Young people

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

TEENpreneurship

Next Is Now: TEENpreneurship 2025 Empowers Young Innovators

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The week-long TEENpreneurship 2025 Bootcamp concluded at the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Hall, bringing together over 365 young participants, parents, and partners of the Ghana Grows programme. Held under the theme Next Is Now, the closing ceremony was a lively celebration of talent, resilience, and youthful determination. The closing day featured exhibitions, artistic performances, and powerful messages from Rev. Albert and Comfort Ocran of the Springboard Road Show Foundation. Partners such as Lyme Haus and Meraki Arts reaffirmed their dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators across Ghana. Breakout groups showcased projects spanning Resin and Creative Arts, Fashion Design, Eco Craft, Content Creation, Agribusiness, and Game Design. A memorable moment came from the Eco Craft group when a participant reflected, “Something good can be made from nothing,” earning applause for the creativity and resourcefulness the camp inspired. Parents also shared heartfelt stories of transformation. A mother who had travelled from Cape Coast spoke emotionally about her young son, a boy with a disability who joined the Content Creation class. “He came in shy and unsure, but today he is confident, bold, and eager to share his ideas. This camp has given him more than skills; it has given him belief in himself,” she said, drawing emotional applause from the audience. The day’s highlights included recognizing the Creative Arts group as Breakout Group of the Year. In a symbolic celebration, all 103 members received medals, a book authored by Rev. Albert and Comfort Ocran, and a group trophy — lifted high to the sound of the World Cup anthem. As the programme drew to a close, Lady Comfort Ocran urged participants to turn their ideas into reality through action, consistency, and collaboration. “Seeds don’t grow just because they are planted — they thrive when nurtured in the right conditions. You are the gardener of your own dreams,” she reminded them. The event concluded with an ice cream party and cheers of excitement, leaving one message ringing clear: Next Is Now. By Genevieve Mensah

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