Author name: Faustina Yeboah

Hangout

“Many Mothers Are Silently Slipping Into Depression” — Eno Quagraine Calls for More Empathy and Support for Women

/

Founder and CEO of Talkative Mom LLC and Petite Elite Preschool, Eno Quagraine, has called for greater emotional support and empathy for mothers, revealing that many women silently battle postpartum depression, emotional exhaustion, and overwhelming pressure after childbirth. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the Founder shared her personal experience with childbirth and postpartum struggles, describing how the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood are often overlooked in society. According to her, many women are made to believe childbirth is simply a natural process that every woman should endure without complaint, making it difficult for struggling mothers to openly speak about their pain. The CEO explained that she struggled with breastfeeding, healing after childbirth, sleep deprivation, and pressure from people around her, leaving her feeling emotionally overwhelmed. “I felt like I was failing,” she stated while recounting her experience. The motherhood advocate noted that many women in Ghana continue to suffer silently because conversations around maternal mental health remain limited and misunderstood. “You can be grateful for motherhood and still be upset about what you are going through,” she said. Drawing from conversations within her Talkative Mom community, she stated that many mothers also struggle with childcare pressures, lack of support systems, marital strain, unsolicited advice from family members, and the constant pressure to appear strong. She added that many women eventually lose themselves in the process of motherhood because they prioritize everyone else while neglecting their own well-being. According to her, this reality pushed her community to intentionally create wellness spaces where mothers can rest, reconnect with themselves, and openly discuss their struggles without fear of judgment. She urged families, health workers, friends, and society at large to become more supportive towards mothers, especially during the early stages of motherhood. “We should extend more empathy and be less judgmental,” she stressed. About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

News

Enterprise Spotlight Unveils Top 10 Finalists in Nationwide Entrepreneurship Competition

/

ACCRA, GHANA Edna Vorsah of Herb Gardens is one of the Top 10 most promising young entrepreneurs who have been selected for the semi-finals of Enterprise Spotlight, a nationwide entrepreneurship competition. Enterprise Spotlight is an initiative of Enterprise Group PLC in partnership with Springboard Road Show Foundation. The journey began with 468 applications drawn from a nationwide pool of entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40. The top 10 finalists emerged from diverse sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, recycling, food processing, and social enterprise. One of the outstanding finalists is Edna Vorsah, a person living with cerebral palsy who turned six years of unemployment into entrepreneurship by starting a soap-making business from her home. Her resilience earned her a nomination for the Young Innovators Awards, organized by Springboard Road Show Foundation in partnership with Mastercard Foundation under the Ghana Grows programme. She won the award and had the opportunity to attend an immersive learning trip in Kenya. Additionally, she was enrolled in a six-month mentorship programme, which helped her rebrand her products and services. Edna is now among the Top 10 finalists after applying for the Enterprise Spotlight competition. Edna’s selection reflects the journey of the other nine finalists who have demonstrated both innovation and resilience in the face of key business growth challenges including limited access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities. The 10 finalists come from across Ghana: from the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Bono, and Northern regions reflecting geographical diversity and inclusion, with 60% female representation, and 40% male entrepreneurs. The Top 10 finalists are:   The young entrepreneurs will receive funding alongside a year-long Mentoring and Counselling programme designed to help them build and scale their businesses. Additionally, the Top 10 finalists will gain National Visibility through Springboard, Your Virtual University, providing them with increased exposure, access to mentors, collaborators, and potential investors. “Enterprise Spotlight ignites young people’s creativity, empowers them to pursue their dreams, and equips them to build impactful businesses,” said Albert Ocran, Technical Director of Springboard Road Show Foundation. Phyllis Woode-Nartey, Head, Group Communications and Synergies, Enterprise Group also praised the entrepreneurs for their innovation and courage, noting that they represent the promise and potential of Ghana’s next generation of problem-solvers. The public is invited to follow the journey for the search for Ghana’s top emerging entrepreneur every Sunday on Joy 99.7 FM, Joy News TV, and on Springboard Channel. About Enterprise Group PLC Enterprise Group PLC is a leading financial services company comprising six operating companies: Enterprise Insurance Company, Enterprise Life Assurance Company, Enterprise Trustees, Enterprise Properties, Enterprise Funeral Services Ghana trading as ‘Transitions – The Funeral People’ and Acacia Health Insurance. The Company is headquartered in Accra and has operations in The Gambia and Nigeria. Enterprise is now ISO 27001 Certified. Your data safety guaranteed. About Springboard Road Show Foundation Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) is a Ghanaian non-profit organisation committed to raising the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs. Through youth mobilisation, mindset change, skills development, and national engagement platforms, SRSF supports young women, men, persons with disability and displaced persons to build agency, unlock opportunity, and contribute meaning fully to Ghana’s socio-economic development. Media and PR Unit Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) 024 9999 555 / 0308 255 775

News

Stakeholders Advocate Greater Disability Inclusion

/

Disability advocates and development organizations have called for more intentional workplace inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities in Ghana during the EmpowAbility Seminar 2.0 held in Accra to mark May Day. Held under the theme, “Celebrating the Ghanaian Worker: Inclusion, Dignity and Opportunity for All,” the seminar brought together development practitioners, advocates, professionals, and persons with disabilities to discuss equal opportunities and inclusion in the workplace. The call comes amid persistent challenges facing persons with disabilities, including unemployment, discrimination, limited access to training opportunities, and societal stereotypes that continue to hinder full participation in society and the workplace. Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, urged organizations and institutions to incorporate effective disability inclusive strategies to encourage inclusion and accessibility in every aspect of the Ghanaian workspace.  “Inclusion by default means we don’t add accessibility as an afterthought. We build it in from day one”. She said. She further emphasized the need to create spaces that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in national development through equal access to opportunities, empowerment initiatives, and support structures. Reinforcing the call for mindset transformation, Michael Owusu Asare, Director of No Limit Foundation, challenged persons with disabilities and young people to rise above limitations and take intentional steps toward personal growth and empowerment. “The wheelchair is not the disability: the real disability is a mindset that believes you cannot change your circumstances due to challenges you are confronted with,” he stressed. Director at the Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities Ghana, Mr. Alexander K. Tetteh, encouraged persons with disabilities to embrace entrepreneurship and self-development as a means of financial empowerment.   The event was organised by No Limit Foundation in partnership with Springboard Road Show Foundation, Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities Ghana, Enterprise Life, Enterprise Insurance, Enterprise Trustees, Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and Telecel Ghana among others.

Hangout

“Poor Foods Are Fueling Hormonal Problems Among Women” — Dietitian Fredricka Doku Calls for Return to Natural Ghanaian Foods

/

Lead Dietitian, MediGrace Medical Centre, Madam Fredricka Doku, has linked the growing rise in hormonal and lifestyle-related health conditions among women to poor eating habits and the increasing dependence on ultra-processed foods. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the dietitian explained that conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis, menopause complications, and diabetes are strongly influenced by nutrition and lifestyle choices. According to her, scientific evidence increasingly points to insulin resistance and unhealthy eating as major underlying causes of many women’s health conditions. “The first line of treatment for PCOS is nutrition. It is healthy eating,” she stated. Mrs. Doku explained that many processed foods contribute to inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and excessive insulin production in the body. She added that poor nutrition affects important body processes and can significantly influence long-term health outcomes. She further disclosed that many women experience major improvements in their health after changing their diets and adopting healthier lifestyles. According to her, some patients begin seeing positive changes within weeks, including better sleep, improved menstrual cycles, reduced acne, and improved hormonal balance. The dietitian stressed that healthy eating does not necessarily require expensive or foreign meals. Instead, she encouraged Ghanaians to return to local whole foods such as millet, brown rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, and indigenous spices. She also challenged the growing obsession with trendy diets on social media, stating that many so-called anti-inflammatory diets are simply ordinary healthy Ghanaian meals presented with attractive labels. “Eating waakye with vegetables and fish with avocado is anti-inflammatory dieting,” she explained, adding that many people are paying heavily for nutrition advice that is rooted in simple local foods. Madam Fredricka also expressed concern about the eating habits of young people, particularly university students and young professionals who heavily rely on fast foods, sugary drinks, and highly processed meals because they consider them convenient and fashionable. She explained that habits such as late-night eating, skipping breakfast, and excessive intake of processed foods are increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hormonal disorders among young people. The nutrition expert additionally encouraged consumers to pay attention to food labels and ingredients before purchasing packaged foods. According to her, many processed products contain unhealthy additives, excess sugars, and artificial ingredients that contribute to inflammation and poor health. About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

News

Celebrating the Audacity of Innovation: Enterprise Spotlight Reveals Top 24 Finalists in Nationwide Search for Ghana’s Brightest Entrepreneurs 

/

In a powerful testament to the grit and creativity of the Ghanaian spirit, Enterprise Spotlight has officially announced the top 24 finalists for its prestigious nationwide entrepreneurship challenge. This initiative, a landmark collaboration between Enterprise Group PLC and the Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF), serves as a launchpad for the visionaries who are not just building businesses, but solving the real-world challenges of today.  The search, which invited entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40 from every corner of the country, saw an overwhelming response from hundreds of hopefuls. More than a simple competition, this year’s cohort reflects a profound shift toward inclusivity. In a remarkable show of representation, 60.9% of applications were female-led businesses, while 7.9% came from enterprises owned by persons with disabilities.  From the fertile fields of the Northern region to the bustling workshops of Greater Accra, these finalists represent the backbone of the economy—spanning sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, fashion, and construction.  The Enterprise Spotlight is a contest for a prize pool of GHS500,000 as well as a year of business mentoring and support. The programme design is built on the belief that it takes more than capital to build a legacy; it takes a village of support.   A special grant of GHS 10,000 will be awarded to an entrepreneur living with a disability who embodies the spirit of perseverance.  Every single applicant will gain access to a structured Mentoring and Counselling Programme providing the technical and psychological tools necessary to enable them scale their business.   National Visibility: The 24 finalists will be featured on Springboard, Your Virtual University, connecting them to a wide network of potential collaborators.  “This initiative is a celebration of courage and the entrepreneurial spirit of young Ghanaians,” says Albert Ocran, Technical Director of SRSF.  Phyllis Woode-Nartey, Group Head of Communications and Synergy at Enterprise Group PLC, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the company’s commitment, “We believe in your hard work and growth, and we are here to support you every step of the way”.  The public is invited to follow the journey of these 24 trailblazers. Under the watchful eye of esteemed judges like Professor Robert Ebo Hinson, the competition will be broadcast nationally on Joy 99.7 FM, Joy News TV and Springboard Channel every Sunday.  About Enterprise Group PLC  Enterprise Group PLC is a leading financial services company comprising six operating companies: Enterprise Insurance Company, Enterprise Life Assurance Company, Enterprise Trustees, Enterprise Properties, Enterprise Funeral Services Ghana trading as ‘Transitions – The Funeral People’ and Acacia Health Insurance. The Company is headquartered in Accra and has operations in The Gambia and Nigeria.  About Springboard Road Show Foundation  Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) is a Ghanaian non-profit organisation committed to raising the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs.  Through youth mobilisation, mindset change, skills development, and national engagement platforms, SRSF supports young women, men, persons with disability and displaced persons to build agency, unlock opportunity, and contribute meaning fully to Ghana’s socio-economic development.  Media and PR Unit  Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRFS)  024 9999 555 / 0308 255 775 

Hangout

Discipline, Not Fame, Turns Passion into Profit in Creative Careers — Dr. Terry Bright Ofosu

/

Senior Lecturer and head of Dance Studies, Department of Dance Studies, University of Ghana, and 1989 Ghana National Dance Champion, Dr. Terry Bright Ofosu, has cautioned young people against chasing fame in the creative space without first building discipline, stating that passion alone is not enough to sustain a successful career. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Dr. Terry stressed that many young creatives are driven by the desire to become celebrities, yet fail to understand the level of commitment required to stand out and earn a living from their craft. He noted that “there is passion, and then there is purpose,” explaining that the difference between the two is discipline and deliberate effort. According to him, success in the creative industry, particularly in dance, depends on consistent work, personal development, and the ability to create a unique identity that separates one from others. He explained that talent may open the door, but it is disciplined practice that keeps one relevant and competitive. “You have to be able to create a kind of a niche… when you stand to perform, people will say, this is different,” he said. Dr. Terry, who combines academic training with years of street dance experience, emphasized that creatives must intentionally build themselves into what he described as a “sellable product.” He noted that visibility alone, especially through social media, does not guarantee long-term success unless it is backed by skill, consistency, and hard work. He pointed out that while social media has made it easier for young people to showcase their talents to a global audience, it has also created a false sense of achievement, where individuals expect quick recognition without putting in the required effort. “You cannot achieve that if you are indiscipline,” he cautioned. Drawing from his own journey, Dr. Terry highlighted the role of structured effort and continuous improvement in building a lasting career. He disclosed that his personal routine has always involved consistent physical training and a conscious effort to remain relevant, especially in a field that constantly evolves with trends and audience expectations. He further urged young creatives to study those who are excelling in their chosen fields and learn from their journeys rather than attempting to succeed without guidance. He warned that ignoring mentorship often leads to avoidable mistakes and delays growth. Dr. Terry also raised concerns about the lack of structured mentorship systems within the dance industry, describing it as a gap that needs urgent attention. While acknowledging the efforts of individual groups and practitioners, he noted that the absence of a unified system makes it difficult for emerging talents to access proper guidance and development pathways. About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Entrepreneurship Is Not a Title but a Way of Thinking, Says Professor Robert Hinson

/

Professor of Marketing at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Robert Hinson, has described the entrepreneurial mindset as a disciplined way of thinking that goes far beyond starting a business, stressing that it is a cultivated habit rooted in how individuals see problems and respond to them. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Professor Hinson explained that entrepreneurs are not defined by job titles or ownership of businesses, but by a consistent ability to identify opportunities where others see obstacles. He said, “Somebody who has an entrepreneurial mindset is a restless opportunity identifier. It is like your senses are always active. Whether you are asleep or awake, you are constantly picking signals, constantly asking what can be done here that others are not seeing.” According to him, this way of thinking is not reserved for business owners alone. He noted that it can be found in professionals across different fields, including corporate environments, ministry, and public service, as long as the individual is committed to solving problems and driving change. Professor Hinson emphasised that at the heart of entrepreneurship is a strong focus on value creation rather than immediate financial gain. He cautioned that individuals who begin their journey with a narrow focus on money often struggle to endure the challenges that come with building anything meaningful. “I think there is a likelihood they may fail, particularly because if you start out with money, money, money, it is very difficult to be resilient when problems come. But if you go in with a sense of wanting to make a real impact and solve problems, you develop the staying power to keep going,” he said. He explained that successful entrepreneurs are typically driven by a desire to solve significant problems that benefit others, and that financial reward often follows as a result of the value they create. Beyond value, Professor Hinson outlined resilience as a defining trait, noting that the entrepreneurial journey is marked by setbacks and uncertainty. He said individuals must develop what he described as “shock absorbers” to withstand challenges and remain committed to their vision. “You must understand that obstacles will occur. But because you have a certain fixation on where you are going, you are able to stay the course, even when things are not working immediately,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, describing knowledge as the fuel that sustains entrepreneurial relevance over time. Without it, he warned, individuals risk becoming outdated in a rapidly changing environment. “True professional power comes from the quality of knowledge you consume, not once, but lifelong. If the fuel finishes, the car will not move,” he explained. The marketing professor further pointed to mentorship and practical exposure as critical to developing entrepreneurial competence. Drawing from his own experience, he noted that guidance from experienced professionals often delivers more practical value than theoretical knowledge alone. “There are people who have travelled the road for decades. When they sit with you and give you direction, it can move you forward faster than reading many books,” he said. On the role of action, Professor Hinson stressed that entrepreneurs are not passive thinkers but decisive individuals who move quickly once they identify opportunities. He described this as an “action bias,” where individuals rely on sufficient information to act rather than waiting for perfect conditions. He also addressed the future of work, warning that technological shifts, particularly artificial intelligence, will redefine opportunities and make adaptability essential. “Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence has redefined the rules of business. You must become more literate in it, and if your industry is at risk, you must innovate or risk becoming irrelevant,” he said. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion formed part of the series dubbed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset.” Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Failure, Survival, and Smart Partnerships Shape Entrepreneurial Success – Alloysius Attah, CEO, Farmerline

/

Co-founder and CEO of Farmerline, Alloysius Attah, has attributed his journey in building a global AgriTech company to persistence through failure, a strong sense of purpose, and learning to work with others rather than in isolation. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, as part of the ongoing series, The Entrepreneurial Mindset, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Mr. Attah shared that his path into entrepreneurship was not planned, but driven by necessity and shaped by experiences that forced him to think differently about growth and opportunity. Reflecting on his early years, he explained that his initial goal was rooted in family responsibility. “The vision at the time was very simple: study hard, be among the best, get a job, make money, and support my aunt and my family in the best way I can,” he said, noting that this early motivation laid the foundation for his discipline and drive. The CEO revealed that his entry into entrepreneurship came from survival rather than ambition. Coming from a modest background, he had to find ways to support himself through university. “When I got there, from the first week, I was selling calculators, whatever I needed to do to make money. I knew after the first year my dad would not have enough to support me, so I had to work with my hands,” he stated. He noted that many of the skills that later shaped his career were not acquired in the classroom, but through exposure and curiosity. His involvement in a university choir introduced him to programming, while a campus mission exposed him to media production. These experiences eventually led him to build businesses even while still a student. According to him, one of the defining lessons in his journey has been the importance of creating value before seeking profit. “You cannot make money if you do not create value. And if you are working with people who are already struggling, you have to build trust first, create value, and then you can capture a fraction of that value as income,” he explained. Mr. Attah also spoke about the difficult moments that nearly led him to quit. He recounted a period when his team could not afford salaries and survived on a single shared meal each day. “We had hired people, but we could not pay them properly. The best we could do was eat together once a day. At that moment, the future looked very blurry, and I was already thinking about alternative plans,” he said. Despite these setbacks, a major turning point came when his company secured international recognition and funding. This validation, he said, gave them the confidence and support needed to scale their work. He emphasised that one of the biggest mistakes young entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything alone. Drawing from his own experience, he explained that collaboration became necessary after repeated failure. “You try to do everything yourself; you get tired, you get beaten, you get depressed, and then you realize it is not wise. You can win through others, which is smarter and more efficient,” he noted. The Co-founder further highlighted a critical business decision that shaped the future of his company. Faced with the choice between immediate financial gain and long-term value, he chose to retain ownership of his company’s intellectual property. “We had the option to take quick money or own what we were building. We decided to take less money and keep the IP, and that decision has led to everything we have today,” he said, adding that the same technology has since generated significant investment and impact. Today, Farmerline works with thousands of partners across multiple countries, using technology to support farmers with training, financing, and market access. Attah explained that this scale was only possible through partnerships. “We focused on what we do best and worked with others who bring their strengths. That is how you grow without trying to control everything,” he said. On the future of entrepreneurship in Africa, he pointed to agriculture as a major opportunity for economic growth. He encouraged young people to take practical steps rather than waiting for perfect conditions. “We have the land, we have the youth, and the world needs food. There is no excuse. Start small, grow something, and make money from it,” he advised. Mr. Attah added that success is built over time through difficult choices, consistent effort, and a willingness to learn from failure. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion formed part of the new April series dubbed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset.” Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

Clinical Psychologist Samuel Panti Cautions Young People Against Hiding Mental Health Struggles

/

Clinical psychologist Samuel Panti has cautioned young people against keeping their mental health struggles to themselves, stating that silence can deepen challenges and lead to serious long-term consequences. Speaking on Springboard Hangout, with host Comfort Ocran, Mr. Panti stressed that many individuals delay seeking help because they believe they must handle their problems alone or fear being judged. He explained that this mindset is not only misleading but harmful, as human beings are wired to depend on one another for support. According to him, “we are not meant to deal with this whole life by ourselves,” adding that isolation often worsens mental health conditions that could otherwise be managed early with the right support. The Clinical Psychologist noted that one of the most common yet overlooked dangers is the habit of internalizing stress. He explained that people may appear fine on the outside while struggling internally, which delays intervention and allows the situation to escalate. He emphasized that mental health challenges do not always begin as severe conditions. Instead, they often start as small issues such as poor sleep, negative thinking patterns, or emotional distress. However, when ignored, these can gradually affect a person’s physical health, relationships, and productivity. “If you keep it there for a longer period and you do not address it, the impact can be huge,” he said. Addressing the stigma around seeking help, Mr. Panti challenged the belief that asking for support is a sign of weakness. He explained that reaching out is a step toward strength and recovery, especially when one’s personal coping capacity has been stretched. “At a point in time, you get tired. At a point in time, your bank will get depleted. You have to ask for help,” he said. He further encouraged individuals to identify trusted people within their circles, including friends, family members, or professionals, who can provide a safe space for honest conversations. He advised seeking therapists or counsellors who are trained to offer guidance and support. Mr. Panti noted that mental health must become a regular part of everyday conversations in homes, schools, and communities, and believes that normalizing these discussions will make it easier for people to speak up early and receive the help they need before their situation worsens. About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation