It is the Mother Christmas of all Barcamps. Right in the thick of the festive season. The very first Barcamp in Ghana was on December 23, 2008 – networking young Ghanaians in Ghana with those abroad. The umpteenth Barcamp in Accra in 2023 would do the same. Barcamp Accra 2023 is a free networking forum bringing people together for a day of learning, sharing, networking and mentoring. The event is on Saturday, 16th December 2023 at Accra Technical University Auditorium in Accra. The theme is “Finance, Quality, Innovation”. If you cannot join in person, join us via the #bcaccra hashtag on social media!
Barcamp Accra is organised primarily by the GhanaThink Foundation, an organisation based both in Ghana and the USA, that has successfully organised 120+ BarCamps in Ghana as part of its Barcamp Ghana program. Barcamp Ghana is building a network of changemakers, doers, and entrepreneurs. Barcamps drive the personal development of many youth in Ghana.
Deborah Dzathor is the logistics lead for Barcamp Accra. She believes that Barcamp is a melting pot of ideas, discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions covering diverse topics. She stated: “The atmosphere at Barcamps are charged with creativity and a spirit of collaboration”. Barcamps in Ghana bring youth from all walks of life. She affirmed this by saying: “From tech enthusiasts to entrepreneurs and creatives, everyone has a platform to share their expertise and passions. It’s a dynamic experience that encourages active participation of attendees”.
Enoch Robot Boy Appiah, Junior leads marketing for Barcamp Accra. His first Barcamp experience was in Tamale i.e Barcamp Tamale in 2011. He mentioned: “Attending Barcamps provided me with valuable networking opportunities, exposure to diverse ideas and a chance to learn from professionals in various fields especially during the Speed Mentoring sessions. Every Barcamp that I take part in enhances my knowledge, broadens my perspective and allows me to connect with like-minded individual- as collaboration plays a key role in my industry. Overall, my personal growth and professional growth can be attributed to attending Barcamps Accra”.
Our speed mentoring session will help participants gain insights and answers to questions. Some of our confirmed mentors. Our confirmed mentors include Joan Mwintere Ninfaakang, Cecil Nutakor, Philip Ashon, Amma Aboagye, Anthony Owusu-Ansah, Eugene Boadu, Awura Abena Agyeman, Hayford Yeboah, McDennis Appau, Carl Nutsugah, Anna Fokuoh-Boadu, Rexford Nkansah, Kafui Anson-Yevu, Comfort Adza, Justice Okai-Allotey, Nii Longdon Sowah, Emmanuel Agbeko Gamor, Yaa Sarpoma, Kofi Tandoh, Theodore Atsu-Djadou, Nathan Quao, Samuel Agyemang-Prempeh, Hephzi Tagoe, Maame De-Heer, Nana Asaase, Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo, Klenam Fiadzoe, Ama Oforiwah Mintah, Paul Owusu Donkor, Jessie Atuama Abugre, Michael K. Ocansey, Elizabeth Akua Nyarko Patterson, Senyo Affram, Priscilla Wellington, Mawuli Fui Kwadzovia, Aaron Nyarkotey, Mary Eyram Ashinyo, Kobina Aidoo, Alice Mensah, Dennis Adutwum, Yvonne Gyefour, Ronald Tagoe, Eugene Boadu, Charles Selorm Agbemashior, Charisma Buxton, Desmond Appidh, etc. There would also be a Konnect Kouch where two awesome young personalities would be interviewed about their lives and the theme.
Mildred Adeaba has been in charge of getting all of these awesome mentors, as the #bcaccra resources lead. She stated, “I’ve built a solid network of friends, doers, and changemakers from Barcamp Accra. Barcamp Accra will be nothing short of amazing, impactful and educative”. She heard about Barcamps from her sister Marian Clara Adeaba and participated in a Junior Camp in Archbishop Porter Girls as a student prior to attending her first Barcamp – Barcamp Takoradi in August 2016. She stated, “It was simply an engaging and awesome experience. I was actively encouraged to participate in all aspects of the programme, and I not only gained a new network but learned a lot as well”.
Our confirmed partners include Clean Air Fund, Accra Technical University Library, Petra, Malta Guinness Ghana, Hubtel, mPedigree, Arkesel, Knii Nfonii, Apocalypto Studios, Treasure Maks, Baobab Entrepreneur, Africa’s Talking, Handy Tradie, Wear Ghana, Kweku Tech, Akadi Solar, Delice Foods, Spera Foods & Drinks, Jowato, etc. Our partners would be running breakout sessions – which are discussion-based, value-driven for businesses and very interactive. The sessions planned include #CleanAirGhana, plastic recycling, etc.
Bright Atsu participated in his first Barcamp in Tema in 2012, and he heard about it from Gameli Adzaho who was his Biology tutor in Ketasco. He also participated in the very first ever Junior Camp Ghana programme at Ketasco in 2013. Currently, he is the Barcamp Accra lead/coordinator. He stated: “Barcamps have become annual events that I yearn for every year because of the level of impact it always leaves me with, what’s more than getting an intimate mentorship, life guidance and networking with great minds all at a free event”. Ahead of an interview on Citi TV’s Breakfast Daily show on Thursday, December 13, 2023, he shared his expectations about Barcamp Accra 2023: “Participating in result-oriented and solution-focused breakout sessions that will leave you awestruck. For me, talking about my experience with Barcamps and the impact it had is unending”.
To participate in the Barcamp, register at the barcampaccra23.eventbrite.com. To stay tuned, visit @BarcampAccra on Twitter | Barcamp Accra on Facebook | Hashtag: #bcaccra on all platforms. Stay tuned via the #bcaccra hashtag. Stay tuned via our social media. Twitter | Facebook
Register today to participate, and/or share this with other young people in and around Accra.
