​MEET THE CEO
 

Maurice Cheetham is a Ghanaian-American entrepreneur, travel industry leader, and STEM education advocate. He is the CEO of African Roots Travel, a Ghana-based destination management company specializing in immersive cultural experiences for members of the African diaspora. Maurice is also the founder of the Africa STEM Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Ghanaian youth through education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

After earning a degree in Criminal Justice from Florida A&M University, Maurice spent over 25 years working in juvenile justice in Detroit, Michigan. In 2016, following the passing of his father, the late Nii John Cheetham, he relocated to Accra, Ghana, to reconnect with his heritage and contribute to the nation's development.

In 2017, Maurice established African Roots Travel to offer personalized travel experiences that celebrate Ghana's rich culture and history. Through his work, he observed a strong desire among travelers to engage in initiatives that positively impact local communities. This insight led to the creation of the Africa STEM Academy in 2023, in collaboration with the Jack & Jill Brooklyn Chapter.

The Africa STEM Academy operates at Mamprobi Basic School I, providing over 55 students with hands-on instruction in basic ICT, coding, robotics, and virtual reality. The academy also hosts programs like STEM Summer Days and STEM Community FEST, offering students additional opportunities to explore emerging technologies.

Maurice is committed to equipping young Ghanaians with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a global economy. His goal is to foster local talent and create remote job opportunities, addressing the systemic migration of Ghana's brightest minds seeking opportunities abroad. Through his initiatives, Maurice aims to contribute to Ghana's positive development and future growth.

Connect with Maurice on LinkedIn or learn more about his work at African Roots Travel and Africa STEM Academy.