The second cohort of the acclaimed startup mentoring program ‘Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray’ concluded with a closing dinner, awards night, and exhibition on November 23, 2024, at Alisa Hotel, North Ridge.

The event which was graced by mentors, partners, members of the diplomatic corps, esteemed business persons, and other dignitaries, marked a celebration of hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurial excellence.

The evening showcased the transformative journey of the program’s participants, highlighting their innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. The graduates were honored for their achievements, demonstrating the impactful role of the initiative in shaping Ghana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Launched in partnership with UNESCO in September 2024, under the auspices of BR Institute, the second cohort of Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray continued its mission of nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs. The three-month program represented a significant milestone in empowering Ghanaian youth to dream, innovate, and achieve.

Nat Kwabena Anokye Adisi, popularly known as Bola Ray, Founder and Executive Chairman of BR Institute and vision bearer of the Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray (EWithBR) initiative, delivered an inspiring keynote address.

He commended the participants for their dedication and passion, saying: “We are here to witness the passion and commitment you bring to your businesses every day. Our mission is to impact lives and empower dreams. Each of you has proven that with determination and focus, you can achieve greatness.”

Bola Ray also extended his gratitude to the program’s mentors and sponsors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and networking in entrepreneurship. He encouraged the participants to embrace teamwork, saying: “Let’s not be selfish or greedy. We don’t know it all, so we must hold hands and support each other. Networking is the key to success. You may have all the resources, but you’ll still need people. Platforms like this are vital for growth and innovation.”

The climax of the mentorship program was a pitching competition where Judith Eyram Akwetey, Co-
founder of Agrimecarb placed first winning a grant of GHC10,000; Joseph Anokye, CEO of Mushplus AgriFoods placed second winning GHC6,000, and Daisy-Alice Mawuena Zigre, CEO of DMD Catering placed third winning GHC4,000.

In addition, a random raffle was held during the event that saw a mentee Erica Adjoa Appiah, CEO of Wobil Technologies walk away with the latest Apple iPhone 16 and Apple AirPods presented by Bola Ray himself in partnership with Apple Zone GH.

Bola Ray highlighted the achievements of the program’s alumni, noting that the winner and first runner-up of Cohort one were currently representing Ghana at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Nigeria. He also reminded the audience that
entrepreneurship is a challenging but rewarding journey, urging them not to be swayed by the illusions of social media:

“Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. It requires hard work, persistence, and resilience. Stay focused and committed.”

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Ghana and beyond.

The Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray initiative continues to build a legacy of empowering young innovators, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth.

As Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape evolves, programs like these serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring the next generation to dream big and achieve more.