On November 9, 2024, Patriots Ghana hosted the grand Graduation Ceremony for the Ghana Employment Initiative (GEI) Fellowship at the prestigious Ridma Hotel in Accra. This event marked the culmination of six months of intensive training, mentorship, and transformative experiences for the fellows. It was not just a celebration but a platform for networking, inspiration, and showcasing the undeniable impact of the fellowship.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including equity investors, representatives from government and trade institutions, and the fellows themselves. It served as a nexus where emerging entrepreneurs connected with influential leaders and explored avenues for growth and collaboration.
Distinguished speakers added immense value to the occasion:
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H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), was represented by Mr. Leopold-Auguste Ngomo, Director of Administration and Human Resources Management (AHRMD), who highlighted bilateral trade opportunities and the potential of Ghanaian entrepreneurs to tap into Africa’s expanding trade network.
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Mr. Emmanuel Lamptey, General Manager of Quick Angels Ghana shared insights on funding and investment opportunities.
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Representatives from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) discussed avenues for product branding and strategies to expand businesses beyond Ghana’s borders.
Adding to the event’s significance, Joy News, one of Ghana’s leading media outlets, provided coverage of the graduation ceremony, spotlighting its transformative impact on young entrepreneurs. A detailed report, accompanied by video highlights of the event, is available on YouTube: Watch here.
Showcasing Entrepreneurial Excellence
The fellows captivated the audience with elevator pitches, articulating their business visions, the societal challenges they address, and the employment opportunities they aim to create. Some fellows also displayed their innovative products, which generated immediate sales and sparked interest among potential investors.
One standout moment was witnessing the passion and creativity of these entrepreneurs as they shared their growth journeys, reflecting the transformational power of the GEI Fellowship.
Recognizing Leadership, Impact and Innovation
To honor exceptional performance and embody the values of the fellowship, six fellows were awarded in various categories, including:
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Most Innovative Business
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Most Impactful Business
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Business Ethics and Leadership
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Fellowship Leader
These awards were not only a recognition of excellence but also a motivation for the fellows to continue striving for success. Each recipient received a cash prize to further support their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Empowering Stories of Impact
The ceremony also spotlighted inspiring success stories that emerged from the fellowship. One notable example came from Mariam, CEO of Splash2020. Through the Business Ideation Training, Mariam found the courage and clarity to launch a fresh fruit juice product she had envisioned for years but hesitated to introduce. Today, this product has become her flagship offering, garnering high demand and significant profits in the Ghanaian market.
Such stories underscore the transformative impact of the GEI Fellowship, empowering participants to overcome barriers, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economy.
Looking Ahead
The graduation ceremony marked the end of a chapter but the beginning of an exciting new journey for the fellows. As they move forward, armed with knowledge, skills, and connections, Patriots Ghana remains committed to supporting their growth and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ghana.
Congratulations to the 2024 GEI Fellows—a new generation of change-makers ready to shape the future of business and employment in Ghana!
By: Patriots Ghana Team
