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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Bridget Eshun Wins GHS100,000 Grand Prize at Enterprise Spotlight Challenge

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Bridget Eshun, Founder of Delsoy Milk Drink Limited in Ghana’s Central Region, has emerged as the overall winner of the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge. The Enterprise Spotlight is a nationwide entrepreneurship initiative by Enterprise Group PLC and the Springboard Road Show Foundation, designed to discover, fund, and elevate the next generation of Ghanaian business leaders. The highly competitive challenge received 468 applications from various sectors across the country. Bridget Eshun took home the grand prize of GHS100,000. When Bridget entered the competition, she brought with her strong belief in her vision and a determination to address a pressing societal need. Her business provides nutritious, plant-based milk alternatives made from soya beans targeting lactose-intolerant individuals and lactating mothers. Delsoy Milk Drink Limited also promotes environmental sustainability through a zero-waste production model, converting soybean by-products into feed for pig and poultry farming. “We say a very big thank you to Enterprise Group and Springboard Road Show Foundation for giving Delsoy Milk Drink Limited this spotlight. We promise to make you and Mother Ghana proud.” says Bridget Eshun, Founder, Delsoy Milk Drink Limited. Other winners included: Ernest Sampong Darko, CEO of Duckpro Ghana (Eastern Region), who secured second place and GHS80,000 for developing plant-based protein supplements for the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industries—helping reduce feed costs for smallholder farmers. Emmanuella Yayra Ameevor, Founder of ORAVE Juices (Greater Accra Region), who placed third and won GHS50,000 for producing natural, probiotic juices while converting organic waste into fertilizer to support farming communities. Beyond building profitable ventures, the top three entrepreneurs are creating employment opportunities, empowering youth and smallholder farmers, and driving innovation in Ghana’s agribusiness sector. The total prize pool for the challenge was GHS500,000. In addition to the cash prizes, winners will benefit from a one-year structured mentoring and counseling programme, along with national exposure to support business growth and scalability. Albert Ocran, Technical Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, says “We are absolutely proud of all the winners,” He also expressed gratitude   to the judges, Enterprise Group, and all partners for their commitment throughout the challenge. In his congratulatory remarks to the winners, Daniel Larbi-Tieku, Group CEO of Enterprise Group, said: “What you are seeing today is the result of effort, commitment, and an unshakeable belief in your ideas. You have earned this.” The Most Resilient Award As part of the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge, A Most Resilient Award – a GHS10,000 cash prize — was dedicated to a person with a disability who demonstrated outstanding resilience. One of the most inspiring stories this year was that of Foli Elisha Kofi, Founder of Mycocostuff Ghana. Through innovation and determination, he has built a business that transforms coconut waste into eco-friendly products. Elisha’s resilience earned him recognition at the Young Innovators Awards and a place among the Top 24 finalists of the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge. He ultimately won the Most Resilient Award for his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. “Winning the Most Resilient Award means more than recognition to me. It is a reminder that despite the challenges persons with disabilities face daily, we still have the strength to keep building, creating, and inspiring others.” says Foli Elisha Kofi, Founder, Mycocostuff Ghana. About Enterprise Group PLC Enterprise Group PLC is a leading financial services company comprising six operating companies: Enterprise Insurance Company, Enterprise Life Assurance Company, Enterprise Trustees, Enterprise Properties, Enterprise Funeral Services Ghana trading as ‘Transitions – The Funeral People’ and Acacia Health Insurance. The Company is headquartered in Accra and has operations in The Gambia and Nigeria. Enterprise is now ISO 27001 Certified. Your data safety guaranteed. About Springboard Road Show Foundation Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) is a Ghanaian non-profit organization committed to raising the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs. Through youth mobilization, mindset change, skills development, and national engagement platforms, SRSF supports young women, men, persons with disability and displaced persons to build agency, unlock opportunity, and contribute meaning fully to Ghana’s socio-economic development. Media and PR Unit Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) 024 9999 555 / 0308 255 775

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Enterprise Spotlight Unveils Top 10 Finalists in Nationwide Entrepreneurship Competition

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

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Stakeholders Advocate Greater Disability Inclusion

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

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

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

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Comfort Ocran Marks International Women’s Day with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority.

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March 9, 2026, was an inspiring moment of reflection and dialogue as Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, joined the National Pensions Regulatory Authority to commemorate International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain.” The gathering celebrated the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women while marking an important milestone: the launch of the NPRA Women’s Wing. The initiative is designed to create a platform that encourages mentorship, strengthens community among women, and empowers women to reach greater heights in their personal and professional lives. Mrs. Ocran delivered remarks on the topic “Empowering Women, Securing Futures: Leadership and Impact in the Pension Sector.” Speaking to over 50 women of the Authority, she shared practical insights on the importance of financial planning and long-term investing as critical foundations for a secure retirement. She emphasized that consistent investment over time can create sustainable financial returns and long-term stability. Her message also highlighted the transformative role women play not only as professionals and leaders, but as builders of resilient families, stronger communities, and inclusive economic growth. “Securing your future isn’t just about you. It is about your children and the generations after them,” she noted. Mrs. Ocran also encouraged women to actively support one another in their journeys toward leadership and financial independence. “Financial security is part of empowerment. Empowerment is incomplete if a woman works hard all her life and still struggles in old age.” The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the Springboard Road Show Foundation to empower young people, particularly women, to achieve their full potential while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable society. Deputy CEO Victor Azuma Majida, speaking on behalf of the CEO of NPRA, Mr. Chris Boadi-Mensah highlighted the launch of the NPRA Women’s Wing as a journey to equality and empowerment. He emphasized “Creating an inclusive environment is vital for amplifying every voice. This initiative aims to provide resources and support for women, fostering a collaborative hub for inspiration and addressing challenges”. Majida noted that inclusive leadership boosts performance and innovation, asserting that investing in women’s leadership is essential for advancing gender equality and enhancing NPRA’s vision and mission for the future. Also, in her remarks Madam Efua Appiah-Gyimah, leader of NPRA Women’s Wing spoke about the significance of the establishment of the women’s wing.   “The establishment of this Wing represents a deliberate commitment to creating a supportive platform that encourages mentorship, leadership development, collaboration, and empowerment among women in the authority. It is a connection where women can share experiences, nurture talent, build confidence, and inspire one another to reach greater heights.” She said. Madam Efua Appiah – Gyimah added that the initiative reflects the Authority’s broader commitment to inclusion, excellence, and institutional growth. The event concluded as a moment of reflection, inspiration, and renewed commitment to ensuring that more women are equipped to plan boldly for their futures while uplifting others along the way.  

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“Don’t Just Be Inspired. ”Act”— Comfort Ocran Challenges Participants at International Youth Day Celebration

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This year’s International Youth Day has been celebrated in Accra with Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, reminding young people that the day is more than a date on the calendar but a call to action. Comfort Ocran reflected on the 2025 UN theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” noting that it is a powerful reminder that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. “The future is here, and the future starts now,” she declared, urging participants to take the global goals and make them real within their own communities. The celebration, held at the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Church on the 12th of August, also marked the launch of the Teenpreneurship Bootcamp under the bold theme “Next Is Now.” Organised at no cost to its 300 participants, the program is designed to equip teenagers with the skills, mindset, and confidence to act immediately. By embracing entrepreneurship, innovation, and practical problem-solving today, these young people are not only investing in their own futures but also contributing directly to sustainable development and community transformation. Another highlight of the day was the unveiling of the second edition of impact stories under the Ghana Grows Program, aptly dubbed Rays of Hope. These stories celebrate the resilience and achievements of young women and men transforming agriculture, breaking barriers, and creating local solutions with national and global relevance. Through the Ghana Grows Program, over 448,000 young people have been impacted.  Notably, 76% of participants are young women, and 1.91% are persons with disabilities. 20,000 young people have secured jobs and sustainable livelihoods, while more than 2,400 Youth Ambassadors have been trained to champion agriculture and entrepreneurship nationwide. In addition, the extended Empower 360 component of Ghana Grows has equipped over 1,116 young women with practical skills and provided 156 young participants with startup kits to launch their own businesses. The Ghana Grows Program is being implemented by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with a consortium led by the Springboard Road Show Foundation. It aims at highlighting the opportunities available in the extended value chain for agriculture, agribusiness and ATVET. Speaking at the program, Mr. Joseph Boateng, Lead, Market to Impact at the Mastercard Foundation, stated, “The SDGs are not distant targets set in boardrooms. They are lived realities in our villages, towns, and cities. As we mark International Youth Day, let us commit to moving from voice to impact, turning ideas into enterprises, passion into policy, and energy into enduring change.” Technical Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Rev. Albert Ocran, also spoke to the “Next Is Now” theme, encouraging participants to take deliberate action. “Inspiration without execution is only a dream. What you do today, the projects you start, the risks you take, and the ideas you pursue will define the world you live in tomorrow,” he said. The event closed with renewed energy, as young people committed to living out the charge of the Executive Director, to turn skills into solutions, relationships into collaborations, and opportunities into lasting change. With passion, purpose, and persistence, they left the celebration ready to ensure that their next step would not just be inspired but action-driven.