The Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray (EwithBR) program, a cornerstone of Ghana’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, has faced an unexpected twist in its third cohort.
Out of the 15 participants for the entrepreneurship training, two were disqualified based on consistenly flouting the business process. The thirteen qualified mentees whom were presented with certificates of participation were Shadrack Kofi Ansah, Sylvia Andzie-Quainoo, Alberta Nana Ama Awuku, Agnes Agyemang, Kwabena Owusu, Hannah Appiah.
The others were Joshua Kobina Baah, Solomon Bentum Mensah, Keziah Naa Odorkor Daniels, Aboagye Theophilus, Yvonne Nuoriyee, Queenstar Nsakie and Sarah Lartey.
Per their performaces during the training, CEO of AGE Industries, Mr Theophilus Aboagye was adjudged the overall winner of the cohort with a cash prize of 20, 000 cedis and the Jeff Sowah Award of 20, 000 cedis. He was also honored with the Most Innovative Business Idea Award.
Founder of Crochel, Mrs Alberta Awuku came second with a cash prize of 10, 000 cedis whiles the Founder of Hibitea and Beverages, Mrs Agnes Agyemang won 5, 000 cedis as the third runner up.
Most Promising Female Entrepreneur Award went to Mrs Yvonne Nuoriyee and Best Bootsrapped Business Award, given to Mr Shadrack Kofi Ansah.
The Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray program, organised by the Bola Ray Institute, was a comprehensive five-months start-up support initiative for 15 deserving entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 35.
The initiative, founded by media mogul Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi better known as Bola Ray has been in the past been in partnership with European Union office in Ghana for Cohort 1, UNESCO Ghana for Cohort 2 and the Ambassador for Barbados for Cohort 3. The project aims to equip emerging business leaders with essential skills, funding, and networks to scale their ventures.
The Barbados High Commisioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Juliete Bynoe-Sutherland, has echoed that Ghana’s excess untapped potentials within its private sector needs to be promoted in order to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
She mentioned that since the real growth in a country’s economy stems from the private sector, it was imperative for the country to invest in its young entrepreneurs in order to elevate its economy, internationally.
H.E. Juliete Bynoe-Sutherland made this call at the Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray closing dinner for its third cohort in Accra on Friday.
The Entrepreneurship with Bola Ray program, organised by the Bola Ray Institute, was a comprehensive five-months start-up support initiative for 15 deserving entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 35.
H.E. Bynoe-Sutherland who was the grand mentor for the training expressed her gratitude to the institute for giving her the opportunity to have engaged and learnt with the mentees.
“Any good mentor will tell you that, connecting with these young entrepreneurs gets you inspired and re-affirmed and it’s been an honour to serve them. I’m glad to say that I’m still using most of the products like the shea butter and bath gel introduced to me,” she noted.
The High Commisioner, who made a pledge to avail herself as a faculty member for the next cohort, highlighted that the contributions of Bola Ray towards the development and growth of the country needed recognition.
Chairman for the Bola Ray Institute, Mr Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi, better known as Bola Ray, acknowledged the High Commisioner and other mentors for believing in his dream and providing immense guidance and support to the young entrepreneurs.
Bola Ray who is one of Ghana’s most renowned, pioneering radio and television personalities, also congratulated the entrepreneurs for their resilience, creativity and determination theoughout the journey.
He charged the mentees to be audacious in charting new territories with their enterprises.
“We have invested in your development because we believe in you and we would want to see you with global standards as you take territories,” he noted.
Touting achievements of the cohortees, Team Lead of the BR Institute, Mr Alex Brown announced that six of them have been selected to pitch their business ideas in the BOMA Africa Prize Award taking place in the subsequent weeks ahead.
The 15 initial mentees hailed from diverse sectors, including tech, agriculture, fashion, and hospitality, representing a cross-section of Ghana’s innovative youth.
The programme, which sought to empower aspiring entrepreneurs, promises to continue its success from the past cohorts, with an expanded curriculum and enhanced resources.
Below are the 13 selected mentees of EwBR
Keziah Daniels
(KezDaniels) embodies the essence of ‘Elegance, Grace, You’ – a mantra that reflects
our commitment to creating exquisite, bespoke women’s clothing that empowers confidence and
individuality. With a focus on high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, our designs cater to the
modern woman who values sophistication, style, and self-expression. Through our garments, we aim to
help women unleash their unique elegance and grace, celebrating their individuality and personal style. I
have a second brand which is more tailored towards making ready to wear outfits for women and men
(still in the process)
Queenstar Nsakie
Dorthnoch Ltd is an indigenous agribusiness firm specializing in cassava processing to high-quality
white and yellow Gari and pepper (Chili) production for both local and export market. For a seamless
operation, we work with over 750 smallholder farmers for raw materials sourcing and have trained 710
women in high-quality Gari production which we aggregate to supplement our own production. we have
fully equipped facility with modern technology equipment, to ensure consistency in quality, supply, and
export readiness of our products. Our circular model adds value by converting cassava waste into
animal feed and starch. In two years, we have gained supplier traction serving bulk local buyers and
export clients. Dorthnoch Ltd is committed to food security, women’s empowerment, and sustainable
rural development through agricultural practices.
Alberta Nana Awuku
CroChel is a Ghanaian fashion brand that creates made-to-measure luxury crochet clothing for
adventurous, modern women. Our pieces are known for their vibrant storytelling, high craftsmanship,
and sustainable ethos. Since our launch, we’ve released themed collections like Akwaaba, Solar , Shine
and Unwind, each capturing a unique mood and narrative. We provide custom orders. We also pride
ourselves on exceptional customer service and community impact.
Yvonne Nuoriyee
Edible Treats is an agroprocesing company that adds value to Ghanas single origin cocoa by infusing
local fruits and nuts with the aim of selling Ghana globally
Theophilus Aboagye
The AGE Industries and Trading Limited is a Ghanaian manufacturing company that builds affordable,
locally made agricultural machinery for small and medium-holder farmers. Our core products include
multi-crop threshers, cassava processing machines, palm fruit pounders, and other agro-processing
equipment designed to reduce post-harvest losses, save time, and improve productivity.
Sylvia Andzie-Quainoo
Snaq Creations crafts unique, handmade beaded jewelry using quality materials to help customers
express their personal style.”
Solomon Mensah
Produces quails ,quail eggs rabbit and other livestock
Agnes Agyemang
Hibitea is a wellness-focused beverage brand that produces hibiscus tea in powdered form, packaged in
convenient tea bags. Our product is made from 100 percent natural dried hibiscus petals, carefully
blended with spices like ginger, cloves, alligator pepper, guinea cubeb, and cinnamon to provide a
healthy, refreshing alternative to sugary drinks. Hibitea is not just about flavor, it’s about lifestyle. We
promote wellness, affordability, and accessibility by packaging a traditional African drink in a modern,
easy-to-use form. The tea bags are designed for busy individuals who want to enjoy the benefits of
Sobolo without the hassle of preparation. Our mission is to encourage healthy living, support local
farmers by sourcing raw materials locally, and create employment opportunities, especially for young
people and women, through our growing production and distribution chain.
Joshua Baah
FarmGate is a youthled AgriTech company that provides an open access, easy to use e-commerce
website where farmers produce can be listed at farm prices and where consumers can make purchases.
Kofi Ansah
Ahodwo Farms Ltd is an Agro processing company in the fiel of cultivating and processing Cassava into
Gari, Cassava flour, Cassava Starch and animal feed. We currently have over 800 arcs of cultivated
cassava and have employed over 80 workers producing Gair on an average of 10 Tons a week.
Hannah Appiah
McHan Cosmetics transforms cocoa pod waste into eco-friendly cosmetic products like African black
soap, shower gel, body cream, and cocoa potash, which helps cure skin problems such as rashes and
acne. We are solving the agro-waste crisis affecting smallholder cocoa farmers and limited opportunities
for women, especially in rural areas. By partnering with these farmers, we create jobs, increase income,
and promote sustainability. Our impact includes reducing waste, empowering women and youth, and
supporting sustainable agriculture.
Sarah Lartey
Lharsah products covers all the 3 aspects of fashion thus Clothes, Accessories and cosmestics.
Specifically we sew for men, women and children. And for the Accessories we do beaded bracelet,
chain, kente beading, beaded bag
Kwabena Owusu
Supracarer is a homecare startup focused on delivering accessible, affordable, and quality health
services—especially for people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and
diabetes. Our model blends in-person nursing support with digital tools to promote prevention, early
detection, and long-term management of chronic conditions. We’re also working toward launching a
virtual NCD clinic to scale care across Ghana and beyond.