Tutors from across Ghana’s Health Training Institutions are returning to their classrooms with a bold new outlook, entrepreneurship isn’t just a topic; it’s a tool for transformation.

That mindset shift follows their participation in a 10-day Training of Trainers(TOT) Workshop hosted by KNUST under the Health Entrepreneurship Pillar of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Health Collaborative.

We spoke with three participants; Dan Ampong, Enyonam Epiphania, and Oliver Kwame about how the experience is reshaping their work.

Dan Ampong: “We are sitting on lands of diamond”

A nursing tutor at Asankragua, Dan entered the training hoping to better support his community.

"I used to organize people and give them out to agencies that need their services. Now, I have come to realize that we are sitting on lands of diamond. Let's use our minds to discover them."

Inspired by practical activities like theatre and statue imaging, Dan is now focused on helping students identify local health opportunities and create solutions.

"I'm not going to give them out to people to use them as human resource, but rather teach them how to find opportunities and make business out of it."

Dan plans to launch his own business as a living example and calls for support with materials like flip charts and markers to bring the training to life.

Enyonam Epiphania: “Now I know how to structure it”

From Nursing Training College in Ho, Enyonam joined the workshop already passionate about entrepreneurship, but unsure how to teach it effectively.

"The idea was there, but how to go around it was my biggest problem. ‘Teaching nursing is different from teaching entrepreneurship."

She now plans to form a student club and guide learners through business ideation and pitching.

"The hybrid business model, putting your business on one sheet, really caught my attention. It will help others be more concise and impactful."

For Enyonam, the training brought clarity, energy, and a framework. “It is something I know will make my life go to the next level.”

Oliver Kwame: “This should be the blueprint”

Entrepreneurship tutor Oliver Kwame, also from Ho, said the workshop redefined his approach to teaching.

"Our facilitators had an active learning pedagogy. ‘How to break ice, pause lectures, and use group ideas. It wasn’t just knowledge, it was engagement."

He plans to implement what he called an “executive MBA-style” learning model and train at least 100 students per year.

"Before, we were trained to become employees. Now I see the only way forward is through entrepreneurship. It must be practical and student-centred."

Oliver also called for continued mentorship and logistical support to maintain momentum.

A Collaborative for Change

Prof. Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, Health Entrepreneurship Pillar Lead, shared a powerful call:

"We should see ourselves as part and parcel of the team that can really transform the health sector. We can really impact and instil not only confidence but ideas in our students."

The Mastercard Foundation Africa Health Collaborative at KNUST works through three pillars; Health Employment, Health Entrepreneurship, and Health Ecosystems.

The Health Entrepreneurship Pillar, led by Prof. Wilberforce Owusu-Ansah, is building entrepreneurial mindsets that lead to innovation and job creation in the health sector.