Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, says that popular culture plays a decisive role in shaping society and sparking social change.
Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing 17th anniversary Thinkaton series, Prof. Ampofo highlighted the importance of ideas, mentorship, and structured philanthropy in building a better future.
“Ideas are the most powerful because without ideas, you don’t move, you’re stuck. You have to be thinking and dreaming about something to move somewhere,” she said.
She emphasized that young people are central to this process, adding that mentoring them provides fulfillment and hope for the future. “Working with young people gives me a lot of energy. Not only do they take what you give them, but they take it further,” she noted.
Prof. Ampofo also drew attention to the everyday acts of philanthropy within African societies, pointing out the need for a more structured approach. “Everybody is paying somebody’s school fees, hospital bills, funeral donations…but we are not counting it. We are doing philanthropy but it needs to be formalized and connected to science and policy,” she explained.
According to her, social development must be measured by how vulnerable groups are treated. “It should be our benchmark how are we taking care of the most vulnerable?” she stressed.
She further underscored the importance of imagination and vision in driving innovation. “You cannot develop if you’re not dreaming. To innovate your imagination has to be activated,” she said.
About Springboard, Your Virtual University
Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkaton series brings together thinkers and leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society.
By Faustina Yeboah