Uncategorized

Enterprise Group Unveils “Enterprise Spotlight” Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

/

In a bold move to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and institutional support, Enterprise Group PLC has officially launched Enterprise Spotlight, a high-stakes competition designed to propel Ghana’s brightest young business minds into the national limelight. Launched on March 16, 2026, at Advantage Place in Accra, the initiative is being delivered in partnership with Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF). It will air nationally on Springboard, Your Virtual University, broadcast on Joy FM 99.7 and Joy News TV, beginning Sunday May 10, 2026. The Enterprise Spotlight Challenge is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40 across Ghana and from every sector of the economy, with women and persons with disabilities expressly encouraged to apply. The competition will select 24 entrepreneurs through a nationwide application process, placing them through a rigorous assessment journey before a national broadcast audience. Participants who advance through the various stages of the competition will receive direct financial support. The Overall Winner will receive GHS 100,000, the First Runner-Up GHS 80,000, and the Second Runner-Up GHS 50,000. Semi-finalists will receive GHS 10,000 each, while quarterfinalists will receive GHS 5,000 each to support the growth of their businesses. In addition, a Most Resilient Award of GHS 10,000 has been established to recognize and support an entrepreneur living with a disability. While the financial rewards are significant, Enterprise Spotlight distinguishes itself through a multi-layered support system designed to move entrepreneurs beyond funding into visibility, mentorship, and national market access. Every selected participant, regardless of how far they progress, walks away with formal enrolment in a structured Mentoring and Counselling Program, a dedicated business showcase on Springboard, Your Virtual University, and direct access to Springboard’s nationwide network of over one million young Ghanaians, enabling peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and potential B2B partnerships. Through the Springboard mentoring framework, participants also gain access to trained psychologists and counsellors, providing the psychosocial support that young innovators need to navigate the demanding realities of building and scaling businesses in Ghana. “Enterprise Group has always believed that business growth and national development are inseparable. With Enterprise Spotlight, we are putting that belief into practice, investing in entrepreneurs who are building real businesses, creating real jobs, and solving real problems in communities across Ghana. This is our commitment to the next generation of Ghanaian enterprise.” — Jacqueline Naadu Benyi, Managing Director, Enterprise Life For Springboard, the competition represents a natural extension of its core mandate and a channel through which its institutional infrastructure is being placed directly in the hands of entrepreneurs who need it most. “Ghana’s entrepreneurs have always been ready. They did not need to be discovered; they needed a door to be opened. Enterprise Spotlight is that door. Entrepreneurs are not simply receiving a prize; they are being onboarded onto a platform, a network, and a proven system of support Springboard has used to transform young Ghanaians for over twenty years. Every entrepreneur who walks through this process will leave stronger than they arrived.” — Comfort Ocran, Executive Director, Springboard Road Show Foundation Applications are open with immediate effect. Eligible candidates must operate a registered business within Ghana and be between the ages of 18 and 40. The application deadline is Monday April 6, 2026. To apply, kindly visit www.myenterprisegroup.io or www.springboard.com.gh. Once you are on the website, you will see a “Scan Me” QR code. Simply scan the code, or click on the link provided, and it will take you directly to the application form, where you can complete and submit your application. Applicants can also call 024999555 or 0308 255 775 for more information About Enterprise Group PLC Enterprise Group PLC is a leading financial services company comprising six operating companies: Enterprise Insurance Company, Enterprise Life Assurance Company, Enterprise Trustees, Enterprise Properties, Enterprise Funeral Services Ghana trading as ‘Transitions – The Funeral People’ and Acacia Health Insurance. The Company is headquartered in Accra and has operations in The Gambia and Nigeria.

Hangout, News

Comfort Ocran Marks International Women’s Day with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority.

/

March 9, 2026, was an inspiring moment of reflection and dialogue as Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, joined the National Pensions Regulatory Authority to commemorate International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain.” The gathering celebrated the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women while marking an important milestone: the launch of the NPRA Women’s Wing. The initiative is designed to create a platform that encourages mentorship, strengthens community among women, and empowers women to reach greater heights in their personal and professional lives. Mrs. Ocran delivered remarks on the topic “Empowering Women, Securing Futures: Leadership and Impact in the Pension Sector.” Speaking to over 50 women of the Authority, she shared practical insights on the importance of financial planning and long-term investing as critical foundations for a secure retirement. She emphasized that consistent investment over time can create sustainable financial returns and long-term stability. Her message also highlighted the transformative role women play not only as professionals and leaders, but as builders of resilient families, stronger communities, and inclusive economic growth. “Securing your future isn’t just about you. It is about your children and the generations after them,” she noted. Mrs. Ocran also encouraged women to actively support one another in their journeys toward leadership and financial independence. “Financial security is part of empowerment. Empowerment is incomplete if a woman works hard all her life and still struggles in old age.” The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the Springboard Road Show Foundation to empower young people, particularly women, to achieve their full potential while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable society. Deputy CEO Victor Azuma Majida, speaking on behalf of the CEO of NPRA, Mr. Chris Boadi-Mensah highlighted the launch of the NPRA Women’s Wing as a journey to equality and empowerment. He emphasized “Creating an inclusive environment is vital for amplifying every voice. This initiative aims to provide resources and support for women, fostering a collaborative hub for inspiration and addressing challenges”. Majida noted that inclusive leadership boosts performance and innovation, asserting that investing in women’s leadership is essential for advancing gender equality and enhancing NPRA’s vision and mission for the future. Also, in her remarks Madam Efua Appiah-Gyimah, leader of NPRA Women’s Wing spoke about the significance of the establishment of the women’s wing.   “The establishment of this Wing represents a deliberate commitment to creating a supportive platform that encourages mentorship, leadership development, collaboration, and empowerment among women in the authority. It is a connection where women can share experiences, nurture talent, build confidence, and inspire one another to reach greater heights.” She said. Madam Efua Appiah – Gyimah added that the initiative reflects the Authority’s broader commitment to inclusion, excellence, and institutional growth. The event concluded as a moment of reflection, inspiration, and renewed commitment to ensuring that more women are equipped to plan boldly for their futures while uplifting others along the way.  

Virtual University

Komenda College of Education Funds Staff Housing and 2,500 Seat Auditorium Through Agriculture

/

The Principal of Komenda College of Education in the Central Region of Ghana, Very Rev. Prof. Kwesi Nkum Wilson, has disclosed that the College is funding significant infrastructure projects through proceeds from its agricultural ventures, positioning agriculture as both an educational tool and a sustainable funding strategy. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Prof. Wilson explained that the institution has deliberately turned its 338 acres of land into productive farmland, generating internally raised funds to support development across the campus. He noted that as a public institution, salary support is provided, but development requires prudent management and innovation. “As a Government Institution, subventions will not be coming. They pay salaries, and that is all. You need to manage the College,” he said. According to him, proceeds from the College farms are currently being used to construct a 12-unit staff apartment facility and a 2,500-capacity auditorium. “We would meet a 12-unit staff apartment coming up there. They are on site, and we are settling with our monies we raise from the farm and other places. We will go down there, with the aid of the Chaplain and others, and we are putting up a 2,500-capacity auditorium with IGF. I am emphasizing on that, not with government subvention,”he stated. The agricultural projects include a 50-acre coconut plantation, maize cultivation, piggery, fish farming, and plans for cattle rearing. According to him, the College harvested over 60 acres of maize with active student participation last year. Beyond revenue generation, Prof. Wilson underscored the moral and national importance of agriculture, arguing that the ability to produce food is foundational. “If you cannot feed yourself, then you have failed God. A nation that imports huge volumes of rice when we have rivers across, there is something wrong. That is why, in spite of what people say, in my College, you would weed. I introduce you to the land,” he said. He maintained that exposure to farming should begin early in life rather than being presented later as an alternative for unemployed youth. As part of a long-term sustainability strategy, the College has invested heavily in coconut cultivation, a crop with an estimated lifespan of about 70 years.  Prof. Wilson indicated that the goal is to protect and develop the land for future leadership. “I will be ending my duty next year, December. But whoever will take over and those I am leaving behind have enough resources to develop the College,” he said. 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

Virtual University

‘Entrepreneurship Is an Illusion If You Want Free Time’ – Sally Mercer Quagraine

/

Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Dream Desserts, Madam Sally Mercer Quagraine, has cautioned women against entering entrepreneurship under the assumption that it offers flexibility and personal freedom, insisting that business ownership can be more demanding than formal employment. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Ps. Albert Ocran, as part of the March HERizon series ahead of International Women’s Day, exploring women in leadership, she described the popular belief that running a business guarantees more time for oneself as misleading, stressing that entrepreneurship often demands greater structure, accountability, and personal sacrifice than many anticipate. “Entrepreneurship is an illusion if you think you will have more time for yourself. If what you are doing is in demand, it will demand you. You must plan, discipline yourself, and accept that it comes with responsibility,” she stated. According to her, the reality of business ownership involves overhead costs, staff management, quality control, and continuous improvement, not just independence. Madam Quagraine stressed that once a business moves from a home setup to a commercial space, the stakes become higher and the margin for error reduces. “You are no longer playing at it. You have rent, overheads, and people to pay. That demands planning and discipline,” she noted. She also addressed the lingering stigma around technical and hands-on work, arguing that society must rethink the notion that working with one’s hands reflects academic weakness. On leadership and growth, she underscored the importance of humility and openness to feedback, especially in service-driven industries. “If a client is not happy, there is something there for you to learn. You may not like how it sounds, but feedback helps you improve. Rejecting it can cost you your standards and your clients,” she said. She urged young women to resist the pressure for quick financial gains and instead focus on building enduring enterprises. “The culture now is about quick money. But building something meaningful takes patience. It is not easy, but if it is your passion, stay with it and trust God with the gift He has given you,” she said. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

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

/

Counselling psychologist Dr. Asuquo Udofia has stated that conflict is not the enemy of relationships but rather a necessary ingredient for building stronger and more mature unions. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor. Albert Ocran, on conflict management in relationships, Dr. Udofia explained that disagreement is inevitable wherever two individuals with different backgrounds, values, and expectations come together. “As wide as human existence on earth,” he said when asked how widespread conflict is, noting that every human being will experience disagreement at some point. He stressed that conflict in itself is not destructive. Rather, it is the inability to manage it that damages relationships. “Conflict is necessary to build a relationship. The maturity that will be found in that conflict is what determines the love and not the absence of conflict,” he stated. According to him, most relationship conflicts stem from unmet needs, unmet values, unmet expectations, and unexpressed emotions. He explained that individuals enter relationships with spoken and unspoken expectations, as well as unconscious triggers shaped by childhood experiences and past trauma. “The root cause could be far away from the symptoms,” he said, adding that some recurring issues may be linked to patterns that have run through generations Dr. Udofia identified poor communication as a major contributor to relationship breakdowns. Instead of blaming a partner during disagreements, he advised couples to take personal responsibility for expressing how they feel. Drawing from his professional experience, Dr. Udofia noted that many couples seek counselling only as a last resort after conflicts have deepened. He recommended regular relationship evaluations, open communication, and shared vision building as preventive measures. “Believe that it is doable, that you can walk through this challenging moment,” he urged couples, adding that pride, name-calling, and shame often cause more damage than the conflict itself. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV.

Hangout

Aseda Foundation Trains Over 14,500 Young People in Vocational Skills Across 13 Regions in 25 Years

/

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aseda Foundation, Diana Adjei, has revealed that the organisation has trained more than 14,500 people across 13 regions of Ghana over the past 25 years, providing free vocational skills training and startup support to young people and adults. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Madam Adjei recounted how the foundation began in 1999 from a small kiosk in Takoradi, where she started training young women in hairdressing at no cost. According to her, many of the young women she encountered were seeking income and direction in life, and she felt compelled to act. “I told them I would teach them for free, without charging them anything,” she said, adding that she made a personal decision from the very first day not to take money from trainees. The initiative, which started as a beauty training centre, has since expanded into a full-scale vocational training foundation offering 28 trades, including masonry, carpentry, tiling, fabrication, welding and catering. In 2017, the foundation scaled up its operations by collaborating with over 220 master craftsmen in the Western Region to train young people free of charge. The same year, Madam Diana Adjei submitted a proposal to the GNPC Foundation to support the programme with certification and tools. Through the partnership, trainees now sit for National Vocational Training Institute examinations and receive certification, along with startup tools to enable them to establish their own businesses. “Training alone is not enough,” she stated. “Some people would finish learning a skill but still go back to selling on the streets because they didn’t have money to start a shop.” According to her, the foundation trains an average of about 2,000 people each year. In 2025, 2,550 people were trained, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under the GNPC partnership to approximately 14,500 nationwide. Madam Adjei also emphasised the foundation’s commitment to inclusion, stating that there is no age limit for trainees and that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into the programme. She disclosed that last year, more than 100 persons with disabilities were trained in areas such as mushroom farming, snail farming and soap making, and were provided with startup kits. Currently operating in 13 regions, the foundation continues to extend its reach while seeking to establish a stronger presence in the remaining regions. “I don’t want a situation where young people must sell small items just to raise money before they can begin their trade,” she said, appealing to individuals and organisations to support the vision of creating sustainable pathways from training to employment. 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

Hangout

Eusbett Hotel Expands from 18 to 250 Rooms, Diversifies into Agribusiness and Manufacturing

/

Eusbett Hotel in Sunyani has expanded from an 18-room facility to a 250-room hospitality establishment while diversifying into multiple business ventures, including water production, agribusiness, and automobile services, according to its General Manager, Mr. Robert Mensah. Speaking on the Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Mr. Robert Mensah said the growth reflects years of deliberate expansion and value-driven leadership since he assumed management more than two decades ago. “I took over when it was an 18-bedroom hotel. Now we have developed to a 250-room hotel,” he said. Mr. Robert Mensah explained that beyond accommodation, the hotel has established several supporting businesses to enhance operations and create additional revenue streams. These include a water production unit, where the company treats water from its own boreholes, with plans to expand to the commercial market after securing Food and Drugs Authority approval. The company has also expanded into yogurt and juice production to support its hospitality services. “Currently we are using only in the hotel, but we have the accreditation to sell outside. Very soon we will be moving outside,” he said. In addition, Eusbett Hotel operates a fuel station under the Goil brand, which he said was recognized as the overall best fuel station in Ghana within its first two years of operation. The hotel has also invested in agriculture, including a cattle ranch and vegetable farms that supply produce such as tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, and onions for its kitchens. Mr. Robert Mensah added that the company is part of a network of authorized service centres for Toyota Ghana and has emerged as a top performer among the centres over the past five years. Beyond his role at the hotel, Mr. Robert Mensah has also established his own business in cleaning services and construction supplies. He said his cleaning business started with a single bank contract and has since expanded, employing several staff. “At the end of the month, they paid me, and the relationship was good. Over time, the cleaners became my staff, and currently my senior supervisor started as a janitor,” he said. He noted that maintaining transparency with his employer has been key to balancing his corporate role and personal business interests. “One is full disclosure. I made my CEO aware of everything that I’m doing. The second is not to do anything that competes with what I am originally employed for,” he explained. He encouraged young people to cultivate mentorship and develop an entrepreneurial mindset while maintaining integrity in their professional lives. “Seek for mentors and build the intrapreneurship attitude in you. You can work for somebody and build something around you but declare it to your CEO and ensure that you do not compete with your organization,” he advised. 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. Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications Genevieve Mensah

Virtual University

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

/

Family life educators and mental health professionals have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing crisis within the family system, warning that rising dysfunction, weakened moral values, communication breakdowns, sexual abuse, and untreated mental health challenges are undermining the foundation of society. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Family Life Educator and President of Fruitful Ministries International, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kisseaddo, and Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Lynda Dede Ahulu, both underscored the urgent need for intentional parenting, moral reorientation, and open dialogue within families. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo said the family institution is under pressure “on all fronts,” attributing the strain to rising selfishness, individualism, and the erosion of shared values. He noted that the original concept of family was built on unity and togetherness, but modern dynamics are increasingly driven by competition and self-centeredness. “If a person does not aim at unity, then you are not functioning as God intended,” he said, stressing that the loss of togetherness threatens the core purpose of the family unit. He described marriage as fundamentally a sexual relationship that requires proper education and moral instruction, warning that the absence of structured sex education within families has led to distortions in sexuality and instability in marriages. According to him, unregulated sexual passion can destabilize families, calling for a national crusade on sex education for young people. “The strongest passion in the human body is sex, and if it is not properly guided, the family is threatened from its very foundation,” he stated. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo further pointed to moral decline, distractions, and external influences as contributors to the weakening of families, adding that historical societal collapses often begin with the breakdown of family structures. He urged a return to intentional parenting practices, including family meetings, structured engagement, and spiritual guidance. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Lynda Dede Ahulu also highlighted significant strains on the family unit, citing poor communication, parental unavailability, trauma, and untreated mental health conditions as major factors. She noted that the family plays a central role in shaping both individuals and society. “The family has the propensity to impact both its members and society. If society is unhealthy, look at the family unit,” she said. Ms. Ahulu identified communication breakdown between parents and children as a key indicator of a family in distress, noting that many children no longer feel safe confiding in their parents. As a result, parents often remain unaware of critical issues such as sexual abuse, substance use, bullying, and emotional struggles. She also pointed to excessive phone use and digital distractions as barriers to meaningful family interaction. She further discussed the psychological impact of childhood trauma and generational patterns of dysfunction, explaining that unresolved trauma can influence behaviour across generations. According to her, abuse, neglect, depression, and emotional unavailability can shape future relationship patterns if not addressed. Ms. Ahulu also listed depression, suicidal ideation, financial stress, infertility challenges, neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, and societal pressures regarding the gender of children as stressors that place additional strain on marriages and family systems. Both experts emphasized the need for intentional parenting, ethical grounding, education, and open communication to rebuild resilient families. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo stressed that marriage and parenting require preparation and continuous effort, describing marriage as a process rather than a finished product. “Marriage is not a finished product. It depends on what you put into it,” he said. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboard Channel (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications Genevieve Mensah

Reports

2024 Annual Report

/

2024 Springboard Road Show Foundation Annual Report Welcome to the official 2024 Annual Report of the Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF). This comprehensive document outlines a pivotal year dedicated to “Empowering the Next Generation of African Leaders & Entrepreneurs.” Inside, you will discover how SRSF, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is reshaping the narrative around agriculture and technical vocational training (ATVET) through the flagship Ghana Grows Program. What You Will Find Inside the Full Report: To download the complete 92-page report and explore the full scope of our impact, financial data, and future outlook, please complete the request form below.

Springboard Road Show 2025

“You Are the Leaders of Today”: Comfort Ocran Rallies Youth as Springboard Marks 18 Years

/

The Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering young people as Springboard celebrated 18 years of nationwide impact at its 2025 Grand Finale held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra on Saturday 22nd November. Addressing thousands of participants, Comfort Ocran said the Ghana Grows programme “is not ending today; it is only beginning,” adding that hope must be treated as a practical skill young people can apply. She noted that since 2007, Springboard’s nationwide interventions have reached more than one million young people across Ghana and West Africa. Under the Ghana Grows programme, delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Springboard has engaged more than 500,000 participants. In 2025 alone, 145,605 young people took part, with young women making up 93.3 percent of the total. Another 3,469 persons with disabilities participated across all sixteen regions. Comfort Ocran said many participants have moved into agriculture, agribusiness, and TVET pathways, contributing to better livelihoods in their communities. Technical Director of the Foundation, Rev. Albert Ocran, urged the youth to prioritize excellence, collaboration, and value creation as anchors for national progress. He reminded them that progress is a collective effort, saying, “You cannot build something significant working alone, if you want to go farther and faster, go together.” He encouraged young people to build networks, share what works, and support one another as they rise. The Grand Finale drew an audience of more than 6,000, including young women, young men, persons with disabilities, traditional leaders, institutional heads, and associations. As part of the celebration, five rising changemakers were honored under the Young Innovators Awards. The awardees, three young women and two persons with disabilities, included Kow Aboagye Ghunney (Agriculture), Clara Messe (Akorfa) (Agribusiness), David Wakpal (ATVET), Mary Tetteh (Most Promising Agripreneur and YLO Model Ambassador), and Justine Mauda A. Aniaku (Best YLO Facilitator). Emelia Asamoah, Head of Workforce Development at the Mastercard Foundation, commended Springboard for helping reshape perceptions about agriculture and vocational careers. She noted that TVET enrolment has risen by 193 percent since 2020 and praised the progress of young farmers under the Ghana Grows programme, saying, “These sectors were once seen as fallback options, but Ghana Grows is proving they are innovative and future focused.” Building on these achievements, Dr. Kafui Mills-Odoi, Head of Inclusion for Nigeria at the Mastercard Foundation, encouraged the young innovators and wider youth audience to pursue growth with confidence and preparation. “You must have confidence and believe, not only to secure a job, but to maintain it and grow in it,” she said. “Your voice is not just the sound you make; it is the influence you carry. Take time to prepare, to build competence, and to understand the challenges around you so you can create real solutions.” By: Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications Genevieve Mensah