Highlights Of HBC 2026 Preparation Workshop

Last week, the Horticulture Business Challenge (HBC) Team organised a four-day Preparation Workshop in Accra from 30th March to 2nd April for participants.. The workshop brought together 12 participants, working in three teams of four, who will embark on a two-month internship to address real business challenges within Ghana’s horticulture sector.

Designed as a bridge between selection and fieldwork, the workshop focused on equipping participants with practical skills, refining their business case solutions, and strengthening collaboration among teams.

The workshop opened on Monday with a welcome session led by project manager Tracy Abbey Mensah. She walked participants through the programme structure, expectations, and code of conduct, while also addressing key questions ahead of the internship. 

To set the tone for teamwork, the day concluded with a scavenger hunt that required each team to solve riddles and complete tasks linked to horticulture and their assigned business cases. The activity encouraged teamwork, adaptability, critical thinking and problem-solving in a practical and engaging way.

On Tuesday, attention shifted to professional development and communication. Tracy led a session on professional etiquette, focusing on workplace conduct, professionalism and effective communication, all of which are pivotal for participants who will be working closely with companies in the corporate environment. The teams also had time to revisit and refine their business case solutions, ensuring clarity in their approach before the internship begins.

Later in the day, Grace Agorigo, Project and Digital Marketing Officer at GNBCC, facilitated a session on digital marketing, storytelling, and social media branding. With many of the assigned business challenges centred on market access, sales, and visibility, this session provided participants with practical ways to position products, communicate value, and engage target audiences. Professional photoshoots were also organised to support participants’ personal branding and online presence.

Wednesday’s sessions focused on market research, artificial intelligence, and the use of digital tools. Barnabas Apom,  research expert and founder of Researchlime Ltd,  led a session on market research and report writing, including how to use AI tools effectively to support structured and data-driven work. This was followed by Michael Teye, Digital Marketing and Communications Assistant at GNBCC and founder of Wistech Solutions, who guided participants on the practical use of AI tools to improve productivity and enhance their work processes.

Grace returned with a final session on product positioning and unique value proposition, helping participants align their solutions with market needs and clearly define what sets their ideas apart, all essential in addressing business challenges related to sales and market access.

The final day was dedicated to team development and coaching. Through interactive exercises such as the Marshmallow Challenge and DISC personality, HBC coaches, Susanne Roelofsen-Afum and Joana Chemel, helped participants better understand team dynamics, communication styles, and collaboration. Participants were also introduced to practical tools for professional visibility, including LinkedIn, Canva, and CV development.

The day concluded with group coaching sessions, where each team engaged directly with their coach to acquaint themselves and prepare for the internship phase.

Overall, the Preparation Workshop provided a balanced mix of technical knowledge, professional skills, and collaborative learning. The nature of the business cases tailored these sessions, ensuring participants are well-prepared to deliver practical and relevant solutions.

GNBCC extends its appreciation to the coaches, Susanne Roelofsen Afum and Joana Chemel, and to the facilitators, Grace Agorigo, Michael Teye, and Barnabas Apom, for their valuable contributions. We also acknowledge the HBC Team, Tracy Abbey Mensah and Benjamin Kwame Kwaitoo in delivering a successful workshop.

As participants begin their internships, we wish them the very best and trust that the lessons from this workshop will continue to guide their work beyond the HBC programme.