Agribusiness

Hangout

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

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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

Springboard Road Show 2025

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

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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

Hangout

Atarrah Ghana Empowers Widows through Baobab Value Addition in Upper East

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Atarrah Ghana Limited, an agribusiness venture is empowering widows and rural women in Ghana’s Upper East Region through value addition in the baobab industry, promoting sustainable livelihoods and the conservation of indigenous tree species. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the Springboard Road Show 2025 stop in the Upper East Region, the Managing Director of Atarrah Ghana, Ms. Fati, said the initiative evolved from the Widows and Orphans Movement, a nonprofit founded by her mother to help widows earn dignified incomes through productive work rather than dependence on donations. “In 2013, my mother asked me to help with the project. We were always begging for money to do good, and I thought we could create something that allows people to work for their money. That’s how we started Atarrah Ghana,” she said. She explained that Atarrah Ghana, headquartered in the Talensi District, operates within the baobab value chain, processing the indigenous tree’s seeds into cold-pressed oil for cosmetic and industrial use. Ms. Fati noted that baobab trees are abundant in the Upper East Region and hold deep cultural significance as symbols of protection and heritage. Ms. Fati said the company produces baobab oil through natural processing methods and ensures that no part of the tree goes to waste. The by-products are converted into animal feed, supporting poultry and livestock farmers, particularly during the dry season. “We produce sustainably. We don’t have any waste product in this factory,” she stated. She further revealed that beyond baobab oil, Atarrah Ghana also processes neem, sesame, moringa, and pawpaw oils, as well as black soap made from baobab and shea butter. The company trains women in shea butter processing and provides market access without competing with their businesses. “We exist because of the women, so whatever they want to do is what we will do. When we compete with one another, we collapse businesses. We all lose out,” Ms. Fati said. Accoprding to Ms. Fati, currently, the factory processes about 15 tons of baobab seeds annually and plans to expand its warehouse capacity fivefold in the coming year. The company is also piloting baobab tree planting initiatives to ensure sustainability and preserve the tree population for future generations. “We want to tell the story of the women so that people can associate with it. We are also planting baobab trees to secure the future of the industry. People say it takes 30 years to harvest, but we are willing to pilot grafting and other innovations to shorten that period,” she added. She urged young people to look beyond challenges and identify opportunities within their local environments. “There’s a lot of space. We just need to think outside the box and look within our environment. If we make things easier for industries, we will see the full potential of our people,” she said. 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. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Edwuma

Rashid Adams Turns 100 Cedis Coconut Venture into Growing Brand

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Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rash Coco Hut, Rashid Adams, has transformed a coconut-selling venture he started with just 100 Ghana cedis into a growing enterprise producing bottled coconut water and organic fruit juices in Accra. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma, Mr. Adams shared how his journey began after several years working as a driver’s mate. “I’ve always had the dream to build something and give the youth job opportunities,” he said. “After careful thought, I settled on the coconut business. It’s something I’ve done from childhood.” He explained that innovation has been central to his brand’s growth. “I can boldly say that selling bottled coconut water was introduced by Rashid, and many people can testify to this,” he noted. “The way we’ve known coconut sales over the years has been the same, but I decided to make it more appealing through packaging.” Today, Rash Coco Hut, located at Adenta Housing Down in Accra, operates with a team of young workers who help supply coconuts to customers daily and at events. The business sources its coconuts from Sammens and sells over 3,000 coconuts weekly. Beyond coconut water, the entrepreneur has expanded into producing a range of organic juices, including sugarcane, tiger nut, and pineapple blends. “We now have about 14 different varieties of juices, all pure and organic with no additives,” he said. Mr. Adams attributed his success to perseverance and purpose. “Indeed, I started this business with just 100 Ghana cedis. I think I’m blessed with knowledge and resilience to persist even under the harshest conditions,” he said. To sustain production, Rash Coco Hut now operates its own coconut farm, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. Mr. Adams emphasized his goal of creating employment for young people. “Most people complete school and say there are no jobs. I’ve committed myself to working hard so that through my business, others can find opportunities and stay off the streets,” he added. Through Rash Coco Hut, Rashid Adams continues to demonstrate how creativity and determination can turn a small idea into a sustainable source of livelihood and inspiration for Ghana’s youth. About Ghana Grows Edwuma Ghana 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 Genevieve Mensah

Edwuma

Ex-Banker Transforms Ghana’s Fruits into Healthy Popsicles

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Gertrude Adzo Borklo, the visionary founder and CEO of Popsicles Ghana, is redefining Ghana’s frozen dessert industry by transforming locally grown fruits into healthy, colorful, and delicious treats. Her inspiring journey, featured on Ghana Grows Edwuma, the nationwide youth-in-agribusiness broadcast, began when a career setback became a springboard for innovation. After losing her job as an investment banker, Gertrude revisited her childhood memories of helping her mother make and sell ice cream. “I realized I could build on what she taught me, but with a healthier twist,” she said. What started in her kitchen in 2019 has grown into a thriving brand based in Tema Community 25, now six years strong. Unlike conventional ice creams, Popsicles Ghana products contain no milk or refined sugar. Instead, they are made with fresh fruits, honey, date syrup, and plant-based sweeteners, catering to health-conscious consumers, people with diabetes, and those who are lactose intolerant. “Fruits are naturally sweet, and that’s our foundation,” Ms. Borklo explained. Her creativity doesn’t end with popsicles. In 2024, she introduced Crunchy Cones, handmade, locally produced ice-cream cones in various shapes and sizes, including wafers, tacos, and waffle bowls. The company is preparing to distribute branded boxes of cones to retail outlets nationwide. Despite challenges such as limited financing and marketing support, Gertrude credits social media and word-of-mouth referrals for fueling brand growth. “The entrepreneurial landscape in Ghana is not always favorable to young entrepreneurs, but six years down the line, I’m proud of where we’ve gotten to,” she shared. Beyond building her brand, Ms. Borklo is passionate about mentoring others. Popsicles Ghana has trained dozens of young people, including students eager to enter the dessert industry, a sector she believes holds enormous untapped potential. “You might not be financially stable at the beginning, but if you stay consistent and reinvest what you make, your enterprise grows every day,” she advised. From sourcing coconuts in Agbozume to pineapples in Pokuase and mangoes in Somanya, Popsicles Ghana supports local farmers and demonstrates the value of agribusiness innovation. Ms. Borklo urges aspiring entrepreneurs to take bold steps: “Whatever your dream or goal, do a deep introspection, start small, and grow it. There’s so much opportunity in Ghana.” About Ghana Grows Edwuma Ghana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast under the Ghana Grows Programme, a partnership between the Mastercard Foundation and the Springboard Road Show Foundation. The platform spotlights young entrepreneurs and professionals driving change in agriculture, agribusiness, and technical and vocational education and training (ATVET). Through storytelling and inspiration, Ghana Grows Edwuma aims to spark mindset shifts and empower the next generation of Ghanaian changemakers. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

Springboard Road Show 2025 Engages 500,000 Young People Across 16 Regions

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The Springboard Road Show 2025 is already underway, with two regions covered so far in what organizers describe as the most ambitious edition yet of the nationwide empowerment initiative. Speaking on Springboard Hangout, host Comfort Ocran traced the program’s journey from its modest beginnings in 2007 to its current scale as one of Ghana’s largest youth movements. “The very first event, held at Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Hall, attracted 600 participants. That was how a one-off Accra event grew into a nationwide movement,” she recalled. At the heart of this year’s Road Show is the Ghana Grows program, a bold intervention designed to equip young Ghanaians with the skills, networks, and resources needed to thrive in the agriculture and agribusiness space. By combining technical and vocational training with mentorship, career guidance, and direct access to opportunities, Ghana Grows provides practical pathways for young people, especially young women and persons with disabilities, to live dignified and fulfilling lives. Now in its third year of partnership with the Ghana Grows program, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative has already reached more than 500,000 young women, young men, and persons with disabilities. This has been achieved through platforms including the Career Clinic, Edwuma, Hangout, Virtual University, Empower360, and Community Information Centres. “This year, we’re not just talking to young people online or on TV. We want to look them in the eye, hang out with them, and connect them directly to opportunities across the agriculture, agribusiness, and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) value chains,” Comfort Ocran said. The 2025 edition will feature 50 expert speakers from diverse fields to provide practical knowledge, inspire action, and open new opportunities for participants. Alongside the conferences, the Road Show will host skills-building workshops in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Selected participants will also receive startup kits containing tools and resources to support value addition and entrepreneurship. A new addition to this year’s program is the introduction of regional Hangout Highlights, which will showcase local innovators, institutions, and young changemakers in each region. Organizers say this will allow participants to discover success stories and role models within their own communities. Describing the Road Show as a lifeline for the youth, Comfort Ocran said: “It is intentionally designed for young people, with young people, and run by young people. Don’t let the Road Show pass you by. Be there and let it transform your journey.” 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 Genevieve Mensah

Springboard Road Show 2025

Ghana Grows Celebrates the Onboarding of its 500,000th Youth with the Springboard Road Show 2025

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The 2025 Springboard Road Show will mark another historic milestone as the Ghana Grows programme celebrates the onboarding of its 500,000th young participant. This monumental achievement is a confirmation that young people in communities across Ghana are boldly embracing opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and ATVET sectors. For nearly two decades, the Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) has shaped dreams and transformed futures, becoming Ghana’s longest running and most trusted personal development initiative. This year’s nationwide tour, powered by Ghana Grows and its consortium partners, will travel across all 16 regions to celebrate achievement, consolidate impact, and reinforce the vision of young people as nation-builders.  “The Springboard Road Show is not just an event; it is a movement. In every region, every community, and every young person we travel to, we meet someone making a big difference who is an alumnus of previous editions. And we keep growing the community; we see the future of Ghana rising,” said Rev. Albert Ocran, Co-Founder of SRSF. Activities will include dynamic conferences, stakeholder dialogues, training sessions with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and career platforms in agribusiness, technical training, and green jobs. The popular Hangout with Comfort Ocran sessions will spotlight entrepreneurship and growth industries in various regions. “This milestone of welcoming our 500,000th young participant is more than a number; it is evidence that a generation is shifting its mindset, seizing opportunities in key sectors of agribusiness and ATVET, and redefining Ghana’s future,” said Comfort Ocran, Co-Founder of SRSF. The Road Show begins in Bolgatanga on September 25 and will move through Walewale, Tamale, Wa, and Damango, before continuing south to Techiman, Bechem, and Sunyani. It then reaches Kadjebi and Ho in late October, travels through Kukurantumi, Cape Coast, Takoradi, and Sefwi Wiawso, and stops in Kumasi on November 6. The Grand Finale will take place in Accra from November 21–22, where the celebration of the 500,000th youth milestone will culminate. By the end of this nationwide tour, the Springboard Road Show will have shared this transformative experience with youth across the nation, consolidating the gains of Ghana Grows and inspiring them to embrace agriculture, innovation, and opportunities for national development.

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