Author name: Genevieve Mensah

Virtual University

Ghana’s Political Future Hinges on Integrity and Accountability – Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu

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Speaking on a recent Springboard your virtual university broadcast, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu delivered a critique of Ghana’s political landscape, stressing the urgent need for integrity and accountability in national leadership. He drew attention to a troubling pattern in which politicians from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are appointed to public office despite facing ongoing investigations for alleged corruption. “I am not saying they are guilty because I don’t know. But I believe investigations should be concluded before such appointments are made,” he stated. “Integrity isn’t about shortcuts. Let the system determine credibility, not the ruling party.” Beyond corruption, Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu condemned the culture of hostile political campaigning, particularly when it involves threats to the livelihoods of opponents. “How can destroying other people’s livelihoods be a campaign message?” he asked, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable. His message reinforced a call for a new political paradigm anchored in ethical governance and citizen responsibility. He urged Ghanaians to be bold in questioning authority and to demand higher standards from those in power. “Integrity matters. Leadership matters. The future of Ghana depends on a society brave enough to insist on both,” he concluded. This address stands as a wake-up call to the nation, reminding citizens that Ghana’s political future rests not only on the leaders elected, but also on the values that society chooses to uphold. About Springboard, Your Virtual UniversitySpringboard, your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkathon series brings together thinkers and leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Genevieve Mensah

Career Clinic

Ghana Grows Career Clinic Highlights the Power of Time Management for Personal Growth and Legacy

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Friday’s Ghana Grows Career Clinic was nothing short of transformative as Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur unpacked the powerful link between time management, mental health, and purpose. He reminded participants that time is more than hours ticking away, it unfolds in moments of opportunity, seasons of growth, and a lifetime that God has set for impact. “Lifetime is set by God so that meaningful events can happen to your life,” he explained, urging everyone to value each season because wasting one can disrupt the next. While some time slips away unintentionally, Dr. Newman emphasized that we still have the power to take charge. The key lies in setting goals and focusing on what matters most. “You are more effective if you prioritize than when you don’t prioritize,” he said. He painted a vivid picture of a future where people pay not for the hours in your day, but for the years you’ve invested in becoming valuable. Time management, he stressed, is inseparable from wellbeing. Poorly managed time often manifests as stress, anxiety, burnout, or poor health. True wellbeing, according to Dr. Newman, rests on four pillars: physical fitness, mental soundness, social competence, and spiritual strength. He urged participants to reflect honestly, practice genuine self-care, and embrace continuous learning. “Unforgiveness is one of the delays of time,” he cautioned. “When you fix time for yourself and you heal yourself, then you have the capacity to impact the world.” To students, his advice was direct: “If you’re a student, only two things are important: God and school.” To entrepreneurs and leaders, he emphasized the need to build systems that outlive them. And to all, he left this challenge: “If leisure does not maximize your output in life, it is useless leisure.” By the end of the session, one truth stood out clearly: time is shaping our future, our health, and our legacy. Or, as Dr. Newman summed it up powerfully: “If you’re doing well, you will do well!” Once again, the Ghana Grows Career Clinic proved to be a wake-up call to live intentionally, guard our wellbeing, and use time wisely to create impact that lasts. About Ghana Grows Career Clinic Ghana Grows Career Clinic is a weekly webinar series designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive in work and life. Held every Friday at 4:00 PM, the sessions bring together expert facilitators, practical training, and interactive discussions on a variety of topics. By Genevieve Mensah

Hangout

Nkabom Collaborative Opens Agri-Food Opportunities for Young People

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Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, Project Lead of the Nkabom Collaborative, says Ghana’s agri-food sector presents endless business opportunities for young people beyond traditional farming. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, he explained that the initiative, headquartered at the University of Ghana, brings together six universities and partners like the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to build sustainable food systems. “The agri-food sector is more than just farming. From production to processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption, there is a whole value chain where young people can create businesses and careers,” Prof. Aryeetey said. He added that the program is designed to equip participants with practical skills, mentoring, and financial support. “We identified about 200 young people with business ideas, and after pitching, 100 of them received 1,000 dollars each to develop prototypes,” he revealed. Education Pillar Lead, Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, outlined the Collaborative’s training pillars, including specialized PhD and short experiential courses in sustainable food systems. “We don’t just do the talking; we engage young people hands-on through field training and industry partnerships so they gain both skills and knowledge,” he said. He stressed that market access is a major focus. “Many times we see bumper harvests in rural areas while urban dwellers struggle to find food. We need young people who can bridge this gap, identify consumers, and link them to producers.” The Collaborative also prioritizes inclusion. According to Prof. Aryeetey, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities are given special placement in the programs. He shared the example of a visually impaired participant who has advanced in their entrepreneurship track and is now receiving full support. Looking ahead, Prof. Aryeetey said his biggest dream is to see young people lead Ghana’s agri-food sector. “The sector has been dominated by older people for too long. We want to see the next generation empowered, innovating, and achieving great things.” About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. It airs every Saturday on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel( YouTube ) at 4 pm. By Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

Faith and Godliness Must Shape Everyday Life Says Methodist Presiding Bishop

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Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, says godliness should not be separated from daily living but must guide how people build society and relate with one another. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing 17th anniversary Thinkathon series on the power of ideas in Faith and Society, he said that compartmentalizing spirituality and everyday life weakens society. “We have compartmentalized our lives. Our spirituality is here, our everyday life is there. We have not put the bridge between the two. If we want to build a good society, godliness is essential because godliness encompasses all the virtues that make you human,” he explained. He advised young people to apply themselves fully in whatever field they are in, whether academics, apprenticeship, or agriculture. He stressed that friendships and relationships must also be chosen wisely. “If the young man in your life is asking for sexual favors or taking you away from your studies to go to a club, drop the relationship,” he cautioned. He also emphasized the importance of self-control as a leadership quality, warning that a lack of discipline in small things often leads to bigger failures. “If you don’t control your sense of hearing, you will listen to gossips, and that is the downfall of a lot of leaders. They enjoy gossip,” he said. On marriage, he urged couples to avoid transactional attitudes and instead invest in one another to build stronger unions. “In a good marriage, whether you are a man or a woman, you think about how to improve the relationship. You are sowing into it, and you will reap what you sow,” he said. According to him, Christian teaching on humanity emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity, which must be redeemed to align life with God’s purpose. About Springboard, Your Virtual UniversitySpringboard, Your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkathon series brings together thinkers and leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

Turning Waste Fabric into Stuffed Toys: MBA Mode’s Innovative Path

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Theresa Maame Baduba Ansah, Founder of MBA Mode, a fashion design institute in Adenta, Accra, is transforming Ghana’s waste fabric problem into an economic opportunity by creating stuffed dolls and other products from discarded textiles. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma, with host Araba Koomson,  she explained that the idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. With her fashion school shut down, she began experimenting with fabric scraps that would have otherwise been discarded. “There were children at home, schools were closed, and we had leftover fabric pieces. That became the inspiration,” she said. The founder, who originally trained as an accountant before venturing into fashion, has since expanded her work to train apprentices and integrate waste-to-product innovation into her institute’s curriculum. She highlighted the difference between upcycling and recycling, explaining, “Upcycling means I can take this piece and directly turn it into a product without breaking it down. Recycling, on the other hand, requires breaking it down before producing something new.” She emphasized the environmental impact of her work, citing worrying figures about waste generation in Ghana. “Every day, over 12,000 tons of waste are produced. Between 2022 and 2029, it is estimated to rise to 16,000 to 20,000 tons daily,” she noted.  “Just like an animal kingdom with different species, I want to build a place where you will find all kinds of stuffed animals,” she explained. Madam Theresa urged young entrepreneurs to take initiative. “You cannot sit for somebody to feed you. Create an environment for yourself. Start with what you have, I started in my living room,” she said. About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah

TEENpreneurship

Next Is Now: TEENpreneurship 2025 Empowers Young Innovators

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The week-long TEENpreneurship 2025 Bootcamp concluded at the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Hall, bringing together over 365 young participants, parents, and partners of the Ghana Grows programme. Held under the theme Next Is Now, the closing ceremony was a lively celebration of talent, resilience, and youthful determination. The closing day featured exhibitions, artistic performances, and powerful messages from Rev. Albert and Comfort Ocran of the Springboard Road Show Foundation. Partners such as Lyme Haus and Meraki Arts reaffirmed their dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators across Ghana. Breakout groups showcased projects spanning Resin and Creative Arts, Fashion Design, Eco Craft, Content Creation, Agribusiness, and Game Design. A memorable moment came from the Eco Craft group when a participant reflected, “Something good can be made from nothing,” earning applause for the creativity and resourcefulness the camp inspired. Parents also shared heartfelt stories of transformation. A mother who had travelled from Cape Coast spoke emotionally about her young son, a boy with a disability who joined the Content Creation class. “He came in shy and unsure, but today he is confident, bold, and eager to share his ideas. This camp has given him more than skills; it has given him belief in himself,” she said, drawing emotional applause from the audience. The day’s highlights included recognizing the Creative Arts group as Breakout Group of the Year. In a symbolic celebration, all 103 members received medals, a book authored by Rev. Albert and Comfort Ocran, and a group trophy — lifted high to the sound of the World Cup anthem. As the programme drew to a close, Lady Comfort Ocran urged participants to turn their ideas into reality through action, consistency, and collaboration. “Seeds don’t grow just because they are planted — they thrive when nurtured in the right conditions. You are the gardener of your own dreams,” she reminded them. The event concluded with an ice cream party and cheers of excitement, leaving one message ringing clear: Next Is Now. By Genevieve Mensah

Virtual University

Popular Culture is Key to Driving Social Change

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

Virtual University

African Architecture Must Blend Tradition and Innovation, Says Dr. Kuukuwa Manful

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Dr. Kuukuwa Manful, Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Michigan, has urged Africans to rethink their approach to building by integrating traditional methods with modern materials and technology. According to her, creating sustainable and culturally meaningful spaces requires a balance between professional expertise and community knowledge. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, as part of the ongoing Thinkathon: The Power of Ideas to Shape Society series, Dr. Manful encouraged citizens and professionals alike to reconsider how buildings are designed and maintained. “More of us should be talking to architects before we start our building projects. Listen to your architects, listen to your professionals. They have good, research-based ideas,” she said. “It’s a bit of a problem here that building is very client-driven. Sometimes the architect has no choice but to go along with it. But listen to them.” Drawing lessons from history, Dr. Manful noted that traditional earth buildings were communally maintained after each rainy season, strengthening community bonds. “Even though we may not return to that fully, our concrete buildings still lack proper maintenance,” she added. She also expressed concern about the disappearance of courtyards in modern architecture. “Courtyards are semi-indoor, outdoor spaces that regulate temperature, provide social spaces, and connect people. They are disappearing from our architecture,” she observed. Drawing on her practical work, Dr. Manful emphasized community interventions such as playgrounds, reading nooks, housing consultations, and advocacy for affordable housing. “Affordable housing in our cities will lead to freedom—freedom to experiment for young people, comfort for older people, and a foundation for solving many urban challenges,” she said. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkathon series convenes leading thinkers and professionals from diverse fields to explore how ideas can shape society. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

We Built Riohs College to Give Practical Fashion Training to People – Richard Ohene Sika

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Founder of Riohs College of Design, Richard Ohene Sika, says he established the institution to provide hands-on fashion training at a time when Ghana lacked short, practical programs in the field. “There was no official fashion institution doing anything shorter than a one-year program, and many people simply wanted to learn how to sew,” he explained. “That’s why I set up Riohs College, to focus on practicality and teach people how to sew.” Mr. Ohene Sika made these remarks on Ghana Grows Edwuma, hosted by Araba Koomson. The episode explored how Riohs College of Design has created opportunities for young people to turn their creative talents into professional careers. He outlined the institution’s major programs, including clothing and construction, 3D digital fashion, menswear, bridal design, and a new comprehensive fashion design option of one to three years. “From illustration to final sewing, everything is practical from day one. We are student-focused, and it is also value for money,” he said. According to him, what makes Riohs stand out is its lifelong support for graduates. “We have an acronym, LEARN. It’s a lifelong learning program. Even ten years after school you can always come back. We have an open studio policy where you can produce or get any form of help you need.” Mr. Ohene Sika also highlighted the institution’s facilities, including digital and design studios, a library, and a conducive classroom environment. He added that creating a lively and creative space motivates students to excel. Proudly listing alumni such as Elikem the Tailor, Sarah the Dressmaker, Zaki, and several others who have built thriving brands in Ghana and abroad, he said, “Sometimes I see a beautiful brand and later discover it belongs to one of our old students. That gives me so much joy.” About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

17 Years On, Springboard Still Graduates a Nation of Doers

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Springboard marks its 17th year with Thinkathon, a seven-week ideas series inviting Ghanaians to think boldly, act responsibly, and build a culture of integrity. Seventeen years ago, a simple on-air conversation at Joy FM became a movement. Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, has grown into one of Ghana’s most trusted platforms for thought leadership and practical capacity building. Reflecting on the journey, Rev. Ocran said “This broadcast was born on the evening of August 4, 2008, when Comfort and I sat in the studios of Joy FM to discuss building a good society. Seventeen years later, it is remarkable to reflect on how far we have comewith the broadcast, the number of platforms it now serves, and the millions of lives it has positively impacted. To God alone be the glory. We thank all our sponsors, stakeholders, listeners, and viewers. You make Springboard, the Virtual University.” Across the years, Springboard has hosted some of the nation’s most influential voices, including Pastor Mensa Otabil, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, Dr. Patrick Awuah, Bernard Avle, Kwami Sefa Kayi, Azumah Nelson, and Anita Erskine, sharing ideas that shape mindsets and inspire action in business, governance, academia, sports, and faith. The impact is echoed by national figures. Actor Adjetey Anang notes, “What Springboard Virtual University gives you is social skills. It helps you set yourself apart and be street-smart.” Veteran stateswoman Joyce Aryee calls the programme “relevant” and “timely.” And Professor Pikay Richardson urges young people to tune in, emphasizing Springboard’s role in democratizing knowledge: “In the knowledge economy, knowledge is power…this is one programme where you can actually get knowledge, virtually for free.” To mark the anniversary, Springboard has launched Thinkathon, a seven-week series convening experts to test bold ideas for national progress. For nearly two decades, Springboard has functioned as a “national classroom,” translating insight into action for listeners across generations. It airs every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on Joy FM and Springboard Zone (YouTube), and at 9:00 p.m. on Joy News TV. With Thinkathon, Springboard widens the conversation, equipping Ghanaians with ideas, practical guidance, and the motivation to lead in their communities and workplaces.