Ghana Grows

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

Springboard Road Show 2025

Springboard Road Show 2025 – Chiefs, MCEs, and Youth Unite to Champion Agriculture and Enterprise

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From the Upper West to the Ahafo and Bono East regions, the Springboard Road Show 2025 is igniting a wave of energy, hope, and empowerment among Ghana’s youth. The nationwide tour, running under the Ghana Grows programme, has drawn thousands of participants to its regional stops in Wa, Techiman, and Bechem, uniting traditional leaders, municipal executives, educators, and young entrepreneurs behind one shared vision, to transform agriculture, skills, and enterprise into engines of national growth. Now in its most ambitious edition yet, the Road Show is touring all 16 regions of Ghana, targeting over 500,000 young people, including young women and persons with disabilities. Each stop reflects the heartbeat of Ghana’s regions, distinct youth voices in one mission: to build a generation ready to grow. In the Upper West Region, the Road Show’s stop at the Wa Technical Institute was a blend of culture and purpose. Chiefs, opinion leaders, and the children of the esteemed Yaa Naa lent their presence in symbolic support of youth development. Alhaji Issah Nurah Danwanaa, Municipal Chief Executive for Wa, highlighted agriculture and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) as critical levers for sustainable development. “Together, let us drive agriculture and ATVET as the engines of youth and women empowerment for regional development,” Hon. Danwanaa urged. His remarks echoed the government’s commitment to revitalizing Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II and aligning TVET reforms with industry and agribusiness opportunities. The event underscored the growing synergy between traditional leadership, local governance, and national programmes in ensuring that young people, especially in northern Ghana, are equipped with the skills and confidence to lead. In the Bono East Region, the Springboard youth conference found expression at Techiman, where Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah, the Municipal Chief Executive, rallied young people to see agriculture not as a fallback, but as a frontier of innovation and enterprise. “Agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors for our youth,” he said. “It offers vast potential for innovation, employment, and enterprise.” The event spotlighted the intersection of mental health, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, with participants engaging in sessions on resilience and business start-ups. Members of the Ghana Grows Girls Club shared their success stories, including Ellen Anyaki, who turned e-mentoring and food processing lessons into a thriving garlic and ginger paste business, and Haggar Sackey, founder of Evert & Co., a youth-led soap production venture now training senior high school students. These stories personify the transformation Springboard seeks, from passive job seekers to proactive creators of value. At Bechem in the Ahafo Region, the traditional voice took centre stage. The Chief of Bechem, Nana Opaw Nwomaso Boampong Bekoe, called on government to expand support for agriculture, agribusiness, and ATVET programmes, describing them as “the true pathways to national wealth creation.” “When you go to Kumasi, most of the big houses belong to farmers,” he said. “These are the kinds of programmes the government should sponsor because they prepare young people to create real value.” The Bechem gathering featured hundreds of youths eager to learn from the success of Ghana Grows participants like Esther, who after attending the Empower360 Resin Arts Training in Accra, launched her own business and now mentors others. Hon. Charity Gardiner, Ahafo Regional Minister, commended the Foundation for its focus on young women in agriculture, noting that nearly 80% of participants in Ghana Grows are female, breaking traditional barriers in agribusiness and entrepreneurship. Across Wa, Techiman, and Bechem, one truth stands out, the Springboard Road Show 2025 is more than a series of events; it is a national awakening. It connects policy with people, and inspiration with opportunity, reshaping how young people see their potential. Under the leadership of Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, and Albert Ocran, Technical Director, the movement blends storytelling, mentorship, and enterprise development into a transformative model for youth inclusion and empowerment. “True capital begins with what’s in your hands,” Comfort Ocran reminds participants. “Diligence, integrity, and tenacity build businesses that last.” As the 16-region tour continues, the Road Show is cultivating a new generation of purpose-driven changemakers, young people who are not just dreaming of the future, but building it, one skill, one business, and one community at a time. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Springboard Road Show 2025

Wa MCE Alhaji Issah Nurah Danwanaa Rallies Youth to Embrace Agriculture and ATVET Springboard Road Show 2025

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The Springboard Road Show 2025 brought its signature energy and inspiration to the Wa Technical Institute, drawing hundreds of young people, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders from across the Upper West Region. Now in its most ambitious edition yet, the Road Show is touring all 16 regions of Ghana with a target reach of more than 500,000 participants, including young women, young men, and persons with disabilities. Already, the stops in Bolgatanga, Walewale, and Tamale have generated widespread excitement, attracting entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders eager to tap into opportunities for growth and empowerment. In Wa, the presence of Chiefs, Opinion Leaders, and the children of the esteemed Yaa Naa symbolized the strong cultural endorsement for investing in the next generation. With agriculture and ATVET (agriculture, agribusiness, and technical and vocational education and training) as central themes, community leaders pledged their continued support to ensure that young people have access to leadership, skills, and enterprise opportunities. The gathering was further enriched by the participation of the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Issah Nurah Danwanaa, who underscored agriculture’s pivotal role in Ghana’s economic growth. He emphasized government’s commitment to revitalizing Planting for Food and Jobs Phase II, scaling up youth-in-agriculture initiatives, and strengthening TVET reforms to better align training with industry and agribusiness demand. “Together, let us drive agriculture and ATVET as the engines of youth and women empowerment for regional development,” Hon. Danwanaa declared. As the Springboard Road Show 2025 continues its journey nationwide, it is fast becoming more than an event, it is a movement of inclusion, innovation, and transformation. With the active involvement of traditional authorities, government, the private sector, and development partners, the Road Show is cultivating a new generation of changemakers, young people equipped with skills, confidence, and purpose to transform their communities and industries. Marketing and Communications Springboard Roadshow Foundation

Hangout

Springboard Road Show 2025 Engages 500,000 Young People Across 16 Regions

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The Springboard Road Show 2025 is already underway, with two regions covered so far in what organizers describe as the most ambitious edition yet of the nationwide empowerment initiative. Speaking on Springboard Hangout, host Comfort Ocran traced the program’s journey from its modest beginnings in 2007 to its current scale as one of Ghana’s largest youth movements. “The very first event, held at Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Hall, attracted 600 participants. That was how a one-off Accra event grew into a nationwide movement,” she recalled. At the heart of this year’s Road Show is the Ghana Grows program, a bold intervention designed to equip young Ghanaians with the skills, networks, and resources needed to thrive in the agriculture and agribusiness space. By combining technical and vocational training with mentorship, career guidance, and direct access to opportunities, Ghana Grows provides practical pathways for young people, especially young women and persons with disabilities, to live dignified and fulfilling lives. Now in its third year of partnership with the Ghana Grows program, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, the initiative has already reached more than 500,000 young women, young men, and persons with disabilities. This has been achieved through platforms including the Career Clinic, Edwuma, Hangout, Virtual University, Empower360, and Community Information Centres. “This year, we’re not just talking to young people online or on TV. We want to look them in the eye, hang out with them, and connect them directly to opportunities across the agriculture, agribusiness, and Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) value chains,” Comfort Ocran said. The 2025 edition will feature 50 expert speakers from diverse fields to provide practical knowledge, inspire action, and open new opportunities for participants. Alongside the conferences, the Road Show will host skills-building workshops in partnership with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Selected participants will also receive startup kits containing tools and resources to support value addition and entrepreneurship. A new addition to this year’s program is the introduction of regional Hangout Highlights, which will showcase local innovators, institutions, and young changemakers in each region. Organizers say this will allow participants to discover success stories and role models within their own communities. Describing the Road Show as a lifeline for the youth, Comfort Ocran said: “It is intentionally designed for young people, with young people, and run by young people. Don’t let the Road Show pass you by. Be there and let it transform your journey.” About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. It airs every Saturday on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel (YouTube) at 4 PM. By Genevieve Mensah

Springboard Road Show 2025

Ghana Grows Celebrates the Onboarding of its 500,000th Youth with the Springboard Road Show 2025

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The 2025 Springboard Road Show will mark another historic milestone as the Ghana Grows programme celebrates the onboarding of its 500,000th young participant. This monumental achievement is a confirmation that young people in communities across Ghana are boldly embracing opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, and ATVET sectors. For nearly two decades, the Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) has shaped dreams and transformed futures, becoming Ghana’s longest running and most trusted personal development initiative. This year’s nationwide tour, powered by Ghana Grows and its consortium partners, will travel across all 16 regions to celebrate achievement, consolidate impact, and reinforce the vision of young people as nation-builders.  “The Springboard Road Show is not just an event; it is a movement. In every region, every community, and every young person we travel to, we meet someone making a big difference who is an alumnus of previous editions. And we keep growing the community; we see the future of Ghana rising,” said Rev. Albert Ocran, Co-Founder of SRSF. Activities will include dynamic conferences, stakeholder dialogues, training sessions with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and career platforms in agribusiness, technical training, and green jobs. The popular Hangout with Comfort Ocran sessions will spotlight entrepreneurship and growth industries in various regions. “This milestone of welcoming our 500,000th young participant is more than a number; it is evidence that a generation is shifting its mindset, seizing opportunities in key sectors of agribusiness and ATVET, and redefining Ghana’s future,” said Comfort Ocran, Co-Founder of SRSF. The Road Show begins in Bolgatanga on September 25 and will move through Walewale, Tamale, Wa, and Damango, before continuing south to Techiman, Bechem, and Sunyani. It then reaches Kadjebi and Ho in late October, travels through Kukurantumi, Cape Coast, Takoradi, and Sefwi Wiawso, and stops in Kumasi on November 6. The Grand Finale will take place in Accra from November 21–22, where the celebration of the 500,000th youth milestone will culminate. By the end of this nationwide tour, the Springboard Road Show will have shared this transformative experience with youth across the nation, consolidating the gains of Ghana Grows and inspiring them to embrace agriculture, innovation, and opportunities for national development.

Virtual University

Over Monetized Politics is Creating a ‘Santa Claus Democracy’ Says Strategic Advisor, Yaw Nsarkoh

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Strategic adviser and director, Yaw Nsarkoh, has warned that Ghana’s democracy risks degenerating into what he calls a “Santa Claus democracy,” where the poor remain trapped in poverty while politicians use money and tokens to buy influence. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Nsarkoh described the current political order as over monetized and increasingly excluding the mass of citizens from true development. “Today in your village, somebody born into a mud house, can they become Rev. Albert Ocran in one lifetime? If they cannot, then what we are saying is that we have built a Santa Claus democracy in which the poor remain poor. Their poor children will keep giving birth to the poor,” he said. He explained that  Santa Claus democracy is characterized by over monetized politics, where citizens are reduced to tokens at election time, and by an over monitored governance system that has become transactional rather than transformational. Citing Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate in literature., Mr. Nsarkoh said Africa’s version of democracy has been reduced to “a public auction for the highest bidder.” Beyond critiquing the system, Mr. Nsarkoh offered a single prescription for Ghana’s future: education. “Educate, educate, educate. Knowledge is the primary productive force. Embrace it. If we get it, we will liberate our society,” he declared. He stressed that economic achievements, such as reduced inflation, mean little if they do not translate into better schools, good food, a green environment, and a cultural space that encourages critical thinking. “Are there more schools? Do people have good food to eat? Have we created a cultural environment where people can think? Our society is drowning in uncollected garbage. Is this a society in which you can imagine the future?” he asked. Mr. Nsarkoh concluded that development must be measured not by economic figures but by the opportunities and dignity it provides citizens. About Springboard, Your Virtual UniversitySpringboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboard Channel (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The Thinkathon series brought together thought leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah

Edwuma

McKingtorch Africa Inspires Next Generation with Plastic-to-Product Solutions

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Makafui Awuku, Founder of McKingtorch Africa, is tackling Ghana’s plastic waste challenge head-on by transforming discarded pure water sachets and bottles into functional furniture and home décor. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma with host Araba Koomson, Mr. Awuku revealed that his journey began in November 2017 while interning with an NGO. Disturbed by the sight of plastics left behind after meetings, he asked the cleaners to collect them, not knowing what to do next. “There are two types of artists. Some start with concepts, but I start with the material. I look at it, then decide what can be created. That’s how I made my first Christmas tree from plastic bottles,” he said. The experiment soon gained public attention when he displayed the tree on a busy street in Madina, drawing thousands of curious onlookers. His work later caught global interest, eventually earning him an invitation to showcase his creations before the then-Prince of Wales. Mr. Awuku admitted the journey has not been without challenges. From public resistance to buying products made from waste to limited funding opportunities, he noted that perseverance has been his greatest tool. “The most successful projects are not the ones with the best idea. They are the ones that stayed the course,” he explained. Beyond creating furniture, McKingtorch Africa is also empowering the next generation. The McKingtorch Africa founder has trained more than 15,000 young people across Ghana, Nigeria, and Liberia, while also supporting women in Zambia and Zimbabwe in establishing branches of the initiative.  He urged young entrepreneurs to register their projects, seek training, and most importantly, believe in their own vision. “I realized that the future I wanted was one without pollution. Nobody was going to create it for me. I had to start,” he said. About Ghana Grows EdwumaGhana Grows Edwuma is a nationwide broadcast aired on TV and radio, aimed at encouraging young people to take up career opportunities in the agribusiness, agriculture, and ATVET sectors. By Faustina Yeboah

Career Clinic

Ghana Grows Career Clinic Highlights the Power of Time Management for Personal Growth and Legacy

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Friday’s Ghana Grows Career Clinic was nothing short of transformative as Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur unpacked the powerful link between time management, mental health, and purpose. He reminded participants that time is more than hours ticking away, it unfolds in moments of opportunity, seasons of growth, and a lifetime that God has set for impact. “Lifetime is set by God so that meaningful events can happen to your life,” he explained, urging everyone to value each season because wasting one can disrupt the next. While some time slips away unintentionally, Dr. Newman emphasized that we still have the power to take charge. The key lies in setting goals and focusing on what matters most. “You are more effective if you prioritize than when you don’t prioritize,” he said. He painted a vivid picture of a future where people pay not for the hours in your day, but for the years you’ve invested in becoming valuable. Time management, he stressed, is inseparable from wellbeing. Poorly managed time often manifests as stress, anxiety, burnout, or poor health. True wellbeing, according to Dr. Newman, rests on four pillars: physical fitness, mental soundness, social competence, and spiritual strength. He urged participants to reflect honestly, practice genuine self-care, and embrace continuous learning. “Unforgiveness is one of the delays of time,” he cautioned. “When you fix time for yourself and you heal yourself, then you have the capacity to impact the world.” To students, his advice was direct: “If you’re a student, only two things are important: God and school.” To entrepreneurs and leaders, he emphasized the need to build systems that outlive them. And to all, he left this challenge: “If leisure does not maximize your output in life, it is useless leisure.” By the end of the session, one truth stood out clearly: time is shaping our future, our health, and our legacy. Or, as Dr. Newman summed it up powerfully: “If you’re doing well, you will do well!” Once again, the Ghana Grows Career Clinic proved to be a wake-up call to live intentionally, guard our wellbeing, and use time wisely to create impact that lasts. About Ghana Grows Career Clinic Ghana Grows Career Clinic is a weekly webinar series designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive in work and life. Held every Friday at 4:00 PM, the sessions bring together expert facilitators, practical training, and interactive discussions on a variety of topics. By Genevieve Mensah

TEENpreneurship

Next Is Now: TEENpreneurship 2025 Empowers Young Innovators

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The week-long TEENpreneurship 2025 Bootcamp concluded at the Osu Ebenezer Presbyterian Hall, bringing together over 365 young participants, parents, and partners of the Ghana Grows programme. Held under the theme Next Is Now, the closing ceremony was a lively celebration of talent, resilience, and youthful determination. The closing day featured exhibitions, artistic performances, and powerful messages from Rev. Albert and Comfort Ocran of the Springboard Road Show Foundation. Partners such as Lyme Haus and Meraki Arts reaffirmed their dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators across Ghana. Breakout groups showcased projects spanning Resin and Creative Arts, Fashion Design, Eco Craft, Content Creation, Agribusiness, and Game Design. A memorable moment came from the Eco Craft group when a participant reflected, “Something good can be made from nothing,” earning applause for the creativity and resourcefulness the camp inspired. Parents also shared heartfelt stories of transformation. A mother who had travelled from Cape Coast spoke emotionally about her young son, a boy with a disability who joined the Content Creation class. “He came in shy and unsure, but today he is confident, bold, and eager to share his ideas. This camp has given him more than skills; it has given him belief in himself,” she said, drawing emotional applause from the audience. The day’s highlights included recognizing the Creative Arts group as Breakout Group of the Year. In a symbolic celebration, all 103 members received medals, a book authored by Rev. Albert and Comfort Ocran, and a group trophy — lifted high to the sound of the World Cup anthem. As the programme drew to a close, Lady Comfort Ocran urged participants to turn their ideas into reality through action, consistency, and collaboration. “Seeds don’t grow just because they are planted — they thrive when nurtured in the right conditions. You are the gardener of your own dreams,” she reminded them. The event concluded with an ice cream party and cheers of excitement, leaving one message ringing clear: Next Is Now. By Genevieve Mensah

Virtual University

Popular Culture is Key to Driving Social Change

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Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, says that popular culture plays a decisive role in shaping society and sparking social change. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing 17th anniversary Thinkaton series, Prof. Ampofo highlighted the importance of ideas, mentorship, and structured philanthropy in building a better future. “Ideas are the most powerful because without ideas, you don’t move, you’re stuck. You have to be thinking and dreaming about something to move somewhere,” she said. She emphasized that young people are central to this process, adding that mentoring them provides fulfillment and hope for the future. “Working with young people gives me a lot of energy. Not only do they take what you give them, but they take it further,” she noted. Prof. Ampofo also drew attention to the everyday acts of philanthropy within African societies, pointing out the need for a more structured approach. “Everybody is paying somebody’s school fees, hospital bills, funeral donations…but we are not counting it. We are doing philanthropy but it needs to be formalized and connected to science and policy,” she explained. According to her, social development must be measured by how vulnerable groups are treated. “It should be our benchmark how are we taking care of the most vulnerable?” she stressed. She further underscored the importance of imagination and vision in driving innovation. “You cannot develop if you’re not dreaming. To innovate your imagination has to be activated,” she said. About Springboard, Your Virtual UniversitySpringboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It airs every Sunday at 7 PM on Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkaton series brings together thinkers and leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah