Edwuma

Edwuma

Ex-Banker Transforms Ghana’s Fruits into Healthy Popsicles

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Gertrude Adzo Borklo, the visionary founder and CEO of Popsicles Ghana, is redefining Ghana’s frozen dessert industry by transforming locally grown fruits into healthy, colorful, and delicious treats. Her inspiring journey, featured on Ghana Grows Edwuma, the nationwide youth-in-agribusiness broadcast, began when a career setback became a springboard for innovation. After losing her job as an investment banker, Gertrude revisited her childhood memories of helping her mother make and sell ice cream. “I realized I could build on what she taught me, but with a healthier twist,” she said. What started in her kitchen in 2019 has grown into a thriving brand based in Tema Community 25, now six years strong. Unlike conventional ice creams, Popsicles Ghana products contain no milk or refined sugar. Instead, they are made with fresh fruits, honey, date syrup, and plant-based sweeteners, catering to health-conscious consumers, people with diabetes, and those who are lactose intolerant. “Fruits are naturally sweet, and that’s our foundation,” Ms. Borklo explained. Her creativity doesn’t end with popsicles. In 2024, she introduced Crunchy Cones, handmade, locally produced ice-cream cones in various shapes and sizes, including wafers, tacos, and waffle bowls. The company is preparing to distribute branded boxes of cones to retail outlets nationwide. Despite challenges such as limited financing and marketing support, Gertrude credits social media and word-of-mouth referrals for fueling brand growth. “The entrepreneurial landscape in Ghana is not always favorable to young entrepreneurs, but six years down the line, I’m proud of where we’ve gotten to,” she shared. Beyond building her brand, Ms. Borklo is passionate about mentoring others. Popsicles Ghana has trained dozens of young people, including students eager to enter the dessert industry, a sector she believes holds enormous untapped potential. “You might not be financially stable at the beginning, but if you stay consistent and reinvest what you make, your enterprise grows every day,” she advised. From sourcing coconuts in Agbozume to pineapples in Pokuase and mangoes in Somanya, Popsicles Ghana supports local farmers and demonstrates the value of agribusiness innovation. Ms. Borklo urges aspiring entrepreneurs to take bold steps: “Whatever your dream or goal, do a deep introspection, start small, and grow it. There’s so much opportunity in Ghana.” About Ghana Grows Edwuma Ghana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast under the Ghana Grows Programme, a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Springboard Road Show Foundation. The platform spotlights young entrepreneurs and professionals driving change in agriculture, agribusiness, and technical and vocational education and training (ATVET). Through storytelling and inspiration, Ghana Grows Edwuma aims to spark mindset shifts and empower the next generation of Ghanaian changemakers. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Edwuma

McKingtorch Africa Inspires Next Generation with Plastic-to-Product Solutions

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Makafui Awuku, Founder of McKingtorch Africa, is tackling Ghana’s plastic waste challenge head-on by transforming discarded pure water sachets and bottles into functional furniture and home décor. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma with host Araba Koomson, Mr. Awuku revealed that his journey began in November 2017 while interning with an NGO. Disturbed by the sight of plastics left behind after meetings, he asked the cleaners to collect them, not knowing what to do next. “There are two types of artists. Some start with concepts, but I start with the material. I look at it, then decide what can be created. That’s how I made my first Christmas tree from plastic bottles,” he said. The experiment soon gained public attention when he displayed the tree on a busy street in Madina, drawing thousands of curious onlookers. His work later caught global interest, eventually earning him an invitation to showcase his creations before the then-Prince of Wales. Mr. Awuku admitted the journey has not been without challenges. From public resistance to buying products made from waste to limited funding opportunities, he noted that perseverance has been his greatest tool. “The most successful projects are not the ones with the best idea. They are the ones that stayed the course,” he explained. Beyond creating furniture, McKingtorch Africa is also empowering the next generation. The McKingtorch Africa founder has trained more than 15,000 young people across Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia, while also supporting women in Zambia and Zimbabwe in establishing branches of the initiative.  He urged young entrepreneurs to register their projects, seek training, and most importantly, believe in their own vision. “I realized that the future I wanted was one without pollution. Nobody was going to create it for me. I had to start,” he said. About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

Turning Waste Fabric into Stuffed Toys: MBA Mode’s Innovative Path

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Theresa Maame Baduba Ansah, Founder of MBA Mode, a fashion design institute in Adenta, Accra, is transforming Ghana’s waste fabric problem into an economic opportunity by creating stuffed dolls and other products from discarded textiles. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma, with host Araba Koomson,  she explained that the idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. With her fashion school shut down, she began experimenting with fabric scraps that would have otherwise been discarded. “There were children at home, schools were closed, and we had leftover fabric pieces. That became the inspiration,” she said. The founder, who originally trained as an accountant before venturing into fashion, has since expanded her work to train apprentices and integrate waste-to-product innovation into her institute’s curriculum. She highlighted the difference between upcycling and recycling, explaining, “Upcycling means I can take this piece and directly turn it into a product without breaking it down. Recycling, on the other hand, requires breaking it down before producing something new.” She emphasized the environmental impact of her work, citing worrying figures about waste generation in Ghana. “Every day, over 12,000 tons of waste are produced. Between 2022 and 2029, it is estimated to rise to 16,000 to 20,000 tons daily,” she noted.  “Just like an animal kingdom with different species, I want to build a place where you will find all kinds of stuffed animals,” she explained. Madam Theresa urged young entrepreneurs to take initiative. “You cannot sit for somebody to feed you. Create an environment for yourself. Start with what you have, I started in my living room,” she said. About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

We Built Riohs College to Give Practical Fashion Training to People – Richard Ohene Sika

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Founder of Riohs College of Design, Richard Ohene Sika, says he established the institution to provide hands-on fashion training at a time when Ghana lacked short, practical programs in the field. “There was no official fashion institution doing anything shorter than a one-year program, and many people simply wanted to learn how to sew,” he explained. “That’s why I set up Riohs College, to focus on practicality and teach people how to sew.” Mr. Ohene Sika made these remarks on Ghana Grows Edwuma, hosted by Araba Koomson. The episode explored how Riohs College of Design has created opportunities for young people to turn their creative talents into professional careers. He outlined the institution’s major programs, including clothing and construction, 3D digital fashion, menswear, bridal design, and a new comprehensive fashion design option of one to three years. “From illustration to final sewing, everything is practical from day one. We are student-focused, and it is also value for money,” he said. According to him, what makes Riohs stand out is its lifelong support for graduates. “We have an acronym, LEARN. It’s a lifelong learning program. Even ten years after school you can always come back. We have an open studio policy where you can produce or get any form of help you need.” Mr. Ohene Sika also highlighted the institution’s facilities, including digital and design studios, a library, and a conducive classroom environment. He added that creating a lively and creative space motivates students to excel. Proudly listing alumni such as Elikem the Tailor, Sarah the Dressmaker, Zaki, and several others who have built thriving brands in Ghana and abroad, he said, “Sometimes I see a beautiful brand and later discover it belongs to one of our old students. That gives me so much joy.” About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

We’ve Trained Young Minds to Pass Exams, Not to Engage with the Real World –  Kow Aboagye-Ghunney.

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Biology and Integrated Science teacher at West Africa Senior High School, Kow Aboagye-Ghunney, says Ghana’s education system must shift from theory-based learning to practical experiences that prepare students for real-life challenges. “We teach these children how to grow crops, and they come out and pass their exams, but if you put them beside a tomato plant, they can’t identify it,” he said. “I want to be part of the change I want to see.” Mr. Aboagye-Ghunney made the remarks during an interview on Ghana Grows Edwuma with host Yaa Bitha. The episode focused on how he introduced climate-smart farming into classroom instruction by starting a school farm that teaches students modern, hands-on agricultural practices. The farm, supported by the school’s leadership and staff, uses drip irrigation, plastic mulch, and power tillers in place of traditional hoes and watering cans. Students also receive training on installing irrigation systems and learn the theory behind using drones for pesticide application. “The students know how to prepare land using hand tractors. Nobody holds a hoe here. That’s what puts many young people off Agric,  the hard labour,” he explained. He added that exposing students to safe and modern farming practices could help shift mindsets and career choices. “I hope that when they grow up, they’ll choose this path and produce safer food for us all,” he added. About Ghana Grows Edwuma Ghana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

“Farming Is Not a Risk,” says Rodge Gyabaah Yeboah, Founder of Akro Farms

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Young farmer and founder of Akro Farms, Rodge Gyabaah Yeboah, has called on financial institutions and national stakeholders to rethink their perception of agriculture, describing the sector as one of the most secure and scalable investments in Ghana today. “Farming is not a risk. I can go into a contract with anyone and guarantee delivery,” he stated during an episode on Ghana Grows Edwuma with host Araba Koomson. Mr. Gyabaah Yeboah, who runs his irrigation-powered farm near the Bui Dam in the Bono Region, says the issue is not a lack of interest in farming, but rather a lack of structured support. “Imagine feeding 500 people from one farm. If we had just ten more like Akro Farms, that’s 5,000 people sorted. Food should not be a national crisis,” he said. The trained electrical engineer transitioned to full-time farming, utilizing drip and overhead irrigation systems that he funded 90 percent from his savings. He currently grows okra and pepper, and plans to add onions in the coming season. “Drip irrigation saves water and avoids fungi growth, but it’s expensive. Most young people can’t afford it without help,” he explained. He also raised alarm over the impact of illegal mining on agriculture, especially its effect on human resources. “You need people to work on a farm, but many young men are abandoning agriculture to chase quick money from galamsey,” he said. “They don’t realize it’s destroying the land we all depend on.” Mr. Gyabaah Yeboah encouraged the youth to consider agriculture not just as a fallback, but as a legitimate path to financial freedom. “If you want to be stable and build something lasting, start small, get the right knowledge, and farm. It’s better than fraud or illegal mining.” About Ghana Grows Edwuma Ghana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors.