Virtual University – Springboard Roadshow Foundation

“Every Cancer Patient Deserves a Special Nurse” – Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti

Genevieve Mensah / July 14, 2025

2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award winner, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, is calling for greater recognition of cancer nursing as a dedicated specialty within healthcare, saying patients battling such conditions deserve focused, expert care. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, the Oncology Nurse Specialist stressed, “Every patient, and by extension every cancer patient, deserves to be taken care of by a special nurse. There is a need for us to realize cancer nursing as a specialty.” The conversation formed part of the broadcast’s ongoing Changing Narratives series, which highlights Ghanaians who are reshaping the national story through bold and impactful work. The award-winning specialist used the platform to highlight the emotional weight many nurses carry in silence. “Sometimes you see yourself in your patient,” she said. “Depending on the state they come in, it can be emotionally draining. You go home carrying what they are going through.” As an Oncology Nurse Specialist, she stated that her Christian faith is key to how she copes and provides comfort. “Sometimes a patient will ask, ‘Will I survive?’ and because both of us are Christians, I’ll tell them, ‘God will do it.’ I’ve found myself praying for patients. Faith is what keeps me going.” She also shared the core qualities that drive her work and what she believes every great nurse must have: compassion, skill, and faith. “Compassion gives you the drive. Skills give you the ability to deliver. But faith keeps you grounded and strong,” she explained. Reflecting on her journey, the award-winning nurse said her passion for nursing was shaped early by her environment and upbringing. “Growing up, I’d follow family members to the hospital. I watched nurses speak with authority, care, and calm, and people listened. I admired that. I wanted to be that.” Raised by parents of modest means, Mrs. Oyoe Ohene Oti credits her father’s belief in education for helping her pursue her calling. “My dad was a security officer and my mum a trader. He used to say the best thing you can give your children, apart from God, is education. He didn’t get to attend university even after gaining admission, but he made sure all his children did.” She described the award experience as a journey of visibility and purpose. “It’s opened up opportunities to meet amazing people and tell our story. This is what nurses are doing to impact the world.” 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 Joy FM and 9 PM on Joy News TV. The show provides thought leadership, practical life lessons, and transformational conversations with trailblazers across sectors. The current Changing Narratives series spotlights Ghanaians making bold moves to rewrite the national story through innovation and impact.

Virtual University

“Illegal Mining Is Draining the Life Out of Us” – Erastus Asare-Donkor

Jacqueline Hanson / July 7, 2025

Investigative journalist Erastus Asare-Donkor has described Ghana’s illegal mining problem as a slow but deadly force that is quietly destroying the country’s future. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Asare-Donkor said the damage caused by illegal mining is often underestimated because many people feel distant from its direct effects. “Illegal mining is draining the life out of us gradually. We are distorting the balance nature gave us, and that balance means death if we ignore it,” he stated. The interview formed part of the show’s ongoing Changing Narratives series, which highlights individuals who are reshaping Ghana’s story through bold and impactful work. The Multimedia Group journalist is widely known for his environmental reporting and was recently honored with the Millennium Excellence Award. He revealed that his work has not been without emotional and physical tolls. “Sometimes I feel like stopping, but then I look at my children and ask myself what kind of future we are creating for them. That thought alone keeps me going,” he said. Detailing the risks, he explained that his team often films in remote locations without phone network coverage, where safety cannot be guaranteed. “It’s only by the grace of God. We sometimes have to rely on drones to capture footage safely,” he added. Mr. Asare-Donkor called on Ghanaians to support the work through funding, as production costs are high and his organization can no longer carry the full financial burden. “We keep writing proposals to NGOs to help us continue,” he noted. “What will make me happy is to see our rivers restored and used again to grow food. That will mean we are mining responsibly,” he said. About Springboard Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development programme hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Joy FM, 9 pm on Joy News TV, and provides thought leadership, practical life lessons, and transformational conversations with trailblazers across sectors. The current Changing Narratives series spotlights Ghanaians making bold moves to rewrite the national story through innovation and impact

News, Virtual University

Dr. Angela Dwamena – Aboagye Calls for Unwavering Commitment to Purpose

Jacqueline Hanson / June 23, 2025

Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation and 2025 MTN Heroes of Change winner, has urged Ghanaians not to give up on their dreams despite the delays, challenges, or discouragements they may encounter. “Never give up, never give in, no matter the strength of the enemy,” she emphasized, stressing that seasons in life are real and that staying faithful to one’s calling is key to lasting impact. Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye was speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing series titled Changing Narratives. The conversation drew insights from her nearly three-decade journey in advocacy, counselling, and legal support for women and children in Ghana. Dr. Angela, who was recently named Overall Winner of the MTN Heroes of Change 2025, described the award as an unexpected and humbling moment. She noted that although all the finalists were deserving, her consistent work across various vulnerable groups over the years may have set her apart. She spoke passionately about the principle of seedtime and harvest, describing it as a spiritual truth that always proves itself. “Instinctively, I knew harvest time would come… and because I’m a person of faith, I’ve held that in my heart. So when things started happening, I said, ‘That’s you, Lord. You said it and you’re doing it.” According to her, years of advocacy work without much recognition taught her that waiting is not a passive act, but an intentional commitment to the work one has been called to do. She encouraged people to see waiting as an active posture of trust, courage, and consistency. Dr. Angela, who is also a theologian, pointed out that many of the challenges in gender justice stem from long-held mindsets that require a complete renewal of thought. She said that while Ghana has made progress in areas such as access to education and legal reforms, many institutions still struggle with coordination and sensitivity when responding to victims. She described The Ark Foundation as a Christian mission organization that works through legal rights and human rights frameworks to train, advocate, and support victims of gender-based violence. Their work includes training churches, police officers, and other institutions on the dynamics of sexual and domestic abuse and how to respond effectively. Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Angela concluded that her sustained commitment, even when others abandoned the work, is proof that her path is a divine assignment. “There is never one day when I’ve thought of stopping,” she said. “I know I can do other things, but none of them capture my heart like working with women and children who are hurting.” About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is Ghana’s leading motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It provides thought leadership, practical life lessons, and transformational conversations with trailblazers across sectors.