GHANAIAN social media influencer Gisela Amponsah is challenging the sceptics and argues content creation is not a pastime or a shortcut to fame but a legitimate career, and young Ghanaians should pursue it with confidence.

Gisela believes the industry’s relative newness in Ghana is largely responsible for the scepticism surrounding it.

In a chat with Graphic Showbiz on Saturday, May 30, she noted many people simply do not yet understand the work that goes into building and sustaining an online presence and it is high time it is embraced as a credible career path in Ghana.

“Influencing is essentially modern-day marketing through social media. Like every other profession, it requires strategy, creativity, consistency, and discipline.”

“When done professionally, content creation can become a sustainable career and a real business. I hope we get to a point where more young Ghanaians will feel confident exploring the space, free from the stigma that it is somehow less valid than a traditional job. 

That perception, she insists, needs to change because, according to her, the online space today is ‘ruled’ by influencers.

"I think content creators are dominating the online space right now because their impact cuts across so many industries. Whether it's food, lifestyle, music, or entertainment, creators play a huge role in shaping trends and influencing audiences.” (Read Social media-fame can’t replace real talent – Nkem Owoh)

“Dancers, for example, help songs reach wider audiences and sometimes even drive viral moments around music. Food creators are also putting Ghana on the map globally by showcasing our culture and cuisine, while lifestyle creators have become a modern form of advertising and brand storytelling. 

“Social media has become a space where creators influence culture in real time. It is no longer just about posting pictures or videos; it is about building communities, starting conversations, and shaping the way people think and behave online," she added.

A University of Ghana graduate, Gisela Amponsah, rose to prominence as Miss Malaika Ghana 2019 and has built a remarkable career in fashion, travel, and lifestyle content creation, partnering brands including  MAC, Spotify, Coca-Cola, and Nivea.