Ewura’s Creative Space

In a world where many young women are forced to silence their dreams due to lack of opportunity, Grace Amponsah stands as a beacon of hope. The founder of The Bowney Initiative, Grace has dedicated her life to empowering adolescent girls through mentorship, education, and leadership training.

Grace’s story begins in Accra, where she attended Accra Girls Senior High School. With determination and academic excellence, she earned a scholarship to Ashesi University, where she pursued a degree in Business Administration. It was during her time at Ashesi that the seed of her life’s work was planted.

“In 2014, while still a student, I visited Berekusu and discovered that about 600 junior high school students didn’t have the necessary books for their studies,” Grace recalls. “With support from the community and a few generous donors, we were able to create a small library. That experience changed everything for me.”

What began as a modest educational project called “The New Dawn” eventually evolved into The Bowney Initiative, a non-profit organization that continues to impact the lives of many young girls across Ghana. After completing her master’s degree at Tsinghua University in China, Grace returned home determined to reinvent her vision and build something lasting.

“I initially had no intention of continuing after graduation,” she admits with a gentle smile. “But when I met the girls who had benefited from the first project, I realized this was much bigger than me. I knew I had to keep going.”

The Bowney Initiative is founded on three core values — integrity, resilience, and hard work. Through mentorship, leadership training, educational support, and personal development programs, the organization helps girls discover their purpose and believe in their potential.

Grace’s passion is deeply personal. “Growing up, my parents struggled to provide for my needs,” she shares. “I had a mentor in junior high who supported and believed in me. She celebrated every milestone, and that act of kindness became a part of me. I wanted to do the same for others — to be that voice of encouragement that keeps a girl from giving up.”

Her empathy also stems from painful realities she has witnessed. “Many girls are taken advantage of by men who make empty promises. I’ve seen it, and I’ve lived through something similar,” she says softly. “That’s why I want to create safe spaces for young women — to help them make better choices and realize their worth.”

Like many non-profit founders, Grace has faced her share of challenges. “One major issue is capacity,” she explains. “Most of our team members are volunteers — many of them past mentees — and they’re not always available. Balancing my full-time job as a project manager and data analyst with running Bowney can be tough.”

She also mentions the difficulty of gaining parents’ trust. “Some parents are skeptical about sending their underage daughters to our mentorship sessions. It takes time to assure them that their girls will be safe and protected.” Funding, too, remains a constant challenge. “We rely on community support, donations, and a few investors. Every cedi counts.”

Yet, despite these hurdles, the impact of Bowney’s work is undeniable. Grace lights up as she shares one of her favorite success stories.

“There was a young girl who joined us back in junior high,” she says proudly. “She was quiet, reserved, and struggled with confidence. Today, she’s one of the best communicators in her school. She won Best General Arts Student, received full financial support, and became the first in her family to complete high school. Stories like hers remind me why I do this.”

The Bowney Initiative measures its success through the transformation of its beneficiaries — their confidence, commitment to leadership, and embodiment of the initiative’s values. “It’s not just about numbers,” Grace notes. “It’s about the lives we touch and the dreams we help shape.”

Reflecting on her journey, Grace admits that her biggest setback was a lack of structure in the early days. “I used to think raising funds was just about asking for help,” she says. “But I’ve learned that fundraising must have purpose and planning. Every resource should be tied to a goal and an outcome.”

When asked what she believes defines a great leader, Grace’s answer is clear and sincere: “Continuous learning, vision, hard work, structure, and discipline. Those are what keep you grounded when things get tough.”

Before ending the interview, Grace shares a heartfelt message for every young girl chasing a dream:

“You can do it. Have a dream, believe in yourself, and never give up. The challenges you face aren’t meant to break you — they’re there to make you stronger. Keep pushing, and one day, everything will fall into place.”

Grace Amponsah’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and purpose — a reminder that sometimes, the best way to rise is by others.

Wendy Obeng Anamoah
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