This weekend we’ve been working on a private event celebrating a Ghanaian entrepreneur I truly admire: Elikem Nutifafa Kuenyehia of Oxford & Beaumont Solicitors. | When we first met Elikem two years ago, it was to help him launch his book “Kuenyehia On Entrepreneurship” – a fantastic companion for anyone looking for specific insight into entrepreneurship in Ghana. Needless to say, we connected really well, and forged a working relationship I’m happy to see grow. Working on ‘An African Decade’ was particularly exciting for me, because it was not only to commemorate Elikem’s decade in Ghana as a repat, but also to encourage, and throw a challenge to other Africans – particularly in the Diaspora.
Ten years ago, inspired by Bunmi Oni, then Managing Director of Cadbury Schweppes West Africa, Elikem moved back home to Ghana. From 2004 to date, starting with his work at United Bank For Africa, through to the Ghana Institute Of Management & Public Administration, to Oxford & Beaumont Solicitors, Elikem, in his own words, has been privileged to have been accorded a ringside seat at Ghana’s own part in the ‘Africa Rising’ narrative. Elikem’s story, which he shared with all of us last night, resonates deeply with me. My own move back to Ghana years ago, akin to that of most returnee experiences, was a gamble that was filled with trepidation; likewise the decision to jump start our start-up idea a year later. But, like Elikem reiterated last night, the pursuit of excellence is rarely a risk-averse one. We are allowed to harbour big dreams only if we’re willing to dare to live out these dreams. I have another few years to go on my own ‘African Decade’ journey, and determined to do whatever is possible to make it one that changes perspectives, and increases opportunities for others.
In planning and producing Elikem’s event this weekend, we were keen to make a statement – not only for Elikem’s benefit per se, but also to remind ourselves of what is possible even when surrounded by difficulties. ‘The event is the brand’ remains one of our mantras, and every new event is an opportunity to reinforce our brand promise and reignite creative thinking. For us, it’s never just another event – it’s a global audience, a brand story, an opportunity to show the world why we do what we do: to step outside the proverbial box – and encourage others to do same.
How’s YOUR African Decade looking like so far? How are you contributing to Ghana’s part of the ‘Africa Rising’ narrative? As we push for a perfect picture for Ghana, must we not forget that it is only through our collective effort, that our motherland will rise again. So here - your canvas, your paintbrush - paint!
Your Event Planning BFF,
G. xo
[Designspiration: Elikem’s event was also to showcase and celebrate African art, and officially launch ‘The Kuenyehia Prize For Contemporary Ghanaian Art’ which will recognise and reward Ghana’s most outstanding artists under 40. For event design and production, it was important to maintain his personal style – casual sophistication – while projecting the overall theme: indigenous African culture with a contemporary spin. Follow @PlanItGhana on Instagram for more photos from this event.]