Ghana Grows

Virtual University

Failure, Survival, and Smart Partnerships Shape Entrepreneurial Success – Alloysius Attah, CEO, Farmerline

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Co-founder and CEO of Farmerline, Alloysius Attah, has attributed his journey in building a global AgriTech company to persistence through failure, a strong sense of purpose, and learning to work with others rather than in isolation. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, as part of the ongoing series, The Entrepreneurial Mindset, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Mr. Attah shared that his path into entrepreneurship was not planned, but driven by necessity and shaped by experiences that forced him to think differently about growth and opportunity. Reflecting on his early years, he explained that his initial goal was rooted in family responsibility. “The vision at the time was very simple: study hard, be among the best, get a job, make money, and support my aunt and my family in the best way I can,” he said, noting that this early motivation laid the foundation for his discipline and drive. The CEO revealed that his entry into entrepreneurship came from survival rather than ambition. Coming from a modest background, he had to find ways to support himself through university. “When I got there, from the first week, I was selling calculators, whatever I needed to do to make money. I knew after the first year my dad would not have enough to support me, so I had to work with my hands,” he stated. He noted that many of the skills that later shaped his career were not acquired in the classroom, but through exposure and curiosity. His involvement in a university choir introduced him to programming, while a campus mission exposed him to media production. These experiences eventually led him to build businesses even while still a student. According to him, one of the defining lessons in his journey has been the importance of creating value before seeking profit. “You cannot make money if you do not create value. And if you are working with people who are already struggling, you have to build trust first, create value, and then you can capture a fraction of that value as income,” he explained. Mr. Attah also spoke about the difficult moments that nearly led him to quit. He recounted a period when his team could not afford salaries and survived on a single shared meal each day. “We had hired people, but we could not pay them properly. The best we could do was eat together once a day. At that moment, the future looked very blurry, and I was already thinking about alternative plans,” he said. Despite these setbacks, a major turning point came when his company secured international recognition and funding. This validation, he said, gave them the confidence and support needed to scale their work. He emphasised that one of the biggest mistakes young entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything alone. Drawing from his own experience, he explained that collaboration became necessary after repeated failure. “You try to do everything yourself; you get tired, you get beaten, you get depressed, and then you realize it is not wise. You can win through others, which is smarter and more efficient,” he noted. The Co-founder further highlighted a critical business decision that shaped the future of his company. Faced with the choice between immediate financial gain and long-term value, he chose to retain ownership of his company’s intellectual property. “We had the option to take quick money or own what we were building. We decided to take less money and keep the IP, and that decision has led to everything we have today,” he said, adding that the same technology has since generated significant investment and impact. Today, Farmerline works with thousands of partners across multiple countries, using technology to support farmers with training, financing, and market access. Attah explained that this scale was only possible through partnerships. “We focused on what we do best and worked with others who bring their strengths. That is how you grow without trying to control everything,” he said. On the future of entrepreneurship in Africa, he pointed to agriculture as a major opportunity for economic growth. He encouraged young people to take practical steps rather than waiting for perfect conditions. “We have the land, we have the youth, and the world needs food. There is no excuse. Start small, grow something, and make money from it,” he advised. Mr. Attah added that success is built over time through difficult choices, consistent effort, and a willingness to learn from failure. 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

Clinical Psychologist Samuel Panti Cautions Young People Against Hiding Mental Health Struggles

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Clinical psychologist Samuel Panti has cautioned young people against keeping their mental health struggles to themselves, stating that silence can deepen challenges and lead to serious long-term consequences. Speaking on Springboard Hangout, with host Comfort Ocran, Mr. Panti stressed that many individuals delay seeking help because they believe they must handle their problems alone or fear being judged. He explained that this mindset is not only misleading but harmful, as human beings are wired to depend on one another for support. According to him, “we are not meant to deal with this whole life by ourselves,” adding that isolation often worsens mental health conditions that could otherwise be managed early with the right support. The Clinical Psychologist noted that one of the most common yet overlooked dangers is the habit of internalizing stress. He explained that people may appear fine on the outside while struggling internally, which delays intervention and allows the situation to escalate. He emphasized that mental health challenges do not always begin as severe conditions. Instead, they often start as small issues such as poor sleep, negative thinking patterns, or emotional distress. However, when ignored, these can gradually affect a person’s physical health, relationships, and productivity. “If you keep it there for a longer period and you do not address it, the impact can be huge,” he said. Addressing the stigma around seeking help, Mr. Panti challenged the belief that asking for support is a sign of weakness. He explained that reaching out is a step toward strength and recovery, especially when one’s personal coping capacity has been stretched. “At a point in time, you get tired. At a point in time, your bank will get depleted. You have to ask for help,” he said. He further encouraged individuals to identify trusted people within their circles, including friends, family members, or professionals, who can provide a safe space for honest conversations. He advised seeking therapists or counsellors who are trained to offer guidance and support. Mr. Panti noted that mental health must become a regular part of everyday conversations in homes, schools, and communities, and believes that normalizing these discussions will make it easier for people to speak up early and receive the help they need before their situation worsens. 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

Andrew Ackah Calls on Entrepreneurs to Focus on Purpose, Problem-Solving, and Long-Term Impact

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CEO of Dentsu & President of Advertising Association of Ghana, Andrew Ackah, has called on entrepreneurs to shift their focus from quick financial gains to building meaningful solutions, stressing that true fulfillment in business comes from impact. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, as part of the ongoing April series on The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mr. Ackah explained that entrepreneurship begins with an inner drive to solve problems, not just the desire to make money. According to him, individuals who succeed in business are often those who feel a deep restlessness until they bring their ideas to life. “There are people who cannot continue living their lives without solving a problem,” he said. “If you identify that you can do something to help or improve lives, that desire stays in you until you bring that solution out. That is where entrepreneurship starts.” Drawing from over two decades of experience, he noted that his own journey into advertising was not planned but discovered through curiosity and persistence. He explained that after entering the field with no formal background, he deliberately invested time in learning the principles of marketing and consumer behaviour, which later shaped his career. “I did not study marketing, so I went to buy books and learned it myself. I wanted to understand why people make the choices they make, because that is the foundation of business. Once I understood that, I knew this was what I wanted to do,” he said. The CEO emphasised that building a successful business goes beyond technical skill and requires a strong sense of responsibility, especially in leadership. He explained that moving from a functional role into leadership revealed gaps in his own preparedness and forced him to grow. “The game changes completely when you become a leader. You are no longer just responsible for your work, but for people, clients, and the future of the business. You must learn continuously, listen to others, and accept that you will make mistakes along the way,” he stated. He further highlighted that failure is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey and should not discourage business owners. Instead, he advised entrepreneurs to learn from setbacks and remain committed to their purpose. “You will fail, but you must learn from your mistakes and not repeat them. Sometimes things will not go your way, but you must remember why you started and keep working at it,” he said. Addressing the common perception that financial success is the ultimate goal of entrepreneurship, Mr. Ackah challenged that view, explaining that money is only a by-product of creating value. “It is about creating something and seeing that idea come to life in others. Money is only for economic reasons, but the real fulfillment comes from knowing you have solved a problem and made an impact. That is what keeps you going,” he explained. He added that as entrepreneurs grow, their priorities often shift from profit to purpose, with many eventually focusing on legacy and contribution. “The more you grow, the more you realize that what you are doing is affecting people. That is when the money becomes secondary, and the impact becomes the real reward,” he said. Mr. Ackah also encouraged business owners facing difficult periods not to give up, noting that challenges are part of a natural cycle in life and business. “You cannot win all the time. There will be difficult seasons, but you must stay grounded and find solutions. If you believe in what you started, you can recover and move forward,” he said. He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to identify what drives them deeply and pursue it with commitment, while also recognising that success is ultimately about serving others. “Find what keeps you awake at night and pursue it. When you get there, understand that it is not about you. It is about the many people who need what you are building,” he 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 & 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

“Fear Is Delaying Treatment and Costing Lives” — Dr. Sompa  Otabil-Nelson Urges Young People to Stop Avoiding Health Checks

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Family & Holistic Medicine Physician & CEO of Dinah-Gayle Medical Clinic, Dr. Sompa Otabil-Nelson, has raised concern over the growing tendency among young people to delay seeking medical care out of fear, warning that this hesitation is allowing manageable conditions to become life-threatening. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, she revealed that many individuals ignore symptoms or postpone hospital visits for months, only seeking help when their condition has significantly worsened. According to her, the issue is not always a lack of access, but fear of diagnosis. She explained that even when people notice unusual changes in their bodies, they often choose silence over action, hoping the problem will resolve on its own. Dr. Sompa disclosed that in some cases, individuals take as long as 8 to 10 months to see a doctor after detecting symptoms. Even after an initial consultation, many delay further tests or treatment for several more months because they are afraid of what they might find. “Fear will cripple you and can even kill you,” she stated, stressing that delay remains one of the biggest threats to effective healthcare. She noted that many of these conditions, including certain cancers, can be treated successfully when detected early. However, the window for effective treatment narrows significantly when patients wait too long. Early-stage conditions, she explained, often have high recovery rates, but that advantage is lost when diagnosis is delayed. Dr. Sompa emphasised that this pattern is particularly worrying among young people, who often assume they are healthy and therefore do not prioritize routine checkups. This false sense of security, she said, prevents early detection of silent conditions that develop without obvious symptoms. She further explained that the body can adapt to underlying problems for long periods, giving individuals the impression that everything is normal until a sudden health crisis occurs. Beyond fear, she also pointed to a lack of structured health planning, noting that many people do not have a consistent relationship with a medical professional who understands their history and can guide them over time. To address the situation, she urged young people to take deliberate steps toward preventive care, starting with regular medical checkups at least once a year. She stressed that health should not be treated as a one-time concern but as a continuous responsibility. “If you do not know what is happening in your body, how will you know when something is wrong? The earlier you deal with it, the better your chances,” she said, calling for a shift in mindset where people choose action over avoidance when it comes to their health. 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

“Stop Chasing Investors, Build Value First” — Caveman Watches CEO Anthony Dzamefe To Young Entrepreneurs

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Founder and CEO of Caveman Watches, Anthony Dzamefe, has urged young entrepreneurs to shift their focus from seeking funding to building real value, stating that a strong product will naturally attract the right opportunities. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing April series on The Entrepreneurial Mindset, Mr. Dzamefe stated that many aspiring business owners spend critical time pursuing investors instead of developing their craft. Reflecting on his early journey, he revealed that he once spent entire days moving from one meeting to another in search of financial backing, only to realize that he was neglecting the very work that would make his business worth investing in. “I realised that in a whole day of chasing investors, I had barely spent any time actually making watches. So, I flipped my thinking. I decided to focus on building the product and the brand. If help comes, it will speed things up, but even if it does not, I am still going where I am going. When you build something valuable, it markets itself halfway, and the right people will come,” he said. Mr. Dzamefe added that his journey into watchmaking did not begin with a passion for the craft, but with curiosity and survival. After leaving his job and searching for opportunities, he bought a watch for resale and unexpectedly discovered a business opportunity. What started as a simple trade soon grew into a deeper pursuit of mastery, leading him to learn watch repairs from roadside artisans and later leatherwork from shoemakers. He explained that this willingness to learn from unconventional sources shaped his foundation and reinforced the importance of craftsmanship and attention to detail, which he describes as non-negotiable in the watch industry. “The industry worships detail. There is no room for error. Sometimes you spend extra days working on something the customer may never even notice, but you do it because you are committed to the standard. That is what defines the product and ultimately affects the price,” he noted. Beyond technical skill, Mr.  Dzamefe stressed that one of the biggest threats to entrepreneurs is not lack of capital but poor emotional control. He described entrepreneurship as mentally demanding, with constant pressure and unpredictable challenges that can easily derail those who are not prepared. “It is very torturous at times. A single phone call can change your mood. If you do not learn how to manage your emotions and stress, you will struggle, regardless of how much money you have. That is what causes many people to give up,” he said, adding that emotional discipline has been a key factor in his ability to stay the course. He also highlighted people management as a critical but often overlooked aspect of business growth, arguing that companies can only grow as much as their teams do. Drawing from his own experience as a former employee, he emphasised the need for business leaders to invest in their workers and create room for them to think and contribute. “Your business will not go anywhere without people. When your workers stop growing, your business also stops growing. You have to give them a voice, trust their intelligence, and make sure they are growing alongside the company,” he said. He further challenged young people to rethink how they approach opportunities, cautioning against the tendency to crowd already saturated industries while ignoring unique talents that can be developed into viable ventures. “Sometimes you need to look where nobody else is looking. You may have a unique ability that you think cannot become a business, but with the right guidance, it can. If you are the best at what you do, no matter what it is, you will be fine,” 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

“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

Virtual University

“You Can Only Soar as High as Your Mind Will Take You” — Essie Anno Sackey Urges Young Women to Think Bigger

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Co-founder of Legacy Girls’ College, Essie Anno Sackey, has called on young people, especially women, to rise above limitations and pursue their full potential with confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of responsibility. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran on the final episode of the March series on women in leadership, she stressed that the future belongs to those who are prepared to think beyond boundaries and act boldly on their aspirations. According to her, the foundation of leadership begins with the mind, and how far a person is willing to stretch their thinking determines how far they will go in life. She encouraged young people not to allow fear, background, or past experiences to hold them back, but rather to draw strength from them. “The world is at your feet. Take hold of every experience, learn, and grow. Have the confidence to step out to do what is in your heart. Know what is in your heart and reach for it. You can only soar as high as your mind will take you. So let your mind soar,” she said. She explained that leadership today requires more than academic achievement, noting that education must go beyond the classroom to include character, confidence, and the ability to solve problems. In her view, true education equips individuals to interact effectively with others, resolve conflicts, and take initiative in uncertain situations. “Education helps you to explore beyond your own horizon. It is not just academics. It is how to live with people, how to interact, how to bond, how to settle disputes, and how to lead among your peers. That confidence to know you can find solutions, even when you do not have all the answers, is what makes the difference,” she noted. Drawing from her leadership journey in both aviation and education, she highlighted the importance of courage and continuous learning. She admitted that leadership often comes with uncertainty, but insisted that growth comes from being willing to step forward and seek guidance when needed. “You do not have to know everything. What matters is knowing where to go for the right information and being willing to learn. Each experience should teach you something. Once you learn, you move forward stronger,” she said. On the broader issue of national development, she described what she considers a “good society” as one where every individual has access to basic needs such as education, sanitation, and opportunities to improve their lives. She pointed out that even small, intentional efforts can transform lives and create lasting impact. “The good society is one where we all do our part to ensure others can live with dignity. Sometimes it takes very little to change someone’s life. A small investment, the right support, and guidance can create a ripple effect that transforms families and communities,” she explained. Reflecting on the progress of women in leadership, she acknowledged that while significant strides have been made, challenges such as workplace inequality and social barriers still exist. However, she expressed confidence in the next generation of women, describing them as bold, capable, and full of potential. “The young people today are fearless. They have a can-do spirit, and when you engage them, you see that they are just as capable as anyone anywhere in the world. We must keep telling them that they are good enough and capable of doing great things,” 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 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

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

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