Barcamp Tema 2025 continues to build a community of innovators, and quality youth impacting in Tema and beyond

In 2012, the first Barcamp Tema happened at the Central University Campus in Miotso. 13 years on, a community of changemakers, doers and entrepreneurs continues to grow in the Industrial City of Ghana through GhanaThink’s Barcamp Ghana program. The 3 theme words for Barcamp Ghana in 2025 are Impact, Innovation and Quality. BarCamp Tema 2025 is on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at Rotary Centre, Community 5, Tema. from 9am-3:30pm. GhanaThink Foundation (a social entreprise based both in Ghana and the USA) has successfully organized 123+ BarCamps in Ghana, as part of its Barcamp Ghanaprogram. Barcamp Tema 2025 is the 11th of its kind and it aims at creating a platform for young people to share ideas on how to identify, clarify and convert opportunities into business ventures by learning to engage and leverage their passions. It also seeks to promote partnerships that are directed towards providing a support base for young entrepreneurs and innovators. 

Timothy Amuah currently leads Barcamp Tema. He participated in his Barcamp about 10  years ago. This was Barcamp Cape Coast 2017 at the Sasakawa Conference Room in UCC. He stated to Baobab Entrepreneur: “Barcamps in my view are very insightful. They expose you to so much vital information, network and opportunities. Barcamps in Ghanahave different types of sessions. There is the 30 minute speed networking session where participants interact with varied people for 2 minutes each. In the speed mentoring session, there are about 23+ professionals from varied fields. Barcampers talk to any of these people for about 8 minutes each during this 150 minute session. After each 8 minute round, participants change the professionals (mentors) they’re talking to, so that another person can come speak to them, and the cycle continues. The Konnect Kouch is a personality interview session where there’s a host and two guests who discuss the theme in relation to their experiences and field of expertise. The concurrent breakout sessions are more like a group discussion on topics usually from the partners for the Barcamp.

Albert Anati Amenyah participated in his first Barcamp Tema in 2023. He mentioned to Yayah Sarkodie: “I came to the event not knowing what to expect. The event ended up amazing me. First, the one mentoring session was amazing and my first time seeing such activity. You get the chance to experience real-time talk to a mentor. The experience was mind-blowing. You can ask them relevant questions pertaining to their field and get their contacts. And possibly make them your mentor and role model”. Albert’s favorite part of Barcamps is the breakout session since one gets to learn not only from experts but also from other individuals share their sides towards the topic being discussed. This gives the participants varied lessons and experiences from everyone, which enlightens them to make an informed choice about the said topic. Rita Alu became a Barcamper in 2022 in Tema. She was in Ada by she decided to participate in Barcamp Tema at all cost. She learnt a lot and networked with wonderful mentors that she is still in touch with, and they vibe. She has mentioned her business ideas to some and they helped her with how to go about them. 

There are many videos on YouTube which showcase what happens at Barcamps.  Some of the confirmed mentors include Mark Akoto-Senaman, Florence Aba Dadzie, Kwame Grundow, Miishe Addy, Michael Sedinam Korku Tenu, Nana Akosua Konadu Darko, Gideon Nana Asmah, Jean-Baptiste Mantey, Josephine Amankwah-Boateng, Nana Opoku Agyemang-Prempeh, Jemima Bernice Abochie, Charles Yao Koge, Dr. Theophilus Adjirackor, Linda Wendy Dzissah, Jacob Kwaku Fynn, Hilary Adongo, Amanda Akushie, Darlington Agyekum, Andrew Amekpor, Diana S. Agbenyo, Selorm Ahorlu, Edmond Floey, Juana A Boateng, Samuel Azure, Peter Asare Nyarko, Priscilla Eyifah Abban, Francis Oko Armah, Josephine Mawuli Adzogble, Kofi Kafui Kornu, Abena Konadu Baidoo, etc. See more info on the Barcamp Tema Facebook page.

Joseph Damesi’s first Barcamp Tema experience was in 2019. Even though he arrived late and met the breakout sessions since the Barcamps do not do #GhanaManTime, he called it “truly transformative”. He stated to Baobab Entrepreneur: “What I encountered was an incredibly vibrant, welcoming space filled with passionate people eager to share ideas, build, and grow. It wasn’t just about listening to speakers, it was about meaningful participation, raw and honest discussions, and connecting with individuals who are genuinely passionate about making a difference”.

What sets Barcamps apart is the one-on-one mentorship. It’s not just inspiration, it’s instant clarity, real feedback, and actionable steps. He still remembers his mentorship session in 2024 with Ms. Fiona Wilberforce Kamau, a seasoned communications expert. The conversation helped him to rethink and gave him great insight to take command of his communication. This interaction has truly shaped how he present himself and shares ideas, a skill that’s now shaping his work and social life. He has also seen friends take bold steps because of Barcamp Tema, starting YouTube channels and podcasts, and even pursuing higher education. The ripple effect is real. As the lead marketing volunteer for BarCamp Tema 2025, He aims to create an even more impactful and memorable experience for every participant. He added: “I want them to leave feeling empowered, inspired, and equipped with clarity with ideas to drive meaningful change. It’s about fostering a culture where young people are not just consumers of knowledge, but active contributors to society’s progress. Less Talk, More Action!”.

Barcamp Tema 2025 is organized by the GhanaThink Foundation with the support of our partners – UBA Bank, Clean Air Fund, Petra, Hubtel, Wilmar Africa, ALX, Africa’s Talking, Rotaract Club of Tema, Baobab Entrepreneur, Dada Foundation Ghana, Drug Net, CFLE Africa, Promasidor, Unilever, etc. Join a network of change-makers, doers, and entrepreneurs at #BarcampTema 2025 where you can learn, share, network, konnect and be mentored. Join us to move the Greater Accra Region and Ghana forward. Stay tuned via social media – #bctema and on Twitter and Facebook

One moment that still resonates with Joseph Damesi was “the closing, having to sing the national anthem in English, Twi, and Ga (Yen Ara Asaase Ni). That experience awakened a deep sense of patriotism and urgency for personal growth”. He believes the Barcamp Tema 2025 theme perfectly encapsulates the aspirations of many young Ghanaians today. “We are  moving beyond just activity to focus on tangible results. IMPACT – speaks to the real-world difference we want to see in our communities. INNOVATION – challenges us to think creatively and embrace new solutions to pressing problems.  QUALITY – ensures that our efforts are sustainable and hold long-term value”.

Rita Alu stated: “Barcamp Tema has opened a lot of doors for me and am grateful for that opportunity given to me”. Her expectations for Barcamp Tema 2025 is to help the youth see the mentors and learn from their inspiring, insightful and innovative ways of doing things. “We live in a technological world and we have to learn from each other and having these mentors would help the youth”. Timothy Amuah’s expectations: “As a lead for the local team in Tema, I’m extremely optimistic at the success of this Barcamp Tema 2025. I hope people meet their breakthroughs through meeting new people, some new relevant information, etc. Utmostly, I pray for general success”. Albert Anati Amenyah ended the interview with Baobab Entrepreneur by saying: “I expect this event to be massive and better than the previous years. Superb experts to be heard from and learn from. I’m expecting a thrilling breakout sessions to hear and learn from varied opinions from various people. I’m hoping to network with people from varied backgrounds to seek out cordial, professional and business relationships”.