ENTREPRENEURSHIP SEMINARS HELD AT THE AMA ATTA AIDOO CENTRE FOR CREATIVE WRITING (AUCC Campus)

The Ama Atta Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing on the campus of the African University College of Communications has for over the past months, in this year alone (2018) have held many literal reviews; educational and informative programmes; workshops; coupled with some interactive open lectures. 

However, the latter part of November raised the bar, as it turned its focus on Entrepreneurship Seminars, which aimed at engaging students and some industry leaders.
The seminar which dwelled on the theme: 'bridging the gap', saw some key industry players like Mike Cooke, Chairman, 4syte TV; Kenneth Thompson, CEO Dalex Finance; and Edmund Kofi Yeboah, Secretary General of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA). Who represented his boss Roland Affail Monney, the President.

It was a four day seminar which run sequentially, and thus engaged the afore mentioned industry players, on the 27th, 28th and 29th of November respectively. With Barclays Bank Ghana taking their turn on the 30th.

Day one of the seminar begun on a section with Mike Cooke, Chairman of 4syte TV. Undoubtedly, one of the gurus in the media industry, Mr. Cooke, gave account of his journey through the media system. Having been a Chief Executive of then vibrant Accra based radio station Vibe fm.,from April, 1996 till June, 2013, and then CEO of Live fm. under the management of the EIB Network. He urged students to nurture themselves for the unknown future.

He thus, called on the students to prepare to embrace the good of what the future brings, in terms of technology. As the media in itself hasn't been static but has for over the period exhibited its dynamism. He as well cautioned students on the effect of been static and as such, admonished them, in addition to what they pick up from school, they should shy away from repeating what has been done over and over again. But should learn to be dynamic in what they do, in order to again preference.

Furtherance, he advised the student to make use of the various opportunities present to them. And thus cited the internet, as one of the opportunity available to them; the today's generation. As they didn't have it widely available as it is today. He as such, said: "...very soon we [AirTech Telecom] will be providing a platform for you guys; where the youth can make use of free data..." to fall on some of the prospects out there, to achieve the various individual projects they tend to pursue. - he made that statement in his capacity as the CEO of AirTech Telecom.

The next day, being the 28th, was the turned of the CEO of Dalex Finance, Kenneth Thompson. With his commanding strength on matters relating to business administration and finances. And the number of year of experience in executive positions in the areas of Equity Funding, Financial Risk Management; and Venture Funds Management. As well as, having held Internal Audit Management positions at both Fidelity and Barclays Bank, UK., he brought to fore and shared his experience with the students.

He walked the students through some rudiments on drafting basic financial strategies. He as well, encouraged them to go in for, and picking up leadership roles as they progress in life. And with that, he shared some motivational tips, as the day's engagement came to close. Some few questions and answers were also allowed on the day.
The 29th day of November had the Secretary General of the GJA, Edmund Kofi Yeboah, who represented and thus spoke on behalf of his boss, the President of the GJA, Roland Affail Monney. Mr Monney couldn't make it due to equally important arrangement outside the country.

The Secretary, during his section with the student, took the opportunity to share the mission and vision of the Ghana Journalist Association, and thus stressed on the need for everyone to join the cause of championing the right to freedom of speech and expression.

He charged the students to nurture the edge of being confidence in what they do. Especially during the pursuances of exhibiting their writing skills. He as well, advised them to strive in the effort of tapping into the experience of the various number of lecturers they have lecturing them. And in that effect, made a direct reference to Nanabanyin Dadson. In relation to his enviable experience, having held up there at the peak, so far as journalism is concern.

"You are fortunate to have the likes of Nanabanyin Dadson lecturing you. Nanabanyin if you talk of journalism, he is regarded higher up there. He has mentored a number of people; and I have benefited from his mentorship as well. You have him teaching you, make use of him"; he said.
The session, in addition witnessed the launching of the first ever AUCC Chapter of the Ghana Journalist Association, and the swearing-in of its Interim Executive Members into office.
The scheduled section, slated in bringing the month of November to close, had over 40 Barclays Bank of Ghana staff storming the centre. With the sole aim of engaging students, generally on Entrepreneurship Skills and Financial Literacy.

The team of staff making up of both junior and senior branch members, took the students through some basic models in relation with business startups and its management; staff communication, team work, and basic marketing skills. And as well, corporate and personal budgeting.

The section wapped on four halves. Each half had designated staff members engaging the students on: Communication skills, of which dwelled on topics like, team work, internal staff relation, chain of communication, and emotional intelligence.
The second half, generally touched on Entrepreneurship, and thus highlighted on topics like; business startups, rules of self employment, business management; and the skills of identifying business opportunities.

Basic marketing skills, money management skills and book keeping, were some of the topics discussed, summing up the third half's general topic on Finance.
The Bank, even though is on the verge of rebranding its current corporate name to Absa Group Limited, due to a merger of Absa Group Limited and Barclays' African operations - the Bank's mother company; its operational models in Ghana still will remain the same.

One of their senior managing staff who took the final halve of the section; stressed on the fact that, the rebranding doesn't in anyway means that Barclays Bank Ghana will have a change in their operations. But rather, it will be a continuation of the various products and services they offer to their customers; and as well, to serves as an opportunity for them to do better for their clientele in the future.

Towards the close, Nana S. Achampong, an AUCC Lecturer, who doubles as the Director of the Ama Atta Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing, expressed his appreciation to the students and the organized Barclays Bank staff members, for the needful and impacted knowledge shared.
It finally ended with a freestyle by one of AUCC's dopest, finest and most gifted rap sensational, YoungChicky, who rapped on the theme: 'Money', to the admiration and cheers from all.

By: Ibrahim Mohammed Atikutse

Source: https://legalaimclassifications.blogspot.com/2018/12/entrepreneurship-seminars-held-at-ama.html?m=1