Ghana Grows

Virtual University

“Comfort Is the Biggest Enemy of Personal Growth” –  Maame Ekua Gaisey

Maame Ekua Gaisey, The People, Managing Partner, Five Six Five,  has cautioned that comfort is one of the biggest barriers to personal growth, saying many people fail to reach their full potential because they become satisfied with where they are instead of choosing growth despite the discomfort it brings. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, she said lasting personal development is a deliberate process that requires individuals to continually make difficult choices, confront their fears, and pursue a better version of themselves every day. According to her, growth is never automatic. It demands intentional decisions every day, often requiring people to leave familiar environments, confront their fears, and accept the uncertainty that comes with becoming a better version of themselves. “Comfort is where you miss the opportunity to move,” she said, explaining that discomfort is one of the strongest triggers for progress because it pushes people to pursue more than their current circumstances. Madam Gaisey noted that the journey of personal development starts with self-awareness and honesty. She said individuals must first understand who they are, where they want to be, and honestly assess the gap between their current reality and their desired future before meaningful change can begin. She stressed that many people remain stuck because they avoid asking themselves difficult questions or reflecting deeply on their lives. Instead, they become occupied with constant activity without making real progress. “The best gift anybody could give themselves is to discover themselves,” she said, adding that self-discovery requires continuous reflection and the courage to confront uncomfortable truths. Drawing from her own life, she recounted how she abandoned her childhood ambition of becoming a medical doctor after recognizing that her true strengths and passion lay elsewhere. Despite the difficulty of changing direction, she said making that decision allowed her to pursue the path she was truly created for. She encouraged people to focus first on the kind of person they want to become before concentrating on positions, titles, or material success. She explained that developing character, values, curiosity, kindness, and a commitment to continuous learning naturally positions people for greater opportunities. The leadership coach also advised individuals to simplify their personal development goals by concentrating on no more than three priorities at a time. Attempting to pursue too many objectives simultaneously, she said, often leads to frustration and little meaningful progress. She further urged people to seek coaches, mentors, and trusted supporters who can ask difficult questions, provide honest feedback, and help them remain accountable throughout their growth journey. Madam Gaisey also cautioned against allowing unnecessary distractions and outside opinions to derail personal progress. She said people should clearly define both what they intend to pursue and what they deliberately choose to avoid, since eliminating distractions is as important as setting goals. Watch full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/gRbDFwT6Jhc?si=I2g3tgRLMLHlM1rY 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 forms part of an ongoing series exploring the various roles of managers in organizations and the skills required to lead people, drive performance, and achieve institutional goals. Through conversations with experienced leaders, the series provides practical lessons for current and aspiring managers. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Children Without Active Fathers Face Greater Risk of Social Challenges, Elder Amos Kevin-Annan Reveals

Motivational speaker, author, and Chief Executive Officer of Hearts and Habits Foundation, Elder Amos Kevin-Annan, has called for greater father involvement in the lives of children, revealing that the absence of active fatherhood can have far-reaching consequences for families and society. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor. Albert Ocran, Elder Annan said children need more than a father’s physical presence. According to him, fathers must be actively engaged in the lives of their children if they are to provide the stability, guidance, and security young people need to thrive. Citing findings from studies on fatherhood, he added that children with active fathers are significantly less likely to experience teenage pregnancy and incarceration, stressing that father involvement plays a critical role in shaping a child’s future. “Fathers should be reminded that they are needed in the life of the child to bring some modicum of stability,” he said. The CEO noted that many fathers focus heavily on providing financially for their families while overlooking the equally important responsibility of building emotional connections with their children. He explained that a father’s role extends beyond being a provider to becoming a source of encouragement, protection, mentorship, and support. He warned that many homes are experiencing what he described as “the presence of the absent father”, a situation where fathers are physically available but remain disconnected from the daily experiences of their children. “If you’re a father, when you are home, your presence must be noticed. When you are not at home, your absence must be felt,” he said. According to him, fathers must intentionally create time for meaningful conversations, listen to their children, maintain eye contact during interactions, and share their personal experiences and struggles. Such openness, he said, helps children relate better to their parents and gives them confidence to deal with their own challenges. The speaker also urged fathers to pay attention to their emotional well-being and avoid suffering in silence during difficult periods. He observed that many men internalize pain, job losses, financial struggles, and disappointments because they feel pressure to appear strong at all times. He encouraged families and communities to show greater understanding and support to men going through difficult seasons, noting that encouragement often produces better outcomes than criticism. Reflecting on how fathers can improve their impact, he advised men to learn from their own childhood experiences, remain present in the lives of their families, reduce distractions, and prioritize meaningful relationships over constant work. Elder Annan emphasized that while providing for a family is important, fathers should not sacrifice connection for achievement. He said children often remember the time, attention, and interest their fathers showed in them long after material provisions have been forgotten. The discussion formed part of a special Father’s Day edition of Springboard, Your Virtual University, where Elder Annan shared insights on the importance of fatherhood and the lasting influence fathers have on the development of children and families. Watch full episode here… https://www.youtube.com/live/fM5B1zW3Bvs?si=A-VUm47aHwMKQy1d 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 forms part of an ongoing series exploring the various roles of managers in organizations and the skills required to lead people, drive performance, and achieve institutional goals. Through conversations with experienced leaders, the series provides practical lessons for current and aspiring managers. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

Ghana Risks Losing Its Food Identity Unless Local Beverages Become Mainstream, Entrepreneurs Warn

Ghana risks losing an important part of its cultural identity if local foods and beverages continue to be treated as occasional products rather than everyday consumer choices, entrepreneurs Emmanuella Safianand Caleb O. Adjah, co-founders of Zaaki Beverages, have cautioned. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the entrepreneurs said younger generations are becoming increasingly disconnected from traditional Ghanaian beverages, creating both a cultural challenge and a missed economic opportunity. According to Mr. Adjah, many local drinks remain largely absent from everyday consumption despite their long history and nutritional value. He noted that products such as asana, lamugin, and tamarind-based drinks are often only available at events, making them less visible to younger consumers. “Especially for the generation to come, they do not even have an idea of some of these local beverages because they are not really exposed to them,” he said. He argued that Ghana needs to have broader conversations about local foods and beverages throughout the year rather than limiting attention to them during celebrations such as Ghana Month. The entrepreneur expressed concern that many traditional Ghanaian foods and drinks are gradually disappearing from daily life, warning that this trend could weaken cultural identity over time. “Gradually, we are losing our identity as Ghanaians and Africans, so it is one thing we want to channel, that our local beverages and local foods are the best way to go,” Mr. Adjah stated. Beyond preserving culture, he added that increased patronage of local beverages could create opportunities across the agricultural value chain by generating demand for farmers who produce raw materials such as millet and tamarind. Madam Emmanuella Safian traced the inspiration for Zaaki Beverages to her childhood in northern Ghana, where her grandmother regularly prepared traditional drinks for the family. After relocating to Accra and searching for a business idea, she revisited those experiences and identified an opportunity to transform local beverages into commercially viable products. The pair revealed that they spent several years studying ingredients, refining production processes, and collecting consumer feedback before fully entering the market. What began with fewer than 20 bottles distributed among friends has grown into a business producing about 2,000 bottles monthly. The founders attributed part of their growth to consistency and a willingness to listen to customers, stressing that maintaining product quality is essential for long-term success. Madam Emmanuella also encouraged young people interested in entrepreneurship to remain focused and patient, rather than seeking quick results.  “Consistency is the best. Just stay focused and keep pushing. You will get there,” she advised. Both entrepreneurs agreed that local beverages represent more than a business opportunity. They believe the sector can contribute to healthier consumer choices, create jobs across the value chain, and help preserve an important part of Ghana’s cultural heritage for future generations. Watch the full episode here … https://www.youtube.com/live/v-N5zt45b7I?si=NcOFarICZ2rYmBWP 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

Admitting Fault Can Save a Company’s Reputation, Says Sandra Amartikar Amarquaye

Corporate Communications Manager at Karpowership Ghana, Sandra Amartikar Amarquaye, has urged organizations to stop becoming defensive during crises and instead acknowledge mistakes when they are at fault, adding that honesty and empathy can strengthen public trust rather than weaken it. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Rev. Albert Ocran, on the topic, “The Manager as a Communicator,”  The manager said many organizations worsen crises by rushing to justify their actions instead of accepting responsibility and addressing public concerns. “When you know you have faulted, you have to accept it, and people can even love you for doing that,” she said. According to her, empathy remains one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in crisis communication. She noted that stakeholders are often less interested in corporate excuses and more interested in seeing organizations take responsibility and demonstrate concern for those affected. “You can’t come out being defensive when you know that you’re wrong,” she stated. “People want to know the way forward.” Madam Amarquaye explained that communication failures are often at the heart of major organizational crises, stressing that leaders who communicate without adequate facts risk causing greater reputational damage than the original problem itself. She advised managers to take time to verify information before responding publicly, emphasizing that trust, once lost, is difficult to rebuild. “Building trust takes time, but it can take just a second to lose it,” she said. The communications expert further noted that crises rarely emerge without warning. According to her, organizations often receive signals through customer complaints, employee concerns, stakeholder feedback, and public sentiment long before issues escalate. “Before a crisis happens, it starts with an issue,” she said. “You should have your ears and eyes on the ground.” Madam Amarquaye encouraged leaders to pay closer attention to feedback from both internal and external stakeholders and to use available digital tools to monitor conversations around their organizations and industries. She added that communication should be treated as a strategic leadership function rather than a support role, arguing that communication professionals should be involved in decision-making at the highest levels of organizations. Watch the full episode here 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. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

News

Bridget Eshun Wins GHS100,000 Grand Prize at Enterprise Spotlight Challenge

Bridget Eshun, Founder of Delsoy Milk Drink Limited in Ghana’s Central Region, has emerged as the overall winner of the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge. The Enterprise Spotlight is a nationwide entrepreneurship initiative by Enterprise Group PLC and the Springboard Road Show Foundation, designed to discover, fund, and elevate the next generation of Ghanaian business leaders. The highly competitive challenge received 468 applications from various sectors across the country. Bridget Eshun took home the grand prize of GHS100,000. When Bridget entered the competition, she brought with her strong belief in her vision and a determination to address a pressing societal need. Her business provides nutritious, plant-based milk alternatives made from soya beans targeting lactose-intolerant individuals and lactating mothers. Delsoy Milk Drink Limited also promotes environmental sustainability through a zero-waste production model, converting soybean by-products into feed for pig and poultry farming. “We say a very big thank you to Enterprise Group and Springboard Road Show Foundation for giving Delsoy Milk Drink Limited this spotlight. We promise to make you and Mother Ghana proud.” says Bridget Eshun, Founder, Delsoy Milk Drink Limited. Other winners included: Ernest Sampong Darko, CEO of Duckpro Ghana (Eastern Region), who secured second place and GHS80,000 for developing plant-based protein supplements for the poultry, aquaculture, and livestock industries—helping reduce feed costs for smallholder farmers. Emmanuella Yayra Ameevor, Founder of ORAVE Juices (Greater Accra Region), who placed third and won GHS50,000 for producing natural, probiotic juices while converting organic waste into fertilizer to support farming communities. Beyond building profitable ventures, the top three entrepreneurs are creating employment opportunities, empowering youth and smallholder farmers, and driving innovation in Ghana’s agribusiness sector. The total prize pool for the challenge was GHS500,000. In addition to the cash prizes, winners will benefit from a one-year structured mentoring and counseling programme, along with national exposure to support business growth and scalability. Albert Ocran, Technical Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, says “We are absolutely proud of all the winners,” He also expressed gratitude   to the judges, Enterprise Group, and all partners for their commitment throughout the challenge. In his congratulatory remarks to the winners, Daniel Larbi-Tieku, Group CEO of Enterprise Group, said: “What you are seeing today is the result of effort, commitment, and an unshakeable belief in your ideas. You have earned this.” The Most Resilient Award As part of the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge, A Most Resilient Award – a GHS10,000 cash prize — was dedicated to a person with a disability who demonstrated outstanding resilience. One of the most inspiring stories this year was that of Foli Elisha Kofi, Founder of Mycocostuff Ghana. Through innovation and determination, he has built a business that transforms coconut waste into eco-friendly products. Elisha’s resilience earned him recognition at the Young Innovators Awards and a place among the Top 24 finalists of the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge. He ultimately won the Most Resilient Award for his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. “Winning the Most Resilient Award means more than recognition to me. It is a reminder that despite the challenges persons with disabilities face daily, we still have the strength to keep building, creating, and inspiring others.” says Foli Elisha Kofi, Founder, Mycocostuff Ghana. About Enterprise Group PLC Enterprise Group PLC is a leading financial services company comprising six operating companies: Enterprise Insurance Company, Enterprise Life Assurance Company, Enterprise Trustees, Enterprise Properties, Enterprise Funeral Services Ghana trading as ‘Transitions – The Funeral People’ and Acacia Health Insurance. The Company is headquartered in Accra and has operations in The Gambia and Nigeria. Enterprise is now ISO 27001 Certified. Your data safety guaranteed. About Springboard Road Show Foundation Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) is a Ghanaian non-profit organization committed to raising the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs. Through youth mobilization, mindset change, skills development, and national engagement platforms, SRSF supports young women, men, persons with disability and displaced persons to build agency, unlock opportunity, and contribute meaning fully to Ghana’s socio-economic development. Media and PR Unit Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) 024 9999 555 / 0308 255 775

Hangout

African Brands Must Compete Globally Through Innovation and Culture, Says Gold Coast Tokota Founder

Founder and CEO of Gold Coast Tokota, Samuel Kumi-Gyau, says African businesses must move beyond local recognition and build globally competitive brands through innovation, cultural identity, and strategic partnerships. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the Ghanaian entrepreneur said that African-made products can compete confidently in international markets when businesses focus on quality, research, and strong brand positioning. According to him, Gold Coast Tokota was intentionally built to challenge perceptions about African manufacturing while helping people reconnect with African heritage through footwear. “We are changing the narrative about manufacturing in Africa,” he stated. Mr. Kum-Gyau explained that the company combines traditional African craftsmanship with modern design and sustainability, producing footwear from recycled materials such as sachet rubber, car tyres, old jeans, and plastic containers. He noted that innovation remains central to the company’s growth strategy, revealing that the brand has expanded beyond Ghana through partnerships in Nairobi, London, Dubai, Miami, and Johannesburg. “We are not just producing Ahenema,” he said. “We are producing Orthopaedic Ahenema.” The entrepreneur stressed that research has played a major role in helping the company stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Before launching the brand, he said he travelled outside Ghana to understand how international customers would perceive African footwear products. “That research changed everything about our products,” he explained. The founder further disclosed that Gold Coast Tokota currently operates multiple outlets across Accra and produces about 20 pairs of footwear daily. Beyond footwear production, he revealed plans to build a broader leather ecosystem in the future through cattle farming and local leather production to reduce dependence on imported materials. “Ten years from now, Gold Coast Tokota will not just be a footwear brand,” he said. “We want to build our own leather ecosystem.” He also highlighted the importance of building strong teams, stating that one of the biggest decisions that transformed his business was employing people who possessed expertise beyond his own. “The game changer has always been employing people who know more than me,” he said. He encouraged young entrepreneurs to focus on learning, networking, and creating value rather than chasing quick financial gains. “Money is people,” he stated. “If the right people connect to your brand, opportunities will follow.” Watch the full episode here https://www.youtube.com/live/H0k3CbTJA3M?si=qhsixDJfaGk6lkyE 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

“Many Mothers Are Silently Slipping Into Depression” — Eno Quagraine Calls for More Empathy and Support for Women

Founder and CEO of Talkative Mom LLC and Petite Elite Preschool, Eno Quagraine, has called for greater emotional support and empathy for mothers, revealing that many women silently battle postpartum depression, emotional exhaustion, and overwhelming pressure after childbirth. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the Founder shared her personal experience with childbirth and postpartum struggles, describing how the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood are often overlooked in society. According to her, many women are made to believe childbirth is simply a natural process that every woman should endure without complaint, making it difficult for struggling mothers to openly speak about their pain. The CEO explained that she struggled with breastfeeding, healing after childbirth, sleep deprivation, and pressure from people around her, leaving her feeling emotionally overwhelmed. “I felt like I was failing,” she stated while recounting her experience. The motherhood advocate noted that many women in Ghana continue to suffer silently because conversations around maternal mental health remain limited and misunderstood. “You can be grateful for motherhood and still be upset about what you are going through,” she said. Drawing from conversations within her Talkative Mom community, she stated that many mothers also struggle with childcare pressures, lack of support systems, marital strain, unsolicited advice from family members, and the constant pressure to appear strong. She added that many women eventually lose themselves in the process of motherhood because they prioritize everyone else while neglecting their own well-being. According to her, this reality pushed her community to intentionally create wellness spaces where mothers can rest, reconnect with themselves, and openly discuss their struggles without fear of judgment. She urged families, health workers, friends, and society at large to become more supportive towards mothers, especially during the early stages of motherhood. “We should extend more empathy and be less judgmental,” she stressed. 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

Entrepreneurship Is Not a Title but a Way of Thinking, Says Professor Robert Hinson

Professor of Marketing at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Robert Hinson, has described the entrepreneurial mindset as a disciplined way of thinking that goes far beyond starting a business, stressing that it is a cultivated habit rooted in how individuals see problems and respond to them. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran, Professor Hinson explained that entrepreneurs are not defined by job titles or ownership of businesses, but by a consistent ability to identify opportunities where others see obstacles. He said, “Somebody who has an entrepreneurial mindset is a restless opportunity identifier. It is like your senses are always active. Whether you are asleep or awake, you are constantly picking signals, constantly asking what can be done here that others are not seeing.” According to him, this way of thinking is not reserved for business owners alone. He noted that it can be found in professionals across different fields, including corporate environments, ministry, and public service, as long as the individual is committed to solving problems and driving change. Professor Hinson emphasised that at the heart of entrepreneurship is a strong focus on value creation rather than immediate financial gain. He cautioned that individuals who begin their journey with a narrow focus on money often struggle to endure the challenges that come with building anything meaningful. “I think there is a likelihood they may fail, particularly because if you start out with money, money, money, it is very difficult to be resilient when problems come. But if you go in with a sense of wanting to make a real impact and solve problems, you develop the staying power to keep going,” he said. He explained that successful entrepreneurs are typically driven by a desire to solve significant problems that benefit others, and that financial reward often follows as a result of the value they create. Beyond value, Professor Hinson outlined resilience as a defining trait, noting that the entrepreneurial journey is marked by setbacks and uncertainty. He said individuals must develop what he described as “shock absorbers” to withstand challenges and remain committed to their vision. “You must understand that obstacles will occur. But because you have a certain fixation on where you are going, you are able to stay the course, even when things are not working immediately,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, describing knowledge as the fuel that sustains entrepreneurial relevance over time. Without it, he warned, individuals risk becoming outdated in a rapidly changing environment. “True professional power comes from the quality of knowledge you consume, not once, but lifelong. If the fuel finishes, the car will not move,” he explained. The marketing professor further pointed to mentorship and practical exposure as critical to developing entrepreneurial competence. Drawing from his own experience, he noted that guidance from experienced professionals often delivers more practical value than theoretical knowledge alone. “There are people who have travelled the road for decades. When they sit with you and give you direction, it can move you forward faster than reading many books,” he said. On the role of action, Professor Hinson stressed that entrepreneurs are not passive thinkers but decisive individuals who move quickly once they identify opportunities. He described this as an “action bias,” where individuals rely on sufficient information to act rather than waiting for perfect conditions. He also addressed the future of work, warning that technological shifts, particularly artificial intelligence, will redefine opportunities and make adaptability essential. “Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence has redefined the rules of business. You must become more literate in it, and if your industry is at risk, you must innovate or risk becoming irrelevant,” 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 series dubbed “The Entrepreneurial Mindset.” Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

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

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

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