The 2025 edition of the Creative Entrepreneurs Forum (CEF) once again highlighted the strength of Ghana’s creative sector as an important factor for economic growth, youth empowerment, and innovation.
Held at the British Council in Accra and organized in partnership with the Stanbic Business Incubator Ghana, the forum brought together creatives, entrepreneurs, legal experts, and business leaders under the theme “Rights, Revenue & Real Impact.”
In the weeks leading up to the main forum, CEF introduced the Creative Accelerators Program, a pre-event initiative designed to discover and nurture creative entrepreneurs across diverse industries such as fashion, photography, design, technology, and writing.
After a thorough application process, selected participants underwent a series of mentorship and training sessions led by industry experts. The sessions helped them explore practical ways to transform their creative skills into viable and sustainable businesses.
Through campus activations, social media campaigns, and community engagement via WhatsApp, excitement built steadily, with students and young professionals eagerly anticipating the opportunity to learn, network, and pitch their creative ideas
Main Event Highlights
The main event, hosted at the British Council, brought together a vibrant community of creatives and thought leaders to discuss critical issues surrounding intellectual property, contracts, business formalization, and the financial sustainability of creative work.
A highlight of the day was the live pitching session, where finalists from the Creative Accelerators Program presented their business ideas to a panel of judges, mentors, and investors. The event also featured interactive panel discussions, artistic performances, and networking opportunities that encouraged collaboration and shared learning.
The atmosphere was energetic and inspiring, with conversations centered on how young creatives can transform their passion into profit while protecting their rights and intellectual property.
The forum also featured insightful sessions led by distinguished speakers, including: Adjetey Anang, Screen and Stage Actor, Lecturer, and Film Producer; Samlara Baah Koduah, Lead, Show24 & 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development; Paa Kwesi Folson, Founder, Revolead Solutions Ltd; Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, Poet, Author, Media Practitioner, and Creative Entrepreneur; Senanu Damilola Wemakor, Digital Marketer and Media Consultant; Ivy Mintah, Digital Content Strategist and Storyteller; Reagan Marfo, Host of Unscripted with Raygan;
Barimah Amoaning Samuel, Entrepreneur; Jeffrey De-Graft Hinson, Product Designer;
Kofi Boachie-Ansah, Multi-Disciplinary Creative and Entrepreneur; Kwame-Michael Brako, Founder & Creative Director, BrakoVerse Media; Derrick Tsorme, Product Designer; Barima Yoofi, Creative Entrepreneur; Hetty Malm, Business Lead / General Manager, Workspace Global; V.L.K. Djokoto, Cultural Theorist, Financier, and Gallerist; Elom Anang, Creative Entrepreneur & CEO, Meraki Arts Africa; and Sambi Alieu, Beauty Entrepreneur and Media Host.
Together, these panelists shared real-world insights on creative entrepreneurship, intellectual property, digital storytelling and the art of building sustainable creative careers in Ghana and beyond.
Key Takeaways
Participants and attendees left the event equipped with practical knowledge and actionable tools to navigate the creative industry more effectively. Discussions covered vital areas such as brand positioning, legal awareness, digital visibility, and funding opportunities.
The event successfully bridged the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the idea that the arts can thrive as a sustainable business sector when supported by structure, strategy, and mentorship.
Facilitators and Expert Panel
In addition to the speakers, the forum featured a diverse lineup of facilitators who brought rich experience and practical insights to the sessions.
Mr. Benjamin Oduro Arhin Jr. (Bnoskka) – Facilitator, Vision and Validation
A Creative Arts Business and Intellectual Property Consultant, Lecturer, and Researcher at the University of Education, Winneba. Dr. Arhin (Bnoskka) also serves as Vice Chairman of MUSIGA (Greater Accra). He is a UNESCO Aschberg National Expert and consultant for Ghana’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Enid Blekk – Facilitator, Content and Community
Creative consultant, music producer, and founder of BlekkHouse Studios, Enid has over a decade of experience working with organizations like ALX and the Ministry of Tourism, empowering creatives through artistry, strategy, and purpose-driven production.
Sydney Scott Sam – Facilitator, Branding and Digital Visibility
Founder of Workspace Global and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Sydney Sam leads an AI-driven design platform supporting startups and training young creatives across Africa.
Dame Denise Lomokie – Legal Expert
A Ghana School of Law professional passionate about Trade Law and IP, Denise co-founded a student law firm and works with Zuputo Ltd, supporting SMEs with contract automation and legaltech solutions.
Josiah Kwesi Eyison – Facilitator, Community Revenue Models and Funding
As CEO and Co-Founder of iSpace Foundation, Josiah Eyison drives innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana, with global experience spanning entertainment, technology, and education.
Calvin Femi McEstod-Dotse – Digital Solutions Expert, Stanbic Bank Ghana
A banking and digital transformation specialist, Calvin McEstod-Dotse focuses on client enablement and process automation to improve digital banking experiences at Stanbic Bank Ghana.
Loretta Oduro-Ayisi – Program Manager, Stanbic Business Incubator Ghana
Loretta supports inclusive entrepreneurship programs for women and youth, managing partnerships and ecosystem development to foster sustainable SME growth.
Hamza Mumuni – Manager, Stanbic Business Incubator Ghana
With 15 years of banking and enterprise support experience, Hamza leads initiatives promoting SME empowerment, financial inclusion, and sustainable business growth.
Sponsors and Partners
The success of CEF 2025 was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and partners, whose collaboration continues to strengthen Ghana’s creative economy.
Major partners included the British Council, Stanbic Business Incubator Ghana, iSpace, ALX and BareConnect.
Additional support came from Meraki Arts Africa, Glitz by Cee Events and Essentials, Berrys Audio Visual Production Studio (BAVPS), Flick Smart Projectors, Bold&Shift, Workspace Global, Jampolls, Creatizine and Zuputo Ltd.
Their collective contribution ensured that creatives received not only mentorship and exposure but also the resources and environment needed to thrive.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 edition of the Creative Entrepreneurs Forum not only empowered individuals but also underscored the importance of creative enterprise in national development.
Organizers expressed appreciation to all facilitators, mentors, and partners, especially the Stanbic Business Incubator for their continued commitment to supporting creativity and entrepreneurship.
As the forum concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and the conviction that creativity, when given structure and opportunity, can drive meaningful economic transformation across Ghana and beyond.
