Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) celebrated a significant milestone this week with the graduation of 25 businesses from Cohort 10 and the welcoming of 20 new enterprises into Cohort 11. This dual ceremony at GCIC’s Airport West facility showcased the remarkable impact of the Global Affairs Canada SURGE initiative, which has been empowering Ghanaian climate entrepreneurs since 2021. The graduating cohort achieved gender parity with 13 female-led and 12 male-led businesses – a notable achievement given that only 2% of global venture capital typically reaches women founders.
Since its inception in 2017, GCIC ‘s 363 supported businesses have made substantial environmental and economic impacts, collectively mitigating 3.1 million metric tons of carbon emissions, creating over 32,000 jobs, receiving $4,200,000 in grants and raising $42.6 million in additional capital. The newly inducted Cohort 11 businesses will also benefit from GCIC’s comprehensive SURGE program running through April 2026, with each enterprise receiving support valued at $48,000 including CAD $15,000 grants, a High-Value Mini MBA, and expert portfolio management.
Naa Akwetey, Chief Operations Officer of Ashesi University, emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “The innovations we celebrate today reflect Africa’s capacity to solve its own challenges through entrepreneurship. From Tetteh Glassblowing Enterprise’s waste transformation to Royal Baobab Farms’ solar-powered agriculture, our graduates prove that sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand.” The ceremony honored tradition through symbolic plant exchanges between outgoing and incoming cohorts, embodying the transfer of climate leadership.
The event featured insights from alumni including Shaq Express founder Anthony Owusu-Ansah, who shared valuable lessons on post-incubation growth. GCIC’s Director of Entrepreneurship, Partnership and Investments, Nabeel Adum – Atta led certificate distributions and formal declarations while Technology and Product Manager Joel Bartels Asante presented comprehensive business profiles of the new inductees.
As Cohort 10 joins GCIC’s 190+ strong alumni network and Cohort 11 begins its journey, the ceremony underscored GCIC’s role as West Africa’s premier climate innovation hub. “This is not an ending, but a foundation for continued leadership,” Naa Akwetey noted, highlighting how GCIC bridges academic excellence with practical solutions for Africa’s sustainable development.
The full list of the businesses are as follows:
- Johnson Donkor Doku, Southern Ridge Ltd
- Peggy Hassan, Snailry Ghana
- Boahemaa Ntim, Nutrihealth Food and Beverage
- Moses Panni, Ecodrop Recycling Ltd
- Rogatta Antwi – Baadu, Hat Agritec
- Kwabena Adu Asare Akwaboah, Rockolive Ltd
- Cynthia Kampoe, Cynthbeth Ltd
- Yakubu Elijah, Ekduo Ltd
- Richmond Turkson, Mow Farms
- Christopher Ben Korquaye Collison, Koladra Gh Ltd
- Latiff Omar, Lartisco Enterprise
- Mercedes Agyemang Enterprise, Every Mama’s Dream
- Monica Senanu, Chocoluv
- Rodney So Noi Nortey, DSP Sanitation Solutions
- Abi Nana Yaa Twum – Ampofo, Oyster Agribusiness Ltd
- Christine Antwi – Frimpong, Zuriel Carbon Products Ltd
- Frank Kofi Gyabeng, Fruity Star Ghana
- Safoa Lydia, Safosco Ventures
- Sarpei Kwadey, Bankyekrom Ltd
- Michelle William – Addo, Maugreen Crop Livestock Farms