Ghanaian Teen CEO Reveals He Started 3D Drawing at Age 11

Meet 16-Year-Old Ghanaian Artist and CEO Jefferson Addo Botchway, Founder of The Saint Arts

At just 16 years old, McEwan Jefferson Addo Botchway is making waves in Ghana’s creative space as the founder and CEO of The Saint Arts, a fast-rising brand already attracting clients both locally and internationally. His inspiring journey from drawing on school walls to sketching live portraits of international icons proves that talent, when combined with vision and dedication, can truly open doors.

Appearing on The Career Trail programme on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, Jefferson shared how his artistic journey began at the tender age of 11 while a student at Immanuel Presby Basic School in Madina, Accra. His breakthrough came when teachers noticed his remarkable mural art during a school project.

“I was the youngest to do a nice drawing on the school wall. I was in the midst of seniors, but my drawing topped them all. That’s when my teachers discovered my talent,” he recalled.

From that moment on, Jefferson became a key representative in inter-school art competitions, consistently leading his school to victory. His passion for drawing continued to grow—so much so that he would often sketch portraits of his teachers while they were teaching.

After completing Junior High School (JHS 3), Jefferson made a bold and unconventional decision. Instead of attending Senior High School (SHS), he opted to pursue a diploma in IT at Excel Training Center after passing his Advanced Business Certificate Examination (ABCE).

“I didn’t go to SHS. Right after JHS, I went straight to pursue a diploma in IT. I saw people go through SHS and complete WASSCE without acquiring practical skills. My dad encouraged me to take a different path, and I chose Excel,” he explained.

Having completed his diploma, Jefferson now sets his sights on attending Ashesi University, where he plans to further his education and combine his passions for technology and art.

“I’m done with Excel. Now, the goal is to go to Ashesi University,” he revealed.

While waiting to begin his university journey, Jefferson continues to develop his craft and take on commissioned work. A turning point came during a church Teens Day program, where he performed a live drawing of Jesus Christ on stage. His artwork captivated the audience, including the son of politician Kennedy Agyapong, who was so impressed he connected Jefferson with American gospel legend Kirk Franklin.

“After the event, Kennedy Agyapong’s son told me he’d help me meet Kirk Franklin—and he did. I got to draw Kirk live on stage. He was very touched and endorsed my business,” Jefferson shared.

This moment launched Jefferson’s career to new heights. Requests for his portraits soon poured in—from church members to international clients. To formalize his growing influence, he launched his own creative brand, The Saint Arts, and began posting his works online.

Jefferson’s portfolio now includes portraits of high-profile figures such as The Ga Mantse, Ibrahim Mahama, and former President John Dramani Mahama, whose portrait he drew live on national television.

Despite his success in art, Jefferson has an even loftier goal: to become an aerospace engineer and work with NASA.

“I want to combine my love for design with space technology. My dream is to create spacecraft that can support NASA missions,” he said.

As part of his long-term vision, Jefferson also plans to give back by founding an art school under The Jefferson Foundation, where he hopes to mentor young artists.

“I want to create a space where young talents can grow, just like I did. Parents should support their kids’ interests instead of forcing careers on them,” he advised.

From humble beginnings to international recognition, Jefferson’s journey is a testament to how purpose-driven talent, when supported, can become a powerful force for change.