Author name: Faustina Yeboah

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Young People Call for More Flexible Workplace Dress Codes

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Young people have called on organisations to review rigid workplace dress codes and allow employees greater freedom to express themselves through their clothing while maintaining standards of decency. The call was made on Springboard, Your Virtual University, during an episode of What Young People Are Saying which examined changing fashion trends among young people and their implications for workplaces, churches and society. Fashion designer Golden Adams said organisations should be more open to creativity and innovation in how employees dress, arguing that professional clothing does not always have to follow the same traditional patterns. She noted that even within formal sectors such as banking, there could be room for employees to introduce creative elements into their dressing while maintaining a professional appearance. “Decency is also another topic. It’s right to be decent, and then it’s also right to be innovative and creative in how you dress and look,” she said. Another panelist, Asantoa, argued that organisations should allow employees to be themselves, provided they understand the expectations of their workplace and dress appropriately for their roles. She suggested that organisations could consider designated days when employees are allowed greater freedom in their choice of clothing, while maintaining more formal standards on other days. Student and panelist Abigail also linked workplace dress to employee happiness and productivity, saying young people should be able to express themselves while still meeting professional standards. She said organisations could allow employees to enjoy greater freedom in their dressing because being comfortable and happy at work could contribute to productivity. The discussion also challenged the tendency to judge young people’s seriousness or competence based on their appearance. The panel noted that unconventional dressing could sometimes be a form of self-expression or a desire not to conform to traditional expectations. Fashion designer Kwaku Bediako, founder of Chocolate Clothes Global, said changing trends should not be allowed to overshadow the individual, stressing the importance of understanding a person’s personality and preferences when designing clothes. He also said businesses should be open to new ideas from younger people, noting that changes in fashion can reflect wider changes in how young people think and express themselves. Host Rev. Albert Ocran, in his closing remarks, said employers should consider the possibility that what may appear to be rebellion in a young person’s dressing could also reflect a desire to innovate. He urged organisations to look beyond appearance and give young people the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, particularly where their work produces the required results. The episode also examined the growing acceptance of Made in Ghana clothing, with the panel encouraging Ghanaians to patronise locally produced fashion and recognise that Made in Ghana goes beyond traditional African prints and Kente. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/67MzkQruLns?si=SCZOHNU5fd5YJwgU 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 episode is part of the ongoing What Young People Are Saying series on Springboard, Your Virtual University, which explores issues and trends from the perspective of young people and creates room for honest conversations about everyday experiences, work, education, relationships, career development, and other matters that shape their lives.

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Awareness Is Not Enough: Health Advocates Push for Early Breast Cancer Screening

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Health advocates have called for greater emphasis on early screening and prompt medical attention, warning that breast cancer awareness alone is not enough to reduce the impact of the disease. The call was made by Medical Officer at Acacia Medical Center and public health advocate, Dr Raphael Achana, and public health nurse and adolescent health advocate, Betty Etornam, during an episode of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran. According to the health professionals, people must move beyond simply knowing about breast cancer to actively checking for changes, seeking medical attention when necessary, and taking advantage of available screening opportunities. Dr Achana encouraged women to be “breast aware” by knowing the normal appearance and feel of their breasts so that unusual changes can be identified early. “If there are any masses that can be felt on touching your breast, you will be able to feel it because you know your breast. If there’s an unusual discharge from your nipple, you will be able to identify that because you know your breast. So the simple message here is: be breast aware, know your breast,” he said. The health advocates also stressed the need for people to take advantage of breast cancer screening programmes organised by hospitals, churches, schools and other organisations, particularly during October. Ms Etornam expressed concern that some people still fail to attend community screening programmes even when such services are made available to them. She urged the public to seek proper medical attention when they notice anything unusual rather than delay treatment or turn to unqualified sources. “Please take the opportunity to go have the screening for your breast, and then if you find out anything, don’t stay at home. Don’t go to any herbal healer, traditional medicine healer, or anything. Just rush to the hospital and get screened. Early detection saves lives,” she stated. The advocates also called for breast cancer education to reach communities that may have limited access to television, radio and social media. Ms Etornam recounted an outreach programme she conducted at a basic school in a rural community where the children had little knowledge about breast cancer. “We should go into the communities, not just on TV, on radio, on social media. We should go into the community,” she said. Dr Achana also highlighted the wider effects of breast cancer, noting that the disease can affect patients physically, socially, emotionally and financially. “Breast cancer doesn’t only have a physical impact on the individual, but there is definitely that social impact. There is that emotional or mental effect on the individual, and there is definitely that financial impact that the individual suffers,” he said. He further explained that treatment does not follow one fixed timeline, as the duration depends on the type of breast cancer and how far it has spread. He noted that some individuals he knew had taken between two and three years to become cancer-free. The health professionals also encouraged families and partners to support people undergoing treatment, particularly because of the emotional and financial demands associated with the disease. Ms Etornam called for greater male involvement in supporting women during treatment, including accompanying them to health facilities and assisting with treatment costs where possible. Watch the full episode https://www.youtube.com/live/xahSSkhE3x0?si=5NzSoAP3KGCKZ8S 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.  The discussion formed part of the October awareness series on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, which is focusing on breast cancer and cerebral palsy awareness and encouraging the public to pay greater attention to health, early detection, and timely medical care.

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Employers Are Struggling to Find Graduates with Practical Skills Lately – Rev. Albert Kusi.

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Employers are increasingly struggling to find graduates who can translate their academic qualifications into practical workplace skills, according to Business and Investment Consultant and Executive Director of Success Africa, Rev. Albert Kusi. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, Rev. Kusi said one of the major concerns emerging from his interactions with employers is the difficulty of finding graduates who can perform basic tasks, communicate effectively, and adjust quickly to the demands of the workplace. He said many young people leave school without enough exposure to the world of work, making internships, volunteering and other forms of practical experience important parts of their preparation for employment. “People come with two masters, two degrees. Just hide them; they cannot do the job,” Rev. Kusi said, explaining that his experience in recruitment had shown him that academic qualifications alone do not always translate into workplace competence. His comments formed part of a wider conversation on internships, apprenticeships and volunteering on the latest episode of What Young People Are Saying, a new series on Springboard, Your Virtual University that creates space for young people to discuss trends, experiences and important everyday issues affecting their lives and future. The episode, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, brought together Rev. Kusi and young professionals Josie Ohemeng Agyeman, David Quarshie, and Priscilla Fumadorh to examine whether practical work experience is receiving enough attention in the transition from school to employment. Rev. Kusi argued that young people should not overlook internships simply because they are unpaid or offer little financial reward. In his view, the experience, exposure and skills gained can create opportunities that may not be immediately visible. He cited his own experience with the Springboard Road Show, where years of volunteering helped him develop his sales skills, build relationships and gain practical experience that later contributed to his career. He also recalled securing an investment banking opportunity partly because of the practical exposure he had gained through the Road Show, despite not having all the academic qualifications initially required for the position.For Josie, the value of an internship became clear after completing a six-month placement in the fashion industry. Although the internship was unpaid, she said it allowed her to apply the theory she had learnt in school and gain the practical experience needed to work confidently in the industry. David, who initially viewed internships as opportunities where young people were often used for errands, said his perspective changed during his national service. He realised that he was having to learn basic workplace skills, including using Excel, that he could have acquired earlier through an internship. Priscilla similarly described internships as an opportunity to understand how workplaces function, including how to communicate with colleagues and superiors, interact with customers and conduct oneself professionally. The conversation also challenged the idea that practical experience must always come from a conventional office environment. The panel discussed opportunities in the informal sector, family businesses, churches and other community settings where young people can volunteer, learn skills and gain experience. Rev. Kusi encouraged young people who are still waiting for formal employment to use the time to acquire practical experience rather than remain at home. He said even unpaid opportunities can provide skills and exposure that become valuable later in a person’s career. The discussion also called for internship opportunities to be better structured, with clear learning objectives, mentorship and greater emphasis on what young people stand to gain from the experience. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/esKFRoASqPQ?si=mJWVqXtocLLLdzn1 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 episode is part of the ongoing What Young People Are Saying series on Springboard, Your Virtual University, which explores issues and trends from the perspective of young people and creates room for honest conversations about everyday experiences, work, education, relationships, career development, and other matters that shape their lives. Other episodes of What Young People Are Saying are available on the Springboard Channel on YouTube.

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Young People Can Build Sustainable Businesses From Home, Young Entrepreneurs Advise

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Young people do not have to wait until they have significant capital or ideal conditions before starting a business, two young bakers, Enyonam Tebuwa Norgbodzi and Angela Appiah, have said. According to them, young people can start with the skills and resources available to them, learn along the way and gradually build sustainable businesses from home. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the two entrepreneurs shared their experiences of building businesses from small beginnings, highlighting the importance of practical skills, continuous learning, customer feedback and the effective use of social media. Madam Enyonam, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crispy Pieces, started her business in 2020 during the COVID 19 lockdown after developing an interest in baking. Without formal training at the time, she relied on YouTube videos to learn different recipes and spent about a month practising before beginning to sell to customers, she said. Crispy Pieces has since grown into a bakery brand specializing in soft doughnuts and baked foods, with weekly sales of between 15 and 20 boxes. According to the business owner,  some customers who started buying from her in 2020 continue to patronize the business. She noted that the journey also came with challenges, particularly while she was studying at the University of Ghana. Production was not always consistent because she could not work regularly while on campus, resulting in some customers turning to other suppliers. The situation was further complicated by the fact that she was producing outside Accra while most of her customers were in the capital. She recalled having to work through the night and send orders through a delivery service, an arrangement that sometimes-affected delivery times and product quality. Moving to Accra subsequently improved her ability to serve customers consistently, she said. Enyonam also stressed the importance of continuous learning, explaining that she improved some of her products by watching more baking videos and experimenting with different recipes when her initial results did not meet her expectations. Madam Angela Appiah, Chief Executive Officer of Gels Pots and Bakes, followed a different path into the baking business. She initially prepared soups and stews for customers before transitioning into baking after attending a professional baking school. Starting from her kitchen, she initially built her customer base through friends, family, and members of her church. She later expanded her products to include cakes, wedding cakes, and banana bread, with the latter becoming a major turning point for the business, she said. According to the business owner,  about 90%  of her orders now come through social media, with Instagram accounting for about 70%. Other orders come through WhatsApp, TikTok, and referrals. She explained that she was initially hesitant about using social media and appearing publicly because she was camera-shy. However, posting pictures and videos of her products eventually helped expose the business to customers beyond her immediate network. Madam Enyonam also identified social media as an important business tool, with about 75% of her customers coming through the platform. Both entrepreneurs identified confidence and consistency as some of the challenges they encountered in the early stages of their businesses. In her closing message, Madam Enyonam encouraged young people not to allow a lack of money or confidence to prevent them from pursuing their dreams. “I started in my home. I used YouTube videos to learn. I didn’t have capital.” She added that young people could build viable businesses with what they have, saying, “you can actually build something sustainable from home.” Angela similarly encouraged young people to look within themselves for opportunities, urging them not to give up when their plans do not work out as expected. “There is something in you that you can turn into profits, and that is the passion that God has placed in you.” Watch full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/PdFhzN8I4lU?si=MX1nSITidefoYXzR About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, educational, 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

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“Ghana Needs Young People Who Can Create Quality Work and Build Enterprises That Last” – Comfort Ocran

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Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, has called for stronger commitment in the vocational skills sector. Speaking as the Chairperson at the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA)’s 2nd National Learners’ Conference held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, she urged apprentices and master craftsmen to build enterprises rooted in trust, discipline and support.   The conference, themed “Charting the Learner Toward Contemporary Trends in Fashion,” brought together Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, GNTDA’s national, regional and local leadership of GNTDA and sought to encourage participants to align their craft with current advances in fashion design, blending fundamental technical skill with digital tools and sustainable practices.  Comfort Ocran encouraged apprentices to pair technical skills with practical business skills: “Master your craft while learning to price your work, reach customers and manage money. Use technology to showcase your work and understand how to reduce waste. Above all, build a reputation that people can trust, she said. Reminding the master craftspersons of their far–reaching influence on learners, she urged them, “Every learner in your care is a future colleague, employer or trainer. Teach them the judgement behind the work, not just the work itself, and give them room to ask questions”. She also commended the national, regional and local leadership of GNTDA for their remarkable work across Ghana, sustaining an association, supporting practitioners and preparing successive generations of apprentices.   Comfort Ocran re-affirmed Springboard Road Show Foundation’s commitment to youth development, vocational skills and economic inclusion, drawing evidence from the Ghana Grows programme, an initiative of the Springboard Road Show Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation which provided opportunities and career pathways for over 520,543 young people in agriculture, agribusiness, and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) for young people in Agriculture and ATVET. Beyond Ghana Grows, through the Youth-Led Organisation (YLO) Skill Building Initiative, a structured, replicable and scalable vocational skills programme, the organization has offered mentorship and practical training while equipping young people with market-relevant skills for economic participation. At the event, Springboard Road Show Foundation and the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) renewed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which focuses on youth empowerment, vocational skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion for young people across Ghana.

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Young People Urged to Build Capacity and Visibility to Access Opportunities

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Young people seeking opportunities in leadership, policy advocacy and international development have been encouraged to build their capacity, identify problems they want to solve and make themselves visible to the right networks. The call was made by youth advocate and founder of Kofi Global, Michael Ackon, during an episode of the Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, where he discussed his journey from a childhood with limited opportunities to working in youth advocacy and international development. According to Mr. Ackon, access to opportunities does not always begin with having powerful connections. In many cases, it starts with knowing what one wants to achieve, developing the skills required, and deliberately putting oneself in spaces where opportunities can be found. His own journey, he explained, began with experiences that exposed him to the importance of support and access. Growing up in a single-parent home, opportunities to pursue his education and develop himself were not always readily available. Support from Compassion International played an important role in his educational journey and later influenced his desire to create opportunities for others. A major turning point came through his participation in the Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI, which introduced him to areas including leadership, public policy, democracy and global governance. The Youth Advocate recounted discovering the programme through a colleague and subsequently researching the opportunity before applying. His successful application became a pathway to further exposure, including experiences with international organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF. According to him, young people must first determine what they want to do and the problem they want to solve. From there, they can develop a roadmap, identify relevant institutions and connect with people who can contribute to their goals. He encouraged young people to attend relevant events, participate in professional conversations and use digital platforms to communicate their interests, skills and contributions. Such visibility, according to him, can make it easier for people and organisations to recognise where an individual can contribute. He further encouraged young people to pay attention to their personal presentation, particularly when entering professional and international spaces, where first impressions can influence how others initially perceive them. The Curator of Kofi Global also challenged the perception that young people need to hold influential positions before they can contribute meaningfully to society. Beyond accessing opportunities, he encouraged young people to think about the sustainability of the impact they create. Professional growth, he noted, should not simply be about reaching a point of personal success, but also about solving problems, building systems and creating opportunities that can benefit others. Watch the full episode here… 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. This conversation forms part of the ongoing series on Youth in Advocacy, Leadership, Empowerment & Entrepreneurship. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

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‘Young People Must Lead Now, Not Wait for Tomorrow’ – Youth Advocates Calls

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Young people have been encouraged to take up leadership opportunities in their various spaces rather than wait for an uncertain future before making an impact. The call was made on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, where youth advocate Miss Selma Yoda and researcher and entrepreneur Mr. Caleb Acheampong shared their experiences and perspectives on youth leadership, purpose and social change. Speaking on the topic, Youth in Leadership, Advocacy & Empowerment, the guests challenged the popular notion that young people are merely “leaders of tomorrow”, stressing that leadership must begin in the present and can take place in any sphere of life. Mr. Acheampong revealed that leadership is not reserved for people occupying prominent positions, but is a responsibility that could be exercised within an individual’s immediate environment. He explained that while people may have innate leadership potential, they must deliberately develop their abilities through learning, experience and personal growth. “Everyone is a leader,” he said, adding that leadership could exist within a small circle or sphere and was not necessarily about being at the top or being highly visible. The Young Advocate also identified purpose and identity as major challenges among young people. He referred to a survey he conducted involving about 180 young people, saying 50%  of respondents identified issues around purpose and identity as among their major challenges, with many seeking clarity, direction and support in life. According to him, young people must develop the courage to question established ways of doing things and develop personal conviction instead of simply following what society considers normal. He urged young people to develop the ability to unlearn old ideas and remain open to better ways of doing things. According to Miss Yoda, her journey into leadership and advocacy was strongly influenced by her late grandfather, who taught her to speak up when she encountered wrongdoing and to seek solutions rather than merely complain about problems. She said his example taught her to be bold, strong and willing to act in the interest of others, and recounted how she had gradually taken up leadership positions at different stages of her education, including serving as Pro General Secretary and later as Deputy Women’s Commissioner before becoming the first female President of her institution. According to her,  these experiences helped her recognise leadership qualities in herself that she had not initially identified. She urged young women in particular not to allow societal expectations about the roles of men and women to prevent them from pursuing leadership opportunities. The Young Advocate added that women should be willing to step into spaces traditionally considered to be for men and should approach leadership with a clear understanding of why they are taking up a particular role. “Always ask yourself, ‘Why am I there? Why am I doing it?’” she said, explaining that clarity of purpose could help leaders remain committed when challenges arise. She also emphasised the importance of mentoring younger people and passing on knowledge and lessons gained through personal experience. According to her, the greatest contribution older generations can make to younger people is not necessarily financial support but knowledge that can help them make better decisions and develop their own capacity. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/IbFz0yKRabc?si=x5cI1_JgQ6rLKwro 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

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Springboard Road Show 2026 Ignites New Dream for Nzema Youth

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The Technical Director and Co-founder of the Springboard Roadshow Foundation, Rev. Albert Ocran, has challenged young people to take bold steps toward their future at the 19th edition of the Springboard Roadshow, held as part of the Axim Business Summit. The Axim edition is part of Springboard Road Show Foundation’s nationwide youth empowerment initiative, which has been running since 2007. By 2025/26, the Road Shows had cumulatively reached an estimated one million young people, with last year’s edition alone drawing over 5,000 participants at a single venue. Delivering his keynote speech during the event, titled “Small Beginnings, Big Endings,” Rev. Ocran stated that neither lack of money nor lack of formal education should intimidate any young person. Success, he said, is not an accident but the product of deliberate choices, consistent effort, and asking the right questions. For him, that begins with a mindset shift: “Change the question from ‘Who will employ me? Who will help me?’ to ‘What problem can I solve?’ Money is not a reward for need; it is a reward for solving problems.” He said. He also reminded them of the power of a good name; “A good name is like a bank account. Keeping your word, doing quality work, being honest – these are deposits. Lying, breaking promises, cheating customers – these are withdrawals. If your account goes negative, doors close.”He stressed. Executive Director Comfort Ocran reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission of equipping young Ghanaians with the tools and platforms to unlock their full potential, highlighting some of the organization’s core pillars as youth mobilization, skills training, counseling and mentoring, and inclusion. “We are not asking for handouts; we are saying we are creating the hand. We are creating the opportunities, and this is what exists — and therefore, let’s do it together,” she said. Turning Potential into Prosperity: The Business Case for Axim Charles Mensah, CEO of Trust Consult Limited, urged participants to start small, master the local market, and build a strong base before thinking global. He encouraged young people to pair formal qualifications with practical experience through apprenticeships, internships, and volunteering — and cautioned against common financial pitfalls: unrealistic “quick money” schemes, lifestyle inflation after salary increases, and the careless spending of windfalls that should instead serve as emergency savings. Promoting “Made in Axim” Eva Mends, Chairperson of the Kundum Planning Committee and Sompahene of the Axim Traditional Area, called on participants to take pride in locally made products and promote them boldly to the world. “We should say ‘Made in Axim’ proudly, not apologetically,” she said. “When people see that label, they should know it means quality, resilience, and something we have put our best into.” She also urged accomplished natives of Axim to return home, invest, and speak confidently about the town’s potential. A Broader Push for Nzema Youth The Axim edition of the 2026 Road Show was organized in partnership with local leaders, organizers of the Kundum Festival and the inaugural Axim Business Summit. The programme was designed to bring national-level youth empowerment directly to Nzema youth, while spotlighting local business and development opportunities. It also aimed at pushing back against the persistent perception that “business doesn’t thrive in Axim” — countering it with real success stories of people who built careers and enterprises from humble starts, while equipping local youth with practical ideas and mindset shifts to convert Axim’s untapped potential into real prosperity.

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Mental Health Should Form Part of Workplace Assessment, Psychologists Advise

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Mental health assessment should form part of workplace employee screening and support systems because psychological well-being can have a direct impact on productivity, relationships and performance, two clinical psychologists have advised. Dr Isaac Newman Arthur and Linda Dede Ahulu made the call when they appeared on Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, where they discussed the influence of the mind on human behaviour, performance and achievement. According to Dr Arthur, organisations often assess employees for physical health conditions but pay little attention to their mental well-being, even though psychological challenges can affect how people function at work. He said mental health assessments could help organisations better understand their employees, improve placement, identify areas where support may be needed and develop appropriate mental health policies. Dr Arthur disclosed that an assessment he conducted for one organisation found that about 54% of the team members were sufficiently angry to potentially act inappropriately at work. He explained that such assessments were not intended to victimize employees or provide grounds for dismissal, but to give organisations a clearer understanding of the psychological state of their workforce and the interventions that may be required. “It’s confidential,” he said, explaining that organisations could receive a general picture of the team’s psychosocial environment without being given individuals’ private medical information. He said organisations needed to recognise that people come to the workplace with different backgrounds and experiences, some of which may affect their ability to cope with pressure, form relationships, regulate their emotions and achieve goals. Dr Arthur identified six areas that can be affected by a person’s mental state: the ability to cope and adjust to life situations, form and maintain meaningful relationships, develop healthy perceptions of people and events, live independently, achieve meaningful goals and contribute to society. He said these factors could influence how employees respond to authority, colleagues, responsibilities and workplace demands. Linda Dede Ahulu, also a clinical psychologist, said relatives and other people close to individuals experiencing difficulties had an important role to play by encouraging them to seek professional help. She noted that mental health challenges often affect more than a person’s work, extending to relationships and other areas of life. According to her, people experiencing psychological difficulties may not always recognise that they need help because they have become accustomed to living with their challenges. She also identified stigma as a major barrier to seeking mental health support, saying some people were more comfortable being identified with physical illnesses than with mental health conditions. Madam Lynda stressed that seeking psychological help should not be viewed negatively, noting that people could experience significant improvement after receiving appropriate support. The discussion also highlighted the influence of childhood experiences on adult behaviour. Dr Arthur explained that a person’s development is shaped by a combination of genetic factors, socialization and experiences within their environment. He said experiences from childhood can influence how people regulate emotions, respond to stress and interact with others later in life. However, both psychologists stressed that a person’s current condition does not have to determine their future. Madam Lynda said there was always a possibility for change and encouraged people who recognise that they need help to seek it, while Dr Arthur similarly urged individuals to examine their lives and seek professional assistance where necessary, saying that healing could change how a person thinks about life and improve their ability to function. Watch full episode here…. https://www.youtube.com/live/CSRsp4Hpz0Y?si=ZaeimDjERxqVcAks 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 (YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

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Mental Health Challenges Should Not Be Treated as Weakness, Psychologist Says

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Counselling Psychologist and Mental Wellness Professional, Jaclyn Essien, has called for a change in how mental health challenges are understood and discussed in Ghana, saying people should not be made to feel weak or ashamed for seeking help. According to her, societal pressure, cultural beliefs and fear of judgement continue to prevent many people from speaking openly about what they are experiencing emotionally and mentally. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Madam Jaclyn said many people had grown up being encouraged to suppress their emotions, with some being told to simply pray about their problems and move on because others were facing worse situations. She said this approach had contributed to a culture where people often suffer quietly rather than seek the support they need. “People feel like when they open up about their mental health, they feel a bit of shame. They feel like they’re going to be misunderstood. They’re going to be judged,” she said. The Counselling Psychologist said the situation could be addressed through regular mental health education in workplaces, communities, churches and other settings where people could learn to understand mental and emotional well-being. She also called on organisations to provide safe spaces where employees could discuss mental health concerns without fear of judgement, suggesting that workplaces could have dedicated psychological support services. The Mental Wellness Professional explained that mental health involved understanding how the mind works, managing stress and anxiety, regulating emotions and dealing with unresolved experiences that could affect a person’s life. According to her, one of the difficulties with mental health challenges is that people could appear fine externally while dealing with significant emotional struggles internally. Madam Jaclyn identified sudden withdrawal from social activities, loss of concentration, emotional exhaustion, mood swings, changes in appetite, and loss of motivation as some signs that a person may be experiencing an emotional or mental health challenge. She, however, cautioned that such changes should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a mental health condition, stressing the importance of communicating with the person and checking on their well-being. “Checking in on that friend, checking in on that colleague,” she advised, adding that people should ask deeper questions about how others were doing instead of being satisfied with a simple “I’m fine.” She further explained that unresolved childhood experiences could continue to affect adults, particularly through their relationships, communication, anger, and emotional triggers. According to her, people who are still affected by painful childhood experiences should acknowledge them and seek professional support where necessary instead of ignoring them. For individuals dealing with trauma, she recommended constant support, professional counselling and, where appropriate, spending time in environments where they feel safe and connected. She recommended self-reflection, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, planning daily activities, changing one’s environment when necessary and speaking positively to oneself as some practical ways of supporting mental wellness. In her closing message, she urged people to reject societal expectations that men must always be strong, women must suppress their emotions, and young people must achieve success quickly. “Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to someone about the issue,” she said. Watch full episode here….https://www.youtube.com/live/_8N8ot0n0qs?si=2los1vNg0HTAvBP1 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