Author name: Faustina Yeboah

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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.

News, Virtual University

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

News, Virtual University

Springboard Virtual University at 18: Young People Rethink Marriage, Relationships and Readiness

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Young people have challenged conventional expectations about marriage, saying the decision to marry should be based on personal values, compatibility, readiness and the ability to build together rather than simply meeting social expectations. The views emerged during a special 18th anniversary edition of Springboard, Your Virtual University, which gave young people an opportunity to speak openly about marriage, dating, friendships, mentoring, networking and the pressures that shape their choices. The broadcast, themed What Young People Are Saying, deliberately moved away from giving young people prescribed answers and instead invited them to share their actual views, including areas where they were uncertain or disagreed with one another. One of the most striking debates centred on whether young people should wait until they were financially established before getting married. One participant said he would want to have his own house, a vehicle, sufficient money and a trust fund for his future children before marriage. He said he would have no problem getting married at 50 if that was what it took to achieve those goals. The position, however, was challenged by Charles Karim Bosomprah, Chief Executive Officer of Prymage Consultancy, who argued that marriage could also be a partnership in which two people build their future together. Mr Bosomprah said young people could find the right person and begin building together rather than waiting until they had completed every personal and financial goal. He explained that couples who understand the journey they are beginning together can achieve more by building as partners than by trying to complete everything individually before marriage. The discussion also raised questions about whether young people are placing too much emphasis on physical appearance when choosing partners. While some participants prioritised values, another openly admitted that physical attraction would come first because a person needed to be attracted to someone before taking time to discover their values. The debate over marriage also extended to age, with participants offering different views on the appropriate time to marry and whether a partner should be older or younger. Rather than settling on a single answer, the discussion highlighted the increasingly individual nature of decisions about marriage among young people. The broadcast then turned to another area of concern: how young people build relationships and professional networks. Participants debated whether relationships should be deliberately targeted or allowed to develop organically. While some supported deliberately approaching people whose experience or networks could contribute to their growth, others warned against approaching relationships solely for personal gain. One participant said young people often focus on what they can get from accomplished people without considering what they themselves can contribute. Mr. Chris Diaba, a People Capability leader and coach who participated in the discussion, similarly stressed the importance of becoming valuable to others in building meaningful relationships. He said people who value relationships should not focus only on what others can do for them, but should also consider how they can support and add value to those relationships. The discussion formed the second part of the special anniversary series, following an earlier edition that focused on themes including leadership, career development, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and technology. For host Pastor Albert Ocran, the decision to place young people at the centre of the anniversary conversations was deliberate. He said Springboard could not assume that intelligent, ambitious and accomplished young people did not have ideas of their own, stressing the importance of allowing them to express those ideas freely. He also encouraged participants to remain open to changing their views when new knowledge and life experiences challenged their earlier positions. The special broadcast marked 18 years since Springboard, Your Virtual University began broadcasting on August 4, 2008. Pastor Albert Ocran used the anniversary to acknowledge the programme’s listeners and viewers, resource persons, sponsors, media partners and production team, whose support has sustained the programme over the years. The anniversary conversation ultimately revealed a generation that is willing to question established expectations about marriage, financial readiness, relationships and personal development. Rather than presenting one definition of what young adulthood should look like, the young participants offered different perspectives, openly acknowledged uncertainty and challenged one another’s assumptions. For Springboard, Your Virtual University, the significance of the 18th anniversary was therefore not only a celebration of how far the programme has come, but also an opportunity to listen to the generation it has spent nearly two decades speaking to. Watch full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/aSkI9sLvTUw?si=DdWNgwLkSNXezpqE 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

Hangout, News

Businesses Owned by Persons With Disabilities Must Be Treated as Businesses, Not Charity

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President of the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, Mr. Alexander Tetteh, has called for a change in the way businesses owned by persons with disabilities are perceived, urging the public to treat them as legitimate businesses rather than charity projects. He said buying products from entrepreneurs with disabilities out of sympathy may offer temporary support, but does little to help their businesses become sustainable and competitive. “Sometimes when disabled people produce products, we don’t see it as a business. We see it as a charity,” Mr. Tetteh said. “We should see it with a business eye, so that we support them to grow and expand. But if we see it as charity, it will not grow.” He made the remarks during an episode of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, which focused on redefining inclusion and creating greater opportunities for persons with disabilities. The discussion featured young entrepreneur Elisha Kofi Foli, Founder of Mycocostuff Ghana, whose business turns discarded coconut shells into eco-friendly products, including cups, plates, phone stands, earrings, buttons, and other household and fashion accessories. Mr. Foli explained that he started the business after observing the large amounts of coconut waste in his community, particularly after rainfall and flooding. Rather than focusing only on plastic waste, he decided to find value in another common form of waste. His business now employs three people on a part-time basis, with the potential to create more jobs as demand increases. However, market acceptance remains one of his major challenges. Mr. Foli noted that some customers focus on his disability and approach his products with sympathy instead of appreciating their quality and commercial value. That experience, he said, has strengthened his determination to demonstrate that persons with disabilities can build viable businesses and contribute meaningfully to society. Mr. Tetteh said the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, which has mobilized more than 4,000 entrepreneurs with disabilities, works to address some of these challenges through market access, funding opportunities, training and policy advocacy. The Chamber also creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and connect with potential customers. Beyond market access, Mr. Tetteh called for more inclusive business policies, noting that not every person with a disability would find employment in the formal sector. He therefore advocated for entrepreneurship to be included in policies aimed at improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. He also stressed the need for accessible public spaces, respectful language and positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. For him, inclusion goes beyond physical access. It requires society to recognise persons with disabilities as equal participants in education, employment, business and public life. Mr. Foli, who won the Most Resilient Award at the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge, a youth entrepreneurship challenge by the Enterprise Group with technical support from Springboard Road Show Foundation in April 2026,  encouraged persons with disabilities to be confident, pursue available opportunities and stand up for their rights within the law. The discussion formed part of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran’s ongoing conversation on redefining inclusion and promoting a society where persons with disabilities can pursue dignified and fulfilling work. Watch the full interview here… https://www.youtube.com/live/2RQCakxBI_U?si=jmHkbefN-5iLR1Tf 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

Ghana needs urgent agriculture reforms to compete across Africa – Rev Ocran

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Co-founder of the Springboard Roadshow Foundation and an Executive Coach, Rev. Albert Ocran, has called for urgent action to remove bottlenecks stifling the agriculture and agribusiness sectors to enable the country to be at par with its compatriots across the continent. According to him, although the agriculture and agribusiness sector ranks among the fastest-growing industries in Africa, it does not feature among Ghana’s own top five fastest-growing sectors, even though it remains the country’s largest employer. “You visit a tea or coffee farm in Kenya or Morocco and it’s not just the plantation and processing but it’s also a tourist attraction. At a typical restaurant, in these countries, almost every item on the breakfast table is locally made. These are value chains we must begin to explore as we push ourselves to the next level in our journey as a country,” Rev Ocran said. He was speaking in Accra today (August 12) at the Impact Leaders Breakfast (ILB) which was held on the theme: “Leading Together with Global Insight for Local Impact”. The event is an exclusive forum that brings together business executives, investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development partners and innovators to inspire leadership, unlock investment and accelerate sustainable development. Agribusiness PotentialRev Ocran, who has been educating the youth on mindset change and work readiness through the Ghana Grows Program, said across the agric value chain, there are many opportunities that our Ghanaian youth are beginning to take advantage of. In the past few years, several interventions have been put in place opening the sector and creating jobs for young people. He said stronger value chains would create opportunities for young farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses while helping the country compete more effectively with other countries on the continent. He also urged leaders at all levels to study successful models from other countries and adapt them to local realities. “ Additionally, he stressed on the need for leaders to understand the country’s demographics, communities and development needs before introducing solutions developed elsewhere.“Ghana had significant opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness but unlocking them would require collaboration among government, businesses, investors, traditional leaders, young people and other stakeholders,” he said. Other critical sectorsTouching on other critical aspect of the economy, Rev. Ocran identified information and communication technology (ICT), transport, storage and logistics, trade and repair of vehicles, mining and quarrying, and oil and gas as some of the country’s fastest-growing industries. “Information and communication technology, up 25 per cent in the first quarter of this year,” he said, adding that transport, storage and logistics followed with 13 per cent growth. He said trade and repair of vehicles recorded nine per cent growth and contributed 14.8 per cent to the economy, while mining and quarrying and oil and gas also remained important sectors. The Convener of the Impact Leaders Breakfast and Chief Executive Officer of Prebbie Group, Kafui Prebbie, also said Africa needed to create opportunities for young people to start and grow businesses while building an ecosystem of investors capable of providing funding for promising entrepreneurs. “We need to bring together the ecosystem of investors so that we can invest in those people that we grow” he said. On technology, Mr Prebbie said artificial intelligence was changing the way businesses operated and stressed the need for people to learn how to use the technology ethically. Panel discussionDuring a panel discussion, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OML Africa, Anita Wife-Asinor, said African businesses needed stronger systems for identifying, developing and retaining talent.She said businesses often focused on recruiting workers without putting adequate systems in place to assess, develop and retain them. “We have to define actually the team we are talking about. And then we have to devise a plan. There has to be a plan. And this plan has to be strategic,” she said. Ms Wife-Asinor also called for stronger leadership development, saying managers needed training in personal leadership, emotional intelligence, constructive feedback and talent management. She said businesses also needed to create workplace cultures where employees felt safe to express ideas and make suggestions without fear of victimisation. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grey Parrot IO, Papa Kwame Anane, also urged entrepreneurs to move beyond passion and build strong systems, structures and governance if they wanted their businesses to survive and scale.“Passion sells the dream. But it’s systems, structures, governance, compliance. These are the things that are going to take it to the next level,” he said.He said entrepreneurs also needed to pay attention to financial management and other systems required to sustain their businesses. The Chief Executive Officer of Bako Group Holdings, Bako Ambianda, said Africa had no shortage of ideas or capital but lacked sufficient execution.“There are abundant ideas in Africa. It’s abundant capital in Africa. But what we are lacking is the execution of a lot of those ideas,” he said. He urged investors to focus on the capacity and mindset of entrepreneurs alongside the strength of their business ideas. Mr Ambianda said proper governance, systems, training and mentorship were necessary to help businesses grow from local enterprises into companies capable of expanding across Africa. He said Africa needed systems capable of preparing businesses from the beginning to meet governance and operational standards required for expansion across markets. By Joshua Bediako Koomson – Daily Graphic

Hangout

“Turning 60 Is Not the End. It Is Time to Contribute More” – Comfort Ocran

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Turning 60 should not be seen as the end of one’s productive years but as an opportunity to make an even greater contribution to society, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, has said. Speaking on Springboard Hangout, Mrs. Ocran challenged the common perception that growing older signals the end of purpose, explaining that her latest book, Planted by the Rivers of Water, was inspired by a desire to encourage people to remain fruitful and relevant at every stage of life. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 1, she said the image of a tree planted by rivers of water reflects a life that continues to bear fruit regardless of age. “I don’t feel a day after 30,” she said. “God never talks about the end. He talks about contributing to society.” The Executive Director explained that the collection of 60 poems was carefully selected from more than 100 poems she had written over the years to commemorate her 60th birthday. According to her, the book captures life’s full journey, including moments of joy, pain, loss, gratitude, faith, and purpose. She noted that while life presents both good and difficult seasons, hope must always have the final word. “If somebody talks about only the good, that is not life. That is not real,” she said. “Even when I become a bit dark in my writing, I always leave a sliver of joy that reminds people there is hope around the corner.” Mrs. Ocran also credited her faith as the foundation of everything she has accomplished, saying her relationship with God has shaped her outlook on life, leadership, and service. “I won’t be here without faith. Without God, there is no Comfort Ocran,” she stated. Encouraging young people not to limit themselves, she urged them to remain curious, keep learning, and trust that every life has been intentionally designed by God. “God is very intentional and very deliberate,” she said. “There is nothing you cannot do. You may not see it yet, but if you draw close to Him, He is able to make your life a beautiful one.” She made these remarks during a special edition of Springboard Hangout, where she took the guest seat to discuss Planted by the Rivers of Water, a collection of poems launched as part of her 60th birthday celebration. Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/live/BCVC_Au5OaM?si=MPyBR9I9OOI16tBW 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

Many Salaried Workers Are Living in Financial Emergency Without Knowing It, Says EDC Investment Limited MD, Paul Mante

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Managing Director of Ecobank Development Corporation Investment Limited, Paul Mante, has disclosed that many salaried workers are living in what he describes as a financial emergency because they would be unable to sustain their normal lifestyle for six months if their salaries suddenly stopped. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Mr. Mante urged individuals and families to conduct a midyear review of their finances, just as businesses assess their performance halfway through the year, to determine whether they are making progress toward financial independence. According to him, anyone who cannot maintain their current standard of living for at least six months without a salary should treat the situation as an emergency and begin taking deliberate steps to change it. “If you answer that question and you will not survive for more than six months, you are in a critical state. It is life-threatening. You need to see a financial doctor for an emergency surgery,” he said. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the financial sector, Mr. Mante explained that financial independence begins with changing one’s mindset about money. He said many people focus only on earning an income but fail to retain and grow it, leaving them financially exposed despite years of employment. He identified three stages of personal financial management as receiving money, retaining money, and reproducing money through investments. While many people are taught how to earn an income, he noted that very few are taught how to preserve wealth or make money. The Managing Director attributed the country’s low level of financial literacy to the fact that money management is rarely taught either at home or in school. As a result, many people enter the workforce without the knowledge needed to build long-term financial security. He encouraged workers to increase their earning capacity by acquiring new skills, creating multiple sources of income, and investing consistently instead of depending solely on their monthly salaries. He also advised individuals to invest at least 20 percent of their income and avoid allowing lifestyle changes to consume every salary increase. According to him, financial discipline today creates the freedom to make choices later in life based on purpose rather than financial pressure. Mr. Mante further cautioned against procrastination and excuses, encouraging people to begin their financial independence journey immediately regardless of their current income level. “The best time you should have started your journey towards financial independence was years ago. The next best time is now,” he said. Watch the full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/Bbg6-uDUr7k?si=xGzSWjP6UE3qf2JM 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

Hangout

Against Impossible Odds: Vanessa Rich Bennett’s Extraordinary Journey

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What happens when every medical prediction points in one direction, yet you choose to hold on to hope? For Vanessa Rich Bennett, that question became deeply personal after doctors advised that her pregnancy was unlikely to continue following serious complications at just 14 weeks. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, she reflected on a journey that tested her faith, challenged medical expectations, and ultimately reshaped her purpose. Rather than allowing her experience to remain a private family story, Madam Bennett now uses it to encourage families facing difficult pregnancies to remain informed, ask questions, work closely with healthcare professionals, and refuse to lose hope too quickly. Her daughter, Heavenly, was eventually born at just 26 weeks, weighing only 0.9 kilograms and facing several serious health complications. Today, however, Heavenly is thriving, a reality Madam Bennett describes as evidence that difficult beginnings do not always determine the final outcome. Throughout the conversation, Madam Bennett stressed that her journey was not about ignoring medical advice. Instead, she said it taught her the importance of understanding every diagnosis, asking questions, researching available treatment options, and partnering with doctors throughout the process. She also described faith as the foundation that carried her family through months of uncertainty. “Everything about my story is faith,” she said, explaining that every challenge she has experienced has prepared her to speak from lived experience and encourage others walking similar paths. Today, Madam Bennett shares her experience through speaking engagements and her book, 27 Weeks of Courage, hoping it reminds others that even when circumstances appear impossible, courage, knowledge, and hope still have a place. Her appearance on Springboard Hangout served as more than a personal testimony. It was a reminder that behind many stories of survival are difficult decisions, resilient families, dedicated healthcare professionals, and the determination to keep believing when the odds appear stacked against you. Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/live/5ft_c0bZMGk?si=9u5m_K5R2Lrqs4bG 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

Comfort Ocran Calls for Greater Investment in Ghana’s Youth to Secure the Nation’s Future

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Ghana’s greatest natural resource is its young people. With more than half of the population under the age of 35, the country has a vibrant generation filled with creativity, ambition, resilience, and innovation. Across entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, education, and the creative arts, young Ghanaians continue to demonstrate enormous potential to drive economic growth and national transformation. Unlocking this potential, however, requires more than hope. It requires deliberate investment in skills development, education, innovation, and opportunities that enable young people to thrive. Speaking at the recent Ghana Futures Dialogue, held under the theme “Ghana 2050: What Must We Build Today?”, Executive Director of Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, said Ghana’s future prosperity will depend largely on how intentionally the nation prepares and positions its young people for leadership, productivity, and inclusive growth. She stressed that by placing youth empowerment at the centre of policy and national development, Ghana can transform its youthful population into a powerful engine for national prosperity. “Every young person has potential,” she said. “What they lack is opportunity.” Turning Potential into National Prosperity To transform Ghana’s youth potential into national prosperity, the Executive Director proposed five key pathways: Critical Thinking, Skills, Enterprise, Linkages, and Employment. According to her, youth development must be treated as a deliberate and structured process rather than a one-time intervention. She also underscored the importance of building linkages that connect young people to markets, networks, institutions, industry leaders, and opportunities that can expand their reach and impact. Many promising youth-led initiatives, she noted, do not fail because of a lack of potential, but because young people remain disconnected from the ecosystems that support growth and scale. These linkages, she explained, are essential for creating sustainable employment opportunities. When young people are equipped with relevant skills, supported to build enterprises, and connected to the right networks, they become active contributors to economic growth rather than passive job seekers. “If we invest well in one young person, we invest in a whole village,” Comfort Ocran said. “Building Ghana’s future requires that young people are given the opportunity and the inspiration to become multipliers and agents of national prosperity.” Ghana 2050: What We Must Build Today Looking ahead to 2050, Comfort Ocran identified three priorities that Ghana must pursue to prepare its youth for the future: Her closing remarks captured the urgency of the conversation. “Our young people do not need our politics. They need our partnership.” The Ghana Futures Dialogue, organised by the Brillianta Foundation, brings together leaders, students, academics, businesses, and policymakers to examine what Ghana must build today to thrive by 2050. Through dialogue and collaboration, the event explores leadership, education, innovation, community development, and national transformation as foundations for Ghana’s future prosperity. 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 meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic development. About Brillianta Foundation Brillianta Foundation is a United Kingdom-based youth development organisation dedicated to advancing youth empowerment initiatives, equipping young people with future-ready skills, strengthening organisations and industries, and fostering international partnerships that support youth prosperity.