Communities

Hangout

It’s Time for Northern Kente to Take the Stage – Winifred Edjeani, Founder, Ekasa Kente

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Founder of Ekasa Kente, Winifred Edjeani, has called for greater recognition of Northern Ghana’s unique Kente tradition while working to empower rural women through weaving and financial literacy. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, she shared how her brand was inspired by a desire to reduce the economic pressures that force women from the north to migrate to southern cities for low-paying jobs. “If I can empower them to make their own money and secure financial freedom where they are, they won’t have to come to Accra to carry heavy loads for tiny wages,” she said. Ms. Edjeani explained that the idea for Ekasa was born after conducting research with 200 Kayayo women during the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed a lack of financial literacy and economic opportunities in their home communities. A visit to Tamale introduced her to a group of female weavers, leading to a programme that now trains over 30 young women. According to her, beyond fashion, she uses Ekasa as a platform to teach women how to manage their finances, a principle she learned from her father at the age of 13. “As a woman, you need to have your own money. I call it ‘bluff money’. I love to teach women how to make money, how to save it, and how to enjoy it,” she said. She added that the enterprise also supports the Nungua New Life Orphanage annually and provides resources to weaving families in the north, ensuring mothers can work alongside their children in safe environments. “We love and appreciate Ashanti Kente, but it’s time for the Northern Kente to take the stage,” she said. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. By Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

“The Sea Is the Final Receiver of Our Waste,” Says Buz Stop Boys

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2025 MTN Heroes of Change Sustainability and Transformation Award winners, Buz Stop Boys, are urging Ghanaians to rethink how waste is managed in communities, revealing that the ocean often ends up carrying the consequences of poor sanitation habits. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran, founder of the group, Mr. Heneba Kwadwo Sarfo, explained that most of the waste seen at the country’s shores doesn’t come from the beach itself, but from the poor environmental sanitation habits. “Each time I visited the seaside, I saw the same pattern,” he said. “Much of the waste in the ocean comes from outside. The sea ends up receiving what is poorly handled elsewhere.” According to Mr. Kwadwo Sarfo, Buz Stop Boys was founded two years ago and started as a simple idea to clean neglected public spaces like bus stops and inspire mindset change on cleanliness and environmental care. “When I heard the idea, I didn’t think it was crazy. I saw something meaningful, an opportunity to make a difference and also shift how people think about sanitation,” committed member, Mr. James Sarfo, added. The group, which began as a two-man effort, has grown into a nationally recognized campaign for cleaner cities and responsible waste management. Beyond physical clean-ups, the Buz Stop Boys use social media to tell compelling stories that draw attention to sanitation and sustainability issues. “Social media is a powerful tool,” Mr. Kwadwo Sarfo noted. “Instead of only using it for trends, we decided to use it to show people what’s possible, to make cleanliness visible, and to spark a mindset shift.” The team added that public perception is shifting. “People would pass by, smile, and bless us, but few would stop to help.” “We understood that most impactful work doesn’t get much attention at first, and we kept going.” Mr. Heneba Kwadwo Sarfo added that, “It’s about reminding Ghanaians that we all have a part to play in protecting our environment for future generations.” The conversation was part of the Changing Narratives series on Springboard, Your Virtual University, which profiles Ghanaians leading transformational change in various fields. 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 online and on Joy FM and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Changing Narratives series highlights Ghanaians reshaping the national story through innovation, leadership, and impact. By Faustina Yeboah