Fidelity Bank, Akuna Pod Launch Creators’ Business Masterclass

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

Fidelity Bank Ghana has deepened its investment in the country’s creative economy through its Orange Inspire initiative, partnering with Akuna Pod to host a specialised Creators’ Economy Masterclass under the theme “Turning Creativity into Currency.” The session, held at the Akuna Group headquarters in Labone, convened emerging creatives, freelancers, and young entrepreneurs for an intensive learning experience aimed at helping them transform artistic talent into viable and sustainable businesses.

The program reflects Fidelity Bank’s expanding commitment to nurture the creative sector through capacity building, financial literacy, and practical business support. Beneficiaries of the Orange Inspire program joined members of the Akuna creative community for a hands-on, interactive workshop that tackled the gaps often faced by creatives seeking to monetise their skills.

Kwame Abrokwa, Senior Sustainable Finance Manager at Fidelity Bank, said the event forms part of a broader, data-driven agenda by the bank to position creativity as a driver of national development.

“At Fidelity Bank, we have long believed that creativity is a catalyst for development. Yet, we also recognise that for many creatives, the path to sustainability and financial growth is not always straightforward. It became clear that supporting creatives requires more than appreciation; it requires strategy, partnership, and consistency,” he said.

Mr. Abrokwa noted that the partnership with Akuna Group is intentional, designed to equip creators with the “foundational tools” needed to build bankable brands. “We are actively working toward a future where creatives have a clear seat at the table, where their businesses can access the same opportunities, respect, and financial structures afforded to more traditional sectors,” he added.

The masterclass was anchored on a key message: creativity has intrinsic value, but that value is unlocked only when supported by structure, legal protection, and financial discipline. To demystify the business side of artistic work, the event featured expert-led sessions tailored to the evolving needs of the creator economy.

Albert Francis Swanzy, a Relationship Manager at Fidelity Bank, walked participants through practical approaches to financial management for creatives. His session explored how creators can transition from informal “gig workers” to fully structured entrepreneurs by managing cash flow, tracking expenses, building revenue models, and ensuring their brands are investor-ready.

Legal Practitioner Evelyn Bediakoh-Adu focused on intellectual property (IP), an area she described as the “bedrock of creative monetisation.” She highlighted the risks creators face when their work is unprotected and stressed that IP ownership is central to earning long-term income from artistic assets.

Mariam Kaleem A-Buahin, Chief Operating Officer of Akuna Group, emphasised the importance of infrastructure, physical, financial, and technological in helping creatives scale. She outlined Akuna’s commitment to providing that ecosystem across Africa.

“Everything we do here is to enable and to ensure that everyone who believes they are creative can find a place for themselves,” she said. Ms. A-Buahin highlighted the Akuna Wallet as one of the tools supporting financial inclusion for creators by enabling global payments. She also referenced the company’s investment in modern studio facilities across Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.

“At the end of the day, creators are entrepreneurs. You just need an ecosystem around you to take you to the next level. And that next level is where we want to come in to be that intersection of what your next level looks like,” she reminded participants.

The event concluded with a renewed call for creatives to see themselves as active contributors to Ghana’s economy. By equipping participants with legal literacy, financial structure, and business strategy, Fidelity Bank and Akuna Pod are laying a stronger foundation for a more resilient, formalised, and economically vibrant creative sector.