AI

Virtual University

MTN CEO Stephen Blewett Urges Youth to Seize AI and Digital Opportunities

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Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has called on young people across Ghana to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools, and entrepreneurship as the keys to unlocking their future prosperity. He emphasized that the digital revolution is already underway and must be harnessed to create opportunities rather than feared. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Blewett highlighted Ghana’s potential to become a leader in AI if government, the private sector, civil society, and citizens work together. “It must be a collaboration. Government can’t run alone. MTN can’t run alone. NGOs can’t. But if we all put our efforts together with a common purpose, Ghana can lead this revolution. Otherwise, someone else will take that position,” he stated. Mr. Blewett revealed that MTN is investing in young people to drive innovation while also supporting the government’s One Million Coders Project, an initiative designed to prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future. Encouraging young people to be proactive, he advised: “Don’t wait. Put yourself forward. Get together with friends, develop ideas, and pursue opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities I see in Africa is gaming — but games that are developed locally, coded creatively, and even enhanced with AI.” He further urged parents to support their children’s interests in gaming and digital technology, noting that these tools can be powerful vehicles for learning and innovation. “Sometimes we reject it because it’s unfamiliar. But gaming can be used positively, even for education in maths and science. Parents must see the potential rather than dismiss it,” he explained. Reflecting on his own leadership journey, Mr. Blewett admitted that he was “arrogant” earlier in his career but has since learned humility, resilience, and service. “As a CEO, you are a custodian, a servant. You ultimately serve everyone in the organization, even the shareholder with just ten shares. That’s a sobering thought,” he remarked. Highlighting the impact of MTN Ghana, which serves over 30 million customers daily, he underscored the scale of responsibility the company carries. “If I turned off the network today, you would see how important we are. We are shaping the digital future of economies and people. That is a huge responsibility,” he said. Looking ahead, Mr. Blewett reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to continued investment in network quality, digital services, and opportunities for Ghanaians. “What gives me the most joy is seeing lives touched through what we do. Our ethos is that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life, and we will not leave anyone behind,” he affirmed. About the Springboard Road Show Foundation The Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment, mindset transformation, and career development. Through programs like Springboard, Your Virtual University, The Ghana Grows Programme in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, and Springboard Road Show 2025, SRSF continues to inspire and equip young Africans to lead change in their communities and industries. Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) Communications & Public Affairs Department Email: info@springboard.com.gh Website: www.springboard.com.gh

Virtual University

Education Must Move Beyond Memorization in the Age of AI, Say Experts

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Education experts Anis Haffar and Dr. Nefertiti Puplampu say artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education and must drive a shift from rote memorization to problem-solving and innovation. Speaking on Springboard your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Haffar explained that AI has made the old model of cramming facts obsolete. “We don’t need to memorize information anymore. AI gives us the information we need, but we must know how to articulate our needs and use it meaningfully. The students must now be in the driver’s seat,” he said. He pointed to learner-led education models such as the International Baccalaureate, which require students to apply creativity, activity, and service to real-world challenges. “Education must have an application component. At the end of the day, your degree is the solution or service you provide that makes life easier for others,” he added. Dr. Puplampu, Head of the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning, highlighted the urgent need to align curricula with industry and societal demands. She warned that while students are adapting quickly to new technologies, many educators are struggling to keep pace. “The pace of change is so fast that the same person who started teaching under one model is now being required to adjust to new demands. If educators and policymakers don’t retool, the system will reject innovation,” she said. She further explained that learner-centered methods not only improve retention but also empower students to lead. “When students are given the chance to teach, apply concepts, and engage in real-world projects, retention rates can reach as high as 90 percent. It’s not about teachers knowing everything anymore. It’s about creating environments where students can think critically and solve problems,” she noted. Both speakers agreed that AI should be seen as an enabler, not a threat. According to Dr. Puplampu, AI-driven tools can help teachers personalize instruction and scale innovative teaching models globally. 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. By Genevieve Mensah

Hangout

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

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

Virtual University

Is AI Coming for Your Job?

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Imagine spending weeks perfecting your CV, writing a passionate cover letter, and applying for your dream job only to be screened out before a human ever sees your name. Welcome to the world of AI in recruitment. Artificial Intelligence is no longer in movies; it’s already sitting quietly in the background of most business processes, including hiring, customer service, content creation, and more. If you’ve ever applied for a job at a large organization, chances are an algorithm decided your fate long before a human did. “Companies like MTN receive thousands of CVs for a single job posting,” said Kobby ‘Spiky’ Nkrumah, IT Manager at Quantum LC Ltd. “There’s no way the HR department can manually go through all of them. AI tools are used to screen and shortlist candidates based on set criteria. If your CV doesn’t contain the right keywords that match the job, you’ve already been cut off  and you won’t even know it.” Mr. Nkrumah was speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, as part of the ongoing series AI in Business: Closer Than You Think. He didn’t mince words about the reality many professionals are avoiding: “If you sit down and think about your job and realize it can be automated, you’re at risk.” AI can analyze data faster, respond instantly, and work without sleep, salary, or bad days. But is it all doom and gloom? Not exactly. Jobs that involve deep human interaction, critical thinking, creativity, or emotional intelligence are still very safe for now. “A chatbot can answer simple questions,” Kobby said. “But if your service is built on human connection, don’t hide behind tech. There’s something we call ‘human in the mix.’ At some point, the machine must hand over to a real person.” He gave the example of businesses that lose customers because they rely too heavily on automated systems. “Not every issue should be handled by AI. The moment your customer feels misunderstood, you’ve lost them. That’s where a human should step in.” So what’s the way forward? According to Mr. Nkrumah, the solution isn’t to run from AI,  it’s to learn how to work with it. “Ten years ago, nobody thought they’d be called an AI trainer or prompt engineer. But today, people are being paid to train AI models, flag inappropriate content, or help algorithms understand human context.” He believes this digital shift is opening doors, especially for young people and small businesses. “Your customer can be in Ghana, Australia, or even North Korea; tech tools give you that reach. SMEs should start thinking beyond their local audience.” The biggest takeaway from the conversation is this: AI is not here to destroy jobs. It’s here to change how work is done. And whether you thrive or not will depend on how quickly you adapt. “If your job is repetitive, predictable, and doesn’t need human creativity or emotion, it’s a target,” he said. “But if you can build something AI can’t replicate your humanity, your judgement, your ideas, you’re not just safe. You’re in demand.” So, is AI coming for your job? Only if you stand still while the world moves forward. About Springboard, Your Virtual UniversitySpringboard, Your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing AI for All series breaks down what artificial intelligence means for Africa’s future and how individuals can position themselves to grow in the new digital economy. By Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

“AI Makes Us Better, Not Lazy,” Says Tech Expert Kobby ‘Spiky’ Nkrumah

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Technology expert Kobby ‘Spiky’ Nkrumah says artificial intelligence (AI) is not making people lazy, but rather helping individuals become more efficient, creative, and productive. “We may seem to think that progress is making us lazy, but it is alleviating us from simple tasks that we could just give to something else to do. And then we could explore much more difficult tasks,” he said. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, the IT Manager at Quantum LC Ltd, explained that AI has been around since the 1950s, but only gained mass attention in the 2020s with the rise of tools like ChatGPT. Long before that, he noted, people had already been using AI in everyday tools without knowing it. “Google Maps is a great example. It tracks how many people are on a particular road, how fast they’re moving, and uses that data to determine where there’s traffic. That’s AI. Your social media feed? It recommends content based on your interests, not because someone is manually tracking you, but because AI is learning your behavior,” he said. Mr. Nkrumah argued that the power of AI lies in how it mimics human intelligence without being held back by distractions or emotions. “Humans have to think about what to eat or what to wear. AI doesn’t have mood swings or bad days. It just gets the job done faster and more accurately,” he said. Touching on the belief that AI is only for lazy people, “Then I’m lazy,” he said. “I’ve always looked for efficiency in my work. If a task can be automated, why repeat it? AI has helped me learn more and do more.” He also pointed out that while current AI systems are designed for specific tasks, the future will see more general-purpose AI that can handle multiple complex assignments. “We’re not there yet, but it’s coming,” he said. For Mr. Nkrumah, the real value of AI comes down to how well you use it. “Even giving AI the right prompt is a skill. If you know how to use it well, you’ll benefit more. If you don’t, you won’t. That’s the difference.” He challenged people to stop glorifying suffering and rethink what productivity should look like in this era. “We’ve inherited a culture that glorifies struggle. But what if AI could do the math for you and give you room to solve higher problems? Isn’t that progress?” he asked. The conversation forms part of the ongoing AI for All series on Springboard, Your Virtual University, which is exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, learning, creativity, and everyday life. About Springboard, Your Virtual UniversitySpringboard, Your Virtual University is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing AI for All series features thought leaders breaking down what AI means for Africa’s future and how individuals can position themselves to benefit. By Faustina Yeboah