Over the course of three days in June, Kumasi demonstrated that its creative sector is not only alive but also dynamically advancing. From June 13 to 15, the Palm Gardens Resort in Kaase became the site of a strategic cultural shift—a moment where local talent, ideas, and purpose converged. The resort hosted a three-day summit initiated by PRJCT Kumasi, with support from collaborators including Pulse Ghana, Oroko Radio, and Meraki Channels; the gathering brought together rising talents—DJs, designers, visual artists, filmmakers, fashion stylists, and digital creatives—many of whom are still carving out space for themselves in their industries.
With immersive workshops, curated exhibitions, skill-based panels, and a clear focus on knowledge transfer, the gathering brought together rising talents—including DJs, designers, visual artists, filmmakers, fashion stylists, and content creators—many of whom are still carving out their space in their respective industries.
The summit offered more than artistic expression; it delivered structure, visibility, and renewed energy to the region’s creative economy.
A Blueprint for Creative Growth
From the first day, visual storytelling played a central role. The work of Kumasi-based photographer Kofi Adjei framed the entire space. His exhibition was not a backdrop—it was a thread that grounded every conversation. His images captured Kumasi with clarity and depth, anchoring a space where the city’s emerging creative identity was both the subject and the setting.
On the second day, attention turned to hands-on expression. Designer Rashad opened a screen-printing space where participants experienced the design process up close. The environment quickly became a working lab—fast-paced and expressive—where attention to detail met open experimentation. The upcycling pop-up ran parallel, featuring forward-thinking fashion from brands like Black Made It to the Culture, Follow Jesus, and Brvysapparel, redefining sustainability through cutting-edge, identity-driven designs, innovative processes, and creative craftsmanship.
That afternoon’s energy shifted into a critical conversation with a session led by Pulse Ghana, focused on “Demystifying Influence” as a creative economy tool. The panel—moderated by Gideon Nicholas Day and featuring Henry Takyi, Gibson Mantey, and Allo Maadjoa—addressed the work behind visibility: algorithmic literacy, brand partnerships, and long-term strategy. It was practical, direct, and aligned with the realities of creatives still establishing their presence.
The day closed with a DJing session led by EmilyInAccra. Electronic 1-on-1 introduced participants to both the technique and the business of sound. The session was immersive and built on clarity, giving attendees the tools to move beyond performance into professional development.
Meraki Channels Closes the Loop with Creative Clarity
On the final day, Meraki Channels, a fast-growing creative media and digital marketing agency based in Kumasi, led one of the summit’s most practical sessions. Known for its commitment to amplifying and supporting local creatives and businesses, Meraki’s workshop brought the weekend to a focused conclusion.
Facilitated by Creative Lead Naa Mawufemor, the “Content Planning” session addressed a common gap among creatives: staying visible without constantly scrambling. The session focused on building intentional frameworks around creative work, from why content planning matters, to essential content types, audience & platform relevance, and how to structure a consistent monthly plan tailored to their own creative rhythms.
The session was designed to meet creatives where they are—and move them forward. With most attendees operating without formal teams, the tools shared were both accessible and immediately actionable. The feedback was clear: attendees left enlightened, equipped, and ready to approach digital spaces with intention.
“You don’t need a team to be consistent. Use your phone. Start small. Create a calendar, set timers, and learn a few content creation & editing skills. Make simple designs. If you’re too shy or not good on camera, try voice-over videos. Or even photo carousels with good captions. Don’t hide behind perfection.” — Naa Mawufemor.
As part of its continued commitment, Meraki Channels is offering discounted services—including blog setup, digital branding, and website development—to attendees who want to translate the session into long-term growth.
Throughout the summit, themes of access, equity, digital exposure, and creative collaboration were present in every layer of programming. From film screenings on visa inequality to the emphasis on design-led, skill-based learning, the event was structured to reflect the real challenges creatives face—and offer tangible responses.
There is clear momentum—not only for what happened, but for what is now possible when institutions and agencies commit to equipping local creatives and businesses with tools, structure, and visibility. The emphasis is not on extracting talent but on rooting it in Kumasi and building scalable platforms from within.
As momentum builds, industry leaders are already thinking about the next steps. In a post-summit interview with Mr. Henry Takyi—Head of Sales & Digital Strategy, Pulse Ghana—he expressed his optimism, stating,
“My ideal takeaway from the summit would be how to bring the creative community in Kumasi together and also strategize to build a proper pipeline with a plan where people in other markets could see the relevance of the talents we have in Kumasi.”
The summit opened up new possibilities. The relationships built, tools shared, and vision articulated over three days have created a working model for serious, sustained cultural investment—grounded in context, driven by purpose, and shaped by people who live the reality they’re helping to change.
Together, we’ve demonstrated that creative leadership grounded in collaborative innovation, clarity, and continuity can yield remarkable results. We’re excited to build on this momentum, fostering collaborations that bring people, ideas, and resources together to shape the future of creativity in Kumasi and beyond. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving creative landscape, Meraki Channels is proud to partner with PRJCT Kumasi to drive innovation and growth.
