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Training 24 social entrepreneurs through the 2018 Ghana Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program

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MG 3606In 2017, theGhanaThink Foundationorganized the Ghana Youth Social Entrepreneurship Competition (GYSEC) in partnership withDigital Opportunity Trust (DOT). It was promoted as#GYSEC2017. 20 budding social entrepreneurs were chosen out of 154 applications to learn, be trained, and compete. They were and are referred to as trainees.  

In 2018, GYSEC has become a 4th program for GhanaThink afterBarcamp Ghana,Junior Camp Ghana,Ghana Volunteer Programand was renamed the Ghana Youth Social Entrepreneurship Program (GYSEP). 24 budding social entrepreneurs were chosen out of 220 applications to learn and be trained.

The program and trainingbegan with an obligatorywelcome workshop on Saturday and Sunday (June 30 – July 1)at the Impact Hub Accra (starting at 9am and ending at 6pm each day). Ato Ulzen-Appiah facilitated this workshop with the assistance of Maccharty Mac-Gbathy. Kofi Yeboahskyped in from Canada and shared a few thoughts. Fawziyya Issah assisted Marian Adeabaand Richmond Ananewith logistics. GhanaThink was used as an example of a social enterprise, and how it made a transition from an NGO to a social enterprise. Ato shared about GhanaThink’s various programs, how it raises revenue, and differentiated between its beneficiaries and customers. Isaac Sesi and Nana Yaa Ayimwho were part of the program in 2017 came by to share their experiences from the program, etc. RachelHormeku (the Social Innovation Program Community Facilitator) did a presentation on SIP and also led an icebreaker. She also did a presentation on Digital Opportunity Trust(DOT) and the Impactathon community on Facebook.

 

The middle workshopwas from July 21-22 (9am to 6pm each day), at Hopin Academyin Tamale. Ato Ulzen-Appiah facilitated this workshop with the assistance of Maccharty Mac-Gbathy. Kofi Yeboah skyped in from Canada and shared a few thoughts as usual. Fawziyya Issah handled logistics and was assisted by Marian Adeaba while Richmond Anane handled all finance aspects. Esperanza Yakubuassisted Marian to provide and set up materials for individual and group exercises. Saraswati Efua Arthur who was part of the program in 2017 came by to share her experiences from the program. She championed the importance of keeping the network formed from the program and shared examples of how the network (and GhanaThink) has helped her thrive, honed her idea, and grown her entreprise.

 

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The program’s final workshopwas on Saturday August 11 and Sunday August 12at Impact Hub Accra. Ato Ulzen-Appiah facilitated this workshop with the assistance of Maccharty Mac-Gbathy. Fawziyya Issah assisted Marian Adeaba and Richmond Anane with logistics. The trainees were trained and prepared for the MVP Prototype Fair (Pitch competition). Ivy Barley, Enam Agbozo and Isaac Sesi who were all part of the program in 2017 were present to help the current class work on their pitches.

On Sunday, August 12, the trainees continued to work on the pitches. Ato Ulzen-Appiah and Maccharthy Mac-Gbathy were on hand to guide them through their pitches. Esperanza Yakubuwho had taken over from Rachel Hormekuas the Social Innovation Program Community Facilitator spoke about Digital Opportunity Trust-DOT’s SIP. The finale itself featured a number of participant submissions. Jackson Nyarko and Dominic Kepomeywho were part of the 2017 class were also on hand to share experiences and advice.

The finale (final ceremony)happened on August 12. Maccharthy Mac-Gbathy emceed the event. Masuma Khan(DOT Project Manager) andKofi Yeboah(a team member) joined in via Skype from different parts of Canada. Masuma shared her excitement in seeing the program grow and it getting to its final stages and wished the trainees luck. Kofi Yeboah compared this year’s program to last year’s, encouraged the trainees to give great accounts of themselves and their learning as well.

 

The pitches were great but a few stood out. The trainees leveraged various learning modules to prepare and present their pitch.The judgeswere Nehemiah Attigah(Hatua Tec + GhanaThink), Amma Sefah-Dede Lartey(Social Entrepreneurs Ghana + Reach For Change), Kafui Anson-Yevu(Impact Hub Accra + Women TechMakers), Cherubim Mawuli Amenyedor (Ho Node + #GYSEC2017), The judges used an MVP Evaluation Checklist sheet to score each of the 21 trainees who pitched and also provided feedback. Amma Sefa-Dedeh Larteygave some general feedback on the pitches and presentations to the trainees in the midst of the audience afterwards. The top 3 places (with cash prizes) were won by 1st – Doreen Aglago-Cofie of Heighten Up  – ₵1000, 2nd – Abdul Ehm Kanndeof Starna Labs – ₵800, 3rd –  Proschia Gaisieof Let’s Share – ₵600.

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The 6 trainees chosen to represent Ghana at the DOT Unconference in October 2018 in Kenyawere also announced. The 6 are in no particular order – Proschia Gaisie(Let’s Share), Emily Bansah(Solar Barter),Doreen Aglago-Cofie(Heighten Up), Bright Bruce Acquaye(TGYC), Simeon Martey (Tamale Children Hub), Michael Sedinam Tenu(XCel Packs). We affectionately call these 6 – Team K. All the 24 trainees are to receive certificates of participation. Theirportrait linkswere updated on Facebook as part of the final workshop.

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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa

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In a heartfelt social media post, Rebecca Osam, Managing Director of Reflo Company Limited, Reflo’s TV, and Femme Fatale Productions Limited, has pledged her full commitment to empowering young women.

Rebecca expressed her desire to move beyond mere inspiration and instead build a deeper connection with young women, offering guidance and support to help them achieve their goals.

Her passion for women’s empowerment stems from her experiences growing up in Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the oppression and lack of opportunities faced by women. This drove her to co-found The Florence Mensah Foundation with her mother, aiming to empower African women and girls, and encourage them to recognise their worth, strength, and potential.

Through her foundation and personal endeavors, Rebecca seeks to provide a supportive platform for young women to thrive. She aims to be a relatable figure, offering mentorship and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and achieve success on their own terms.

Rebecca’s dedication to empowering young women proves her leadership and commitment to creating positive change in her community. Her efforts serve as an inspiration to others, highlighting the impact one person can have in driving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As Rebecca continues her work, her message resonates with young women across Africa: “Anything is possible, and I am here to support and cheer you on every step of the way.”

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental Facilitates Transportation for Global Christian Forum held in Accra

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Caradise Ghana Car Rental has once again successfully facilitated the transportation of over 240 participants from 60 countries across the globe for the recently ended Global Christian Forum in Accra, Ghana.

Numerous buses hauled the various participants from the Airport to their designated hotels from the 12th to 15th of April, 2024. Participants were then transported from their hotels to the conference grounds daily for the gathering of devoted Christians from the 16th to the 19th of April, 2024.

The forum began with a vibrant, joyful worship service held at Accra Ridge Church. The Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah welcomed participants to Ghana and to the Fourth Global Gathering, and participants spent the day sharing their faith stories with one another across the litany of differences represented. 

The forum was climaxed with a dinner and 25th anniversary celebration at the Action Chapel Internation Church hosted by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams.

After the forum, the participants took the opportunity to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum where they learnt about the great Pan-Africanist, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Ghana’s journey to inpendence.

The participants also spent a day in Cape Coast where they learnt about the millions of enslaved, dehumanised African men, women, and children at the Cape Coast Castle. Witnessing first hand how Africans were forcibly taken captive to the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe as objects of lucrative trade.

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