The Vim Views & Versions - Blogs of a MIghTy African

For over a decade and a half, the GhanaThink Foundation has remained steadfast in its core vision: mobilizing and organizing talent for the primary benefit of Ghana. As a registered social enterprise operating in both Ghana and the USA, our ultimate goal is to build a critical mass of young Ghanaian people who are patriotic, passionate, positive, proactive, progressive, and productive. Working dynamically within the youth empowerment space, we drive sustainable change through targeted mentoring, networking, volunteering, and training programs such as Barcamp Ghana , Junior Camp Ghana (JCG) , Ghana Volunteer Program (GVP) , and the Komseko Program , alongside community networks across 31 locations known as Konnect . At the heart of this nationwide movement is our flagship Barcamp Ghana program—a network of changemakers, doers, and entrepreneurs built on learning, sharing, networking, and mentoring. Since December 2008, we have organized over 150 free networking forums across Ghana, i...

When we set out with GhanaThink Foundation to host the very first Barcamp Ghana in Accra on December 23, 2008, we were driven by a vision to create a vibrant platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. 15 years in, we continue to reflect on how far this community has come and how it has touched the lives of team members, volunteers, and participants across the country. The beauty of Barcamp Ghana lies in its people—the dedicated organizers, leads, and volunteers who bring these events to life across different cities, including Barcamp Accra , Barcamp Tema , Barcamp Tamale , and Barcamp Koforidua . We have always seen Barcamps as a way to drive the personal development of individuals. A number of GhanaThink members shared their personal stories and reflections - how participating in a Barcamp , etc shaped their personal growth, professional journeys, and impact in society. Watch this playlist around #BarcampGhanaAt10 Building Leadership, Networks, and Professional Expos...

I always say: I am from Elmina , I grew up in Kumasi , I live in Accra , I care a lot about Ghana and I love Africa . But for a decade, I was living in the USA. Even then, I always say, I had one foot in Ghana all throughout. What took me there? What brought me back? What grazing in colder pastures? Where is your American accent? Let’s dig in, thanks to a conversation I had with Frank Bentum , on Ghanaian students choosing Western higher education and how this impacts human capital development in Ghana, with findings informing policy recommendations.  Motivations for Studying Abroad (Push Factors) My decision to study at MIT was primarily influenced by a role model , Arthur Musah. Arthur finished Presec in 1998, just before I entered the green grounds of Presec-Legon . He had emerged as the second best (WA)SSCE candidate in this year and he was being duly celebrated. I learnt that he had also played a major part of the Presec Drama Club. I looked up to him. In 2000, when I was...