Business

Virtual University

“Passion Alone Does Not Build a Business, Think Beyond the Excitement,” Says Tonyi Senayah to Entrepreneurs

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Founder and CEO of Horseman Shoes, Tonyi Senayah, has urged aspiring entrepreneurs to move beyond the excitement of starting a business and focus on the discipline, structure, and long-term thinking required to build something sustainable.  Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, as part of the new April series on The Entrepreneurial Mindset, he made it clear that while passion may spark the journey, it is not what sustains it. “Passion is a good starting point, but as you grow, you must shift from just mastering the craft to learning the numbers as well. If it is only about money, the first four or five years, you will not survive. You must have a greater reason for doing what you do, and when you do it right, the money will start looking for you,” he said, stressing that many young people misunderstand what it truly takes to build a business. Drawing from his early experience, Mr. Senayah recounted how excitement without proper planning nearly derailed his journey when he began taking large orders without understanding cash flow realities. He explained that delayed payments, coupled with financial commitments to suppliers and workers, created intense pressure that forced him to confront the gap between perceived profit and actual business sustainability. “I was excited about the orders and calculated my profits upfront, but I did not consider that clients would delay payment. I had taken money from people, made commitments, and when the money did not come, it became a very difficult period. That experience taught me the importance of understanding the numbers and being truthful even in hard times,” he said, adding that integrity and honest communication became his lifeline during that season. He emphasised that entrepreneurship is not built on hype but on solving real problems, noting that not every passion translates into a viable business. According to him, the ability to identify gaps and provide value is what separates lasting businesses from short-lived ventures. “Business is about solving problems for people. Identify the pain points and the value you can offer. Not every passion is viable, but when you solve a real problem, people will pay for it,” he noted, urging young entrepreneurs to pay close attention to the needs of their immediate environment as a starting point for building solutions. Mr. Senayah also challenged the rush for quick success, advocating for a deliberate approach that allows room for learning and growth. He maintained that starting small is not a weakness but an advantage, as it gives entrepreneurs the space to make mistakes early and build resilience before scaling. “When you start small, you have the room to make mistakes and learn. If you make those mistakes early, your chances of survival are higher. There is no shame in failing. You just have to learn from it and move forward,” he said. He dismissed the notion of waiting for the perfect moment, describing it as one of the biggest traps for potential entrepreneurs. He encouraged decisive action backed by conviction, rather than prolonged hesitation. “There is no right time. If you keep waiting for the perfect moment, it may never come. Once you have the conviction, just start. You will face challenges, but you must always find a way to keep going,” he said. He cautioned against the growing culture of appearances and shortcuts. According to him, sustainable success is built on truth, humility, and a willingness to learn continuously. “Be true to yourself. When you are struggling, let people know. Do not pretend. Learn, stay humble, and keep improving. Always start small, be consistent, be patient, and never give up,” he advised. 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 & Albert Ocran (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion formed part of the new April series dubbed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset.” Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

“Having an Idea is not enough; execution is everything, ” says Derrick Annoh

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Derrick Annoh, Chief Executive Officer of Sparkxx Foods and Beverages, has emphasised that the success of any business idea depends on execution, not just creativity or intention. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, he noted that while many people have ideas, only a few commit to the discipline and consistency required to turn those ideas into reality. He explained that his own journey into entrepreneurship began on a small scale, producing snacks from his mother’s kitchen with limited resources and learning through constant experimentation. According to him, the early stages of building Sparkxx Foods and Beverages were marked by setbacks and repeated adjustments. “You try, it doesn’t work, you learn from it, and you try again. That is how the process has been,” he stated. Mr. Annoh indicated that one of the biggest challenges he faced was maintaining consistency in production while dealing with constraints in raw materials. He stressed that such challenges are part of the business journey and must be managed with patience and focus. He further highlighted the importance of quality in building a sustainable brand, stating that customer loyalty is built on trust. “If people trust your product, they will come back. But that trust comes from being consistent with what you offer,” he said. Touching on the growth of the business, he noted that Sparkxx Foods and Beverages has expanded from small beginnings into a brand with products on major retail shelves and presence in international markets. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to stop waiting for perfect conditions before starting. “You don’t need everything figured out before you begin. Start with what you have and build from there,” he said. Mr. Annoh added that Ghanaian businesses have the potential to compete globally if they remain committed to quality, discipline, and continuous improvement. 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

“Nobody Owes You Anything, Build Your Own Path” — Constance Swaniker Charges Young People

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Founder of the Design and Technology Institute, Constance Swaniker, has urged young people to take responsibility for their future by building skills, pursuing purpose, and creating opportunities for themselves rather than waiting for employment. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing Exploring Women in Leadership series, she said the future of work demands a shift in mindset, especially among young Africans entering an uncertain job market. According to her, the traditional expectation of securing ready-made jobs is no longer reliable, making it critical for young people to think differently about work and success. She explained that many of the jobs available in the future will require high-level skills that technology cannot easily replace, particularly in areas such as welding, plumbing, and electrical work. She pointed out that the reality of the labour market is already visible, citing the overwhelming number of applicants chasing limited opportunities as a sign of what lies ahead. In her view, the answer lies in equipping young people with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset that allows them to create value and employ others. “We are entering a world where jobs are limited and highly competitive. Young people must begin to see themselves not as job seekers but as job creators. When you combine skills with the right mindset, you are not waiting to be chosen; you are positioning yourself to build something of your own,” she said. Reflecting on her own journey, Madam Swaniker said she did not start out as a top academic performer and only came into her own later in life. She described herself as a late developer who had to find her voice and build confidence from within, adding that her story should encourage young people who may not fit traditional academic expectations. “I was not the A student people expected to succeed. I had to discover my strength and prove to myself that I could become something. You must be your own biggest cheerleader because at the end of the day, you are the one responsible for your journey,” she noted. She also emphasised that purpose plays a central role in leadership, explaining that her work is driven by a commitment to transforming the lives of young people. For her, leadership is not about personal success but about creating pathways for others to grow and thrive. Beyond technical skills, she stressed the importance of character, discipline, and values in shaping successful individuals. She revealed that a significant portion of training at her institute focuses on soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and personal conduct. “Technical ability alone is not enough. We are building people who can think, communicate, and carry themselves well. When you are not there, your values must speak for you. That is what makes the difference in the real world,” she explained. Touching on gender inclusion, she highlighted the growing number of young women entering traditionally male-dominated fields such as welding and industrial work, describing it as a powerful sign of progress. She said many of these young women are excelling and redefining what is possible. She noted that seeing confident, skilled women in such spaces is not just inspiring but necessary for national development, adding that storytelling around these successes must be amplified to change long-held perceptions. Madam Swaniker further called for a collective national effort to support young people, stressing that government, industry, and individuals all have a role to play in preparing the next generation. “If we say it takes a village to raise a child, then we are that village. Everyone of us has a responsibility to create opportunities, mentor, and support young people so they can build a better future,” 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. The discussion formed part of the special International Women’s Day series dubbed HERizon: Exploring women in leadership. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Uncategorized

‘Business Must Be Built Around People, Not Profit’ Says Gwen Addo

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Founder and CEO of Hair Senta, Gwen Addo, has urged entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders to build businesses that place people at the centre rather than profits, saying long-term success comes from service, trust, and a willingness to keep learning. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host, Ps. Albert Ocran, as part of the ongoing Exploring Women in Leadership series marking International Women’s Day, Mrs. Addo reflected on her journey from banking into entrepreneurship and shared lessons on leadership, innovation, and personal growth. According to her, one of the biggest mistakes many entrepreneurs make is starting businesses solely with profit in mind. “You don’t start a business thinking about profits. That is the wrong way to do it. I saw a problem and realised there were people who needed options with their hair and extensions. I tapped into that need and also saw the opportunity to build a brand around trust and consistency,” she said. Mrs. Addo explained that the decision to leave banking and venture into the beauty industry did not happen overnight. Instead, she started the business on a small scale while still working in the corporate sector, testing products among colleagues before eventually committing to it fully. “I didn’t just wake up and quit my job. I started small. I ordered a few pieces of hair and tested them with colleagues to see how it would go. When I saw the potential, I planned and realised this could become something bigger,” she noted. The entrepreneur also highlighted the importance of balancing customer acquisition with retention. “A lot of companies focus only on acquiring new clients, but retention is just as important. When you retain clients while still attracting new ones, your market share grows naturally,” she said. Reflecting on the growth of Hair Senta, Mrs. Addo added that the business evolved significantly once she began focusing on what customers actually wanted rather than what she personally believed the market needed. “In the beginning, I created a brand around what I wanted, not what people wanted. The business really opened up when I began listening to people and understanding their needs,” she said. She added that as the company expanded into partnerships and international distribution, her leadership approach also changed. “As you grow, leadership changes you whether you like it or not. I began to realize that people in different industries were watching what we were doing. That made me more intentional about how I lead because there are people learning from the journey,” she said. The CEO also credited her Christian faith as a major influence on her leadership philosophy, explaining that it shifted her perspective from ownership to stewardship. “Faith has humbled me and made me realize that I am not an owner but a steward. When you see yourself that way, it becomes natural to operate with integrity and to serve people well,” she said. According to her, this mindset has helped her maintain resilience even during difficult periods in business. “As a person of faith, I believe everything works together for good. Even when something looks like failure, it may simply mean that path was not meant for you,” she added. 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. The discussion formed part of the special International Women’s Day series dubbed HERizon: Exploring women in leadership. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

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

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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

Hangout

AUB Dassan Founder Calls for Stronger Agric Policy Focus on Springboard Hangout

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Founder of AUB Dassan Limited, Mr. Mumuni Dasanah Issah, has made a strong case for national policy to tilt heavily toward agriculture if Ghana wants to reduce poverty and slow down environmental damage. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the Ghana Grows tour in the Upper West Region, he said his academic research proved that real transformation begins with Agric focused policy thinking. According to him, a master’s level study on poverty and environmental degradation opened his eyes to a simple truth. Agriculture remains the country’s most practical tool for sustainable change. He said the findings pointed to four activity clusters that shape the food ecosystem. These are primary production, secondary processing, tertiary food services and agricultural support services. These insights eventually became the roadmap for AUB Dassan Limited. Mr. Dassan explained that his time working with Zoom lion during a decentralization policy shift also pushed him deeper into agro processing. Data at the time showed that the Upper West Region was deeply rural. This meant waste management alone could not support long term business growth. He said the more rural a place is, the stronger its link to agriculture. That convinced him that his future was in food processing rather than waste services. He shared that AUB Dassan began in 2015 from a rented single room where he outsourced milling and focused on packaging. The early years were tough but he stayed committed. His big break came in 2017 when MiDA supported his distribution efforts with motorbikes that pushed his products across Wa, Nadowli, Jirapa and nearby communities. Today, AUB Dassan operates as a growing processing center with more than 200 potential products across six major lines. These include breakfast foods, flours, nut butters, spices, beverages and vegetables. Many of the products are built around reducing post harvest losses. He explained that when farmers begin losing produce, his team moves quickly to buy and process before the food goes bad. He said some of their Tom Brown mixes now include yam, sweet potato and plantain. Interns from the Ghana Grows program, including Nuria Zuharuna and Winifred Zoya, also shared their excitement about learning from his journey. They said the internship is giving them the confidence and skills to begin their own agro processing ideas. Looking ahead, Mr. Dassan said his dream is to move into tertiary food production with ready to eat meals. He noted that consumers of the future want more convenience and businesses must think ahead to meet that demand. He advised young people to keep their eyes on consistency instead of quick wins. He said no job comes with guaranteed potential. The person is the potential. His message to the youth was simple. Pick something, stick with it and keep building. About Springboard Hangout Springboard 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. By Genevieve Mensah

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