Ghanaian actress and television host Nana Ama McBrown has urged young people, especially women, not to allow academic qualifications to dictate the direction of their careers.
Speaking in London at the fourth edition of the Women of Valour conference on March 7, 2026, McBrown reflected on her own journey, pointing out that success is not always tied to formal certificates. She told the audience that although she does not hold academic credentials, she has still managed to build a thriving career and collaborate with numerous leading brands in Ghana.
According to her, the path people choose should be driven by passion and instinct rather than the pressure to fit into roles society considers suitable for their level of education.
“Choose that thing your heart desires, that thing your instincts are pushing you to do. Don’t feel like, ‘I have a certificate, so I can’t be doing an MC job because I’m a PhD holder.’ I have no certificate, but I work with 14 big brands in Ghana. Aside from being on TV for good money, I also earn well from the side. So please, ladies, I beg you, listen to your feelings and stamp it with your instincts,” McBrown stated.
The Women of Valour gathering was held at the London Hilton on Park Lane and attracted women from a wide range of professions for conversations focused on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
The initiative was founded by Ghanaian broadcaster Nana Aba Anamoah and has gradually grown into an international platform that highlights the journeys of women who have navigated difficult personal and social circumstances. Through storytelling and open dialogue, the programme aims to spotlight courage, healing, and transformation.
This year’s event also featured several influential voices from media, advocacy, and international development. Among them was Debora Shanley, an internationally recognised campaigner known for her work raising awareness about childhood sexual abuse.
The 2026 conference included personal testimonies, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to encourage women to confront their fears, reclaim their voices, and inspire change in their communities.
Watch her statement below.
@nanaamamcbrowndaily1 The Doing Of The Lord #BRIMM #NanaAmaMcBrown ♬ original sound – NanaAmaMcBrownDaily
