Comfort Ocran

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“Don’t rush the process; take time to build your skill” — Nate the Barber Urges Young Entrepreneurs

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Nathaniel Osei, entrepreneur and founder of Nate the Barber’s Place, has advised young people to resist the growing pressure for quick success, stressing that real and lasting businesses are built through time, discipline, and a deep commitment to learning. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, he pointed out that many aspiring entrepreneurs are eager to see results but are unwilling to stay long enough in the learning phase to truly understand their craft. According to him, this impatience often becomes the very reason many ventures struggle to stand the test of time. “A lot of people nowadays are rushing through the process, and that’s where they miss it,” he said, explaining that the process is not a delay but the very foundation of excellence. Drawing from his own journey, Mr. Osei shared that his path into barbering started at a very young age and was shaped by years of practice, observation, and sacrifice. He revealed that he spent close to five years working without pay, not because there was no opportunity to earn, but because his focus at the time was to become exceptionally good at what he was doing. “I worked for free for almost five years. At the time, it was just passion. I loved it so much, I didn’t really care about being paid,” he noted, adding that those years gave him a level of experience that money could not buy. He explained that beyond skill, the process also builds discipline and clarity. By the time he stepped into paid work and later entrepreneurship, he was not experimenting blindly but working from a place of confidence and understanding. “I learned everything I needed 10 years before I started my business,” he said. Mr. Osei further encouraged young people to develop a strong sense of identity in their work, rather than following every new trend. In his view, knowing what you stand for and committing to it is what sets serious entrepreneurs apart from those who are easily distracted. “You have to understand what you stand for and stay true to it, because trends will always change,” he explained. He also highlighted consistency as a key driver of growth, noting that success is not built on occasional effort but on the ability to show up repeatedly, even when progress is slow or unnoticed. “You have to always show up, no matter what the situation is. That is what builds you over time,” he said. Reflecting on the challenges he faced, including setbacks and difficult working environments, the accomplished barber said those experiences were necessary in shaping his mindset and preparing him for leadership. He urged young entrepreneurs to stop seeing hardship as a sign to quit, and rather see it as part of the training. “It’s always important to pay attention to the process, because the process is what is going to make you who you are,” he stated. He maintained that for young people who are willing to commit to learning, stay disciplined, and trust the journey, there is a real opportunity to build businesses that command respect and deliver lasting value. 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

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

Hangout

Nguvu Global Expands Shea Business Supporting Over 1,000 Women in Northern Ghana

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Freditta Apeagyei, Founder of Nguvu Global Ltd, and Francesca Apeagyei, Co-Founder of the company, say their shea-based skincare business is creating economic opportunities for more than 1,000 women in Northern Ghana while promoting locally produced beauty products. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the entrepreneurs explained that Nguvu Global works directly with women involved in harvesting and processing shea nuts, building a growing value chain around one of Ghana’s most widely used natural products. According to Freditta Apeagyei, the company was established to build a business around natural shea butter skincare products while recognising the women whose work sustains the industry. “Nguvu means strength. The name was derived from the women who produce the shea butter. They are strong, capable, and productive women who have gone through so much but still continue working,” she said. She noted that the company currently produces a range of about thirteen skincare products made from shea and other natural ingredients, including refined and unrefined shea, black soap, charcoal soap, oils, shampoos, and conditioners. “We have dedicated pickers and producers. Some go to the plantations to pick the nuts, and others process them. The raw materials come from nature and are then sent to our production centre in Accra,” Freditta Apeagyei said. Francesca Apeagyei explained that one of the brand’s best-selling shea products was discovered during a visit to Tamale, where she encountered a locally made formulation that stood out. “I tried it and said no way. I sent it to Freditta in the UK and told her she had to try it. When she tried it she said, what are we waiting for? There was something about the formulation that people needed to know about,” she said. Beyond the commercial side of the business, the sisters added that the company has also undertaken community development initiatives in the areas where its shea raw materials are sourced. According to them, the decision to build a preschool near one of the production sites came after observing that many women had to bring their young children to work because there were no nearby schools. “We decided to build a preschool for the factory workers’ children so that parents can drop them off and go to work safely,” she said. The sisters added that they intend to continue expanding the shea value chain while creating more employment opportunities for women and supporting social initiatives in the communities where the business operates. 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

Hangout

“The Future of Agro Processing Is Value Addition” – Dr. Rosemond Dadzie Calls for Farmer Collaboration and Zero Waste Production

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Food scientist and lecturer Dr. Rosemond Dadzie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fountain Foods, says the future of Ghana’s agro-processing sector depends on adding value to local produce, working closely with farmers, and eliminating waste at every stage of production. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Dr. Dadzie explained that these principles have shaped the steady growth of her Cape Coast-based agro-processing company over the past few years. According to her, Fountain Foods has expanded significantly since its early days, increasing its product range from 7 to 14 while strengthening its production processes and improving product packaging. “When you first came, we had about 7 products. Now we have doubled the number to about 14 products,” she said, noting that the company has also moved from simple plastic packaging to customized branded packaging as part of efforts to improve quality and presentation. Dr. Dadzie added that the company’s market presence has also grown steadily. What began with a presence mainly in Cape Coast and Tarkwa has now expanded to other major markets, including Accra, Kumasi, and Sunyani, as demand for locally processed food products continues to rise. Beyond market expansion, she stressed that a deliberate zero-waste philosophy is central to how the company operates. According to her, every stage of production is carefully managed to ensure that little or nothing goes to waste. “We do not throw them away. After the sieving stage, we mill the particles again to produce fine gari. What remains at the very end is used for animal feed,” she explained. Dr. Dadzie also highlighted the importance of partnerships with farmers in sustaining the company’s growth. She disclosed that Fountain Foods currently works with about 50 to 60 farmers under a structured supply system that ensures each farmer has a scheduled date to deliver produce. “We have a schedule for them. A farmer knows that on a particular date, he is supplying cassava to Fountain Foods, and we do not bypass anyone when their time comes because they are expecting that opportunity,” she said. She explained that the system helps guarantee a reliable supply of raw materials while also giving farmers a stable market for their produce. According to her, Fountain Foods currently produces about 650 tons of flour each year, in addition to other products such as pepper powder, ginger powder, natural mixed spices, and ground nut paste. Despite this output, Dr. Dadzie noted that demand for cassava-based products continues to rise across the country. “The demand is quite high, and we are working very hard to meet it,” she said, adding that the company sometimes has to extend working hours to fulfill urgent orders from distributors in different parts of the country. Dr. Dadzie encouraged greater collaboration within the agro-processing sector, stressing that partnerships among processors could help businesses expand their markets while meeting increasing consumer demand. 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

Hangout, News

Comfort Ocran Marks International Women’s Day with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority.

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March 9, 2026, was an inspiring moment of reflection and dialogue as Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, joined the National Pensions Regulatory Authority to commemorate International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain.” The gathering celebrated the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women while marking an important milestone: the launch of the NPRA Women’s Wing. The initiative is designed to create a platform that encourages mentorship, strengthens community among women, and empowers women to reach greater heights in their personal and professional lives. Mrs. Ocran delivered remarks on the topic “Empowering Women, Securing Futures: Leadership and Impact in the Pension Sector.” Speaking to over 50 women of the Authority, she shared practical insights on the importance of financial planning and long-term investing as critical foundations for a secure retirement. She emphasized that consistent investment over time can create sustainable financial returns and long-term stability. Her message also highlighted the transformative role women play not only as professionals and leaders, but as builders of resilient families, stronger communities, and inclusive economic growth. “Securing your future isn’t just about you. It is about your children and the generations after them,” she noted. Mrs. Ocran also encouraged women to actively support one another in their journeys toward leadership and financial independence. “Financial security is part of empowerment. Empowerment is incomplete if a woman works hard all her life and still struggles in old age.” The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the Springboard Road Show Foundation to empower young people, particularly women, to achieve their full potential while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable society. Deputy CEO Victor Azuma Majida, speaking on behalf of the CEO of NPRA, Mr. Chris Boadi-Mensah highlighted the launch of the NPRA Women’s Wing as a journey to equality and empowerment. He emphasized “Creating an inclusive environment is vital for amplifying every voice. This initiative aims to provide resources and support for women, fostering a collaborative hub for inspiration and addressing challenges”. Majida noted that inclusive leadership boosts performance and innovation, asserting that investing in women’s leadership is essential for advancing gender equality and enhancing NPRA’s vision and mission for the future. Also, in her remarks Madam Efua Appiah-Gyimah, leader of NPRA Women’s Wing spoke about the significance of the establishment of the women’s wing.   “The establishment of this Wing represents a deliberate commitment to creating a supportive platform that encourages mentorship, leadership development, collaboration, and empowerment among women in the authority. It is a connection where women can share experiences, nurture talent, build confidence, and inspire one another to reach greater heights.” She said. Madam Efua Appiah – Gyimah added that the initiative reflects the Authority’s broader commitment to inclusion, excellence, and institutional growth. The event concluded as a moment of reflection, inspiration, and renewed commitment to ensuring that more women are equipped to plan boldly for their futures while uplifting others along the way.  

Virtual University

Komenda College of Education Funds Staff Housing and 2,500 Seat Auditorium Through Agriculture

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The Principal of Komenda College of Education in the Central Region of Ghana, Very Rev. Prof. Kwesi Nkum Wilson, has disclosed that the College is funding significant infrastructure projects through proceeds from its agricultural ventures, positioning agriculture as both an educational tool and a sustainable funding strategy. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Prof. Wilson explained that the institution has deliberately turned its 338 acres of land into productive farmland, generating internally raised funds to support development across the campus. He noted that as a public institution, salary support is provided, but development requires prudent management and innovation. “As a Government Institution, subventions will not be coming. They pay salaries, and that is all. You need to manage the College,” he said. According to him, proceeds from the College farms are currently being used to construct a 12-unit staff apartment facility and a 2,500-capacity auditorium. “We would meet a 12-unit staff apartment coming up there. They are on site, and we are settling with our monies we raise from the farm and other places. We will go down there, with the aid of the Chaplain and others, and we are putting up a 2,500-capacity auditorium with IGF. I am emphasizing on that, not with government subvention,”he stated. The agricultural projects include a 50-acre coconut plantation, maize cultivation, piggery, fish farming, and plans for cattle rearing. According to him, the College harvested over 60 acres of maize with active student participation last year. Beyond revenue generation, Prof. Wilson underscored the moral and national importance of agriculture, arguing that the ability to produce food is foundational. “If you cannot feed yourself, then you have failed God. A nation that imports huge volumes of rice when we have rivers across, there is something wrong. That is why, in spite of what people say, in my College, you would weed. I introduce you to the land,” he said. He maintained that exposure to farming should begin early in life rather than being presented later as an alternative for unemployed youth. As part of a long-term sustainability strategy, the College has invested heavily in coconut cultivation, a crop with an estimated lifespan of about 70 years.  Prof. Wilson indicated that the goal is to protect and develop the land for future leadership. “I will be ending my duty next year, December. But whoever will take over and those I am leaving behind have enough resources to develop the College,” he said. 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

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