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Employers Are Struggling to Find Graduates with Practical Skills Lately – Rev. Albert Kusi.

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Employers are increasingly struggling to find graduates who can translate their academic qualifications into practical workplace skills, according to Business and Investment Consultant and Executive Director of Success Africa, Rev. Albert Kusi. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, Rev. Kusi said one of the major concerns emerging from his interactions with employers is the difficulty of finding graduates who can perform basic tasks, communicate effectively, and adjust quickly to the demands of the workplace. He said many young people leave school without enough exposure to the world of work, making internships, volunteering and other forms of practical experience important parts of their preparation for employment. “People come with two masters, two degrees. Just hide them; they cannot do the job,” Rev. Kusi said, explaining that his experience in recruitment had shown him that academic qualifications alone do not always translate into workplace competence. His comments formed part of a wider conversation on internships, apprenticeships and volunteering on the latest episode of What Young People Are Saying, a new series on Springboard, Your Virtual University that creates space for young people to discuss trends, experiences and important everyday issues affecting their lives and future. The episode, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, brought together Rev. Kusi and young professionals Josie Ohemeng Agyeman, David Quarshie, and Priscilla Fumadorh to examine whether practical work experience is receiving enough attention in the transition from school to employment. Rev. Kusi argued that young people should not overlook internships simply because they are unpaid or offer little financial reward. In his view, the experience, exposure and skills gained can create opportunities that may not be immediately visible. He cited his own experience with the Springboard Road Show, where years of volunteering helped him develop his sales skills, build relationships and gain practical experience that later contributed to his career. He also recalled securing an investment banking opportunity partly because of the practical exposure he had gained through the Road Show, despite not having all the academic qualifications initially required for the position.For Josie, the value of an internship became clear after completing a six-month placement in the fashion industry. Although the internship was unpaid, she said it allowed her to apply the theory she had learnt in school and gain the practical experience needed to work confidently in the industry. David, who initially viewed internships as opportunities where young people were often used for errands, said his perspective changed during his national service. He realised that he was having to learn basic workplace skills, including using Excel, that he could have acquired earlier through an internship. Priscilla similarly described internships as an opportunity to understand how workplaces function, including how to communicate with colleagues and superiors, interact with customers and conduct oneself professionally. The conversation also challenged the idea that practical experience must always come from a conventional office environment. The panel discussed opportunities in the informal sector, family businesses, churches and other community settings where young people can volunteer, learn skills and gain experience. Rev. Kusi encouraged young people who are still waiting for formal employment to use the time to acquire practical experience rather than remain at home. He said even unpaid opportunities can provide skills and exposure that become valuable later in a person’s career. The discussion also called for internship opportunities to be better structured, with clear learning objectives, mentorship and greater emphasis on what young people stand to gain from the experience. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/esKFRoASqPQ?si=mJWVqXtocLLLdzn1 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 & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube), and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The episode is part of the ongoing What Young People Are Saying series on Springboard, Your Virtual University, which explores issues and trends from the perspective of young people and creates room for honest conversations about everyday experiences, work, education, relationships, career development, and other matters that shape their lives. Other episodes of What Young People Are Saying are available on the Springboard Channel on YouTube.

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Young People Can Build Sustainable Businesses From Home, Young Entrepreneurs Advise

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Young people do not have to wait until they have significant capital or ideal conditions before starting a business, two young bakers, Enyonam Tebuwa Norgbodzi and Angela Appiah, have said. According to them, young people can start with the skills and resources available to them, learn along the way and gradually build sustainable businesses from home. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the two entrepreneurs shared their experiences of building businesses from small beginnings, highlighting the importance of practical skills, continuous learning, customer feedback and the effective use of social media. Madam Enyonam, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Crispy Pieces, started her business in 2020 during the COVID 19 lockdown after developing an interest in baking. Without formal training at the time, she relied on YouTube videos to learn different recipes and spent about a month practising before beginning to sell to customers, she said. Crispy Pieces has since grown into a bakery brand specializing in soft doughnuts and baked foods, with weekly sales of between 15 and 20 boxes. According to the business owner,  some customers who started buying from her in 2020 continue to patronize the business. She noted that the journey also came with challenges, particularly while she was studying at the University of Ghana. Production was not always consistent because she could not work regularly while on campus, resulting in some customers turning to other suppliers. The situation was further complicated by the fact that she was producing outside Accra while most of her customers were in the capital. She recalled having to work through the night and send orders through a delivery service, an arrangement that sometimes-affected delivery times and product quality. Moving to Accra subsequently improved her ability to serve customers consistently, she said. Enyonam also stressed the importance of continuous learning, explaining that she improved some of her products by watching more baking videos and experimenting with different recipes when her initial results did not meet her expectations. Madam Angela Appiah, Chief Executive Officer of Gels Pots and Bakes, followed a different path into the baking business. She initially prepared soups and stews for customers before transitioning into baking after attending a professional baking school. Starting from her kitchen, she initially built her customer base through friends, family, and members of her church. She later expanded her products to include cakes, wedding cakes, and banana bread, with the latter becoming a major turning point for the business, she said. According to the business owner,  about 90%  of her orders now come through social media, with Instagram accounting for about 70%. Other orders come through WhatsApp, TikTok, and referrals. She explained that she was initially hesitant about using social media and appearing publicly because she was camera-shy. However, posting pictures and videos of her products eventually helped expose the business to customers beyond her immediate network. Madam Enyonam also identified social media as an important business tool, with about 75% of her customers coming through the platform. Both entrepreneurs identified confidence and consistency as some of the challenges they encountered in the early stages of their businesses. In her closing message, Madam Enyonam encouraged young people not to allow a lack of money or confidence to prevent them from pursuing their dreams. “I started in my home. I used YouTube videos to learn. I didn’t have capital.” She added that young people could build viable businesses with what they have, saying, “you can actually build something sustainable from home.” Angela similarly encouraged young people to look within themselves for opportunities, urging them not to give up when their plans do not work out as expected. “There is something in you that you can turn into profits, and that is the passion that God has placed in you.” Watch full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/PdFhzN8I4lU?si=MX1nSITidefoYXzR About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, educational, 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 Young People Who Can Create Quality Work and Build Enterprises That Last” – Comfort Ocran

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Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, has called for stronger commitment in the vocational skills sector. Speaking as the Chairperson at the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA)’s 2nd National Learners’ Conference held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, she urged apprentices and master craftsmen to build enterprises rooted in trust, discipline and support.   The conference, themed “Charting the Learner Toward Contemporary Trends in Fashion,” brought together Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, GNTDA’s national, regional and local leadership of GNTDA and sought to encourage participants to align their craft with current advances in fashion design, blending fundamental technical skill with digital tools and sustainable practices.  Comfort Ocran encouraged apprentices to pair technical skills with practical business skills: “Master your craft while learning to price your work, reach customers and manage money. Use technology to showcase your work and understand how to reduce waste. Above all, build a reputation that people can trust, she said. Reminding the master craftspersons of their far–reaching influence on learners, she urged them, “Every learner in your care is a future colleague, employer or trainer. Teach them the judgement behind the work, not just the work itself, and give them room to ask questions”. She also commended the national, regional and local leadership of GNTDA for their remarkable work across Ghana, sustaining an association, supporting practitioners and preparing successive generations of apprentices.   Comfort Ocran re-affirmed Springboard Road Show Foundation’s commitment to youth development, vocational skills and economic inclusion, drawing evidence from the Ghana Grows programme, an initiative of the Springboard Road Show Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation which provided opportunities and career pathways for over 520,543 young people in agriculture, agribusiness, and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) for young people in Agriculture and ATVET. Beyond Ghana Grows, through the Youth-Led Organisation (YLO) Skill Building Initiative, a structured, replicable and scalable vocational skills programme, the organization has offered mentorship and practical training while equipping young people with market-relevant skills for economic participation. At the event, Springboard Road Show Foundation and the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) renewed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which focuses on youth empowerment, vocational skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion for young people across Ghana.

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Young People Urged to Build Capacity and Visibility to Access Opportunities

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Young people seeking opportunities in leadership, policy advocacy and international development have been encouraged to build their capacity, identify problems they want to solve and make themselves visible to the right networks. The call was made by youth advocate and founder of Kofi Global, Michael Ackon, during an episode of the Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, where he discussed his journey from a childhood with limited opportunities to working in youth advocacy and international development. According to Mr. Ackon, access to opportunities does not always begin with having powerful connections. In many cases, it starts with knowing what one wants to achieve, developing the skills required, and deliberately putting oneself in spaces where opportunities can be found. His own journey, he explained, began with experiences that exposed him to the importance of support and access. Growing up in a single-parent home, opportunities to pursue his education and develop himself were not always readily available. Support from Compassion International played an important role in his educational journey and later influenced his desire to create opportunities for others. A major turning point came through his participation in the Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI, which introduced him to areas including leadership, public policy, democracy and global governance. The Youth Advocate recounted discovering the programme through a colleague and subsequently researching the opportunity before applying. His successful application became a pathway to further exposure, including experiences with international organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF. According to him, young people must first determine what they want to do and the problem they want to solve. From there, they can develop a roadmap, identify relevant institutions and connect with people who can contribute to their goals. He encouraged young people to attend relevant events, participate in professional conversations and use digital platforms to communicate their interests, skills and contributions. Such visibility, according to him, can make it easier for people and organisations to recognise where an individual can contribute. He further encouraged young people to pay attention to their personal presentation, particularly when entering professional and international spaces, where first impressions can influence how others initially perceive them. The Curator of Kofi Global also challenged the perception that young people need to hold influential positions before they can contribute meaningfully to society. Beyond accessing opportunities, he encouraged young people to think about the sustainability of the impact they create. Professional growth, he noted, should not simply be about reaching a point of personal success, but also about solving problems, building systems and creating opportunities that can benefit others. Watch the full episode here… 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. This conversation forms part of the ongoing series on Youth in Advocacy, Leadership, Empowerment & Entrepreneurship. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

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‘Young People Must Lead Now, Not Wait for Tomorrow’ – Youth Advocates Calls

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Young people have been encouraged to take up leadership opportunities in their various spaces rather than wait for an uncertain future before making an impact. The call was made on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, where youth advocate Miss Selma Yoda and researcher and entrepreneur Mr. Caleb Acheampong shared their experiences and perspectives on youth leadership, purpose and social change. Speaking on the topic, Youth in Leadership, Advocacy & Empowerment, the guests challenged the popular notion that young people are merely “leaders of tomorrow”, stressing that leadership must begin in the present and can take place in any sphere of life. Mr. Acheampong revealed that leadership is not reserved for people occupying prominent positions, but is a responsibility that could be exercised within an individual’s immediate environment. He explained that while people may have innate leadership potential, they must deliberately develop their abilities through learning, experience and personal growth. “Everyone is a leader,” he said, adding that leadership could exist within a small circle or sphere and was not necessarily about being at the top or being highly visible. The Young Advocate also identified purpose and identity as major challenges among young people. He referred to a survey he conducted involving about 180 young people, saying 50%  of respondents identified issues around purpose and identity as among their major challenges, with many seeking clarity, direction and support in life. According to him, young people must develop the courage to question established ways of doing things and develop personal conviction instead of simply following what society considers normal. He urged young people to develop the ability to unlearn old ideas and remain open to better ways of doing things. According to Miss Yoda, her journey into leadership and advocacy was strongly influenced by her late grandfather, who taught her to speak up when she encountered wrongdoing and to seek solutions rather than merely complain about problems. She said his example taught her to be bold, strong and willing to act in the interest of others, and recounted how she had gradually taken up leadership positions at different stages of her education, including serving as Pro General Secretary and later as Deputy Women’s Commissioner before becoming the first female President of her institution. According to her,  these experiences helped her recognise leadership qualities in herself that she had not initially identified. She urged young women in particular not to allow societal expectations about the roles of men and women to prevent them from pursuing leadership opportunities. The Young Advocate added that women should be willing to step into spaces traditionally considered to be for men and should approach leadership with a clear understanding of why they are taking up a particular role. “Always ask yourself, ‘Why am I there? Why am I doing it?’” she said, explaining that clarity of purpose could help leaders remain committed when challenges arise. She also emphasised the importance of mentoring younger people and passing on knowledge and lessons gained through personal experience. According to her, the greatest contribution older generations can make to younger people is not necessarily financial support but knowledge that can help them make better decisions and develop their own capacity. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/IbFz0yKRabc?si=x5cI1_JgQ6rLKwro 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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Springboard Road Show 2026 Ignites New Dream for Nzema Youth

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The Technical Director and Co-founder of the Springboard Roadshow Foundation, Rev. Albert Ocran, has challenged young people to take bold steps toward their future at the 19th edition of the Springboard Roadshow, held as part of the Axim Business Summit. The Axim edition is part of Springboard Road Show Foundation’s nationwide youth empowerment initiative, which has been running since 2007. By 2025/26, the Road Shows had cumulatively reached an estimated one million young people, with last year’s edition alone drawing over 5,000 participants at a single venue. Delivering his keynote speech during the event, titled “Small Beginnings, Big Endings,” Rev. Ocran stated that neither lack of money nor lack of formal education should intimidate any young person. Success, he said, is not an accident but the product of deliberate choices, consistent effort, and asking the right questions. For him, that begins with a mindset shift: “Change the question from ‘Who will employ me? Who will help me?’ to ‘What problem can I solve?’ Money is not a reward for need; it is a reward for solving problems.” He said. He also reminded them of the power of a good name; “A good name is like a bank account. Keeping your word, doing quality work, being honest – these are deposits. Lying, breaking promises, cheating customers – these are withdrawals. If your account goes negative, doors close.”He stressed. Executive Director Comfort Ocran reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission of equipping young Ghanaians with the tools and platforms to unlock their full potential, highlighting some of the organization’s core pillars as youth mobilization, skills training, counseling and mentoring, and inclusion. “We are not asking for handouts; we are saying we are creating the hand. We are creating the opportunities, and this is what exists — and therefore, let’s do it together,” she said. Turning Potential into Prosperity: The Business Case for Axim Charles Mensah, CEO of Trust Consult Limited, urged participants to start small, master the local market, and build a strong base before thinking global. He encouraged young people to pair formal qualifications with practical experience through apprenticeships, internships, and volunteering — and cautioned against common financial pitfalls: unrealistic “quick money” schemes, lifestyle inflation after salary increases, and the careless spending of windfalls that should instead serve as emergency savings. Promoting “Made in Axim” Eva Mends, Chairperson of the Kundum Planning Committee and Sompahene of the Axim Traditional Area, called on participants to take pride in locally made products and promote them boldly to the world. “We should say ‘Made in Axim’ proudly, not apologetically,” she said. “When people see that label, they should know it means quality, resilience, and something we have put our best into.” She also urged accomplished natives of Axim to return home, invest, and speak confidently about the town’s potential. A Broader Push for Nzema Youth The Axim edition of the 2026 Road Show was organized in partnership with local leaders, organizers of the Kundum Festival and the inaugural Axim Business Summit. The programme was designed to bring national-level youth empowerment directly to Nzema youth, while spotlighting local business and development opportunities. It also aimed at pushing back against the persistent perception that “business doesn’t thrive in Axim” — countering it with real success stories of people who built careers and enterprises from humble starts, while equipping local youth with practical ideas and mindset shifts to convert Axim’s untapped potential into real prosperity.

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Mental Health Should Form Part of Workplace Assessment, Psychologists Advise

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Mental health assessment should form part of workplace employee screening and support systems because psychological well-being can have a direct impact on productivity, relationships and performance, two clinical psychologists have advised. Dr Isaac Newman Arthur and Linda Dede Ahulu made the call when they appeared on Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, where they discussed the influence of the mind on human behaviour, performance and achievement. According to Dr Arthur, organisations often assess employees for physical health conditions but pay little attention to their mental well-being, even though psychological challenges can affect how people function at work. He said mental health assessments could help organisations better understand their employees, improve placement, identify areas where support may be needed and develop appropriate mental health policies. Dr Arthur disclosed that an assessment he conducted for one organisation found that about 54% of the team members were sufficiently angry to potentially act inappropriately at work. He explained that such assessments were not intended to victimize employees or provide grounds for dismissal, but to give organisations a clearer understanding of the psychological state of their workforce and the interventions that may be required. “It’s confidential,” he said, explaining that organisations could receive a general picture of the team’s psychosocial environment without being given individuals’ private medical information. He said organisations needed to recognise that people come to the workplace with different backgrounds and experiences, some of which may affect their ability to cope with pressure, form relationships, regulate their emotions and achieve goals. Dr Arthur identified six areas that can be affected by a person’s mental state: the ability to cope and adjust to life situations, form and maintain meaningful relationships, develop healthy perceptions of people and events, live independently, achieve meaningful goals and contribute to society. He said these factors could influence how employees respond to authority, colleagues, responsibilities and workplace demands. Linda Dede Ahulu, also a clinical psychologist, said relatives and other people close to individuals experiencing difficulties had an important role to play by encouraging them to seek professional help. She noted that mental health challenges often affect more than a person’s work, extending to relationships and other areas of life. According to her, people experiencing psychological difficulties may not always recognise that they need help because they have become accustomed to living with their challenges. She also identified stigma as a major barrier to seeking mental health support, saying some people were more comfortable being identified with physical illnesses than with mental health conditions. Madam Lynda stressed that seeking psychological help should not be viewed negatively, noting that people could experience significant improvement after receiving appropriate support. The discussion also highlighted the influence of childhood experiences on adult behaviour. Dr Arthur explained that a person’s development is shaped by a combination of genetic factors, socialization and experiences within their environment. He said experiences from childhood can influence how people regulate emotions, respond to stress and interact with others later in life. However, both psychologists stressed that a person’s current condition does not have to determine their future. Madam Lynda said there was always a possibility for change and encouraged people who recognise that they need help to seek it, while Dr Arthur similarly urged individuals to examine their lives and seek professional assistance where necessary, saying that healing could change how a person thinks about life and improve their ability to function. Watch full episode here…. https://www.youtube.com/live/CSRsp4Hpz0Y?si=ZaeimDjERxqVcAks 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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Mental Health Challenges Should Not Be Treated as Weakness, Psychologist Says

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Counselling Psychologist and Mental Wellness Professional, Jaclyn Essien, has called for a change in how mental health challenges are understood and discussed in Ghana, saying people should not be made to feel weak or ashamed for seeking help. According to her, societal pressure, cultural beliefs and fear of judgement continue to prevent many people from speaking openly about what they are experiencing emotionally and mentally. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Madam Jaclyn said many people had grown up being encouraged to suppress their emotions, with some being told to simply pray about their problems and move on because others were facing worse situations. She said this approach had contributed to a culture where people often suffer quietly rather than seek the support they need. “People feel like when they open up about their mental health, they feel a bit of shame. They feel like they’re going to be misunderstood. They’re going to be judged,” she said. The Counselling Psychologist said the situation could be addressed through regular mental health education in workplaces, communities, churches and other settings where people could learn to understand mental and emotional well-being. She also called on organisations to provide safe spaces where employees could discuss mental health concerns without fear of judgement, suggesting that workplaces could have dedicated psychological support services. The Mental Wellness Professional explained that mental health involved understanding how the mind works, managing stress and anxiety, regulating emotions and dealing with unresolved experiences that could affect a person’s life. According to her, one of the difficulties with mental health challenges is that people could appear fine externally while dealing with significant emotional struggles internally. Madam Jaclyn identified sudden withdrawal from social activities, loss of concentration, emotional exhaustion, mood swings, changes in appetite, and loss of motivation as some signs that a person may be experiencing an emotional or mental health challenge. She, however, cautioned that such changes should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a mental health condition, stressing the importance of communicating with the person and checking on their well-being. “Checking in on that friend, checking in on that colleague,” she advised, adding that people should ask deeper questions about how others were doing instead of being satisfied with a simple “I’m fine.” She further explained that unresolved childhood experiences could continue to affect adults, particularly through their relationships, communication, anger, and emotional triggers. According to her, people who are still affected by painful childhood experiences should acknowledge them and seek professional support where necessary instead of ignoring them. For individuals dealing with trauma, she recommended constant support, professional counselling and, where appropriate, spending time in environments where they feel safe and connected. She recommended self-reflection, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, planning daily activities, changing one’s environment when necessary and speaking positively to oneself as some practical ways of supporting mental wellness. In her closing message, she urged people to reject societal expectations that men must always be strong, women must suppress their emotions, and young people must achieve success quickly. “Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to someone about the issue,” she said. Watch full episode here….https://www.youtube.com/live/_8N8ot0n0qs?si=2los1vNg0HTAvBP1 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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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