Advocacy

Virtual University

African Architecture Must Blend Tradition and Innovation, Says Dr. Kuukuwa Manful

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Dr. Kuukuwa Manful, Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Michigan, has urged Africans to rethink their approach to building by integrating traditional methods with modern materials and technology. According to her, creating sustainable and culturally meaningful spaces requires a balance between professional expertise and community knowledge. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, as part of the ongoing Thinkathon: The Power of Ideas to Shape Society series, Dr. Manful encouraged citizens and professionals alike to reconsider how buildings are designed and maintained. “More of us should be talking to architects before we start our building projects. Listen to your architects, listen to your professionals. They have good, research-based ideas,” she said. “It’s a bit of a problem here that building is very client-driven. Sometimes the architect has no choice but to go along with it. But listen to them.” Drawing lessons from history, Dr. Manful noted that traditional earth buildings were communally maintained after each rainy season, strengthening community bonds. “Even though we may not return to that fully, our concrete buildings still lack proper maintenance,” she added. She also expressed concern about the disappearance of courtyards in modern architecture. “Courtyards are semi-indoor, outdoor spaces that regulate temperature, provide social spaces, and connect people. They are disappearing from our architecture,” she observed. Drawing on her practical work, Dr. Manful emphasized community interventions such as playgrounds, reading nooks, housing consultations, and advocacy for affordable housing. “Affordable housing in our cities will lead to freedom—freedom to experiment for young people, comfort for older people, and a foundation for solving many urban challenges,” she 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 Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkathon series convenes leading thinkers and professionals from diverse fields to explore how ideas can shape society. By Faustina Yeboah

News, Virtual University

Dr. Angela Dwamena – Aboagye Calls for Unwavering Commitment to Purpose

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Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation and 2025 MTN Heroes of Change winner, has urged Ghanaians not to give up on their dreams despite the delays, challenges, or discouragements they may encounter. “Never give up, never give in, no matter the strength of the enemy,” she emphasized, stressing that seasons in life are real and that staying faithful to one’s calling is key to lasting impact. Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye was speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing series titled Changing Narratives. The conversation drew insights from her nearly three-decade journey in advocacy, counselling, and legal support for women and children in Ghana. Dr. Angela, who was recently named Overall Winner of the MTN Heroes of Change 2025, described the award as an unexpected and humbling moment. She noted that although all the finalists were deserving, her consistent work across various vulnerable groups over the years may have set her apart. She spoke passionately about the principle of seedtime and harvest, describing it as a spiritual truth that always proves itself. “Instinctively, I knew harvest time would come… and because I’m a person of faith, I’ve held that in my heart. So when things started happening, I said, ‘That’s you, Lord. You said it and you’re doing it.” According to her, years of advocacy work without much recognition taught her that waiting is not a passive act, but an intentional commitment to the work one has been called to do. She encouraged people to see waiting as an active posture of trust, courage, and consistency. Dr. Angela, who is also a theologian, pointed out that many of the challenges in gender justice stem from long-held mindsets that require a complete renewal of thought. She said that while Ghana has made progress in areas such as access to education and legal reforms, many institutions still struggle with coordination and sensitivity when responding to victims. She described The Ark Foundation as a Christian mission organization that works through legal rights and human rights frameworks to train, advocate, and support victims of gender-based violence. Their work includes training churches, police officers, and other institutions on the dynamics of sexual and domestic abuse and how to respond effectively. Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Angela concluded that her sustained commitment, even when others abandoned the work, is proof that her path is a divine assignment. “There is never one day when I’ve thought of stopping,” she said. “I know I can do other things, but none of them capture my heart like working with women and children who are hurting.” About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is Ghana’s leading motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It provides thought leadership, practical life lessons, and transformational conversations with trailblazers across sectors.