The event marked the conclusion of the “Entrepreneurship with Bora Ray” program.
EIB Network CEO Bola Ray celebrated the culmination of the entrepreneurship initiative at the first group’s grand closing dinner and awards night held in Accra yesterday.
The event marked the conclusion of the “Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray” program, which aims to empower Ghanaian start-ups and develop young entrepreneurial talent.
The initiative was launched in December 2023 in Ghana in collaboration with the European Union and aimed to empower 25 deserving innovative start-ups led by young entrepreneurs in the country. As part of Bhola Ray’s 25th anniversary celebrations of media activities with the theme “Impact At 25”, the program provided comprehensive support including mentorship, training and funding to the selected entrepreneurs.
Through a three-month mentorship program, participants will be joined by KGL boss Alex Dadei, Equity Insurance boss Elton Afari, Rees & Company CEO Jeff Sower, and EIB Network. mentored and mentored by seasoned Ghanaian entrepreneurs, including Nana Yaa Sarpong, General Manager, and Victoria, EU Goodwill Ambassador. Mr. Michaels and Special Ice Group Chairman Ernest Ofori Sarpong.
Others included Imexco Ghana CEO Jean Paul Feghali, academic professors Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Professor Owusu Nyamekye, and Groupe Sebastien CEO Femi Asante.
The others were Code Group CEO Fabian Sebastian Thorpe, Cybele Energy CEO Beatrice Mensah Tayui, AU diplomat Buhle Phiwe Hlatshwayo and Saka Homes CEO Kwadwo Saga Addo-Mensah.
The Grand Mentor was His Excellency Ilchad Razaly, Ambassador of the EU.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners of a pitching competition where the most promising startups presented their innovative ideas.
Stephen Selorm Bedzrah, founder of MyCleanApp, was the winner and was awarded a cash prize of GH₵10,000 and the opportunity to participate in the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria later this year.
Emmanuel Lucky Ardey, Founder and CEO of Aquaponic, and Wilson Niiquaye Djani, CEO of NIVERDE Foods, were awarded GH 6,000 and GH 4,000 respectively for their outstanding contributions.
In addition, Maison Cart CEO Harriet Jizome Akua and Glitz Events CEO Comfort Alova Mirek were awarded $100 each and an autographed copy of Bola Ray’s book “It Is Possible” by Empire Ghana CEO Dorcas Adisi. I did.
In a moving speech at the closing dinner ceremony of the Entrepreneurship with Bora Ray project, Mr. Bora Ray expressed deep gratitude and pride in the impact of this initiative on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. . The event, organized in collaboration with EU Ambassadors, highlighted the transformative power of innovation and risk-taking in shaping a brighter future.
Bhola Ray emphasized that entrepreneurship extends beyond making a profit and focuses on creativity, risk-taking, and community impact.
He praised the dedication and talent of the participating entrepreneurs and recognized their resilience in overcoming challenges and breaking through barriers.
Mr. Bhola Ray acknowledged the important role of mentors and praised their guidance and support in developing the next generation of business leaders. He emphasized the importance of providing resources and opportunities for success and called for continued support for youth initiatives.
Mr. Bhola Ray thanked partners, mentors and sponsors, including His Excellency the EU Ambassador Ilchad Razali, and highlighted their collaborative efforts to foster a culture of entrepreneurship. He envisioned a world where entrepreneurship is not just a business, but a way of life, and called for collective action to inspire and uplift each other.
In conclusion, Bhola Ray encouraged individuals to embrace entrepreneurship, pursue their dreams with determination and believe in the possibility of achieving the impossible. The celebration was a testament to the impact of youth empowerment and innovation in building a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Ilchad Razali, EU Ambassador to Ghana, urged participants to focus on where they want to take their business, rather than where they come from.
“This journey has given you exposure to the European Union. I sincerely wish you the best of luck, because your success is not about the 25 jobs you do, it’s about the changes you make in your community. Because it’s about the dozens, hundreds, and thousands of jobs you create for “and the country.” ”
Sponsors of the “Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray” initiative include KGL Group, Special Ice, Saka Homes, EIB Network, PubliCiti Stunt Africa, Imexco Ghana, Annabel Brown Consultancy, Hubtel, Reiss & Co., Cricova, Equity Health Insurance, and Jambo Spaces. , Groupe Sebastene. , Code Group and African Diplomats Group.
