trade in Africa, focusing on telecommunications and mining. During that time, she was also working in PR.
“As I wrapped up my research, my PR work began to take off,” she explained. “That was a sign for me—I knew I had to stay.”
Lakeshia officially relocated and launched Ford Communications in 2016, offering services in:
- Public Relations
- Ghostwriting
- Digital Marketing
- Brand Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- Public Speaking
When asked about the biggest misconceptions global brands have about entering African markets, Lakeshia noted that these perceptions are constantly evolving.
“In 2006, Ghana was seen in a very different light compared to now,” she said. “The Year of Return in 2019 really shifted the narrative, putting Ghana on the map as a destination—not just for tourism, but for business and investment, especially in December.”
Indeed, Ghana saw over 1 million visitors in 2019, generating more than $1.9 billion in tourism revenue during the Year of Return initiative.
Digital Media and Africa’s Image
Lakeshia emphasized the critical role digital media plays in reshaping global perceptions of Africa. “The message is in the medium,” she said. “We’ve moved from radio to TV to mobile phones. Today, social media and digital platforms are the primary channels shaping how people view Africa.”
With over 590 million internet users in Africa as of 2023 and rising smartphone penetration, digital storytelling is more powerful than ever. “We must own our stories, and digital media gives us that power.”
In 2024, after spending nine years in Ghana, Lakeshia was officially granted Ghanaian citizenship.
“When I was still a foreigner, I had to partner with a local to register my company. I also had to renew my residency every year,” she shared. “Now, I walk with a little more confidence. Citizenship has given me peace of mind, stability, and freedom to scale my business without bureaucratic constraints.”
Challenges of Running a PR Firm in Ghana
Like many entrepreneurs, Lakeshia faced her fair share of challenges—chief among them, human capital. “Finding the right people to work with has been tough,” she admitted. “There’s been a lot of micro-managing, which can pull you away from strategic growth. But these are expected growing pains for startups.”
According to a 2023 PwC Ghana survey, 43% of Ghanaian SMEs cite talent acquisition and retention as their top challenge.
Lakeshia is passionate about mentoring the next generation of African women. Her advice?
“Understand the industry you’re entering. Learn how to manage your finances and know your numbers. And most importantly—avoid shortcuts. The long road builds lasting credibility.”
This guidance is especially critical in an age where digital entrepreneurship can sometimes glamorize overnight success.
What’s Next for Ford Communications?
Looking ahead, Lakeshia is focused on scaling Ford Communications, deepening collaborations with the diaspora community, and activating more brands during “December in Ghana”, which continues to be a high point for tourism and cultural marketing.
“We’re excited to help global and African brands connect with audiences in Ghana and beyond,” she said.
Final Thoughts
Lakeshia Ford’s journey is proof that with passion, purpose, and strategy, African women—and women in the diaspora—can build powerful brands that transcend borders. Her story also highlights the importance of communication in nation branding, digital storytelling, and diaspora-driven development.
