Creative Meetup in Wa: Spotlight on Northern Ghana’s Creative Economy

On September 19, 2024, the city of Wa came alive with energy, artistry, and ambition as young creatives from across Northern Ghana gathered for the Creative Meetup, a dynamic, one-day event that celebrated innovation, cultural expression, and entrepreneurial potential in the creative industry.

Hosted at the Upper West Regional Library, the event attracted 154 participants, including artists, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Organized by the British High Commission of Ghana in collaboration with Noni Hub, Paahibu Space, and the Nebuke Foundation, the meetup served as a vibrant platform for networking, learning, and showcasing talent under the theme:
“Growing Ghana’s Creative Economy: The Role of Young Creatives in Northern Ghana.”

The event opened with an engaging icebreaker session, setting a collaborative tone that encouraged openness and community spirit. In his welcome address, Paul Edwards, the Northern Attaché of the British High Commission, emphasized the importance of supporting the creative economy particularly in Northern Ghana as a powerful driver of socio-economic development.

The keynote speaker, Andrew Entsua-Mensah, Programs Manager for Arts and Culture at the British Council, underscored the role of creativity in both cultural preservation and national progress. He inspired attendees to view their crafts as tools for both storytelling and transformation.

A key highlight was a session by Abraham Agoni on the Chevening Scholarship, which provided valuable guidance to participants interested in pursuing global academic and leadership opportunities in creative fields. Andrew Entsua-Mensah also introduced the SoCreative e-learning platform, a practical tool offering tailored courses and resources for creatives. With its user-friendly interface and diverse learning paths, SoCreative promises to bridge the skills gap and foster sustainable growth in Ghana’s creative industries.

A major highlight of the day was a panel discussion on the event’s central theme. Industry experts and practitioners explored how young creatives can build sustainable careers while navigating challenges such as funding, access to resources, and market visibility. The panelists encouraged participants to embrace their cultural roots and innovate with purpose, reminding them that their unique identities are valuable assets in the global creative economy.

Throughout the day, attendees explored 15 exhibitions of visual art, crafts, fashion, and digital media, each showcasing the region’s rich creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Cultural and musical performances added vibrant color and energy, reinforcing the fusion of heritage and innovation that defines Northern Ghana’s creative scene.

Networking moments during breaks and lunch allowed participants to build meaningful connections and spark potential collaborations—many of which are expected to continue beyond the event.

The Creative Meetup attracted widespread media attention, with local radio and TV stations covering key moments and interviews. On social media, the event generated significant buzz, with participants and organizers sharing updates, photos, and reflections in real-time. This digital engagement extended the event’s impact to a much broader audience.

The success of the Creative Meetup underscores the need for sustained efforts to support and amplify the voices of young creatives in Northern Ghana. Noni Hub remains committed to building platforms that unlock the region’s creative potential and connect local talent to national and global opportunities.

As we look to the future, we hope to see more collaborations, more creative showcases, and more empowered voices shaping Ghana’s creative economy starting from the North.