The second cohort of Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray has been officially launched unveiling 15 young innovative entrepreneurs as mentees.
The individuals included Gideon Awelana Bulus of The Honey Palace Africa Ltd; Benedicta Peprah of Alluring Women; Daisy-Alice Mawuena Zigre of DMD Catering School; Louis Fiifi Mbir of Shine Growth Travels; Erica Adjoa Appiah of Wobil Technologies Ltd.; and Prince Obeng of Tourizilla.
Others are Nii Adjetey Alaric of The Block Hub; Judith Eyram Akwetey of Agri-Mercarb; Kwadwo Baah of X-Creatives Technologies; Abena Obema Abrokwah of Panaa Cups; Rodney Crentsil of Dualex Technologies; Anacetus Zabari Jnr of Emzalyn Farmz; Derrick Ehla of Opulence Ties and Scarves; Juliana Nyamesah of Green Earth Farms and Joseph Anokye of Mushplus Agri-Foods Limited.
This is a build-up on a successful first cohort, which was part of the renowned personality, Nathan Kwabena Adisi known widely as Bola Ray’s 25th anniversary in media and sought to nurture 25 innovative entrepreneurs under 30.
The programme, which seeks to empower aspiring entrepreneurs, promises to continue its success from the first cohort, with an expanded curriculum and enhanced resources.
Reflecting on the success stories from the first cohort in a remark at the event held in Accra, he noted that the programme had empowered young minds to launch innovative businesses, driving both economic growth and social impact.
“The first cohort of The Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray was a resounding success, where we witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education, mentorship, and collaboration,” he said.
The second cohort, according to Bola Ray, will build upon the foundation laid by the first, with a broader scope and deeper resources to provide a more enriching experience for participants.
He added that the programme is designed to support participants at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. The second cohort will benefit from a team of seasoned mentors who will provide guidance, challenge ideas, and help participants navigate the complexities of starting and scaling businesses.
He encouraged the new cohort to be bold and resilient urging them to “Embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds. Be bold, be daring, and never be afraid to ask for guidance”.
He noted that the partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Ghana brings expertise in sustainable development, aligning with the programme’s vision to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters innovation and contributes to equitable and prosperous growth.
UNESCO’s representative to Ghana, Edmond Moukala, in his address, highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship as a catalyst for transformation.
“Entrepreneurship is the key to unlocking innumerable opportunities for youth and communities. It is a catalyst of social transformation, economic expansion, and innovation,” he remarked.
He encouraged the young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the programme, underscoring the critical role of entrepreneurship in Africa’s rise on the global stage.
Mr. Moukala further emphasised Africa’s progress, noting, “Africa is no longer the continent waiting to rise; Africa is rising. We are witnessing a transformation that is already happening, and initiatives like Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray are driving this change.”
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of entrepreneurship for economic growth.
He highlighted how entrepreneurs contribute not only to job creation but also to tax revenue, which fuels national development.
Mr. Dwumfour also pointed out the challenges faced by Ghana’s youth in terms of employment, commending the Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray initiative for providing a pathway to economic empowerment and social impact for young people.
