Young women have been challenged to take inspiration from role models who have gone ahead of them and accomplish great things for themselves, their families, communities, and the nation. This was the rallying call by speakers at the Ghana Grows Policy Round Table Discussion held at the Volta Serene Hotel last Saturday. The Round Table which brought together 120 young women from Ho and surrounding communities, and hundreds of online participants, was aimed to equipping them with the skills to engage with policymakers at national and decentralized levels. This engagement is part of the Ghana Grows Programme; a collaborative initiative by Mastercard Foundation and the Springboard Road Show Foundation. The Ghana Grows Programme empowers young people, particularly young women, and people with disabilities, to explore career paths in agriculture, agribusiness, and technical and vocational fields. The Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, in her welcome address, called on community leaders, educators, and students to add their voices to expand the conversation and inspire young people to use a gender responsive approach in tackling barriers. She also touched on the many dignified and fulfilling jobs in Agric and ATVET the Ghana Grows Programme offers. The Policy Round Table Discussion specifically addressed Commitments 1 and 2 of Chapter 5 of the National Gender Policy: Women’s Empowerment & Livelihoods and Women’s Rights & Access to Justice. Ms. Hilary Gbedemah, a speaker at the event, shared her life story, the lessons learned, and motivated Ghana’s youth to aim high and overcome the obvious obstacles they were bound to encounter. She emphasized the need for psychosocial support as we aim to raise a strong society. Ms. Gbedmah further encouraged the youth to always see the good in every situation, stressing that their location should not be a barrier to accomplishment. “The son does not refuse to shine on a village because it is small”, she stressed. Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, spoke about how her Foundation has worked with different organizations and individuals to restore hope to many young women nationwide, providing accommodation, health, education, food, and shelter. She concluded her speech by asking a profound question: “What can be done to help restore young women who have been abused?” By equipping these young women with the tools for policy engagement, the Ghana Grows Policy Round Table Discussion hopes to dismantle barriers that hinder female participation and create awareness of opportunities that can help them achieve their full potential. The event left a profound impact on participants, instilling a sense of purpose and determination to actively engage in shaping policies and driving positive change within their communities and beyond. “Aside the awareness created, and knowledge gained, I feel confident to advocate for myself and my community in accessing opportunities to achieve our full potential, particularly in the Agriculture and ATVET sectors”, Kekeli Adzo, a participant shared. Springboard Road Show Foundation invited the young people present and others seeking to explore opportunities in the agriculture, agribusiness, and technical and vocational fields through the Ghana Grows Programme to dialing *718*50# or Call or WhatsApp 0308255775 to reach their Call Centre for free assistance.

Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has charged young people, especially young women and persons with disability, to confront the seemingly insurmountable barriers that confront them and chart their paths to the top of their chosen fields. Using her own life story as an example, Prof. Aziato narrated how she successfully scaled over obstacles that others had come to accept. “Everyone would typically say it couldn’t be don’t, but I would tell myself there is always a first time”, she recounted. She was speaking at the Ghana Grows Youth Policy Dialogue which gathered young people from Ho and surrounding districts on Saturday at the Ho Technical University. The Ghana Grows Programme is a collaborative initiative by Mastercard Foundation and Springboard Road Show Foundation. The program seeks to equip young people, particularly women, with the knowledge and confidence to explore career paths in agriculture, agribusiness, and technical and vocational fields. The Youth Policy Dialogue served as a platform to create awareness among young people about various policies that impact their lives and to equip them with the skills to confidently engage with policy makers and duty bearers. It also provided the opportunity for various Agribusiness, Technical and Vocational youth ambassadors to showcase their business initiatives and network with like-minded colleagues. Opening the event, Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of Springboard Road Show Foundation charged participants to take action by bringing to the table the challenges and opportunities they see in the Agric and ATVET sectors, sharing their thoughts on how to bridge the gap between education and employment in these sectors, and more importantly, share what policies and resources they need to thrive. The dialogue specifically addressed Commitments 1 and 2 of Chapter 5 of the National Gender Policy, focusing on women’s empowerment, livelihoods, and their right to access justice. Ms. Hilary Gbedemah shared insights with participants on engaging stakeholders with confidence, emphasizing the importance of awareness, dressing, public speaking, etiquette, and networking skills. Her address resonated deeply with attendees, providing practical strategies for effective communication and interaction in professional settings. Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, presented a compelling case study of her Foundation, shedding light on policy awareness and how to engage with stakeholders. Using her years of expertise, she highlighted the role of advocacy and collaboration in advancing women’s rights and access to justice. “As you progress on your journey, do not walk alone. Always look out for opportunities to collaborate with others and to shine in the face of obstacles”, Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye concluded. This initiative by the Ghana Grows Programme is expected to contribute towards inspiring and equipping a new generation of Ghanaians to succeed in agribusiness and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The various insights and recommendations from the Ghana Grows Policy Dialogue and the Round Table held earlier in the day are expected to be captured in a policy brief to help shape the future of youth engagement in Ghana. Springboard Road Show Foundation invited the young people present and others seeking to explore opportunities in the agriculture, agribusiness, and technical and vocational fields through the Ghana Grows Programme to dial *718*50# or call or WhatsApp 0308255775 to reach the Ghana Grows Call Centre for free assistance.

Selorm Adadevoh, CEO of MTN Ghana, has commended his team’s resilience and dedication, emphasizing the pivotal role teamwork played in overcoming various obstacles this year. In a reflective end-of-year conversation on Springboard, your Virtual University, with host Rev. Albert Ocran, he shared key insights into the company’s journey over the past year and how they dealt with various external challenges. “Resilience is a must-do for success. This year, despite a few external factors inhibiting the realization of our aspirations, my team at MTN Ghana demonstrated teamwork and resilience that saw us through those challenges. I am very grateful for their dedication,” Mr. Adadevoh noted. He hailed the impact of MTN MoMo in significantly enhancing financial inclusion over the years. Touching on its widespread use in various sectors, including activities such as stock trading and investment, Mr. Adadevoh emphasised the need to take the development and utilization of Fintech solutions to the next level. “We should be seeing many more locally designed solutions targeted at solving our problems as country and also as a continent” he asserted. Mr. Adadevoh highlighted the company’s transformative initiatives and their impact as enablers of economic growth and development. “The success of the AYOBA App, with 32 million active users in Africa, exemplifies our transformative initiatives and their impact on economies,” he intimated. He also called for a mindset change regarding the acceptance of technology solutions. He stressed the need for a greater level of understanding and adoption, emphasizing the transformative power of technology in various sectors. Turning his attention to the education sector, Mr. Adadevoh emphasized the importance of technology targeting specific areas of impact in education. He stressed the need to provide clear career pathways for students and align education with the demands of our dynamic landscape. In response to a question on agriculture, Mr. Adadevoh hailed the importance of that sector and its value chain and their critical role in addressing various challenges on the continent. “I struggle to understand why some still view agriculture as unattractive in spite of its significance to our very existence,” he mused. On the issue of youth unemployment, Mr. Adadevoh encouraged young people to explore diverse career options and avoid the one-sided focus on finding corporate jobs. He emphasized the need for a shift in perspective to foster innovation and creativity. “I encourage our young people to embrace entrepreneurship, look beyond corporate jobs and take more risks,” he encouraged. Reflecting on his own career trajectory, Mr. Adadevoh shared his journey from engineering into technology, driven by a strong conviction about the impact of technology on the world and a desire to contribute to that process. “The convictions I held have been validated, and I am grateful to have been part of this paradigm shift,” he reflected. Asked about failure, Mr. Adadevoh touched upon the importance of learning from our failures by viewing them as important learning tools. He emphasized the balance between failure and success, stating that embracing failure has been instrumental in his career journey. “Embracing failure has been instrumental in enriching my toolkit and contributing to both personal and professional growth,” he shared. The role of mentors and their guidance has been identified by many as a key enabler for their career success. Asked about his mentors, Mr. Adadevoh indicated that contrary to convention, he drew inspiration from all levels including younger colleagues, contemporaries, and more experienced mentors. “One of my turning points was when I met the CEO of Microsoft in 2006. He offered to mentor me and left me inspired to strive to become a CEO,” he recalled. Selorm Adadevoh’s reflections on the past year highlight the importance of resilience, innovation, and a transformative mindset in navigating challenges and fostering growth. As MTN Ghana continues to make strides, the insights Mr. Adadevoh shared can serve as a roadmap for companies seeking to make progress as well as various leaders and CEO. Springboard, your Virtual University, is a motivational and personal development broadcast that focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and career development.

Managing Partner of Piedmont Advisory, Susan Quist has sent a word of caution to entrepreneurs against the common pitfalls of trying to do everything at once. This, she said, will not only save entrepreneurs from burnout but also pave the way for sustained success and meaningful growth. Heeding to this caution, Susan emphasized, also cultivates a resilient, focused, and agile mindset, enabling entrepreneurs to respond effectively to challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving market. Susan shared valuable insights into the entrepreneurial space, while reflecting on learnings and decisions on her journey in an enlightening conversation with Rev. Albert Ocran on Springboard, your Virtual University. At the core of Susan’s narrative is a childhood incident that shaped her early aspirations. “I wanted to be a lawyer at the age of 11 because of an incident when my family was held at gunpoint by robbers,” Susan revealed. This traumatic event became the turning point for her initial career choice, fueled by a deep-seated desire to address injustice. Susan humorously referred to herself as a “recovering lawyer,” highlighting the evolution of her career path. “I found a passion for understanding businesses, my clients, and advising them to do things the way they should,” she shared. This shift underscored the importance of adapting to changing interests and discovering newfound passions that align with personal growth. As Susan embarked on her professional journey, she emphasized the significance of parental guidance. “Parents need to nurture their children, understand them and what their strengths and weaknesses are, and hone them, guiding them through it,” Susan asserted. This wisdom speaks to the enduring impact of parental support in shaping an individual’s resilience and determination. The entrepreneurial chapter in Susan’s journey began with self-doubt. “I initially resisted the urge to start my own business because I thought I did not have what it takes to be an entrepreneur,” she admitted. This common struggle is common with many aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need to challenge self-doubt and recognize untapped potential. As Susan navigated the path to entrepreneurship, strategic planning emerged as a cornerstone. “I then sat down to map it all out. How are we going to be different from the rest?” she explained. This meticulous approach to strategic vision, client understanding, and growth planning became a blueprint for Piedmont Advisory’s success. Susan’s insights into team dynamics and people management offer invaluable guidance. “People are the most important in a company because it is them who will help in achieving your goals,” she affirmed. Her emphasis on intentional hiring, considering skills, temperament, and suitability, addresses the critical role of human capital in organizational success. The challenges encountered by Susan were reframed as opportunities for learning. “In life, what you perceive as failures are actually learnings,” she asserted. This growth mindset encourages individuals to view setbacks as steppingstones to personal and professional development, fostering resilience in the face of challenges. In the realm of entrepreneurship, Susan cautioned against “vision creeps,” emphasizing the importance of staying intentional about business goals. “Be intentional about sticking to what you set out to do and believe in it because that is how you get your clients to buy into it,” she advised. This focus on maintaining a clear vision aligns with the principles of successful entrepreneurship. Diversification emerged as a necessary strategy in Susan’s entrepreneurial journey. “Diversification is necessary if you are running a company,” she emphasized. This flexibility in approach speaks to the adaptability required for sustainable business growth and success. As Susan reflected on her journey, she highlighted the vital role of learning from challenges. “Challenges aren’t failures; they’re learnings,” she stated. This perspective encourages individuals to approach obstacles with a growth mindset, leveraging setbacks as opportunities for improvement and growth. In conclusion, Susan’s journey imparts crucial life lessons. It emphasizes the significance of parental guidance, adaptability to change, confronting doubts, and staying resolute in pursuing goals. Furthermore, Susan’s narrative underscores the importance of teamwork, learning from adversity, and making wise choices in selecting the right individuals. Ultimately, her story serves as a blueprint, guiding us to cultivate strength, flexibility, and a perpetual willingness to learn throughout life’s journey. Springboard, your Virtual University, is a motivational and personal development broadcast that focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and career development.

PETROSOL CEO, Michael Bozumbil, has challenged young people aspiring for business leadership to be willing to start from the shop floor, factory floor or the base of the ladder and work their way upwards. This, he said, will enable them to appreciate the intricacies of their chosen industries. In a riveting conversation with Rev. Albert Ocran on Springboard, your Virtual University, Mr Bozumbil, said he started his work in the oil and gas industry as a pump attendant. “I spent my post-secondary National Service pumping fuel to customers at my late brother’s filling station. This, coupled with several trainings I attended, organized by Shell, gave me a deep understanding of the workings of our entire value chain”, he said. Mr Bozumbil shared profound insights into the fuel industry’s intricacies as well as his leadership philosophy. “I never set out with the intention of working in the oil and gas industry,” he revealed, reflecting on his surprising entry into a sector he had not initially envisioned for himself. As a child, Michael aspired to work in diplomacy and journalism. These were largely influenced by his older brother who eventually became his mentor in the oil and gas sector. Today, as the CEO of a thriving company, Mr Bozumbil’s connection to the grassroots remains steadfast. He still loves to spend time at the fuel stations, engaging directly with pump attendants. “I get to receive helpful feedback from them at first hand”, he intimated. A genuine concern for solving problems is the best inspiration for an entrepreneurial journey. In 2006, driven by concerns for the struggles faced by indigenous players in the oil and gas sector, Bozumbil founded Petroleum Solutions with a focus on providing consultancy services to firms that required his services. “I started out as an enabler before becoming a player.” Resilience in the Face of AdversityMr Bozumbil took advantage of the mentoring platform to share some of the daunting challenges he had encountered on his journey. “I worked for over six months without being paid. There was a time when I lost all my money and had my credibility questioned,” he recounted. His narrative of resilience unfolded in the darkest moments, where he chose to trust in God, work diligently, and ultimately reinvent himself. This period of trial became a crucible for the respected executive, shaping both his character and the trajectory of PETROSOL. Behind the success of PETROSOL lies Bozumbil’s methodical and strategic decision-making process. He said, “I am not an impulsive person; I carefully process everything I do before making a move.” This careful and thoughtful approach mirrors his commitment to ensuring the success and sustainability of his endeavors. The result is a company that boasts a nationwide presence, with 120 fuel stations and triple ISO certification for quality, environment, and occupational health and safety. Ethical LeadershipBozumbil’s leadership philosophy extends beyond growth and profit margins. He insisted, in the interview, that he prioritises his people over his business’ assets. He further advocated for ethical leadership, emphasizing on the need to refocus our leadership conversation to help raise the next generation of great leaders. In his opinion, true leadership should not just be about achieving business milestones but also about making a positive impact on society, especially among those less privileged. “I would love to see our society being more empathetic and committed to supporting the vulnerable amongst us,” he urged. Challenging Societal NormsIn a society often preoccupied with appearances, Bozumbil offered a thought-provoking perspective. “Many people are more obsessed with form than substance,” he remarked. This societal inclination, he argued, places undue emphasis on optics rather than the real essence of life. Bozumbil called for a paradigm shift, urging individuals to seek depth and authenticity in their pursuits. Rallying Call to Young PeopleMichael Bozumbil gave a rallying call to the youth, “Take life one step at a time; be focused on the end but pay attention to the now. Don’t fixate your mind on the challenges; instead, be obedient, follow the process, and get help where needed.” This advice encapsulates the essence, leadership and wisdom of his leadership journey, a journey marked by trials, growth, and a commitment to making a positive impact on both business and society.Michael Bozumbil’s journey and leadership insights provide a compelling narrative of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to both business excellence and social responsibility. This is what has led to PETROSOL, under his leadership, becoming a significant player in the fuel industry, illuminating the path forward with a blend of cutting-edge solutions, sustainability, and a people-first approach. In a world where business stories often focus on the fanciful, Michael Bozumbil brings us back to basics with lessons for everyone – not just business hotshots but everyday folks seeking to climb up the ladder of life. It’s about being strong, doing things right, and caring for the people around you. In summary, go through the mill, do things right, and care for others along the way. Springboard, your Virtual University, is a motivational and personal development broadcast that focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and career development.

Ghana Commodity Exchange CEO, Tucci Goka Ivowi, has suggested that managers working in different cultures and countries can only do so successfully through a deliberate effort to understand and adapt to different environments. She said this in a captivating conversation with Rev. Albert Ocran on Springboard, your Virtual University. Shedding light on the dynamic nature of leading teams across varied cultural landscapes, Mrs. Ivowi, who featured in the Engine Room series, underscored the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving global business arena. “Management styles should be adaptable, especially when working in different cultures. Flexibility is key for effective leadership in diverse environments” she said. Mrs. Ivowi began by sharing her childhood dream of traveling and working in different countries and how this had become a reality. She attributed it to the potent force of visualization. “Working in different cultures is wonderful; it opens your eyes to different things. When I was young, I conceptualized traveling around the world and working in different countries, and it happened.” Speaking on communication, which is one of her specialties, Tucci Ivowi intimated that it is not just about how you talk but also about making sure people really understand you. “You may presume that you’ve communicated, but if others don’t understand you, nothing is achieved,” she said. Speaking multiple languages is like having a secret weapon in the business world, according to Tucci. Drawing from her experiences in Indonesia where she learned to make business presentations in Bahasa Indonesia, she stated, “It helps build connections and allows easy market penetration.” Language, according to her, then becomes a bridge, facilitating deeper understanding and smoother market entry in an interconnected world. Your interests and unique abilities are important defined of your career path. Mrs. Ivowi therefore urged parents, mentors, and influencers to guide young minds toward their natural interests. “Encourage them to pursue the things they are naturally interested in,” she advised. She also touched on the high level of migration of young Ghanaians abroad and cautioned against the notion that the grass is always greener on the other side. “Make the most of where you are; see the beauty and potential all around you,” she advocated. Tucci further emphasized the importance of appreciating one’s current circumstances. She called on young people to embrace the richness of the present moment, rather than perpetually focusing on finding a better life seeking elsewhere. Tucci also highlighted the serendipitous nature of life’s journey and recounted how what was meant to be a change encounter while on vacation turned into a life-changing career opportunity. She said she had come home for holidays when she was given a brand by Mr. Gaddy Laryea to manage on a short-term basis. She seized the opportunity with both hands and after making a success of it, ended up in Nestle where she worked for years in different roles. “There is nothing like being at home in your own home,” she reflected, urging listeners and viewers to value the unexpected moments that can potentially shape our lives. Compassion and firmness go hand in hand in leadership, Tucci believes. “I grew up writing letters to prisoners and defending the underdog,” she shares. This mix of kindness and strength, according to her, is key to leading effectively. “I manage with firmness and insist on the right thing being done,” she states, emphasizing the delicate balance between compassion and assertiveness in leadership. Collaboration is another big lesson from Tucci’s journey. “We can solve problems better when we work together,” she asserts. “It’s like being part of a team – everyone brings something to the table, and together, you can tackle big challenges. But it is important to be honest while tackling life’s challenges together”, she said. Switching to her sector, Tucci pointed to the vast potential in the agribusiness sector, calling it a gold mine of opportunities. “There are tons of opportunities,” she declares, shedding light on the sector’s extended value chain and various empowering interventions underway in the country. She lighted the role of the Ghana Commodities Exchange in helping the farmer, buyer, and consumer to optimize their rewards and eliminate uncertainty. She further invited young people and aspiring entrepreneurs to consider exploring the untapped potential in agribusiness. In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Tucci Ivowi, called on young people to dream big, adapt to change, communicate authentically, and embrace unexpected opportunities. Her journey, she believes, resonates with every individual’s quest for a purposeful and impactful existence. Springboard, your Virtual University, is a motivational and personal development broadcast that focuses on leadership, entrepreneurship, and career development.

A majority of young people have a positive attitude towards the Agriculture, Technical and Vocational sectors, with over 91% of them stating that they would be happy to work in these sectors if they had the necessary training and skills. Similarly, over 87% of young people are interested in having policy dialogues and more than 84% believe that the sectors can make them rich and successful. These are part of the findings of a nationwide research launched in Accra. The research was commissioned as a part of the Ghana Grows Programme, which is a collaboration between  Mastercard Foundation, the Springboard Road Show Foundation, and Lyme Haus aimed at helping to change negative mindsets about agriculture and ATVET and address the issue of employment amongst Ghana’s youth. Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation said, “Ghana Grows is a three-year programme comprising a series of multi-faceted interventions that seek to inspire young people aged between 15 and 35 years, especially young women, to explore opportunities and deliberately pursue decent and fulfilling careers in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Technical and Vocational sectors.” As part of this program, Densu Associates was commissioned to conduct a survey to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) of young people across Ghana, particularly young women, youth and persons with disabilities, to provide evidence of their understanding, perceptions, and attitudes towards Agriculture and ATVET. The findings of the survey were discussed at a validation workshop with key stakeholders, including young people. The survey captured the views of over 1,100 randomly selected young people between 15- 35 years across all 16 regions of the country. The findings showed that 46% of the young people surveyed were unemployed, with 36% having a tertiary degree. The young people’s knowledge of the Agriculture and ATVET sector was commendable, with over 80% of them knowing that the professions in the sector go beyond farming to include economists, scientists, and engineers. However, only 40% had knowledge of programs and opportunities being offered for youth, 33% knew about programs for women, and 24% knew about programs for persons with disabilities. The Ghana Grows Programme plans to deepen the clarity behind the data to help shape the thoughts of young people and engage with policy makers and duty bearers. “It is, therefore, necessary to capitalize on the positive attitude of young people towards the sector, improve their perception of it, and create an enabling environment and clear pathways for them to participate in the Agriculture and ATVET sectors,” organizers noted. Ghana Grows is rolling out a comprehensive set of programmes nationwide in all 16 regions of Ghana and provide for young people in both the formal and informal sectors and young people with disabilities. The Programme interventions include media learning broadcasts, career guidance and counseling, networking and mentoring clubs, policy training and engagement, work readiness, and soft skills training, as well as job placement opportunities.

The MD/CEO of Sanlam General Insurance Ghana, Mrs Mabel Nana Nyarkoa Porbley, has challenged Christians to let their faith and the teachings of Christ inform their personal values, work ethic and how they do business. Mrs Porbley who was speaking at the 4th Edition of the weekly Practical Christianity Hangout last Wednesday at ICGC, The New Wine Temple in East Legon, shared her surprise at being given a list of people who had defaulted on loans and absconded and seeing many Christians on the list. “You can’t say you’re a practical Christian if you will pray for 5 hours but will not commit to paying back a loan you took for your own benefit”, Mrs Probley intimated. The Practical Christianity Hangout, an initiative of The New Wine Temple and its partner organisations, brings together leaders and potential leaders for practical conversations about the critical success factors for personal and professional development as well as the role of faith in the journeys of various leaders. Various leaders in the Agribusiness, Hospitality, Construction, Media, Advertising and Financial Services have so far taken their turn to share their experiences and lessons. Mrs Porbley traced her career progression to how she was raised and the foundation of a very supportive family. She shared how she began her career in a not-for-profit as a personal assistant and rose to become a senior executive in six years. The experienced executive got the audience excited as she shared her diverse experiences of turning around different loss-making companies to become profitable. She challenged young professionals to position themselves for leadership. “If you do not stick up out of the pack, you won’t get noticed. Improve yourself and determine not to be ordinary or like everybody else. And in all things, make your first impressions count”, she advised. Taking his turn, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, CEO of UMB Bank, Ghana, traced his 27-year career journey that had taken him to several African countries as well as the United Kingdom and intimated that it often felt like a dream. He spoke about the different kinds of barriers and challenges he had had to overcome and challenged the youth to make the most of their formative years. “Make the most of your time, especially your youthful days; they are the most exciting and the most definitive time of your life”, he said. He shared how he often found himself as the youngest person in the executive team and how the early exposure helped shape his leadership and outlook on life. He also shared about the role prayer played in his professional journey and how it kept him grounded in the face of difficult situations. The in-person and virtual participants asked questions on a wide range of issues and expressed their satisfaction at what they saw to be a highly beneficial session.  An online participant, Daniel Dadson from the UK wrote, “Even though I am unable to participate in person, I am glad my questions were answered. I will certainly join the online stream again next Wednesday.” “My high point was the networking and cocktail session afterwards where I got to speak freely with all these high-level executives and take pictures with them. It was simply amazing”, said Genevieve Mensah. Organizers of the Practical Christianity Hangout, Rev. Albert and Comfort Ocran, expressed their satisfaction at the content and patronage so far. They indicated their intention to bring together more high-profile leaders from various sectors in these weekly conversations that seek to build professional networks, mentor emerging leaders and also create jobs for the unemployed.

At 38 years, George Andah had an encounter with Uncle Ebo Whyte who challenged him to write a book by age 40. George decided to wait another decade to accomplish more and undertake the challenge by his 50th birthday. It took him another two years, but last month, he finally published a book that chronicles his life experiences, ideas, and lessons learned. But George Andah is not your typical everyday author, so why the decision to write a book? “I primarily wrote for the youth of Ghana and Africa to tell them that it is possible. I also wanted to share a bit about my decision to go into frontline politics.” Even before entering frontline politics, George Andah had already made a name for himself in the corporate space. From being the Brand Manager for Guinness Foreign Extra Stout and eventually becoming the Marketing Director and the Innovations Manager for Guinness Ghana Breweries Ltd, to the Chief Marketing Officer for the then Scancom Ltd., a member of the MTN Group, Chief Marketing Officer of Bharti Airtel Nigeria, and Country Manager/Chief Operating Officer of Glo Mobile’s Ghana Operations, among many other positions, George Andah boasts of a CV, many young executives would die for. And for someone who has achieved so much in the marketing space, one would have thought that George’s journey as a marketer started from his school training. Interestingly, George studied Biochemistry for his first degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). It was his second degree in Marketing that became the turning point in his career. “Your mission is what God has planted in your heart and the impact you seek to create in society. It’s the joy that comes from touching lives like you’re doing here at Springboard.” He told Rev Albert Ocran in a discussion in The Engine Room series on the Springboard Virtual University Programme. Growing up in at Ridge in Accra, George Andah saw a post in the room of his brother Eddie “I cried that I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.” That post became his signpost for fighting the challenges and setbacks he would later encounter in life. You might have heard of the popular phrase “Ghana man time” where punctuality is thrown to the wind and people tend to start any event or program at the time most convenient for them. But for George Andah, punctuality means responsibility and it all started at Achimota School “Being a bellboy at Achimota School taught me to be punctual. Extra curricula activities help to broaden your horizons and bring out the leadership and organizational skills in you.” At KNUST, George organized the first-ever Kojo Antwi concert on campus for the Republic Hall Week celebration, and it was a blast. The SRC requested a repeat show, and according to him, it was a financial and technical disaster. Notwithstanding, he learned valuable lessons about supervision and the inherent dangers in the assumption that success is replicable The hallmark of a great leader is the number of people he has trained to take over from him when the time comes for him to move on, and George has always subscribed to that line of thought. “I always handpicked and groomed one or two potential successors in case I had to move on. They often turned out so well that I often felt my leaving was justified to create room for them.” George also indicated that he deliberately opted not to stay in one career role for too long.  “I believe that with career movements, you learn from different roles, and different teams and test your ideas in different environments.” George Andah is on a mission to do more and who knows, perhaps another book is in the offing. Or his business or political life is just about to jet off in a different direction. His passion to do more was fueled by the advice received from his late mother. “My mom called me the final time before she passed and charged me to do more with my life, and that has stayed with me. Till today, I pause to think whether she would approve of something I am about to do.” He charged the youth to cultivate the art of listening, noting that there is power in listening to what others are telling you. You may not always agree but listening helps you to make better judgements. He cited the Member of Parliament for the Efutu Constituency, Alexander Afenyo Markin, as one of the people who constantly challenged him while he was with Occupy Ghana to step into the fray of active politics and directly contribute his quota to national development. “People like Kwamena Bartels, Frank Damali, Gaddy Laryea, Norkor Dua and the late Torgbor Mensah influenced my professional journey and taught me so much of what I know.” He told Rev Albert Ocran when asked about the role of mentors. Springboard is a virtual convocation of great minds and emerging leaders every Sunday on radio, television and online to share their life stories, experiences, lessons learned, and their impact on society. George Andah will feature in a two-part series slated to air from Sunday 15th May 2022.