Blossom Academy launches second phase of GROW Program in Kumasi to boost digital careers

Blossom Academy, in collaboration with Generation Ghana and with backing from the Mastercard Foundation, has extended its Ghana Remote and Online Work (GROW) Program to Kumasi, marking a significant step in its mission to build a skilled digital workforce across the country.

The recent graduation ceremony, held at the Kofi Annan ICT Centre, celebrated the achievements of the program’s second cohort. This milestone comes as part of a broader national initiative to equip Ghanaian youth with in-demand data analytics and digital skills to prepare them for remote and online job markets.

Under the GROW Program, Blossom Academy has taken a hands-on role in providing technical training, mentorship, soft skills development, and job placement support. It has also developed a freelancing model led by a network of “super agents”—experienced freelance mentors from Ghana and South Africa who guide trainees in navigating the online work environment.

“At Blossom, we saw the GROW program as an opportunity to not just train young people, but to shape their career trajectories,” said Delphina Duodu, Programs Lead at Blossom Academy. “We were intentional about integrating freelancing pathways because the future of work demands flexibility, innovation, and ownership.”

The first cohort of the GROW Data Analytics Program recorded impressive outcomes. Over a 12-week period, 70 unemployed young adults—70% of whom were women—participated in a blended learning experience that ended with a 100% completion rate. Of those, 80% secured job placements, internships, or started freelancing.

Participants like Richard Gidi credited the program for his current employment. “One of the most valuable aspects of the GROW cohort was the community,” he said. “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.”

The second cohort’s graduation featured capstone project presentations tackling real-world data challenges, which drew praise from industry leaders and program partners. For Catherine Kloku, one of the recent graduates, the experience was transformative. “When I joined the program, I had little experience with data. Now, I’ve secured my first job as a data analyst intern at Bezzie 31 Consult. This program changed my life.”

Amma Baffoe, Learner Engagement Program Manager at Generation Ghana, highlighted the critical role of such programs in helping youth adapt to a shifting job market. Vandyck Lomotey, Programs Director at Generation Ghana, added, “The partnership between Generation Ghana and Blossom Academy is an example of what the GROW Program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, seeks to achieve: equipping young people with the skills, mindsets, and opportunities needed to thrive in a changing world of work.”

Following the success of the initial cohorts, the GROW Program is now expanding. Two new groups will train 110 learners in Accra and Kumasi. The Kumasi cohort reflects the program’s renewed commitment to regional inclusion. Blossom Academy is working to address barriers such as internet accessibility and is strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders to support learners during and after training.

“We’re excited to return to Kumasi,” said Duodu. “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.”

With the long-term goal of creating a thriving and inclusive digital economy, the GROW Program aims to drive digital literacy, promote gender equity, and provide economic mobility for Ghana’s youth. Through the continued partnership of Blossom Academy, Generation Ghana, and the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative is positioning a new generation of data professionals to lead in both local and global arenas.