About Nana-Serwa Mancell

Meet the host of Villa Veghana, Nana-Serwa Mancell. An entrepreneur and advocate for meaningful living, she’s the founder of three ventures: Veghana, Caped Coast, and Soul’d Sundays, all rooted in sustainability, culture and intentional experiences.

Her work lives at the intersection of tradition and today, proving that businesses can thrive without losing their cultural soul.

Her early career was based in London, where she worked with NGOs and government institutions, including the Office of the Mayor of London.

Today, Nana is a mother of three and lives between Ireland and Ghana, after spending 20 years in the UAE. A life lived across continents, and all of it woven into everything she creates: spaces and experiences that replenish your heart and soul.

Awards and Recognitions

In 2025, Nana Serwa Mancell, Founder of Veghana, was named Plant-Based Chef of the Year at the Pro Chef Middle East Awards. This recognition placed Veghana on an international stage and affirmed its bold vision to elevate West African cuisine through plant-based innovation.

Competing among leading chefs across the region, Nana Serwa stood out for her creativity, presentation, and deep connection to her Ghanaian roots. Her award-winning dish, Plantain Cake and Mince Roulade, reflected her signature approach of honoring traditional flavors while reimagining them for a modern global audience.

This award is more than a personal achievement. It represents a growing recognition of West African cuisine as refined, inventive, and worthy of global acclaim.