At the Kofi Annan ICT Centre, a celebration unfolded, marking the graduation of the second cohort from the Ghana Remote and Online Work (GROW) program. Spearheaded by the Blossom Academy in collaboration with Generation Ghana, this initiative is a powerful step towards equipping young Ghanaians with critical data skills necessary for thriving in today’s global digital landscape. This report delves into the impact of the GROW program, the pivotal role of Blossom Academy, and the promising future of data skills in Kumasi and across Ghana, drawing from official announcements and the inspiring stories of graduates. Supported by the Mastercard Foundation, the program directly addresses youth unemployment while championing digital inclusion throughout Ghana.

The GROW program, a vital initiative led by Generation Ghana and backed by the Mastercard Foundation, directly confronts the issue of youth unemployment by providing comprehensive training designed to facilitate remote and online work opportunities. Blossom Academy is central to this effort, delivering specialized data analytics training, providing invaluable mentorship, fostering essential soft skills, and offering robust job placement support. A key component is the focus on creating pathways to successful freelancing careers, facilitated through a dedicated network of experienced “super agents”—freelance mentors hailing from both Ghana and South Africa. Vandyck Lomotey, Programmes Director at Generation Ghana, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “The partnership between Generation Ghana and Blossom Academy is an example of what the GROW programme…seeks to achieve: equipping young people with the skills, mindsets, and opportunities needed to thrive in a changing world of work.”

Blossom Academy’s mission extends beyond basic training; it is dedicated to shaping and nurturing the career paths of young individuals. The integration of freelancing pathways is a deliberate strategy to encourage flexibility and foster innovation within Ghana’s burgeoning digital workforce. The inaugural cohort’s achievements highlight the program’s effectiveness: 70 previously unemployed young adults, 70% of whom were women, successfully completed an intensive 12-week blended learning program. Notably, the cohort achieved a 100% completion rate, with an impressive 80% securing post-training placements in internships, full-time jobs, or freelancing roles. Delphina Duodu, Programmes Lead at Blossom Academy, explained, “At Blossom, we saw the GROW programme as an opportunity not just to train young people, but to shape their career trajectories…We were intentional about integrating freelancing pathways because the future of work demands flexibility, innovation, and ownership.”

The transformative power of the GROW program is perhaps best illustrated through the success stories of its participants. Richard Gidi, a graduate of the program, highlighted the value of collaborating on real-world projects and the significant improvement in his communication skills. Catherine Kloku’s journey is equally compelling, progressing from a novice with limited data experience to securing a coveted data analyst internship at Bezzie 31 Consult. Reflecting on his experience, Richard Gidi noted, “One of the most valuable aspects of the GROW cohort was the community…It’s helped me collaborate on real-world projects and improve how I communicate my work—skills I now apply in my roles at Amdari and Oilcorp Energia.” Catherine Kloku shared her personal transformation, stating, “When I joined the programme, I had little experience with data. Now, I’ve secured my first job as a data analyst intern at Bezzie 31 Consult. This programme changed my life.”

Looking ahead, Blossom Academy is committed to expanding the reach of its data skills training programs. With two new cohorts set to train 110 learners across Accra and Kumasi, the academy is renewing its dedication to regional inclusion, particularly with the upcoming Kumasi cohort. Blossom Academy is actively working to improve access to reliable internet, forging strong partnerships with local organizations, and strengthening its connections with regional employers in the Ashanti Region. Delphina Duodu emphasized this commitment, stating, “We’re excited to return to Kumasi…We’re more intentional this time, making sure our learners there have all the support they need—not just during training, but as they transition into jobs.”

The GROW program envisions a future where Ghana boasts a thriving digital workforce, equipped to meet the demands of the global economy. The program prioritizes remote work opportunities, digital inclusion, gender equity, and enhanced economic mobility for its participants. The ongoing collaboration between Blossom Academy, Generation Ghana, and the Mastercard Foundation is instrumental in empowering skilled data professionals and driving sustainable economic growth.

In conclusion, the Blossom Academy’s GROW program is making a tangible difference in fostering data skills and creating meaningful opportunities for young Ghanaians, particularly in Kumasi. By providing essential training and comprehensive support, the program is empowering individuals to actively participate in the global digital economy. The continued success of initiatives like GROW, with their firm emphasis on remote work and digital inclusion, will be crucial in building a more resilient, equitable, and digitally proficient workforce for Ghana. For those interested in supporting or participating in future cohorts, further information is available on the Blossom Academy and Generation Ghana websites.