Resources & Networks needed to improve the quality of youth in Sunyani and beyond through Barcamp Sunyani 2024

Many have said that your network is your net worth. It does not only hold for very wealthy people, it also holds for youth who are building their careers and lives. A network of young changemakers, doers and entrepreneurs can be the fuel and energy for youth to develop, ultimately developing their communities, countries, etc. Sunyani is the capital of a region in Ghana with a lot of natural resources. It is also home to many resource personnels who can help develop and drive young people. It would be evident in Barcamp Sunyani 2024. This free networking forum is happening at the Sunyani Technical University Auditorium on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

This mindset motivates GhanaThink members to organize Barcamps in more than 12 locations in Ghana. For the year 2024, the 3 theme words chosen for Barcamps, etc are Culture, Finance and Quality.
For Culture, we are looking at mindset, tourism, and a way of life needed for youth to be successful. For Finance, we are exploring financial literacy, the use of fintech applications, money needed to be successful. For Quality, we are pushing for quality of jobs done by youth, quality of Made-In-Ghana products & services, air quality, etc. Ato Ulzen-Appiah, Director of the GhanaThink Foundation stated: “Barcamp Sunyani through the #KonnectKouch would explore how young people in the Bono region can become better, have a better mindset towards developing themselves, and how to also make more money”.

BarCamp Sunyani 2024 will be the 10th BarCamp in Sunyani and it will showcase entrepreneurs and innovators in the Bono region. This builds upon 120+ Barcamps organized in Ghana since the first one in Accra in December 2008. This Barcamp is organized primarily by the GhanaThink Foundation as part of the Barcamp Ghana program. Barcamps are free networking forums where there is learning, sharing, networking and mentoring.

Dominic Mary Kornu led Barcamp Sunyani for many years, after being at the first one in 2012. He mentioned: “Barcamp Sunyani was a springboard for me to make my skills available as gifts to others. It afforded me the opportunity to volunteer, build leadership skills, and improve my people skills. It has also afforded me the opportunity to build a network of changemakers and individuals I can trust”. He encourages more youth to participate in this free networking forum by saying: “I expect #bcsyi2024 to be nothing short of inspirational, equipping participants with tools to traverse the current socio-economic situations we face as a people, and form partnerships to better the lot of their communities. Less talk. More action”.

Our confirmed resource personnel include Kobby Amoa Mensah, Ranti Adjaku, Emmanuel Gyan, Lady Crystabel Tamakloe, Kofi Vinyo, Eric Anati, Audrey Akosua Tindana, Adzo Antwi-Duah, Prof. Amos T. Kabo-Bah, Jacob Anankware, Saeed Alhassan Tariq, Dr. Yaa Boateng-Marfo, Eric Adu Gyamfi, Diana Nsoh, Veronica Amma Yeboah, Stephen Tetteh Corley, Evans Awuni, Diana Agyare, Mastura Saana Tahiru, Joycelyn Adii, Jacqueline Obeng, Kate Affram, Francisca Asare Bediako, Bernard Kumi Peprah, etc

Rukaya Sukah was the first female coordinator for a new Barcamp in Ghana – Barcamp Wa 2015. She stated: “Barcamp has been an eye opening experience for me and I have never looked back since my very first Barcamp, I was blown away by the caliber of mentors but the most important for me was being able to network with the vibrant and self motivated participants. I have formed networks that will last a lifetime”.

Our confirmed partners include Clean Air Fund, Hollard Ghana, Sunyani Technical University Students SRC, PPAG, GrassRoots Hub, WAN-Hive Ghana, AMEND Foundation, Greena 95.9 FM, Frana Media, GreenLeaf Eatery, Baobab Entrepreneur, etc. They support with cash and in-kind services to keep the Barcamps free. The partners would also be organizing breakout sessions on #CleanAirGhana, User Experience and Customer Success, Building Unique Business & Personal Brands for Sustainable Growth, Insurance, etc. All participants would join one of these sessions, further deepening networking, sharing and learning.

Patricia Belaune has also been a part of the Barcamp Sunyani team and is currently with the Barcamp Kumasi team as the Resources Lead. She opined: “My ability to relate with people of all calibre and self-confidence was improved through the various Barcamps I attended. I have met and interacted with personalities through Barcamp. I can not with doubt say l landed my current job through my skills gained in organising and coordinating programs that started right from Barcamp Sunyani”. She added: “I believe one is able to tap and learn a lot during Barcamps if you are willing to.“

This is a completely free networking forum. Participants can register via EgoTickets https://bit.ly/bcsyi2024register. EgoTickets is a Ghanaian built tech business, with a platform used to provide tickets for events, etc. Participants can also register via USSD, by dialling the code 71333*398#. Alternatively, one can dial *713*33# and enter the event code 398 to find this event and register. Participants will be inspired and motivated and get information to do things they love to do. There will be a focus on channeling the present energies to promote positive developments and progress for Sunyani and surrounding areas as well. Stay tuned via the #bcsyi hashtag. Stay tuned via our social media on Twitter | Facebook. Join us to move the Bono Region and Ghana forward.

Stephen Harmony Asampana participated in Barcamp Sunyani while he was a student at the Sunyani Technical University. He stated: “Attending Barcamp Sunyani since 2018 has been incredibly beneficial for me. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet numerous mentors who have profoundly influenced my personal and professional development in ways I could never have imagined. Through Barcamp Sunyani, I’ve built an extensive network of contacts that ultimately led me to my current job”. He has led a number of Sunyani Konnect meetups. “Currently, I have the privilege of leading the Barcamp Sunyani Team. This role provides me with a unique opportunity to engage with development partners, further expand my network. He shared this about the #bcsyi2024 edition: For this year’s Barcamp Sunyani, my expectations are high. I aim to continue building my network, seek valuable mentorship, make at least 20 new friends, and, most importantly, have a lot of fun. See you there!!!”