Ghana Grows

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Young People Call for More Flexible Workplace Dress Codes

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Young people have called on organisations to review rigid workplace dress codes and allow employees greater freedom to express themselves through their clothing while maintaining standards of decency. The call was made on Springboard, Your Virtual University, during an episode of What Young People Are Saying which examined changing fashion trends among young people and their implications for workplaces, churches and society. Fashion designer Golden Adams said organisations should be more open to creativity and innovation in how employees dress, arguing that professional clothing does not always have to follow the same traditional patterns. She noted that even within formal sectors such as banking, there could be room for employees to introduce creative elements into their dressing while maintaining a professional appearance. “Decency is also another topic. It’s right to be decent, and then it’s also right to be innovative and creative in how you dress and look,” she said. Another panelist, Asantoa, argued that organisations should allow employees to be themselves, provided they understand the expectations of their workplace and dress appropriately for their roles. She suggested that organisations could consider designated days when employees are allowed greater freedom in their choice of clothing, while maintaining more formal standards on other days. Student and panelist Abigail also linked workplace dress to employee happiness and productivity, saying young people should be able to express themselves while still meeting professional standards. She said organisations could allow employees to enjoy greater freedom in their dressing because being comfortable and happy at work could contribute to productivity. The discussion also challenged the tendency to judge young people’s seriousness or competence based on their appearance. The panel noted that unconventional dressing could sometimes be a form of self-expression or a desire not to conform to traditional expectations. Fashion designer Kwaku Bediako, founder of Chocolate Clothes Global, said changing trends should not be allowed to overshadow the individual, stressing the importance of understanding a person’s personality and preferences when designing clothes. He also said businesses should be open to new ideas from younger people, noting that changes in fashion can reflect wider changes in how young people think and express themselves. Host Rev. Albert Ocran, in his closing remarks, said employers should consider the possibility that what may appear to be rebellion in a young person’s dressing could also reflect a desire to innovate. He urged organisations to look beyond appearance and give young people the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, particularly where their work produces the required results. The episode also examined the growing acceptance of Made in Ghana clothing, with the panel encouraging Ghanaians to patronise locally produced fashion and recognise that Made in Ghana goes beyond traditional African prints and Kente. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/67MzkQruLns?si=SCZOHNU5fd5YJwgU 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 episode is part of the ongoing What Young People Are Saying series on Springboard, Your Virtual University, which explores issues and trends from the perspective of young people and creates room for honest conversations about everyday experiences, work, education, relationships, career development, and other matters that shape their lives.

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Awareness Is Not Enough: Health Advocates Push for Early Breast Cancer Screening

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Health advocates have called for greater emphasis on early screening and prompt medical attention, warning that breast cancer awareness alone is not enough to reduce the impact of the disease. The call was made by Medical Officer at Acacia Medical Center and public health advocate, Dr Raphael Achana, and public health nurse and adolescent health advocate, Betty Etornam, during an episode of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran. According to the health professionals, people must move beyond simply knowing about breast cancer to actively checking for changes, seeking medical attention when necessary, and taking advantage of available screening opportunities. Dr Achana encouraged women to be “breast aware” by knowing the normal appearance and feel of their breasts so that unusual changes can be identified early. “If there are any masses that can be felt on touching your breast, you will be able to feel it because you know your breast. If there’s an unusual discharge from your nipple, you will be able to identify that because you know your breast. So the simple message here is: be breast aware, know your breast,” he said. The health advocates also stressed the need for people to take advantage of breast cancer screening programmes organised by hospitals, churches, schools and other organisations, particularly during October. Ms Etornam expressed concern that some people still fail to attend community screening programmes even when such services are made available to them. She urged the public to seek proper medical attention when they notice anything unusual rather than delay treatment or turn to unqualified sources. “Please take the opportunity to go have the screening for your breast, and then if you find out anything, don’t stay at home. Don’t go to any herbal healer, traditional medicine healer, or anything. Just rush to the hospital and get screened. Early detection saves lives,” she stated. The advocates also called for breast cancer education to reach communities that may have limited access to television, radio and social media. Ms Etornam recounted an outreach programme she conducted at a basic school in a rural community where the children had little knowledge about breast cancer. “We should go into the communities, not just on TV, on radio, on social media. We should go into the community,” she said. Dr Achana also highlighted the wider effects of breast cancer, noting that the disease can affect patients physically, socially, emotionally and financially. “Breast cancer doesn’t only have a physical impact on the individual, but there is definitely that social impact. There is that emotional or mental effect on the individual, and there is definitely that financial impact that the individual suffers,” he said. He further explained that treatment does not follow one fixed timeline, as the duration depends on the type of breast cancer and how far it has spread. He noted that some individuals he knew had taken between two and three years to become cancer-free. The health professionals also encouraged families and partners to support people undergoing treatment, particularly because of the emotional and financial demands associated with the disease. Ms Etornam called for greater male involvement in supporting women during treatment, including accompanying them to health facilities and assisting with treatment costs where possible. Watch the full episode https://www.youtube.com/live/xahSSkhE3x0?si=5NzSoAP3KGCKZ8S 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.  The discussion formed part of the October awareness series on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, which is focusing on breast cancer and cerebral palsy awareness and encouraging the public to pay greater attention to health, early detection, and timely medical care.

News, Virtual University

Employers Are Struggling to Find Graduates with Practical Skills Lately – Rev. Albert Kusi.

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Employers are increasingly struggling to find graduates who can translate their academic qualifications into practical workplace skills, according to Business and Investment Consultant and Executive Director of Success Africa, Rev. Albert Kusi. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, Rev. Kusi said one of the major concerns emerging from his interactions with employers is the difficulty of finding graduates who can perform basic tasks, communicate effectively, and adjust quickly to the demands of the workplace. He said many young people leave school without enough exposure to the world of work, making internships, volunteering and other forms of practical experience important parts of their preparation for employment. “People come with two masters, two degrees. Just hide them; they cannot do the job,” Rev. Kusi said, explaining that his experience in recruitment had shown him that academic qualifications alone do not always translate into workplace competence. His comments formed part of a wider conversation on internships, apprenticeships and volunteering on the latest episode of What Young People Are Saying, a new series on Springboard, Your Virtual University that creates space for young people to discuss trends, experiences and important everyday issues affecting their lives and future. The episode, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, brought together Rev. Kusi and young professionals Josie Ohemeng Agyeman, David Quarshie, and Priscilla Fumadorh to examine whether practical work experience is receiving enough attention in the transition from school to employment. Rev. Kusi argued that young people should not overlook internships simply because they are unpaid or offer little financial reward. In his view, the experience, exposure and skills gained can create opportunities that may not be immediately visible. He cited his own experience with the Springboard Road Show, where years of volunteering helped him develop his sales skills, build relationships and gain practical experience that later contributed to his career. He also recalled securing an investment banking opportunity partly because of the practical exposure he had gained through the Road Show, despite not having all the academic qualifications initially required for the position.For Josie, the value of an internship became clear after completing a six-month placement in the fashion industry. Although the internship was unpaid, she said it allowed her to apply the theory she had learnt in school and gain the practical experience needed to work confidently in the industry. David, who initially viewed internships as opportunities where young people were often used for errands, said his perspective changed during his national service. He realised that he was having to learn basic workplace skills, including using Excel, that he could have acquired earlier through an internship. Priscilla similarly described internships as an opportunity to understand how workplaces function, including how to communicate with colleagues and superiors, interact with customers and conduct oneself professionally. The conversation also challenged the idea that practical experience must always come from a conventional office environment. The panel discussed opportunities in the informal sector, family businesses, churches and other community settings where young people can volunteer, learn skills and gain experience. Rev. Kusi encouraged young people who are still waiting for formal employment to use the time to acquire practical experience rather than remain at home. He said even unpaid opportunities can provide skills and exposure that become valuable later in a person’s career. The discussion also called for internship opportunities to be better structured, with clear learning objectives, mentorship and greater emphasis on what young people stand to gain from the experience. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/esKFRoASqPQ?si=mJWVqXtocLLLdzn1 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 episode is part of the ongoing What Young People Are Saying series on Springboard, Your Virtual University, which explores issues and trends from the perspective of young people and creates room for honest conversations about everyday experiences, work, education, relationships, career development, and other matters that shape their lives. Other episodes of What Young People Are Saying are available on the Springboard Channel on YouTube.

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“Ghana Needs Young People Who Can Create Quality Work and Build Enterprises That Last” – Comfort Ocran

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Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, has called for stronger commitment in the vocational skills sector. Speaking as the Chairperson at the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA)’s 2nd National Learners’ Conference held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, she urged apprentices and master craftsmen to build enterprises rooted in trust, discipline and support.   The conference, themed “Charting the Learner Toward Contemporary Trends in Fashion,” brought together Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, GNTDA’s national, regional and local leadership of GNTDA and sought to encourage participants to align their craft with current advances in fashion design, blending fundamental technical skill with digital tools and sustainable practices.  Comfort Ocran encouraged apprentices to pair technical skills with practical business skills: “Master your craft while learning to price your work, reach customers and manage money. Use technology to showcase your work and understand how to reduce waste. Above all, build a reputation that people can trust, she said. Reminding the master craftspersons of their far–reaching influence on learners, she urged them, “Every learner in your care is a future colleague, employer or trainer. Teach them the judgement behind the work, not just the work itself, and give them room to ask questions”. She also commended the national, regional and local leadership of GNTDA for their remarkable work across Ghana, sustaining an association, supporting practitioners and preparing successive generations of apprentices.   Comfort Ocran re-affirmed Springboard Road Show Foundation’s commitment to youth development, vocational skills and economic inclusion, drawing evidence from the Ghana Grows programme, an initiative of the Springboard Road Show Foundation in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation which provided opportunities and career pathways for over 520,543 young people in agriculture, agribusiness, and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) for young people in Agriculture and ATVET. Beyond Ghana Grows, through the Youth-Led Organisation (YLO) Skill Building Initiative, a structured, replicable and scalable vocational skills programme, the organization has offered mentorship and practical training while equipping young people with market-relevant skills for economic participation. At the event, Springboard Road Show Foundation and the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) renewed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which focuses on youth empowerment, vocational skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion for young people across Ghana.

News, Virtual University

Mental Health Should Form Part of Workplace Assessment, Psychologists Advise

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Mental health assessment should form part of workplace employee screening and support systems because psychological well-being can have a direct impact on productivity, relationships and performance, two clinical psychologists have advised. Dr Isaac Newman Arthur and Linda Dede Ahulu made the call when they appeared on Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, where they discussed the influence of the mind on human behaviour, performance and achievement. According to Dr Arthur, organisations often assess employees for physical health conditions but pay little attention to their mental well-being, even though psychological challenges can affect how people function at work. He said mental health assessments could help organisations better understand their employees, improve placement, identify areas where support may be needed and develop appropriate mental health policies. Dr Arthur disclosed that an assessment he conducted for one organisation found that about 54% of the team members were sufficiently angry to potentially act inappropriately at work. He explained that such assessments were not intended to victimize employees or provide grounds for dismissal, but to give organisations a clearer understanding of the psychological state of their workforce and the interventions that may be required. “It’s confidential,” he said, explaining that organisations could receive a general picture of the team’s psychosocial environment without being given individuals’ private medical information. He said organisations needed to recognise that people come to the workplace with different backgrounds and experiences, some of which may affect their ability to cope with pressure, form relationships, regulate their emotions and achieve goals. Dr Arthur identified six areas that can be affected by a person’s mental state: the ability to cope and adjust to life situations, form and maintain meaningful relationships, develop healthy perceptions of people and events, live independently, achieve meaningful goals and contribute to society. He said these factors could influence how employees respond to authority, colleagues, responsibilities and workplace demands. Linda Dede Ahulu, also a clinical psychologist, said relatives and other people close to individuals experiencing difficulties had an important role to play by encouraging them to seek professional help. She noted that mental health challenges often affect more than a person’s work, extending to relationships and other areas of life. According to her, people experiencing psychological difficulties may not always recognise that they need help because they have become accustomed to living with their challenges. She also identified stigma as a major barrier to seeking mental health support, saying some people were more comfortable being identified with physical illnesses than with mental health conditions. Madam Lynda stressed that seeking psychological help should not be viewed negatively, noting that people could experience significant improvement after receiving appropriate support. The discussion also highlighted the influence of childhood experiences on adult behaviour. Dr Arthur explained that a person’s development is shaped by a combination of genetic factors, socialization and experiences within their environment. He said experiences from childhood can influence how people regulate emotions, respond to stress and interact with others later in life. However, both psychologists stressed that a person’s current condition does not have to determine their future. Madam Lynda said there was always a possibility for change and encouraged people who recognise that they need help to seek it, while Dr Arthur similarly urged individuals to examine their lives and seek professional assistance where necessary, saying that healing could change how a person thinks about life and improve their ability to function. Watch full episode here…. https://www.youtube.com/live/CSRsp4Hpz0Y?si=ZaeimDjERxqVcAks 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 (YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

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Mental Health Challenges Should Not Be Treated as Weakness, Psychologist Says

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Counselling Psychologist and Mental Wellness Professional, Jaclyn Essien, has called for a change in how mental health challenges are understood and discussed in Ghana, saying people should not be made to feel weak or ashamed for seeking help. According to her, societal pressure, cultural beliefs and fear of judgement continue to prevent many people from speaking openly about what they are experiencing emotionally and mentally. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Madam Jaclyn said many people had grown up being encouraged to suppress their emotions, with some being told to simply pray about their problems and move on because others were facing worse situations. She said this approach had contributed to a culture where people often suffer quietly rather than seek the support they need. “People feel like when they open up about their mental health, they feel a bit of shame. They feel like they’re going to be misunderstood. They’re going to be judged,” she said. The Counselling Psychologist said the situation could be addressed through regular mental health education in workplaces, communities, churches and other settings where people could learn to understand mental and emotional well-being. She also called on organisations to provide safe spaces where employees could discuss mental health concerns without fear of judgement, suggesting that workplaces could have dedicated psychological support services. The Mental Wellness Professional explained that mental health involved understanding how the mind works, managing stress and anxiety, regulating emotions and dealing with unresolved experiences that could affect a person’s life. According to her, one of the difficulties with mental health challenges is that people could appear fine externally while dealing with significant emotional struggles internally. Madam Jaclyn identified sudden withdrawal from social activities, loss of concentration, emotional exhaustion, mood swings, changes in appetite, and loss of motivation as some signs that a person may be experiencing an emotional or mental health challenge. She, however, cautioned that such changes should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a mental health condition, stressing the importance of communicating with the person and checking on their well-being. “Checking in on that friend, checking in on that colleague,” she advised, adding that people should ask deeper questions about how others were doing instead of being satisfied with a simple “I’m fine.” She further explained that unresolved childhood experiences could continue to affect adults, particularly through their relationships, communication, anger, and emotional triggers. According to her, people who are still affected by painful childhood experiences should acknowledge them and seek professional support where necessary instead of ignoring them. For individuals dealing with trauma, she recommended constant support, professional counselling and, where appropriate, spending time in environments where they feel safe and connected. She recommended self-reflection, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, planning daily activities, changing one’s environment when necessary and speaking positively to oneself as some practical ways of supporting mental wellness. In her closing message, she urged people to reject societal expectations that men must always be strong, women must suppress their emotions, and young people must achieve success quickly. “Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to someone about the issue,” she said. Watch full episode here….https://www.youtube.com/live/_8N8ot0n0qs?si=2los1vNg0HTAvBP1 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

News, Virtual University

Springboard Virtual University at 18: Young People Rethink Marriage, Relationships and Readiness

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Young people have challenged conventional expectations about marriage, saying the decision to marry should be based on personal values, compatibility, readiness and the ability to build together rather than simply meeting social expectations. The views emerged during a special 18th anniversary edition of Springboard, Your Virtual University, which gave young people an opportunity to speak openly about marriage, dating, friendships, mentoring, networking and the pressures that shape their choices. The broadcast, themed What Young People Are Saying, deliberately moved away from giving young people prescribed answers and instead invited them to share their actual views, including areas where they were uncertain or disagreed with one another. One of the most striking debates centred on whether young people should wait until they were financially established before getting married. One participant said he would want to have his own house, a vehicle, sufficient money and a trust fund for his future children before marriage. He said he would have no problem getting married at 50 if that was what it took to achieve those goals. The position, however, was challenged by Charles Karim Bosomprah, Chief Executive Officer of Prymage Consultancy, who argued that marriage could also be a partnership in which two people build their future together. Mr Bosomprah said young people could find the right person and begin building together rather than waiting until they had completed every personal and financial goal. He explained that couples who understand the journey they are beginning together can achieve more by building as partners than by trying to complete everything individually before marriage. The discussion also raised questions about whether young people are placing too much emphasis on physical appearance when choosing partners. While some participants prioritised values, another openly admitted that physical attraction would come first because a person needed to be attracted to someone before taking time to discover their values. The debate over marriage also extended to age, with participants offering different views on the appropriate time to marry and whether a partner should be older or younger. Rather than settling on a single answer, the discussion highlighted the increasingly individual nature of decisions about marriage among young people. The broadcast then turned to another area of concern: how young people build relationships and professional networks. Participants debated whether relationships should be deliberately targeted or allowed to develop organically. While some supported deliberately approaching people whose experience or networks could contribute to their growth, others warned against approaching relationships solely for personal gain. One participant said young people often focus on what they can get from accomplished people without considering what they themselves can contribute. Mr. Chris Diaba, a People Capability leader and coach who participated in the discussion, similarly stressed the importance of becoming valuable to others in building meaningful relationships. He said people who value relationships should not focus only on what others can do for them, but should also consider how they can support and add value to those relationships. The discussion formed the second part of the special anniversary series, following an earlier edition that focused on themes including leadership, career development, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and technology. For host Pastor Albert Ocran, the decision to place young people at the centre of the anniversary conversations was deliberate. He said Springboard could not assume that intelligent, ambitious and accomplished young people did not have ideas of their own, stressing the importance of allowing them to express those ideas freely. He also encouraged participants to remain open to changing their views when new knowledge and life experiences challenged their earlier positions. The special broadcast marked 18 years since Springboard, Your Virtual University began broadcasting on August 4, 2008. Pastor Albert Ocran used the anniversary to acknowledge the programme’s listeners and viewers, resource persons, sponsors, media partners and production team, whose support has sustained the programme over the years. The anniversary conversation ultimately revealed a generation that is willing to question established expectations about marriage, financial readiness, relationships and personal development. Rather than presenting one definition of what young adulthood should look like, the young participants offered different perspectives, openly acknowledged uncertainty and challenged one another’s assumptions. For Springboard, Your Virtual University, the significance of the 18th anniversary was therefore not only a celebration of how far the programme has come, but also an opportunity to listen to the generation it has spent nearly two decades speaking to. Watch full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/aSkI9sLvTUw?si=DdWNgwLkSNXezpqE 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 (YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

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Businesses Owned by Persons With Disabilities Must Be Treated as Businesses, Not Charity

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President of the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, Mr. Alexander Tetteh, has called for a change in the way businesses owned by persons with disabilities are perceived, urging the public to treat them as legitimate businesses rather than charity projects. He said buying products from entrepreneurs with disabilities out of sympathy may offer temporary support, but does little to help their businesses become sustainable and competitive. “Sometimes when disabled people produce products, we don’t see it as a business. We see it as a charity,” Mr. Tetteh said. “We should see it with a business eye, so that we support them to grow and expand. But if we see it as charity, it will not grow.” He made the remarks during an episode of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, which focused on redefining inclusion and creating greater opportunities for persons with disabilities. The discussion featured young entrepreneur Elisha Kofi Foli, Founder of Mycocostuff Ghana, whose business turns discarded coconut shells into eco-friendly products, including cups, plates, phone stands, earrings, buttons, and other household and fashion accessories. Mr. Foli explained that he started the business after observing the large amounts of coconut waste in his community, particularly after rainfall and flooding. Rather than focusing only on plastic waste, he decided to find value in another common form of waste. His business now employs three people on a part-time basis, with the potential to create more jobs as demand increases. However, market acceptance remains one of his major challenges. Mr. Foli noted that some customers focus on his disability and approach his products with sympathy instead of appreciating their quality and commercial value. That experience, he said, has strengthened his determination to demonstrate that persons with disabilities can build viable businesses and contribute meaningfully to society. Mr. Tetteh said the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, which has mobilized more than 4,000 entrepreneurs with disabilities, works to address some of these challenges through market access, funding opportunities, training and policy advocacy. The Chamber also creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and connect with potential customers. Beyond market access, Mr. Tetteh called for more inclusive business policies, noting that not every person with a disability would find employment in the formal sector. He therefore advocated for entrepreneurship to be included in policies aimed at improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. He also stressed the need for accessible public spaces, respectful language and positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. For him, inclusion goes beyond physical access. It requires society to recognise persons with disabilities as equal participants in education, employment, business and public life. Mr. Foli, who won the Most Resilient Award at the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge, a youth entrepreneurship challenge by the Enterprise Group with technical support from Springboard Road Show Foundation in April 2026,  encouraged persons with disabilities to be confident, pursue available opportunities and stand up for their rights within the law. The discussion formed part of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran’s ongoing conversation on redefining inclusion and promoting a society where persons with disabilities can pursue dignified and fulfilling work. Watch the full interview here… https://www.youtube.com/live/2RQCakxBI_U?si=jmHkbefN-5iLR1Tf 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

“Turning 60 Is Not the End. It Is Time to Contribute More” – Comfort Ocran

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Turning 60 should not be seen as the end of one’s productive years but as an opportunity to make an even greater contribution to society, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, has said. Speaking on Springboard Hangout, Mrs. Ocran challenged the common perception that growing older signals the end of purpose, explaining that her latest book, Planted by the Rivers of Water, was inspired by a desire to encourage people to remain fruitful and relevant at every stage of life. Drawing inspiration from Psalm 1, she said the image of a tree planted by rivers of water reflects a life that continues to bear fruit regardless of age. “I don’t feel a day after 30,” she said. “God never talks about the end. He talks about contributing to society.” The Executive Director explained that the collection of 60 poems was carefully selected from more than 100 poems she had written over the years to commemorate her 60th birthday. According to her, the book captures life’s full journey, including moments of joy, pain, loss, gratitude, faith, and purpose. She noted that while life presents both good and difficult seasons, hope must always have the final word. “If somebody talks about only the good, that is not life. That is not real,” she said. “Even when I become a bit dark in my writing, I always leave a sliver of joy that reminds people there is hope around the corner.” Mrs. Ocran also credited her faith as the foundation of everything she has accomplished, saying her relationship with God has shaped her outlook on life, leadership, and service. “I won’t be here without faith. Without God, there is no Comfort Ocran,” she stated. Encouraging young people not to limit themselves, she urged them to remain curious, keep learning, and trust that every life has been intentionally designed by God. “God is very intentional and very deliberate,” she said. “There is nothing you cannot do. You may not see it yet, but if you draw close to Him, He is able to make your life a beautiful one.” She made these remarks during a special edition of Springboard Hangout, where she took the guest seat to discuss Planted by the Rivers of Water, a collection of poems launched as part of her 60th birthday celebration. Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/live/BCVC_Au5OaM?si=MPyBR9I9OOI16tBW 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

Many Salaried Workers Are Living in Financial Emergency Without Knowing It, Says EDC Investment Limited MD, Paul Mante

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Managing Director of Ecobank Development Corporation Investment Limited, Paul Mante, has disclosed that many salaried workers are living in what he describes as a financial emergency because they would be unable to sustain their normal lifestyle for six months if their salaries suddenly stopped. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Mr. Mante urged individuals and families to conduct a midyear review of their finances, just as businesses assess their performance halfway through the year, to determine whether they are making progress toward financial independence. According to him, anyone who cannot maintain their current standard of living for at least six months without a salary should treat the situation as an emergency and begin taking deliberate steps to change it. “If you answer that question and you will not survive for more than six months, you are in a critical state. It is life-threatening. You need to see a financial doctor for an emergency surgery,” he said. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in the financial sector, Mr. Mante explained that financial independence begins with changing one’s mindset about money. He said many people focus only on earning an income but fail to retain and grow it, leaving them financially exposed despite years of employment. He identified three stages of personal financial management as receiving money, retaining money, and reproducing money through investments. While many people are taught how to earn an income, he noted that very few are taught how to preserve wealth or make money. The Managing Director attributed the country’s low level of financial literacy to the fact that money management is rarely taught either at home or in school. As a result, many people enter the workforce without the knowledge needed to build long-term financial security. He encouraged workers to increase their earning capacity by acquiring new skills, creating multiple sources of income, and investing consistently instead of depending solely on their monthly salaries. He also advised individuals to invest at least 20 percent of their income and avoid allowing lifestyle changes to consume every salary increase. According to him, financial discipline today creates the freedom to make choices later in life based on purpose rather than financial pressure. Mr. Mante further cautioned against procrastination and excuses, encouraging people to begin their financial independence journey immediately regardless of their current income level. “The best time you should have started your journey towards financial independence was years ago. The next best time is now,” he said. Watch the full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/Bbg6-uDUr7k?si=xGzSWjP6UE3qf2JM 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 (YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation