ATVET

Springboard Road Show 2025

Springboard Road Show 2025 – Chiefs, MCEs, and Youth Unite to Champion Agriculture and Enterprise

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From the Upper West to the Ahafo and Bono East regions, the Springboard Road Show 2025 is igniting a wave of energy, hope, and empowerment among Ghana’s youth. The nationwide tour, running under the Ghana Grows programme, has drawn thousands of participants to its regional stops in Wa, Techiman, and Bechem, uniting traditional leaders, municipal executives, educators, and young entrepreneurs behind one shared vision, to transform agriculture, skills, and enterprise into engines of national growth. Now in its most ambitious edition yet, the Road Show is touring all 16 regions of Ghana, targeting over 500,000 young people, including young women and persons with disabilities. Each stop reflects the heartbeat of Ghana’s regions, distinct youth voices in one mission: to build a generation ready to grow. In the Upper West Region, the Road Show’s stop at the Wa Technical Institute was a blend of culture and purpose. Chiefs, opinion leaders, and the children of the esteemed Yaa Naa lent their presence in symbolic support of youth development. Alhaji Issah Nurah Danwanaa, Municipal Chief Executive for Wa, highlighted agriculture and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) as critical levers for sustainable development. “Together, let us drive agriculture and ATVET as the engines of youth and women empowerment for regional development,” Hon. Danwanaa urged. His remarks echoed the government’s commitment to revitalizing Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II and aligning TVET reforms with industry and agribusiness opportunities. The event underscored the growing synergy between traditional leadership, local governance, and national programmes in ensuring that young people, especially in northern Ghana, are equipped with the skills and confidence to lead. In the Bono East Region, the Springboard youth conference found expression at Techiman, where Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah, the Municipal Chief Executive, rallied young people to see agriculture not as a fallback, but as a frontier of innovation and enterprise. “Agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors for our youth,” he said. “It offers vast potential for innovation, employment, and enterprise.” The event spotlighted the intersection of mental health, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, with participants engaging in sessions on resilience and business start-ups. Members of the Ghana Grows Girls Club shared their success stories, including Ellen Anyaki, who turned e-mentoring and food processing lessons into a thriving garlic and ginger paste business, and Haggar Sackey, founder of Evert & Co., a youth-led soap production venture now training senior high school students. These stories personify the transformation Springboard seeks, from passive job seekers to proactive creators of value. At Bechem in the Ahafo Region, the traditional voice took centre stage. The Chief of Bechem, Nana Opaw Nwomaso Boampong Bekoe, called on government to expand support for agriculture, agribusiness, and ATVET programmes, describing them as “the true pathways to national wealth creation.” “When you go to Kumasi, most of the big houses belong to farmers,” he said. “These are the kinds of programmes the government should sponsor because they prepare young people to create real value.” The Bechem gathering featured hundreds of youths eager to learn from the success of Ghana Grows participants like Esther, who after attending the Empower360 Resin Arts Training in Accra, launched her own business and now mentors others. Hon. Charity Gardiner, Ahafo Regional Minister, commended the Foundation for its focus on young women in agriculture, noting that nearly 80% of participants in Ghana Grows are female, breaking traditional barriers in agribusiness and entrepreneurship. Across Wa, Techiman, and Bechem, one truth stands out, the Springboard Road Show 2025 is more than a series of events; it is a national awakening. It connects policy with people, and inspiration with opportunity, reshaping how young people see their potential. Under the leadership of Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, and Albert Ocran, Technical Director, the movement blends storytelling, mentorship, and enterprise development into a transformative model for youth inclusion and empowerment. “True capital begins with what’s in your hands,” Comfort Ocran reminds participants. “Diligence, integrity, and tenacity build businesses that last.” As the 16-region tour continues, the Road Show is cultivating a new generation of purpose-driven changemakers, young people who are not just dreaming of the future, but building it, one skill, one business, and one community at a time. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Springboard Road Show 2025

Wa MCE Alhaji Issah Nurah Danwanaa Rallies Youth to Embrace Agriculture and ATVET Springboard Road Show 2025

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The Springboard Road Show 2025 brought its signature energy and inspiration to the Wa Technical Institute, drawing hundreds of young people, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders from across the Upper West Region. Now in its most ambitious edition yet, the Road Show is touring all 16 regions of Ghana with a target reach of more than 500,000 participants, including young women, young men, and persons with disabilities. Already, the stops in Bolgatanga, Walewale, and Tamale have generated widespread excitement, attracting entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders eager to tap into opportunities for growth and empowerment. In Wa, the presence of Chiefs, Opinion Leaders, and the children of the esteemed Yaa Naa symbolized the strong cultural endorsement for investing in the next generation. With agriculture and ATVET (agriculture, agribusiness, and technical and vocational education and training) as central themes, community leaders pledged their continued support to ensure that young people have access to leadership, skills, and enterprise opportunities. The gathering was further enriched by the participation of the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Issah Nurah Danwanaa, who underscored agriculture’s pivotal role in Ghana’s economic growth. He emphasized government’s commitment to revitalizing Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II, scaling up youth-in-agriculture initiatives, and strengthening TVET reforms to better align training with industry and agribusiness demand. “Together, let us drive agriculture and ATVET as the engines of youth and women empowerment for regional development,” Hon. Danwanaa declared. As the Springboard Road Show 2025 continues its journey nationwide, it is fast becoming more than an event, it is a movement of inclusion, innovation, and transformation. With the active involvement of traditional authorities, government, the private sector, and development partners, the Road Show is cultivating a new generation of changemakers, young people equipped with skills, confidence, and purpose to transform their communities and industries. Marketing and Communications Springboard Roadshow Foundation

Springboard Road Show 2025

Techiman Youth Urged to Tap Opportunities in Agriculture – MCE Kwaku Adjei Mensah at Springboard Road Show 2025

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The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Techiman, Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah, has urged young people to explore opportunities in agriculture, describing the sector as a key driver of innovation, employment, and national development. He made the call at the Springboard Road Show 2025 held in Techiman, the sixth stop of the nationwide youth empowerment tour under the Ghana Grows programme. The event brought together young people, traditional leaders, and local authorities to discuss skills development, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being. Hon. Mensah noted that agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors for the country’s youth, offering vast potential for enterprise and self-employment. He encouraged participants to acquire practical skills and leverage both government and private-sector interventions to improve productivity and livelihoods. “Agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors for our youth. It offers vast potential for innovation, employment, and enterprise,” he said. “I encourage every young person to acquire practical skills and take advantage of interventions in agriculture to improve productivity and livelihoods.” The Techiman edition marked the transition of the Road Show from Ghana’s northern and savannah zones to the middle belt. The initiative, expected to cover all 16 regions and engage over 500,000 young people, focuses on empowering youth through innovation, inclusion, and mentorship. A key session on mental health and psychosocial support emphasized emotional resilience and self-care as vital elements of personal and professional success. Facilitators also highlighted the availability of free counselling services under the Ghana Grows programme. Two members of the Ghana Grows Girls Club shared how the initiative had transformed their lives. Ellen Anyaki said e-mentoring sessions on entrepreneurship and food processing helped her start a garlic and ginger paste business after winning the 60-Day Backyard Farming Challenge. “Through e-mentoring on entrepreneurship and food processing, I was able to start a garlic and ginger paste business,” she said. “Winning the 60-Day Backyard Farming Challenge gave me a starter kit and financial support to expand my venture.” Haggar Sackey, a participant of the Empower360 training, said training in soap making inspired her to establish Evert & Co., a youth-led enterprise that trains senior high school students in soap production and entrepreneurship. “The soap-making training gave me the confidence to start my own business,” she said. “The programme gave me purpose and direction.” Traditional leaders, including Nana Adwoa Akwaabea Sika (New Krobo Hemaa), Nana Kwadwo Yeboah (Atipimhene, Krobo Kyidom Traditional Council), and Nana Afia Yeboaa (Atipimhemaa, Krobo Kyidom Traditional Council), graced the event. Nana Kwadwo Yeboah, also a Ghana Grows Youth Ambassador, said his training at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) had enhanced his knowledge in agriculture and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET), enabling him to mentor young people through Career Clinic sessions. The Springboard Road Show 2025 continues its mission of nurturing a generation of skilled, confident, and purpose-driven young people. From Techiman, the nationwide journey proceeds to the Bono Region, carrying forward the message of enterprise, innovation, and empowerment for every young person ready to grow. Marketing and Communications Springboard Roadshow Foundation

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

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

Uncategorized

Ghana Grows Partners with GHABA to Empower Hairdressers

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The Springboard Road Show Foundation, through its flagship Ghana Grows Program, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA) to provide essential skills training, business development support, and career advancement opportunities for hairdressers and beauticians across Ghana. This initiative is part of the broader Ghana Grows Program, a collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and Springboard Road Show Foundation, aimed at supporting young people, particularly young women, men and persons with disabilities between the ages of 15 to 35 years, to secure viable and sustainable employment in various vocational sectors, including the beauty and hairdressing industry. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “Through Ghana Grows, we are committed to empowering young people with not just technical expertise but also business and entrepreneurial skills. This partnership with GHABA is an opportunity to extend our impact in the vocational sector and ensure that hairdressers and beauticians have the necessary tools to succeed in today’s evolving market.” As part of the agreement, GHABA members will gain access to training programs, mentorship sessions, and personal and career development resources. Additionally, the partnership will provide psychosocial support, financial literacy training, and digital marketing skills to enable hairdressers and beauticians to modernize their businesses and remain competitive. Tina Offei Yirenkyi, National President of GHABA, lauded the collaboration, stating: “We are excited to partner with Ghana Grows to help our members enhance their craft and expand their opportunities. This initiative will be transformational for many in our industry.” The Ghana Grows Program is dedicated to equipping young people with essential skills for career growth. It continues to drive economic empowerment and skills development across various industries, ensuring that young Ghanaians have the tools they need to build sustainable careers.