Virtual University

Virtual University

Conflict Is Necessary to Build Love, Says Dr. Asuquo Udofia

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Counselling psychologist Dr. Asuquo Udofia has stated that conflict is not the enemy of relationships but rather a necessary ingredient for building stronger and more mature unions. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor. Albert Ocran, on conflict management in relationships, Dr. Udofia explained that disagreement is inevitable wherever two individuals with different backgrounds, values, and expectations come together. “As wide as human existence on earth,” he said when asked how widespread conflict is, noting that every human being will experience disagreement at some point. He stressed that conflict in itself is not destructive. Rather, it is the inability to manage it that damages relationships. “Conflict is necessary to build a relationship. The maturity that will be found in that conflict is what determines the love and not the absence of conflict,” he stated. According to him, most relationship conflicts stem from unmet needs, unmet values, unmet expectations, and unexpressed emotions. He explained that individuals enter relationships with spoken and unspoken expectations, as well as unconscious triggers shaped by childhood experiences and past trauma. “The root cause could be far away from the symptoms,” he said, adding that some recurring issues may be linked to patterns that have run through generations Dr. Udofia identified poor communication as a major contributor to relationship breakdowns. Instead of blaming a partner during disagreements, he advised couples to take personal responsibility for expressing how they feel. Drawing from his professional experience, Dr. Udofia noted that many couples seek counselling only as a last resort after conflicts have deepened. He recommended regular relationship evaluations, open communication, and shared vision building as preventive measures. “Believe that it is doable, that you can walk through this challenging moment,” he urged couples, adding that pride, name-calling, and shame often cause more damage than the conflict itself. 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 (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV.

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Family System Under Threat as Experts Call for Urgent Parenting and Moral Reorientation

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Family life educators and mental health professionals have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing crisis within the family system, warning that rising dysfunction, weakened moral values, communication breakdowns, sexual abuse, and untreated mental health challenges are undermining the foundation of society. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Family Life Educator and President of Fruitful Ministries International, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kisseaddo, and Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Lynda Dede Ahulu, both underscored the urgent need for intentional parenting, moral reorientation, and open dialogue within families. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo said the family institution is under pressure “on all fronts,” attributing the strain to rising selfishness, individualism, and the erosion of shared values. He noted that the original concept of family was built on unity and togetherness, but modern dynamics are increasingly driven by competition and self-centeredness. “If a person does not aim at unity, then you are not functioning as God intended,” he said, stressing that the loss of togetherness threatens the core purpose of the family unit. He described marriage as fundamentally a sexual relationship that requires proper education and moral instruction, warning that the absence of structured sex education within families has led to distortions in sexuality and instability in marriages. According to him, unregulated sexual passion can destabilize families, calling for a national crusade on sex education for young people. “The strongest passion in the human body is sex, and if it is not properly guided, the family is threatened from its very foundation,” he stated. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo further pointed to moral decline, distractions, and external influences as contributors to the weakening of families, adding that historical societal collapses often begin with the breakdown of family structures. He urged a return to intentional parenting practices, including family meetings, structured engagement, and spiritual guidance. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Lynda Dede Ahulu also highlighted significant strains on the family unit, citing poor communication, parental unavailability, trauma, and untreated mental health conditions as major factors. She noted that the family plays a central role in shaping both individuals and society. “The family has the propensity to impact both its members and society. If society is unhealthy, look at the family unit,” she said. Ms. Ahulu identified communication breakdown between parents and children as a key indicator of a family in distress, noting that many children no longer feel safe confiding in their parents. As a result, parents often remain unaware of critical issues such as sexual abuse, substance use, bullying, and emotional struggles. She also pointed to excessive phone use and digital distractions as barriers to meaningful family interaction. She further discussed the psychological impact of childhood trauma and generational patterns of dysfunction, explaining that unresolved trauma can influence behaviour across generations. According to her, abuse, neglect, depression, and emotional unavailability can shape future relationship patterns if not addressed. Ms. Ahulu also listed depression, suicidal ideation, financial stress, infertility challenges, neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, and societal pressures regarding the gender of children as stressors that place additional strain on marriages and family systems. Both experts emphasized the need for intentional parenting, ethical grounding, education, and open communication to rebuild resilient families. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo stressed that marriage and parenting require preparation and continuous effort, describing marriage as a process rather than a finished product. “Marriage is not a finished product. It depends on what you put into it,” he 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 Springboard Channel (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications Genevieve Mensah

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Entertainment Is a Multibillion-Dollar Opportunity Ghana Must Harness, Says Ruddy Kwakye

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Entrepreneur & Culture Curator, Ruddy Kwakye, says Ghana is sitting on a massive economic opportunity in the entertainment and creative industries, one that can generate jobs, attract tourism, and feed multiple sectors if intentionally developed. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with host Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Kwakye described entertainment as an essential global need and one of the world’s largest economic drivers. “Across the planet, we all eat, drink, sleep, but in between, we must unwind. That recreation is entertainment, and it is as essential as bread and butter,” he said. He explained that while countries such as the UK and the US have built highly efficient ecosystems around music, sports, events, and creative culture, Ghana has yet to fully unlock its potential. He cited Africa’s underutilized sports and event facilities as an example of missed opportunity. “There are over 5.6 million stadium seats in Africa. Many see full capacity only once or twice a year. Entertainment is the module that optimizes that infrastructure elsewhere,” he noted, referencing global acts filling stadiums weekly across Europe. Mr. Kwakye emphasized the vast value chain behind entertainment, pointing to architects, structural engineers, medical teams, cleaners, security, caterers, riggers, and hundreds of laborer’s required to stage a single major festival. “You may see an artist on stage for four hours, but a thousand people may have worked daily for weeks to make that happen. The creative industries employ more people than we recognize,” he said. He revealed that last year alone, Ghana welcomed 126,000 visitors for December events, each spending an average of $2,304. “Every one of them came with a dollar sign on their head. They spent on food, accommodation, entertainment and transportation. That is real money, and the projection is 5% growth into this year,” he added. Mr. Kwakye stressed the need for deliberate systems, particularly around infrastructure, payments, and facility management, to support the sector. He contrasted Ghana’s fragmented venue oversight with global best practices where professional companies manage national event facilities with clear targets. “If we are intentional, stadiums and theatres can run like the O2 or venues in South Africa. We need proper management, seating plans, and booking systems that make advance sales and dynamic pricing possible,” he explained. He said businesses in hospitality, food, retail, transport, and accommodation can all benefit from the booming events economy, if they plan. “A festival can take a year to produce. Hotels get fully booked months before. SMEs must read reports, understand visitor behavior, and prepare early. During one festival, we sold 26,000 bottles of water and over 8,000 bottles of coca cola. There is a market for everyone,” he said. On collaboration, Mr. Kwakye called for a shift from Ghana’s individualistic approach to a more integrated model that mirrors global systems. He highlighted loyalty programs and shared customer models as tools that can multiply revenue for creatives and businesses. “Sharing makes us all make more. We must stop thinking we must dominate one small corner when collaboration can help us conquer ten,” he stated. He also urged the public to respect the economics of events by ending the culture of freebies and gate-crashing. “The only way organizers recover their investment is through ticket sales. We must stop expecting free access and support the work behind the scenes,” he stressed. 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 Springboard Channel (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications

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Trust and Consistency, Key to Ghana’s Progress, Says David Ofosu-Dorte

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Founder and Executive Chairman of AB & David Africa, David Ofosu-Dorte, says Ghana’s development depends on trust, consistency, and unity rather than constant shifts in policy direction. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Ofosu-Dorte emphasized that national progress thrives when leaders build and sustain public confidence through their actions. He explained that economic growth is driven more by hope and trust than by statistics. “The entire economy is about hope and confidence. When people are hopeful, they invest; when they lose hope, they withdraw. That’s when economies decline,” he said. Mr. Ofosu-Dorte stressed that political leaders must act consistently and transparently to sustain hope among citizens. “Trust cannot be commanded. It is acquired through the consistency of your actions. When there is no trust, the vision perishes,” he noted. He argued that Ghana’s challenge is not the absence of vision but the failure to remain committed to it. “We don’t fail because we lack vision. Every Ghanaian leader has had one. We fail because we abandon the vision when challenges arise,” he said. On economic reforms, the business strategist urged leaders to view the government’s 24-hour economy policy as a productivity initiative rather than a political slogan. “The less productive a country is, the more demand outstrips supply. If we focus on productivity, we can drive growth faster. The 24-hour economy should be a productivity program,” he advised. Mr. Ofosu-Dorte also called for greater unity in national discourse, saying politics often undermines collective progress. “Unity is more important than gold. If you cannot rally people around the vision, forget the vision. Disunity destroys the mission,” he cautioned. He recommended that major national policies be implemented with bipartisan support to ensure continuity across governments. “Bring together leaders of both parties, technocrats, and traditional authorities on long-term projects. Once the nation owns the policy, no new government will abandon it,” he 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 Springboard Channel (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications

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Rhyme Sonny, Six Strings, and Emma Ofosua Share Lessons on Growth and Creativity on Springboard, Your Virtual University

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Poet Rhyme Sonny, musician Six Strings, and writer Emma Ofosua have urged young people to build confidence, collaborate, and stay consistent as they pursue their creative and professional goals. The three shared their experiences on Springboard, Your Virtual University on the road edition with host, Rev. Albert Ocran. According to Rhyme Sonny, creativity becomes impactful when it is turned into value-driven products and partnerships. “When we turn our creativity into products, platforms, and partnerships that add value, that’s when art becomes meaningful,” he said. He emphasized that collaboration and discipline are essential for sustainable growth, noting that “no artist thrives alone” and that “with the right structure and mindset, poetry and art can provide a fulfilling and decent livelihood.” Rhyme Sonny also highlighted the importance of confidence in one’s identity. “Black identity is not a burden but a mark of beauty, resilience, and purpose,” he said. Six Strings encouraged audiences to replace envy with empathy and celebrate the success of others. “A better world begins when we celebrate one another’s victories and replace envy with empathy,” he stated. He added that real joy and progress come through human connection, explaining that “joy multiplies when success is shared.” Writer and speaker Emma Ofosua spoke about consistency and hope as key ingredients for growth. “Dreams grow through persistence, patience, and consistent effort,” she said, adding that “even in difficult times, hope remains the seed of progress.” The second episode of Springboard, Your Virtual University on the Road continues the Foundation’s commitment to spotlighting the stories and lessons of Ghana’s creative and entrepreneurial minds. 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. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

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Okyeame Kwame and Nana Asaase Urge Truth and Cultural Identity as Springboard, Your Virtual University Marks 17th Anniversary.

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Musician Okyeame Kwame and poet Nana Asaase have called on young people to uphold truth, creativity, and cultural identity as foundations for lasting success. The two shared their insights on Springboard, Your Virtual University during the 17th-anniversary edition. According to Okyeame Kwame, staying true to personal values has sustained his career across generations. “There are songs that I have created because of trends that died with the trends, but truth never passes. When I create from a place of truth, it stands the test of time,” he said. He noted that continuous learning has helped him reinvent himself, explaining that his studies in linguistics, marketing, and public relations have strengthened his craft. “Whenever I felt my work was becoming stale, I went back to learn. With new knowledge comes new content,” he added. The award-winning artist also highlighted partnership, collaboration, and humility as keys to progress, and shared how dyslexia shaped his growth. “Don’t pray against problems. They happen for you, not to you,” he told the audience. He further emphasized empathy in parenting, adding that “children learn more from what we do than what we say.” Poet and pastor Nana Asaase urged young creatives to remain consistent and adaptable in their work. “Change is the only dynamic constant. I have not stopped reading, writing, or meditating. Consistency produces results,” he said. He underscored cultural relevance as central to his craft, explaining that he conducts audience research before every performance to understand who will be present, their background, and preferred language. “Before entering a room, know who will be there, what language they speak, and how they think. Cultural relevance helps you speak to people’s souls,” he said. Reflecting on his decision to pursue poetry full-time, Nana Asaase said faith led him to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity. “Someone had to hold the cultural gates. Without our identity, we are lost,” he stated. 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. By Genevieve Mensah

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MTN CEO Stephen Blewett Urges Youth to Seize AI and Digital Opportunities

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Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has called on young people across Ghana to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools, and entrepreneurship as the keys to unlocking their future prosperity. He emphasized that the digital revolution is already underway and must be harnessed to create opportunities rather than feared. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Blewett highlighted Ghana’s potential to become a leader in AI if government, the private sector, civil society, and citizens work together. “It must be a collaboration. Government can’t run alone. MTN can’t run alone. NGOs can’t. But if we all put our efforts together with a common purpose, Ghana can lead this revolution. Otherwise, someone else will take that position,” he stated. Mr. Blewett revealed that MTN is investing in young people to drive innovation while also supporting the government’s One Million Coders Project, an initiative designed to prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future. Encouraging young people to be proactive, he advised: “Don’t wait. Put yourself forward. Get together with friends, develop ideas, and pursue opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities I see in Africa is gaming — but games that are developed locally, coded creatively, and even enhanced with AI.” He further urged parents to support their children’s interests in gaming and digital technology, noting that these tools can be powerful vehicles for learning and innovation. “Sometimes we reject it because it’s unfamiliar. But gaming can be used positively, even for education in maths and science. Parents must see the potential rather than dismiss it,” he explained. Reflecting on his own leadership journey, Mr. Blewett admitted that he was “arrogant” earlier in his career but has since learned humility, resilience, and service. “As a CEO, you are a custodian, a servant. You ultimately serve everyone in the organization, even the shareholder with just ten shares. That’s a sobering thought,” he remarked. Highlighting the impact of MTN Ghana, which serves over 30 million customers daily, he underscored the scale of responsibility the company carries. “If I turned off the network today, you would see how important we are. We are shaping the digital future of economies and people. That is a huge responsibility,” he said. Looking ahead, Mr. Blewett reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to continued investment in network quality, digital services, and opportunities for Ghanaians. “What gives me the most joy is seeing lives touched through what we do. Our ethos is that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life, and we will not leave anyone behind,” he affirmed. About the Springboard Road Show Foundation The Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment, mindset transformation, and career development. Through programs like Springboard, Your Virtual University, The Ghana Grows Programme in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, and Springboard Road Show 2025, SRSF continues to inspire and equip young Africans to lead change in their communities and industries. Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) Communications & Public Affairs Department Email: info@springboard.com.gh Website: www.springboard.com.gh

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Education Must Move Beyond Memorization in the Age of AI, Say Experts

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Education experts Anis Haffar and Dr. Nefertiti Puplampu say artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education and must drive a shift from rote memorization to problem-solving and innovation. Speaking on Springboard your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Haffar explained that AI has made the old model of cramming facts obsolete. “We don’t need to memorize information anymore. AI gives us the information we need, but we must know how to articulate our needs and use it meaningfully. The students must now be in the driver’s seat,” he said. He pointed to learner-led education models such as the International Baccalaureate, which require students to apply creativity, activity, and service to real-world challenges. “Education must have an application component. At the end of the day, your degree is the solution or service you provide that makes life easier for others,” he added. Dr. Puplampu, Head of the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning, highlighted the urgent need to align curricula with industry and societal demands. She warned that while students are adapting quickly to new technologies, many educators are struggling to keep pace. “The pace of change is so fast that the same person who started teaching under one model is now being required to adjust to new demands. If educators and policymakers don’t retool, the system will reject innovation,” she said. She further explained that learner-centered methods not only improve retention but also empower students to lead. “When students are given the chance to teach, apply concepts, and engage in real-world projects, retention rates can reach as high as 90 percent. It’s not about teachers knowing everything anymore. It’s about creating environments where students can think critically and solve problems,” she noted. Both speakers agreed that AI should be seen as an enabler, not a threat. According to Dr. Puplampu, AI-driven tools can help teachers personalize instruction and scale innovative teaching models globally. 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. By Genevieve Mensah

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Over Monetized Politics is Creating a ‘Santa Claus Democracy’ Says Strategic Advisor, Yaw Nsarkoh

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Strategic adviser and director, Yaw Nsarkoh, has warned that Ghana’s democracy risks degenerating into what he calls a “Santa Claus democracy,” where the poor remain trapped in poverty while politicians use money and tokens to buy influence. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Nsarkoh described the current political order as over monetized and increasingly excluding the mass of citizens from true development. “Today in your village, somebody born into a mud house, can they become Rev. Albert Ocran in one lifetime? If they cannot, then what we are saying is that we have built a Santa Claus democracy in which the poor remain poor. Their poor children will keep giving birth to the poor,” he said. He explained that  Santa Claus democracy is characterized by over monetized politics, where citizens are reduced to tokens at election time, and by an over monitored governance system that has become transactional rather than transformational. Citing Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate in literature., Mr. Nsarkoh said Africa’s version of democracy has been reduced to “a public auction for the highest bidder.” Beyond critiquing the system, Mr. Nsarkoh offered a single prescription for Ghana’s future: education. “Educate, educate, educate. Knowledge is the primary productive force. Embrace it. If we get it, we will liberate our society,” he declared. He stressed that economic achievements, such as reduced inflation, mean little if they do not translate into better schools, good food, a green environment, and a cultural space that encourages critical thinking. “Are there more schools? Do people have good food to eat? Have we created a cultural environment where people can think? Our society is drowning in uncollected garbage. Is this a society in which you can imagine the future?” he asked. Mr. Nsarkoh concluded that development must be measured not by economic figures but by the opportunities and dignity it provides citizens. 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 Springboard Channel (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The Thinkathon series brought together thought leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah

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Education is Ghana’s Greatest Tool for Change, Says Yaw Nsarkoh

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Strategic adviser and director, Yaw Nsarkoh, has described education as the ultimate prescription for building a good society in Ghana. He stressed that knowledge is the most powerful productive force and must be embraced if the country is to experience true liberation. Speaking on Springboard your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Nsarkoh closed the 17th-anniversary Thinkathon series on “The Power of Ideas” with a call for a more profound rethink of development. “Educate, educate, educate. Knowledge is the primary productive force. Embrace it. If we get it, we will liberate our society,” he said. He argued that economic growth statistics, such as reduced inflation, mean little if they do not translate into better livelihoods for citizens. “The destination is what Nkrumah was talking about. Are there more schools? Do people have good food to eat? Have we created a cultural environment where people can think? Our society is drowning in uncollected garbage. Is this a society in which you can imagine the future?” he asked. The strategic Advisor further questioned the fairness of Ghana’s democracy, warning that it risks trapping generations in cycles of poverty. “Today in your village, somebody born into a mud house, can they become Rev. Albert Ocran in one lifetime? If they cannot, then what we are saying is that we have built a Santa Claus democracy in which the poor remain poor. Their children will keep giving birth to the poor,” he cautioned. He described this “Santa Claus democracy” as an over monetized system that treats citizens as tokens to be bought during elections, excluding them from meaningful participation in national progress. Quoting Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate in literature, he said Africa’s variant of democracy has become “a public auction for the highest bidder.” Mr. Nsarkoh added that true development must be measured not by figures but by the creation of opportunities, a thinking culture, and a green, sustainable environment where every citizen has the chance to rise. 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 Springboard Channel (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The Thinkathon series brought together thought leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah