Forty-seven university students on Friday, 23 October 2026, took part in the
first edition of Unmute Yo’Self, a free public speaking and confidence-building event held at the Accra AI Community Center in Ridge, Accra.

The event was organised by the Sincerely Accra Podcast in collaboration with The Gold Coast Report (GCR), and sponsored by Malta Guinness and Ashesi University. Participants ranged from first-year to final-year students.

The initiative responds to a gap among young people who have strong ideas but lack the confidence to present them in class, at interviews or in professional settings.

They said few platforms give students the opportunity to practise these skills in a supportive environment.

Joseph Nti and Kwame Asante Ofori, co-creators of the Sincerely Accra Podcast, led sessions on public speaking and the responsible use of social media. Mr Nti is the podcast’s host and Ofori its producer.

The sessions covered managing nervousness and structuring a message around a clear opening, main idea, supporting example, and conclusion.

Guest speaker Nadia Daniel-Wilson addressed the topic “Using AI Without Surrendering Your Creativity.” She urged students to use artificial intelligence tools to support their work, while retaining their own voice and judgement.

A panel of creative entrepreneurs also discussed their paths to becoming creators and how they have turned their skills into income.

The panel featured Shaunn Armah, founder, creator and storyteller; Kabiru Seidu, co-founder and Director of Design and Strategy at The Big Fat African Development; and Seli Dzogbenuku, writer, creative entrepreneur and podcast host.

Students were also required to apply the lessons through mini presentations and 30-second pitches delivered to their peers.

Unmute Yo’Self is set to become an annual fixture, with a second edition scheduled for 2027.