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

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Family & Holistic Medicine Physician & CEO of Dinah-Gayle Medical Clinic, Dr. Sompa Otabil-Nelson, has raised concern over the growing tendency among young people to delay seeking medical care out of fear, warning that this hesitation is allowing manageable conditions to become life-threatening. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, she revealed that many individuals ignore symptoms or postpone hospital visits for months, only seeking help when their condition has significantly worsened. According to her, the issue is not always a lack of access, but fear of diagnosis. She explained that even when people notice unusual changes in their bodies, they often choose silence over action, hoping the problem will resolve on its own. Dr. Sompa disclosed that in some cases, individuals take as long as 8 to 10 months to see a doctor after detecting symptoms. Even after an initial consultation, many delay further tests or treatment for several more months because they are afraid of what they might find. “Fear will cripple you and can even kill you,” she stated, stressing that delay remains one of the biggest threats to effective healthcare. She noted that many of these conditions, including certain cancers, can be treated successfully when detected early. However, the window for effective treatment narrows significantly when patients wait too long. Early-stage conditions, she explained, often have high recovery rates, but that advantage is lost when diagnosis is delayed. Dr. Sompa emphasised that this pattern is particularly worrying among young people, who often assume they are healthy and therefore do not prioritize routine checkups. This false sense of security, she said, prevents early detection of silent conditions that develop without obvious symptoms. She further explained that the body can adapt to underlying problems for long periods, giving individuals the impression that everything is normal until a sudden health crisis occurs. Beyond fear, she also pointed to a lack of structured health planning, noting that many people do not have a consistent relationship with a medical professional who understands their history and can guide them over time. To address the situation, she urged young people to take deliberate steps toward preventive care, starting with regular medical checkups at least once a year. She stressed that health should not be treated as a one-time concern but as a continuous responsibility. “If you do not know what is happening in your body, how will you know when something is wrong? The earlier you deal with it, the better your chances,” she said, calling for a shift in mindset where people choose action over avoidance when it comes to their health. About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

“Having an Idea is not enough; execution is everything, ” says Derrick Annoh

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Derrick Annoh, Chief Executive Officer of Sparkxx Foods and Beverages, has emphasised that the success of any business idea depends on execution, not just creativity or intention. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, he noted that while many people have ideas, only a few commit to the discipline and consistency required to turn those ideas into reality. He explained that his own journey into entrepreneurship began on a small scale, producing snacks from his mother’s kitchen with limited resources and learning through constant experimentation. According to him, the early stages of building Sparkxx Foods and Beverages were marked by setbacks and repeated adjustments. “You try, it doesn’t work, you learn from it, and you try again. That is how the process has been,” he stated. Mr. Annoh indicated that one of the biggest challenges he faced was maintaining consistency in production while dealing with constraints in raw materials. He stressed that such challenges are part of the business journey and must be managed with patience and focus. He further highlighted the importance of quality in building a sustainable brand, stating that customer loyalty is built on trust. “If people trust your product, they will come back. But that trust comes from being consistent with what you offer,” he said. Touching on the growth of the business, he noted that Sparkxx Foods and Beverages has expanded from small beginnings into a brand with products on major retail shelves and presence in international markets. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to stop waiting for perfect conditions before starting. “You don’t need everything figured out before you begin. Start with what you have and build from there,” he said. Mr. Annoh added that Ghanaian businesses have the potential to compete globally if they remain committed to quality, discipline, and continuous improvement. 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

“The Future of Agro Processing Is Value Addition” – Dr. Rosemond Dadzie Calls for Farmer Collaboration and Zero Waste Production

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Food scientist and lecturer Dr. Rosemond Dadzie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fountain Foods, says the future of Ghana’s agro-processing sector depends on adding value to local produce, working closely with farmers, and eliminating waste at every stage of production. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Dr. Dadzie explained that these principles have shaped the steady growth of her Cape Coast-based agro-processing company over the past few years. According to her, Fountain Foods has expanded significantly since its early days, increasing its product range from 7 to 14 while strengthening its production processes and improving product packaging. “When you first came, we had about 7 products. Now we have doubled the number to about 14 products,” she said, noting that the company has also moved from simple plastic packaging to customized branded packaging as part of efforts to improve quality and presentation. Dr. Dadzie added that the company’s market presence has also grown steadily. What began with a presence mainly in Cape Coast and Tarkwa has now expanded to other major markets, including Accra, Kumasi, and Sunyani, as demand for locally processed food products continues to rise. Beyond market expansion, she stressed that a deliberate zero-waste philosophy is central to how the company operates. According to her, every stage of production is carefully managed to ensure that little or nothing goes to waste. “We do not throw them away. After the sieving stage, we mill the particles again to produce fine gari. What remains at the very end is used for animal feed,” she explained. Dr. Dadzie also highlighted the importance of partnerships with farmers in sustaining the company’s growth. She disclosed that Fountain Foods currently works with about 50 to 60 farmers under a structured supply system that ensures each farmer has a scheduled date to deliver produce. “We have a schedule for them. A farmer knows that on a particular date, he is supplying cassava to Fountain Foods, and we do not bypass anyone when their time comes because they are expecting that opportunity,” she said. She explained that the system helps guarantee a reliable supply of raw materials while also giving farmers a stable market for their produce. According to her, Fountain Foods currently produces about 650 tons of flour each year, in addition to other products such as pepper powder, ginger powder, natural mixed spices, and ground nut paste. Despite this output, Dr. Dadzie noted that demand for cassava-based products continues to rise across the country. “The demand is quite high, and we are working very hard to meet it,” she said, adding that the company sometimes has to extend working hours to fulfill urgent orders from distributors in different parts of the country. Dr. Dadzie encouraged greater collaboration within the agro-processing sector, stressing that partnerships among processors could help businesses expand their markets while meeting increasing consumer demand. 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

Komenda College of Education Funds Staff Housing and 2,500 Seat Auditorium Through Agriculture

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The Principal of Komenda College of Education in the Central Region of Ghana, Very Rev. Prof. Kwesi Nkum Wilson, has disclosed that the College is funding significant infrastructure projects through proceeds from its agricultural ventures, positioning agriculture as both an educational tool and a sustainable funding strategy. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Prof. Wilson explained that the institution has deliberately turned its 338 acres of land into productive farmland, generating internally raised funds to support development across the campus. He noted that as a public institution, salary support is provided, but development requires prudent management and innovation. “As a Government Institution, subventions will not be coming. They pay salaries, and that is all. You need to manage the College,” he said. According to him, proceeds from the College farms are currently being used to construct a 12-unit staff apartment facility and a 2,500-capacity auditorium. “We would meet a 12-unit staff apartment coming up there. They are on site, and we are settling with our monies we raise from the farm and other places. We will go down there, with the aid of the Chaplain and others, and we are putting up a 2,500-capacity auditorium with IGF. I am emphasizing on that, not with government subvention,”he stated. The agricultural projects include a 50-acre coconut plantation, maize cultivation, piggery, fish farming, and plans for cattle rearing. According to him, the College harvested over 60 acres of maize with active student participation last year. Beyond revenue generation, Prof. Wilson underscored the moral and national importance of agriculture, arguing that the ability to produce food is foundational. “If you cannot feed yourself, then you have failed God. A nation that imports huge volumes of rice when we have rivers across, there is something wrong. That is why, in spite of what people say, in my College, you would weed. I introduce you to the land,” he said. He maintained that exposure to farming should begin early in life rather than being presented later as an alternative for unemployed youth. As part of a long-term sustainability strategy, the College has invested heavily in coconut cultivation, a crop with an estimated lifespan of about 70 years.  Prof. Wilson indicated that the goal is to protect and develop the land for future leadership. “I will be ending my duty next year, December. But whoever will take over and those I am leaving behind have enough resources to develop the College,” he said. 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

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Aseda Foundation Trains Over 14,500 Young People in Vocational Skills Across 13 Regions in 25 Years

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Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aseda Foundation, Diana Adjei, has revealed that the organisation has trained more than 14,500 people across 13 regions of Ghana over the past 25 years, providing free vocational skills training and startup support to young people and adults. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Madam Adjei recounted how the foundation began in 1999 from a small kiosk in Takoradi, where she started training young women in hairdressing at no cost. According to her, many of the young women she encountered were seeking income and direction in life, and she felt compelled to act. “I told them I would teach them for free, without charging them anything,” she said, adding that she made a personal decision from the very first day not to take money from trainees. The initiative, which started as a beauty training centre, has since expanded into a full-scale vocational training foundation offering 28 trades, including masonry, carpentry, tiling, fabrication, welding and catering. In 2017, the foundation scaled up its operations by collaborating with over 220 master craftsmen in the Western Region to train young people free of charge. The same year, Madam Diana Adjei submitted a proposal to the GNPC Foundation to support the programme with certification and tools. Through the partnership, trainees now sit for National Vocational Training Institute examinations and receive certification, along with startup tools to enable them to establish their own businesses. “Training alone is not enough,” she stated. “Some people would finish learning a skill but still go back to selling on the streets because they didn’t have money to start a shop.” According to her, the foundation trains an average of about 2,000 people each year. In 2025, 2,550 people were trained, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under the GNPC partnership to approximately 14,500 nationwide. Madam Adjei also emphasised the foundation’s commitment to inclusion, stating that there is no age limit for trainees and that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into the programme. She disclosed that last year, more than 100 persons with disabilities were trained in areas such as mushroom farming, snail farming and soap making, and were provided with startup kits. Currently operating in 13 regions, the foundation continues to extend its reach while seeking to establish a stronger presence in the remaining regions. “I don’t want a situation where young people must sell small items just to raise money before they can begin their trade,” she said, appealing to individuals and organisations to support the vision of creating sustainable pathways from training to employment. 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

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Atarrah Ghana Empowers Widows through Baobab Value Addition in Upper East

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Atarrah Ghana Limited, an agribusiness venture is empowering widows and rural women in Ghana’s Upper East Region through value addition in the baobab industry, promoting sustainable livelihoods and the conservation of indigenous tree species. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the Springboard Road Show 2025 stop in the Upper East Region, the Managing Director of Atarrah Ghana, Ms. Fati, said the initiative evolved from the Widows and Orphans Movement, a nonprofit founded by her mother to help widows earn dignified incomes through productive work rather than dependence on donations. “In 2013, my mother asked me to help with the project. We were always begging for money to do good, and I thought we could create something that allows people to work for their money. That’s how we started Atarrah Ghana,” she said. She explained that Atarrah Ghana, headquartered in the Talensi District, operates within the baobab value chain, processing the indigenous tree’s seeds into cold-pressed oil for cosmetic and industrial use. Ms. Fati noted that baobab trees are abundant in the Upper East Region and hold deep cultural significance as symbols of protection and heritage. Ms. Fati said the company produces baobab oil through natural processing methods and ensures that no part of the tree goes to waste. The by-products are converted into animal feed, supporting poultry and livestock farmers, particularly during the dry season. “We produce sustainably. We don’t have any waste product in this factory,” she stated. She further revealed that beyond baobab oil, Atarrah Ghana also processes neem, sesame, moringa, and pawpaw oils, as well as black soap made from baobab and shea butter. The company trains women in shea butter processing and provides market access without competing with their businesses. “We exist because of the women, so whatever they want to do is what we will do. When we compete with one another, we collapse businesses. We all lose out,” Ms. Fati said. Accoprding to Ms. Fati, currently, the factory processes about 15 tons of baobab seeds annually and plans to expand its warehouse capacity fivefold in the coming year. The company is also piloting baobab tree planting initiatives to ensure sustainability and preserve the tree population for future generations. “We want to tell the story of the women so that people can associate with it. We are also planting baobab trees to secure the future of the industry. People say it takes 30 years to harvest, but we are willing to pilot grafting and other innovations to shorten that period,” she added. She urged young people to look beyond challenges and identify opportunities within their local environments. “There’s a lot of space. We just need to think outside the box and look within our environment. If we make things easier for industries, we will see the full potential of our people,” she said. 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. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

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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

Hangout

Nkabom Collaborative Opens Agri-Food Opportunities for Young People

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Prof. Richmond Aryeetey, Project Lead of the Nkabom Collaborative, says Ghana’s agri-food sector presents endless business opportunities for young people beyond traditional farming. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, he explained that the initiative, headquartered at the University of Ghana, brings together six universities and partners like the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to build sustainable food systems. “The agri-food sector is more than just farming. From production to processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption, there is a whole value chain where young people can create businesses and careers,” Prof. Aryeetey said. He added that the program is designed to equip participants with practical skills, mentoring, and financial support. “We identified about 200 young people with business ideas, and after pitching, 100 of them received 1,000 dollars each to develop prototypes,” he revealed. Education Pillar Lead, Dr. Hayford Ayerakwa, outlined the Collaborative’s training pillars, including specialized PhD and short experiential courses in sustainable food systems. “We don’t just do the talking; we engage young people hands-on through field training and industry partnerships so they gain both skills and knowledge,” he said. He stressed that market access is a major focus. “Many times we see bumper harvests in rural areas while urban dwellers struggle to find food. We need young people who can bridge this gap, identify consumers, and link them to producers.” The Collaborative also prioritizes inclusion. According to Prof. Aryeetey, internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities are given special placement in the programs. He shared the example of a visually impaired participant who has advanced in their entrepreneurship track and is now receiving full support. Looking ahead, Prof. Aryeetey said his biggest dream is to see young people lead Ghana’s agri-food sector. “The sector has been dominated by older people for too long. We want to see the next generation empowered, innovating, and achieving great things.” About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady 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 Faustina Yeboah

Hangout

“We’re Selling African Stories to the World” – Leti Arts Marks 15 Years of Cultural Gaming

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Business Development Manager at Leti Arts, Prince Osei, says the company is proud to be telling authentic African stories through comics, animation, and games in a way that is modern, interactive, and relatable for all ages. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, he explained that Leti Arts, founded in 2009, has spent the last 15 years creating culturally rich content that reflects Africa’s history and identity. With over 60 games developed and more than one million downloads across platforms, Prince described their journey as one of impact, growth, and legacy. “At Leti Arts, we are focused on telling African stories with a contemporary feel,” he said. “These aren’t just games for fun,  they’re rooted in African folklore, created for global use, and built to resonate with Africans everywhere.” He explained that the idea was met with skepticism at first, especially by parents who viewed gaming as a waste of time. But over the years, the company has built a strong team, opened doors for young creatives, and proven that gaming can be both meaningful and profitable. “Today, that same thing our parents frowned on is helping us earn a living and even support our families,” he added. Leti Arts now runs regular internship programs with a minimum of 60 participants per cohort. They also support a game design course at Ashesi University to help shape the next generation of African storytellers. “We talk to traditional leaders and people from different ethnic groups to make sure we’re telling the right stories the right way,” he noted. Mr. Osei also pointed out that the global gaming industry is now three times larger than the music, sports, and film industries combined, mainly because these three areas are now being gamified. About Springboard HangoutSpringboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centered show hosted by Lady Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences to educate, entertain, and equip the next generation. By Faustina Yeboah