The Kofi Annan ICT Centre buzzed with celebration as Blossom Academy, in partnership with Generation Ghana, graduated its second cohort under the Ghana Remote and Online Work (GROW) programme.

The event marked a major milestone in a growing national effort to equip young Ghanaians with data analytics and digital skills for the global economy.

The GROW programme—spearheaded by Generation Ghana with support from the Mastercard Foundation and delivered in part by Blossom Academy—is addressing youth unemployment by preparing participants for remote and online job opportunities in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

Blossom Academy’s role includes training in data analytics, mentorship, soft skills development, and job placement support, including freelancing pathways via a network of "super agents"—freelance mentors from Ghana and South Africa who support mentees in developing the business acumen required to thrive in the freelancing world.

“At Blossom, we saw the GROW programme as an opportunity not just to train young people, but to shape their career trajectories,” said Delphina Duodu, Programmes Lead at Blossom Academy.

“We were intentional about integrating freelancing pathways because the future of work demands flexibility, innovation, and ownership.”

The first cohort of the GROW Data Analytics programme delivered exceptional results: 70 unemployed young adults—70% of whom were women—underwent 12 weeks of blended learning.

The programme recorded a 100% completion rate and an 80% post-training placement rate, which includes internships, job placements, or freelancing pathways.

Graduates like Richard Gidi have credited the programme with helping them transition into meaningful employment. “One of the most valuable aspects of the GROW cohort was the community,” he shared. “It’s helped me collaborate on real-world projects and improve how I communicate my work—skills I now apply in my roles at Amdari and Oilcorp Energia.”

The graduation ceremony for the second cohort was a vibrant showcase of skill and resilience. Learners presented capstone projects tackling real-world data challenges, drawing praise from stakeholders and industry partners.

Amma Baffoe, Learner Engagement Programme Manager at Generation Ghana, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in preparing youth for the changing world of work. One of the new graduates, Catherine Kloku, shared her personal journey:

“When I joined the programme, I had little experience with data. Now, I’ve secured my first job as a data analyst intern at Bezzie 31 Consult. This programme changed my life.”

Vandyck Lomotey, Programmes Director at Generation Ghana, underscored the broader goal of the GROW initiative:

"The partnership between Generation Ghana and Blossom Academy is an example of what the GROW programme, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, seeks to achieve: equipping young people with the skills, mindsets, and opportunities needed to thrive in a changing world of work. As they graduate, we are confident they will not only contribute meaningfully to their future employers but also help shape a more inclusive and resilient workforce for Ghana.”

Following the success of the first two cohorts, the GROW programme is scaling up. Two new cohorts are set to train 110 learners across Accra and Kumasi. The upcoming Kumasi cohort signals a renewed commitment to regional inclusion. Blossom Academy is refining its approach in the Ashanti Region by improving access to reliable internet, working with local partners for on-ground support, and strengthening ties with regional employers.

“We’re excited to return to Kumasi,” said Duodu. “We’re more intentional this time, making sure our learners there have all the support they need—not just during training, but as they transition into jobs.”

The long-term vision for the GROW programme is to help create a thriving digital workforce in Ghana—one that prioritises remote work, digital inclusion, gender equity, and economic mobility. Through their continued collaboration, Blossom Academy, Generation Ghana, and the Mastercard Foundation aim to empower a generation of skilled data professionals who can compete globally and lead change locally.