Hangout

Hangout

AUB Dassan Founder Calls for Stronger Agric Policy Focus on Springboard Hangout

/

Founder of AUB Dassan Limited, Mr. Mumuni Dasanah Issah, has made a strong case for national policy to tilt heavily toward agriculture if Ghana wants to reduce poverty and slow down environmental damage. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the Ghana Grows tour in the Upper West Region, he said his academic research proved that real transformation begins with Agric focused policy thinking. According to him, a master’s level study on poverty and environmental degradation opened his eyes to a simple truth. Agriculture remains the country’s most practical tool for sustainable change. He said the findings pointed to four activity clusters that shape the food ecosystem. These are primary production, secondary processing, tertiary food services and agricultural support services. These insights eventually became the roadmap for AUB Dassan Limited. Mr. Dassan explained that his time working with Zoom lion during a decentralization policy shift also pushed him deeper into agro processing. Data at the time showed that the Upper West Region was deeply rural. This meant waste management alone could not support long term business growth. He said the more rural a place is, the stronger its link to agriculture. That convinced him that his future was in food processing rather than waste services. He shared that AUB Dassan began in 2015 from a rented single room where he outsourced milling and focused on packaging. The early years were tough but he stayed committed. His big break came in 2017 when MiDA supported his distribution efforts with motorbikes that pushed his products across Wa, Nadowli, Jirapa and nearby communities. Today, AUB Dassan operates as a growing processing center with more than 200 potential products across six major lines. These include breakfast foods, flours, nut butters, spices, beverages and vegetables. Many of the products are built around reducing post harvest losses. He explained that when farmers begin losing produce, his team moves quickly to buy and process before the food goes bad. He said some of their Tom Brown mixes now include yam, sweet potato and plantain. Interns from the Ghana Grows program, including Nuria Zuharuna and Winifred Zoya, also shared their excitement about learning from his journey. They said the internship is giving them the confidence and skills to begin their own agro processing ideas. Looking ahead, Mr. Dassan said his dream is to move into tertiary food production with ready to eat meals. He noted that consumers of the future want more convenience and businesses must think ahead to meet that demand. He advised young people to keep their eyes on consistency instead of quick wins. He said no job comes with guaranteed potential. The person is the potential. His message to the youth was simple. Pick something, stick with it and keep building. About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. By Genevieve Mensah

Hangout

Atarrah Ghana Empowers Widows through Baobab Value Addition in Upper East

/

Atarrah Ghana Limited, an agribusiness venture is empowering widows and rural women in Ghana’s Upper East Region through value addition in the baobab industry, promoting sustainable livelihoods and the conservation of indigenous tree species. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the Springboard Road Show 2025 stop in the Upper East Region, the Managing Director of Atarrah Ghana, Ms. Fati, said the initiative evolved from the Widows and Orphans Movement, a nonprofit founded by her mother to help widows earn dignified incomes through productive work rather than dependence on donations. “In 2013, my mother asked me to help with the project. We were always begging for money to do good, and I thought we could create something that allows people to work for their money. That’s how we started Atarrah Ghana,” she said. She explained that Atarrah Ghana, headquartered in the Talensi District, operates within the baobab value chain, processing the indigenous tree’s seeds into cold-pressed oil for cosmetic and industrial use. Ms. Fati noted that baobab trees are abundant in the Upper East Region and hold deep cultural significance as symbols of protection and heritage. Ms. Fati said the company produces baobab oil through natural processing methods and ensures that no part of the tree goes to waste. The by-products are converted into animal feed, supporting poultry and livestock farmers, particularly during the dry season. “We produce sustainably. We don’t have any waste product in this factory,” she stated. She further revealed that beyond baobab oil, Atarrah Ghana also processes neem, sesame, moringa, and pawpaw oils, as well as black soap made from baobab and shea butter. The company trains women in shea butter processing and provides market access without competing with their businesses. “We exist because of the women, so whatever they want to do is what we will do. When we compete with one another, we collapse businesses. We all lose out,” Ms. Fati said. Accoprding to Ms. Fati, currently, the factory processes about 15 tons of baobab seeds annually and plans to expand its warehouse capacity fivefold in the coming year. The company is also piloting baobab tree planting initiatives to ensure sustainability and preserve the tree population for future generations. “We want to tell the story of the women so that people can associate with it. We are also planting baobab trees to secure the future of the industry. People say it takes 30 years to harvest, but we are willing to pilot grafting and other innovations to shorten that period,” she added. She urged young people to look beyond challenges and identify opportunities within their local environments. “There’s a lot of space. We just need to think outside the box and look within our environment. If we make things easier for industries, we will see the full potential of our people,” she said. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

Hights Enterprise Empowers 2,000 Women through Agric Value Addition in Upper East Region

/

Hights Enterprise Limited, an agribusiness, is transforming agricultural livelihoods in Ghana’s Upper East Region through value addition, women empowerment, and sustainable agribusiness practices, according to its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Akayeti Naamlebna. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the launch of the Springboard Road Show 2025 in Bolgatanga, Naamlebna said the idea for Hights Enterprise was inspired by his work with women farmer groups in rural communities. “I realized that supporting women only to produce raw materials was not enough. When you add value to crops, you create jobs and make a real impact,” he said. The trained finance professional, Naamlebna explained that Hights Enterprise was established to lead in value addition within the region’s agriculture sector. “The company focuses mainly on the edible oil value chain, producing cold-pressed groundnut, sesame, and baobab oils sourced from local farmers,” he added. He said the oils are produced using natural methods and have become popular among diverse consumer groups in Ghana. Hights Enterprise is certified by the Food and Drugs Authority and is in the process of securing additional certification from the Ghana Standards Authority. Beyond oils, the company also processes baobab and hibiscus powders, as well as smoked guinea fowl, all made from locally sourced raw materials. “We started with 500 women farmers and have grown to 2,000 across the Upper East and Northeast regions,” Naamlebna said. Through partnerships with the GIZ Invest for Jobs initiative, Cosmos Innovation, and the Mastercard Foundation’s Bridging Agriculture Program, Hights Enterprise has received capacity-building and equipment support to strengthen its operations. Naamlebna explained that the women farmers, mostly out-growers, benefit from training, cooperative registration, and access to guaranteed markets. “We offtake everything they produce, so they don’t have to worry about where to sell,” he emphasized. The company also promotes environmentally friendly practices by using by-products from processing to produce organic manure. It is currently exploring the development of a biogas project to reduce reliance on firewood and improve rural energy access. Looking ahead, Naamlebna shared plans to expand into large-scale processing and export within the next five years. “We want to be a major player in the oil value chain and in value addition for northern products. Adding value creates jobs and reduces post-harvest losses,” he stated. He encouraged young people to explore opportunities within agriculture. “We are surrounded by opportunities, but if you don’t think, you won’t realize them. Positive thinking attracts positive results,” he advised. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. By Genevieve Mensah

Hangout

From Two Pupils to 215: How Springboard Inspired a teacher to Build a School in Zorko

/

Dr. Thomas Abugre, Founder of Zimas Grace International School in Zorko, Upper East Region, credits a single encounter with the Springboard Road Show in 2010 for transforming his life and inspiring him to establish the first private school in his community. Speaking on the Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Dr. Abugre recounted how attending the Road Show sparked a vision to create opportunities for children in Zorko, a community that previously only had public schools. “Hearing Reverend Albert Ocran say it doesn’t matter where you are, you can make it, I was moved to act,” he recalled. According to Dr. Abugre, the school started in a rented single room with just two pupils, the children of his colleagues. By the end of the first year, enrolment had grown to 10. Today, Zimas Grace International School boasts 215 pupils and 12 teachers, offering classes from kindergarten through junior high school. The school also runs an affordable feeding programme, ensuring pupils receive daily meals, a factor Dr. Abugre says has improved attendance and retention. Beyond founding the school, Dr. Abugre has pursued his own education relentlessly, progressing from a Cert-A teacher to earning a first degree, a master’s, and a PhD specializing in early childhood development. “The Springboard Road Show changed my mindset about being a village champion. If I can rise to this level, so can others,” he said. Despite its success, the school faces significant challenges with infrastructure and land ownership. Zorko’s traditional landowners do not sell land to non-natives, so Zimas Grace currently operates in rented spaces, including a community centre. This limitation has prevented the school from fully utilizing its computer lab, despite receiving 15 computers through a donation facilitated by Springboard. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Abugre says the school has made a lasting impact, inspiring the emergence of other private schools in the area and reducing the need for parents to send their children to Bolgatanga for private education. Looking ahead, he hopes to track the progress of his pupils over the next decade and expand facilities to support their growth. He urged young people and the public to support the school’s infrastructure needs, either through the PTA or its bank account. “If there is anything you can get hooked on, get hooked on the Springboard Road Show. It has transformed my life, and it can transform yours,” he advised. The visit to Zorko was part of the 2025 Springboard Road Show, which is touring 16 cities and engaging over 500,000 youth in one amazing experience. About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by 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. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

Springboard Road Show 2025 Engages 500,000 Young People Across 16 Regions

/

The Springboard Road Show 2025 is already underway, with two regions covered so far in what organizers describe as the most ambitious edition yet of the nationwide empowerment initiative. Speaking on Springboard Hangout, host Comfort Ocran traced the program’s journey from its modest beginnings in 2007 to its current scale as one of Ghana’s largest youth movements. “The very first event, held at Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Hall, attracted 600 participants. That was how a one-off Accra event grew into a nationwide movement,” she recalled. At the heart of this year’s Road Show is the Ghana Grows program, a bold intervention designed to equip young Ghanaians with the skills, networks, and resources needed to thrive in the agriculture and agribusiness space. By combining technical and vocational training with mentorship, career guidance, and direct access to opportunities, Ghana Grows provides practical pathways for young people, especially young women and persons with disabilities, to live dignified and fulfilling lives. Now in its third year of partnership with the Ghana Grows program, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative has already reached more than 500,000 young women, young men, and persons with disabilities. This has been achieved through platforms including the Career Clinic, Edwuma, Hangout, Virtual University, Empower360, and Community Information Centres. “This year, we’re not just talking to young people online or on TV. We want to look them in the eye, hang out with them, and connect them directly to opportunities across the agriculture, agribusiness, and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) value chains,” Comfort Ocran said. The 2025 edition will feature 50 expert speakers from diverse fields to provide practical knowledge, inspire action, and open new opportunities for participants. Alongside the conferences, the Road Show will host skills-building workshops in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Selected participants will also receive startup kits containing tools and resources to support value addition and entrepreneurship. A new addition to this year’s program is the introduction of regional Hangout Highlights, which will showcase local innovators, institutions, and young changemakers in each region. Organizers say this will allow participants to discover success stories and role models within their own communities. Describing the Road Show as a lifeline for the youth, Comfort Ocran said: “It is intentionally designed for young people, with young people, and run by young people. Don’t let the Road Show pass you by. Be there and let it transform your journey.” About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by 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 Genevieve Mensah

Hangout

Digital Tools Hold the Key to Unlocking Youth Potential in Tourism – Vidette Adjorlolo

/

 Vidette Adjorlolo, CEO of Sorted Chale and Luxe Tribes, has urged young people to explore the vast potential in Ghana’s tourism sector, stressing that digital tools are critical to building and scaling sustainable businesses in the industry. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Ms. Adjorlolo shared her journey from banking in London and Hong Kong to returning home and establishing two thriving travel brands. She noted that her decision was inspired by a desire to showcase Ghana and Africa as premier travel destinations. “Tourism is not just about sightseeing. It is about experiences, stories, and connections. With digital tools like websites, social media, apps, and even AI, young people can build powerful businesses that reach global audiences,” she explained. Through Sorted Chale, she has introduced unique packages which make vacationing in Ghana more accessible by allowing groups to share holiday homes at affordable rates. Luxe Tribes, on the other hand, organizes curated group and private trips across the continent. Ms. Adjorlolo also highlighted the many entry points for young people in tourism, including photography, storytelling, food tours, cultural performances, and hospitality services. She encouraged them to start small, stay consistent, and use digital content to tell authentic African stories. Looking ahead, she revealed her long-term vision of making Sorted Chale a household name in Africa and positioning Luxe Tribes as the leading global black travel brand. “If an idea comes to you, it came for a reason. Don’t sit on it. Pursue it,” she advised. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard 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

Hangout

Youth Urged to Tap Into Tourism as Ghana’s Untapped Goldmine

/

Madam Felicity Nelson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), has called on young people to explore the vast opportunities in Ghana’s tourism sector, describing it as an untapped goldmine. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Madam Felicity explained that tourism is not just about sightseeing but a significant economic driver that channels money directly into local communities. “Tourism is an immense contributor to our GDP and we must take it seriously,” she said. She also highlighted a range of initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs. One such innovation she mentioned is Car by Night, a double-decker bus tour that showcases Accra after dark, with stops at cultural landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the Osu Night Market. According to her, the tour blends heritage, food, and nightlife to create new experiences for both locals and foreigners. She further announced that the GTDC is offering free vendor advertising on its platform for a period of one year. Young people running tours, cooking classes, craft workshops, or performances can register through the company’s website and receive support with the process. “If you are a young person wondering how to get your name out there, we are offering a platform,” she assured. Madam Felicity also underlined the importance of digital skills and content creation, describing them as pivotal to the growth of tourism in Ghana. She encouraged young people to start small, build consistently, and refine their craft. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by 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

Hangout

Nkabom Collaborative Opens Agri-Food Opportunities for Young People

/

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

Hangout

It’s Time for Northern Kente to Take the Stage – Winifred Edjeani, Founder, Ekasa Kente

/

Founder of Ekasa Kente, Winifred Edjeani, has called for greater recognition of Northern Ghana’s unique Kente tradition while working to empower rural women through weaving and financial literacy. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, she shared how her brand was inspired by a desire to reduce the economic pressures that force women from the north to migrate to southern cities for low-paying jobs. “If I can empower them to make their own money and secure financial freedom where they are, they won’t have to come to Accra to carry heavy loads for tiny wages,” she said. Ms. Edjeani explained that the idea for Ekasa was born after conducting research with 200 Kayayo women during the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed a lack of financial literacy and economic opportunities in their home communities. A visit to Tamale introduced her to a group of female weavers, leading to a programme that now trains over 30 young women. According to her, beyond fashion, she uses Ekasa as a platform to teach women how to manage their finances, a principle she learned from her father at the age of 13. “As a woman, you need to have your own money. I call it ‘bluff money’. I love to teach women how to make money, how to save it, and how to enjoy it,” she said. She added that the enterprise also supports the Nungua New Life Orphanage annually and provides resources to weaving families in the north, ensuring mothers can work alongside their children in safe environments. “We love and appreciate Ashanti Kente, but it’s time for the Northern Kente to take the stage,” she said. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. By Faustina Yeboah

Hangout

Scrap Metal Artist Jeffery Yeboah Shares His Journey on Springboard Hangout

/

Jeffery Kwabena Yeboah, founder of Kae Kwabena Studios, has shared how he started his journey as a scrap metal artist with no prior knowledge of welding, and no financial support, but with a strong desire to succeed. He was speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran in an episode titled Sparking Conversations with Scrap Metal. Mr. Yeboah recounted how his breakthrough came in 2015 when he decided to create tables using old car tires and jute ropes. According to him, the idea gained media attention and drew interest to his work, although it came with some challenges. “People thought I was just making tables, not art,” he said. “And I’ll blame myself for how I communicated it at the time.” Mr. Yeboah stated that he produced planters despite not having any background in welding. “I didn’t know anything about welding when I was asked to make planters for someone,” he said. “I even told her assistant to find someone else. But when she called me directly, I just said yes.” He  further revealed that his move to Accra as a child came with several challenges, but he remained focused on his education and eventually gained admission into the University of Ghana. “I entered Legon with nothing. I had to hustle. I started decorating rooms using PVC stickers just to survive,” he noted. The creative artist stated that his journey has been shaped by many helping hands, which inspired the name of his brand, Kae Kwabena, which means “remember Kwabena” in Akan. “Each time I say the name, I remember the hands that helped me. It keeps me humble and grateful,” he said. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard 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. By Faustina Yeboah