The closing ceremony and exhibition for the second cohort of the Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray project took place on November 23, 2024, at the Asant Hall in Alisa Hotel, starting at 3:00 PM. This significant event celebrated the hard work and innovative spirit of the participants who completed a three-month program designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs in Ghana. The ceremony showcased the transformative journeys of the graduates, underscoring their innovative business ideas and the program’s critical role in strengthening Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative, launched in collaboration with UNESCO in September 2024, successfully aimed to nurture the potential of Ghanaian youth by encouraging them to pursue their dreams and develop actionable business strategies.
Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi, known to many as Bola Ray, who serves as the founder and executive chairman of the Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray initiative and the BR Institute, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the ceremony. He expressed admiration for the participants’ dedication and enthusiasm, stating that their unwavering commitment to their entrepreneurial pursuits exemplified the essence of the program’s objectives. Bola Ray emphasized that the mission of the initiative is not only to facilitate individual success but also to contribute to collective empowerment. He reiterated the importance of community and collaboration, urging participants to engage with one another and harness the power of networking as they navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.
The event also featured a highlight of the cohort’s pitching competition, where winners received cash prizes to help support their business ventures. The prize distribution included GHC10,000 awarded to Judith Eyram Akwetey, co-founder of Agrimecarb; GHC6,000 to Joseph Anokye, CEO of Mushplus AgriFoods; and GHC4,000 to Daisy-Alice Mawuena Zigre, CEO of DMD Catering. These awards not only recognized the innovative pitches of the entrepreneurs but also provided them with financial support essential for the growth of their businesses. Additionally, an engaging raffle held during the ceremony featured an exciting prize, with one participant winning the latest iPhone 16, personally presented to them by Bola Ray—a gesture that underscored the spirit of celebration within the entrepreneurial community.
Bola Ray took the opportunity to reflect on the successes of the program’s alumni, mentioning that three entrepreneurs from the previous cohort were participating in the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria, representing Ghana on an international platform. This achievement highlights the tangible benefits and far-reaching impact of the Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray initiative, which is dedicated to fostering excellence in business. He reminded the participants and attendees alike that while entrepreneurship can be challenging, it remains an incredibly rewarding journey. He advised the graduates to maintain focus and resilience, warning against getting lost in the often misleading portrayals of entrepreneurial success seen on social media.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to enhancing entrepreneurship in Ghana and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth. The Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray initiative aims to create a lasting legacy by continuing to empower young minds, presenting them with opportunities to develop their ventures and contribute to sustainable economic development within their communities. The ongoing support and mentorship offered through the program serve as a crucial pillar in the entrepreneurial landscape, equipping participants with the tools necessary for success.
As Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape evolves, initiatives like Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray illuminate the path for future generations of innovators. By inspiring the youth to dream big and pursue their aspirations relentlessly, such programs are pivotal in nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. Through collaboration, support, and a commitment to excellence, Bola Ray and his team continue to signify hope and potential, transforming the economic narratives of aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation. The emphasis on the importance of hard work, persistence, and the interconnectedness of the entrepreneurial community reinforces the message that together, they can drive sustainable growth and empowerment for the next wave of entrepreneurs in Ghana.
