At just 16, McEwan Jefferson Addo Botchway is turning heads as the founder and CEO of The Saint Arts, a creative brand already gaining traction within and beyond Ghana.

Speaking on The Career Trail program on Joy Learning TV and JoyNews, the artist revealed that his journey began at age 11, when his artistic talent was first discovered by his teachers at Immanuel Presby Basic School in Madina.

“I was the youngest to do a nice drawing on the school wall. I was in the midst of seniors, but my drawing topped them all. That was when my teachers discovered my talent," he recalled.

Following this recognition, his school began involving him in art competitions, where he consistently emerged victorious.

“I have been leading my school, Immanuel Presby, to winning art competitions,” he proudly recounted.

His passion for drawing grew stronger, and even during regular class sessions, he found himself sketching portraits of his teachers while they taught.

“Sometimes while the teachers were teaching, I would be drawing them,” he said

After completing JHS 3, Jefferson made a bold decision not to attend Senior High School (SHS). Instead, he chose a more practical route, pursuing a diploma in IT at Excel Training Center after passing the Advanced Business Certificate Examination (ABCE).

“I didn’t go to SHS. Right after JHS 3, I went straight to pursue a diploma in IT at Excel Training Center after passing my Advanced Business Certificate Examination (ABCE). I made this decision because I realized some people go to SHS and at the end of their WASSCE, they come out and they don’t have skills. So I felt it was a waste of time and my dad also encouraged me; hence I decided to go to Excel,” he explained.

With his diploma now completed, Jefferson has his sights set on furthering his education at Ashesi University, a goal he believes will help him combine both his artistic and technological ambitions.

“I am done with Excel. Now, the goal is to go to Ashesi University,” he disclosed. 

Having completed his diploma and while waiting to begin studies at Ashesi University, Jefferson continues to develop his artistic skills and take on commissions. It was during this time that his big breakthrough came during a church event, where he was invited to display his talent live on stage.

“There was this teacher called Aunty Jessica. We had a Teens Day program where teens were to showcase their talents. I drew Jesus Christ live on stage. When everyone saw it, they were amazed,” he recollected.

Among the audience that day was the son of prominent Ghanaian politician, Kennedy Agyapong, who was deeply moved by Jefferson’s work. After the event, he promised to connect Jefferson to international gospel icon Kirk Franklin, and he delivered on that promise.

“I didn’t know Kennedy Agyapong’s son was in the crowd. After the event, he said he’d help me meet Kirk Franklin. That’s how I got the chance to draw him live on stage. Kirk was very touched and even endorsed my business,” Jefferson shared.

Following that exposure, Jefferson began getting art requests from church members, then from clients outside the church, and even beyond Ghana.

To give his art a brand identity, he founded The Saint Arts and started posting his work online. The visibility helped him gain new clients and recognition.

Jefferson has had the privilege of drawing several notable figures, including The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama, and most recently, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, a portrait he created live on television.

While his gift with a pencil is undeniable, Jefferson has an even bigger dream, which is, becoming an aerospace engineer. Inspired by his interest in science and space, he hopes to one day work with NASA.

“I want to be an aerospace engineer. My dream is to work with NASA. Combining my design skills with their technology, I believe I can create spacecraft that support their missions,” he revealed.

Giving back is central to Jefferson’s long-term vision. He plans to establish a school to train the next generation of artists.

“I want to create a space where young artists can learn and grow. I’ll call it The Jefferson Foundation,” he hinted.

He concluded with heartfelt advice to both young people and parents.

“If a parent sees that a child has a certain interest, they should push them to pursue it instead of imposing career paths on them. And to the youth, always chase your dreams, but don’t forget to take your education seriously.”

From drawing on a school wall at age 11 to sketching international icons, Jefferson’s story is proof that passion, when nurtured with purpose and vision, can transform into something extraordinary.

Last week, we introduced the 8th episode of The Career Trail New Edition, diving into the journey of 16-year-old CEO, McEwan Jefferson Addo Botchway. This Saturday, June 14, we will air the 9th episode, which will explore the journey of media personality and entrepreneur, KMJ.

The episode will air at 4 p.m. on Joy Learning TV and at 6:30 p.m. on Joy News. Stay tuned!