Barcamp Bolga 2025 is a catalyst for impact, innovation and quality in the Upper East region and beyond

There are many seminars and conferences targeting youth in Ghana, but Barcamps in Ghana - organized by the GhanaThink Foundation - are unique. While working in Wa, Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith came across the flyer on a friend’s Facebook and decided to attend, without expecting much. Yet, that first Barcamp left a lasting impression on him—”the opportunity to learn, to interact with like-minded people, and to meet individuals who, under normal circumstances, might be too busy to engage with you, listen to you, or offer valuable advice”. Mark currently leads Barcamp Bolga, and the 2025 edition is on Saturday, September 27 at the GNAT Hall, Bolgatanga. The theme is Impact |  Innovation | Quality.

Kwasi added: “Over the last 5 years, I have had the privilege of supporting the organization of Barcamps in both Wa and Bolgatanga. Through this, I have strengthened my ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences toward a shared goal: delivering a successful Barcamp. I have also been entrusted with leadership responsibilities, coordinating events that bring together about 250 participants each year. The biggest lesson I have drawn from this experience is the importance of selling an idea, inspiring others to buy into it, and securing their commitment to pursue it as passionately as you do”.

BarCamp Bolga 2025 is organized with the support of partners - Clean Air Fund, North Sight Images, GrowAfrica For Me, LueMahHub, Dansyn Innovation Social Organisation, Dreamz FM, A1 Radio, TAP Hotel, Bel Beverages, Bel Ice, Bel Aqua, East Homes, etc. They would be running some breakout sessions on topics around #CleanAirGhana solutions, youth empowerment, hospitality and tourism, etc. It would also feature personality interviews - the Konnect Kouch - birthed through GhanaThink’s Konnect Whatsapp Groups. This would follow the popular speed mentoring session, featuring REAL people who are thriving in their careers. REAL stands for Resourceful, Experienced and Accomplished with a proven record of great Leadership skills and impact.

Raymond Ayinne has been leading the Resources Team for Barcamp Bolga for many years. According to him, it was more than just a role — it was about building bridges between experience and aspiration. LIke the various Barcamp Resources Leads across Ghana, they mapped out professionals across sectors — from tech and agriculture to education and entrepreneurship. They invited skilled mentors also passionate about giving back to society. For Barcamp’s speed mentoring sessions, participants engage in one-on-one conversations, group coaching, and spontaneous networking. This work continues to result in a vibrant ecosystem of learning, encouragement, and real-time career guidance. Raymond added some lessons he took.  •Mentorship is relational, not transactional — the best matches came from shared values, not just shared industries. •Listening matters — understanding the needs of participants helped us pair them with the right mentors. •Local talent is powerful — many of the most impactful mentors were right here in the Upper East Region.

Sabina Pwasam participated in her first Barcamp in 2014 in Bolgatanga. She stated: “Over the years, I have tried to attend as many Barcamps as possible and I have really learnt a lot. Through Barcamps, I am more confident in public speech. I have become better at using social media. I have built my network circle through the various kinds of people I meet all the time”. She is currently the #bcbolga Logistics Lead. She added: “I have also learned how to work under pressure. In a nut shell, Barcamps have made me a better version of myself”.

Timothy Nsoh is the #bcbolga Marketing Lead. In an interview with A1 Radio 101.1MHz, he said: “As someone who has participated in previous Barcamps (all over Ghana in 2024 and 2025), I can attest to the power of these events in fostering innovation, collaboration, and community development. Past Barcamps have provided me with invaluable opportunities to network with like-minded individuals, learn from experienced professionals, and showcase my own projects and ideas.

Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith added: For this year’s Barcamp Bolga, I look forward to seeing many young people explore journalism and new media. We are privileged to have several mentors who are media practitioners. In today’s digital age, almost everyone—willingly or unwillingly—assumes the role of a reporter, given the ease of sharing information on social media. The real question is: how can they do this guided by ethics, dignity, and truthfulness? Hopefully, participants will find answers to this and more through the guidance of our mentors”.

GhanaThink Foundation is an organization based both in Ghana and the USA, which has successfully organized 120+ BarCamps in Ghana as part of the Barcamp Ghana program. BarCamp Bolga 2025 will be the 9th of its kind and it will showcase entrepreneurs and innovators in the Upper East region. Register/RSVP via EgoTickets at https://bit.ly/bcbolga2025register.  Stay tuned via the #bcbolga hashtag. Stay tuned via our social media. Twitter |Facebook

Raymond Ayinne is excited to take things further with Barcamp Bolga 2025. He wants to introduce broader conversations to help fish mentors that are new to Barcamp and promote their participation through the marketing team, so participants can come prepared with questions and goals. Sustainability is key as he wants to create a culture of ongoing mentorship — one that lasts beyond the year’s Barcamp. He opined: “Barcamp isn’t just a one-day event. It’s a spark. And I’m proud to help ignite it again this year.”

Timothy Nsoh ended the interview with A1 Radio 101.1MHz stating: “As the marketing Lead, I look forward to engaging with fellow attendees, mentors, and speakers who will share their expertise and experiences. I'm excited to participate in breakout sessions, contribute to discussions, and learn from others. This year's event promises to be an exciting platform for showcasing local talents, building connections, and contributing to the development of our community. I'm confident that Barcamp Bolga 2025 will be a catalyst for positive change and innovation in our (Upper East) region. I believe this event will be a great opportunity for me to expand my network, gain new insights, and contribute to the community's growth.”