Virtual University

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

Hangout

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

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 Vidette Adjorlolo, CEO of Sorted Chale and Luxe Tribes, has urged young people to explore the vast potential in Ghana’s tourism sector, stressing that digital tools are critical to building and scaling sustainable businesses in the industry. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Ms. Adjorlolo shared her journey from banking in London and Hong Kong to returning home and establishing two thriving travel brands. She noted that her decision was inspired by a desire to showcase Ghana and Africa as premier travel destinations. “Tourism is not just about sightseeing. It is about experiences, stories, and connections. With digital tools like websites, social media, apps, and even AI, young people can build powerful businesses that reach global audiences,” she explained. Through Sorted Chale, she has introduced unique packages which make vacationing in Ghana more accessible by allowing groups to share holiday homes at affordable rates. Luxe Tribes, on the other hand, organizes curated group and private trips across the continent. Ms. Adjorlolo also highlighted the many entry points for young people in tourism, including photography, storytelling, food tours, cultural performances, and hospitality services. She encouraged them to start small, stay consistent, and use digital content to tell authentic African stories. Looking ahead, she revealed her long-term vision of making Sorted Chale a household name in Africa and positioning Luxe Tribes as the leading global black travel brand. “If an idea comes to you, it came for a reason. Don’t sit on it. Pursue it,” she advised. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. It airs every Saturday on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel (YouTube) at 4 pm. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

McKingtorch Africa Inspires Next Generation with Plastic-to-Product Solutions

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Makafui Awuku, Founder of McKingtorch Africa, is tackling Ghana’s plastic waste challenge head-on by transforming discarded pure water sachets and bottles into functional furniture and home décor. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma with host Araba Koomson, Mr. Awuku revealed that his journey began in November 2017 while interning with an NGO. Disturbed by the sight of plastics left behind after meetings, he asked the cleaners to collect them, not knowing what to do next. “There are two types of artists. Some start with concepts, but I start with the material. I look at it, then decide what can be created. That’s how I made my first Christmas tree from plastic bottles,” he said. The experiment soon gained public attention when he displayed the tree on a busy street in Madina, drawing thousands of curious onlookers. His work later caught global interest, eventually earning him an invitation to showcase his creations before the then-Prince of Wales. Mr. Awuku admitted the journey has not been without challenges. From public resistance to buying products made from waste to limited funding opportunities, he noted that perseverance has been his greatest tool. “The most successful projects are not the ones with the best idea. They are the ones that stayed the course,” he explained. Beyond creating furniture, McKingtorch Africa is also empowering the next generation. The McKingtorch Africa founder has trained more than 15,000 young people across Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia, while also supporting women in Zambia and Zimbabwe in establishing branches of the initiative.  He urged young entrepreneurs to register their projects, seek training, and most importantly, believe in their own vision. “I realized that the future I wanted was one without pollution. Nobody was going to create it for me. I had to start,” he said. About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

UG Valedictorian Ends 10-Year Wait With 4.0 FGPA, Urges Shift in Learning and Legacy.

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Ephraim Ayeh Oracca-Tetteh, University of Ghana’s 2024 valedictorian, has urged society to rethink how people learn, live, and leave their mark. He made history by graduating with a 4.0 Final Grade Point Average (FGPA), the university’s first in ten years, despite being visually impaired. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the Thinkathon anniversary series, Mr. Oracca-Tetteh said his achievement was rooted in deliberate strategies that went beyond memorization. He revealed that he studied over 100 books on learning and applied techniques such as chunking, visualization, and the memory palace to master complex ideas. “Learning is not just storing facts. If you can imagine a concept, you can own it,” he explained. Beyond academics, he emphasized the importance of self-awareness and legacy. Drawing from the Latin phrase memento mori, he added that life is short and that every person must think about the change they leave behind. He also referenced memento homo, which means “I am only human,” stressing the need to accept personal limits while striving for excellence. The scholar advised young people to focus on growth rather than excuses. He encouraged young people to utilize technology as a tool for advancement and to view challenges as opportunities to expand their capabilities. “Be a learner. Put yourself forward. Improve what you have,” he urged. Looking ahead, He announced that his book on imaginative learning, already approved by the National Council on Curriculum and Assessment, will soon be released to help students and educators alike. He added that he hopes his journey demonstrates that determination, the right methods, and faith can open doors once thought impossible. 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 ongoing Thinkathon series brings together thought leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah

Hangout

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

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Madam Felicity Nelson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), has called on young people to explore the vast opportunities in Ghana’s tourism sector, describing it as an untapped goldmine. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Madam Felicity explained that tourism is not just about sightseeing but a significant economic driver that channels money directly into local communities. “Tourism is an immense contributor to our GDP and we must take it seriously,” she said. She also highlighted a range of initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs. One such innovation she mentioned is Car by Night, a double-decker bus tour that showcases Accra after dark, with stops at cultural landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the Osu Night Market. According to her, the tour blends heritage, food, and nightlife to create new experiences for both locals and foreigners. She further announced that the GTDC is offering free vendor advertising on its platform for a period of one year. Young people running tours, cooking classes, craft workshops, or performances can register through the company’s website and receive support with the process. “If you are a young person wondering how to get your name out there, we are offering a platform,” she assured. Madam Felicity also underlined the importance of digital skills and content creation, describing them as pivotal to the growth of tourism in Ghana. She encouraged young people to start small, build consistently, and refine their craft. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. It airs every Saturday on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel (YouTube) at 4 pm. By Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

Ghana’s Political Future Hinges on Integrity and Accountability – Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu

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Speaking on a recent Springboard your virtual university broadcast, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu delivered a critique of Ghana’s political landscape, stressing the urgent need for integrity and accountability in national leadership. He drew attention to a troubling pattern in which politicians from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are appointed to public office despite facing ongoing investigations for alleged corruption. “I am not saying they are guilty because I don’t know. But I believe investigations should be concluded before such appointments are made,” he stated. “Integrity isn’t about shortcuts. Let the system determine credibility, not the ruling party.” Beyond corruption, Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu condemned the culture of hostile political campaigning, particularly when it involves threats to the livelihoods of opponents. “How can destroying other people’s livelihoods be a campaign message?” he asked, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable. His message reinforced a call for a new political paradigm anchored in ethical governance and citizen responsibility. He urged Ghanaians to be bold in questioning authority and to demand higher standards from those in power. “Integrity matters. Leadership matters. The future of Ghana depends on a society brave enough to insist on both,” he concluded. This address stands as a wake-up call to the nation, reminding citizens that Ghana’s political future rests not only on the leaders elected, but also on the values that society chooses to uphold. 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 Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkathon series brings together thinkers and leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Genevieve Mensah

Career Clinic

Ghana Grows Career Clinic Highlights the Power of Time Management for Personal Growth and Legacy

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Friday’s Ghana Grows Career Clinic was nothing short of transformative as Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur unpacked the powerful link between time management, mental health, and purpose. He reminded participants that time is more than hours ticking away, it unfolds in moments of opportunity, seasons of growth, and a lifetime that God has set for impact. “Lifetime is set by God so that meaningful events can happen to your life,” he explained, urging everyone to value each season because wasting one can disrupt the next. While some time slips away unintentionally, Dr. Newman emphasized that we still have the power to take charge. The key lies in setting goals and focusing on what matters most. “You are more effective if you prioritize than when you don’t prioritize,” he said. He painted a vivid picture of a future where people pay not for the hours in your day, but for the years you’ve invested in becoming valuable. Time management, he stressed, is inseparable from wellbeing. Poorly managed time often manifests as stress, anxiety, burnout, or poor health. True wellbeing, according to Dr. Newman, rests on four pillars: physical fitness, mental soundness, social competence, and spiritual strength. He urged participants to reflect honestly, practice genuine self-care, and embrace continuous learning. “Unforgiveness is one of the delays of time,” he cautioned. “When you fix time for yourself and you heal yourself, then you have the capacity to impact the world.” To students, his advice was direct: “If you’re a student, only two things are important: God and school.” To entrepreneurs and leaders, he emphasized the need to build systems that outlive them. And to all, he left this challenge: “If leisure does not maximize your output in life, it is useless leisure.” By the end of the session, one truth stood out clearly: time is shaping our future, our health, and our legacy. Or, as Dr. Newman summed it up powerfully: “If you’re doing well, you will do well!” Once again, the Ghana Grows Career Clinic proved to be a wake-up call to live intentionally, guard our wellbeing, and use time wisely to create impact that lasts. About Ghana Grows Career Clinic Ghana Grows Career Clinic is a weekly webinar series designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive in work and life. Held every Friday at 4:00 PM, the sessions bring together expert facilitators, practical training, and interactive discussions on a variety of topics. By Genevieve Mensah

Hangout

Nkabom Collaborative Opens Agri-Food Opportunities for Young People

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Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, Project Lead of the Nkabom Collaborative, says Ghana’s agri-food sector presents endless business opportunities for young people beyond traditional farming. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, he explained that the initiative, headquartered at the University of Ghana, brings together six universities and partners like the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to build sustainable food systems. “The agri-food sector is more than just farming. From production to processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption, there is a whole value chain where young people can create businesses and careers,” Prof. Aryeetey said. He added that the program is designed to equip participants with practical skills, mentoring, and financial support. “We identified about 200 young people with business ideas, and after pitching, 100 of them received 1,000 dollars each to develop prototypes,” he revealed. Education Pillar Lead, Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, outlined the Collaborative’s training pillars, including specialized PhD and short experiential courses in sustainable food systems. “We don’t just do the talking; we engage young people hands-on through field training and industry partnerships so they gain both skills and knowledge,” he said. He stressed that market access is a major focus. “Many times we see bumper harvests in rural areas while urban dwellers struggle to find food. We need young people who can bridge this gap, identify consumers, and link them to producers.” The Collaborative also prioritizes inclusion. According to Prof. Aryeetey, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities are given special placement in the programs. He shared the example of a visually impaired participant who has advanced in their entrepreneurship track and is now receiving full support. Looking ahead, Prof. Aryeetey said his biggest dream is to see young people lead Ghana’s agri-food sector. “The sector has been dominated by older people for too long. We want to see the next generation empowered, innovating, and achieving great things.” About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. It airs every Saturday on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel( YouTube ) at 4 pm. By Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

Faith and Godliness Must Shape Everyday Life Says Methodist Presiding Bishop

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Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, says godliness should not be separated from daily living but must guide how people build society and relate with one another. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing 17th anniversary Thinkathon series on the power of ideas in Faith and Society, he said that compartmentalizing spirituality and everyday life weakens society. “We have compartmentalized our lives. Our spirituality is here, our everyday life is there. We have not put the bridge between the two. If we want to build a good society, godliness is essential because godliness encompasses all the virtues that make you human,” he explained. He advised young people to apply themselves fully in whatever field they are in, whether academics, apprenticeship, or agriculture. He stressed that friendships and relationships must also be chosen wisely. “If the young man in your life is asking for sexual favors or taking you away from your studies to go to a club, drop the relationship,” he cautioned. He also emphasized the importance of self-control as a leadership quality, warning that a lack of discipline in small things often leads to bigger failures. “If you don’t control your sense of hearing, you will listen to gossips, and that is the downfall of a lot of leaders. They enjoy gossip,” he said. On marriage, he urged couples to avoid transactional attitudes and instead invest in one another to build stronger unions. “In a good marriage, whether you are a man or a woman, you think about how to improve the relationship. You are sowing into it, and you will reap what you sow,” he said. According to him, Christian teaching on humanity emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity, which must be redeemed to align life with God’s purpose. 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 Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkathon series brings together thinkers and leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

Turning Waste Fabric into Stuffed Toys: MBA Mode’s Innovative Path

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Theresa Maame Baduba Ansah, Founder of MBA Mode, a fashion design institute in Adenta, Accra, is transforming Ghana’s waste fabric problem into an economic opportunity by creating stuffed dolls and other products from discarded textiles. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma, with host Araba Koomson,  she explained that the idea was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. With her fashion school shut down, she began experimenting with fabric scraps that would have otherwise been discarded. “There were children at home, schools were closed, and we had leftover fabric pieces. That became the inspiration,” she said. The founder, who originally trained as an accountant before venturing into fashion, has since expanded her work to train apprentices and integrate waste-to-product innovation into her institute’s curriculum. She highlighted the difference between upcycling and recycling, explaining, “Upcycling means I can take this piece and directly turn it into a product without breaking it down. Recycling, on the other hand, requires breaking it down before producing something new.” She emphasized the environmental impact of her work, citing worrying figures about waste generation in Ghana. “Every day, over 12,000 tons of waste are produced. Between 2022 and 2029, it is estimated to rise to 16,000 to 20,000 tons daily,” she noted.  “Just like an animal kingdom with different species, I want to build a place where you will find all kinds of stuffed animals,” she explained. Madam Theresa urged young entrepreneurs to take initiative. “You cannot sit for somebody to feed you. Create an environment for yourself. Start with what you have, I started in my living room,” she said. About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah