Inclusion

Hangout, News

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

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President of the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, Mr. Alexander Tetteh, has called for a change in the way businesses owned by persons with disabilities are perceived, urging the public to treat them as legitimate businesses rather than charity projects. He said buying products from entrepreneurs with disabilities out of sympathy may offer temporary support, but does little to help their businesses become sustainable and competitive. “Sometimes when disabled people produce products, we don’t see it as a business. We see it as a charity,” Mr. Tetteh said. “We should see it with a business eye, so that we support them to grow and expand. But if we see it as charity, it will not grow.” He made the remarks during an episode of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, which focused on redefining inclusion and creating greater opportunities for persons with disabilities. The discussion featured young entrepreneur Elisha Kofi Foli, Founder of Mycocostuff Ghana, whose business turns discarded coconut shells into eco-friendly products, including cups, plates, phone stands, earrings, buttons, and other household and fashion accessories. Mr. Foli explained that he started the business after observing the large amounts of coconut waste in his community, particularly after rainfall and flooding. Rather than focusing only on plastic waste, he decided to find value in another common form of waste. His business now employs three people on a part-time basis, with the potential to create more jobs as demand increases. However, market acceptance remains one of his major challenges. Mr. Foli noted that some customers focus on his disability and approach his products with sympathy instead of appreciating their quality and commercial value. That experience, he said, has strengthened his determination to demonstrate that persons with disabilities can build viable businesses and contribute meaningfully to society. Mr. Tetteh said the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, which has mobilized more than 4,000 entrepreneurs with disabilities, works to address some of these challenges through market access, funding opportunities, training and policy advocacy. The Chamber also creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and connect with potential customers. Beyond market access, Mr. Tetteh called for more inclusive business policies, noting that not every person with a disability would find employment in the formal sector. He therefore advocated for entrepreneurship to be included in policies aimed at improving employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. He also stressed the need for accessible public spaces, respectful language and positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities. For him, inclusion goes beyond physical access. It requires society to recognise persons with disabilities as equal participants in education, employment, business and public life. Mr. Foli, who won the Most Resilient Award at the Enterprise Spotlight Challenge, a youth entrepreneurship challenge by the Enterprise Group with technical support from Springboard Road Show Foundation in April 2026,  encouraged persons with disabilities to be confident, pursue available opportunities and stand up for their rights within the law. The discussion formed part of Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran’s ongoing conversation on redefining inclusion and promoting a society where persons with disabilities can pursue dignified and fulfilling work. Watch the full interview here… https://www.youtube.com/live/2RQCakxBI_U?si=jmHkbefN-5iLR1Tf About Springboard Hangout Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

News

Stakeholders Advocate Greater Disability Inclusion

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Disability advocates and development organizations have called for more intentional workplace inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities in Ghana during the EmpowAbility Seminar 2.0 held in Accra to mark May Day. Held under the theme, “Celebrating the Ghanaian Worker: Inclusion, Dignity and Opportunity for All,” the seminar brought together development practitioners, advocates, professionals, and persons with disabilities to discuss equal opportunities and inclusion in the workplace. The call comes amid persistent challenges facing persons with disabilities, including unemployment, discrimination, limited access to training opportunities, and societal stereotypes that continue to hinder full participation in society and the workplace. Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, urged organizations and institutions to incorporate effective disability inclusive strategies to encourage inclusion and accessibility in every aspect of the Ghanaian workspace.  “Inclusion by default means we don’t add accessibility as an afterthought. We build it in from day one”. She said. She further emphasized the need to create spaces that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in national development through equal access to opportunities, empowerment initiatives, and support structures. Reinforcing the call for mindset transformation, Michael Owusu Asare, Director of No Limit Foundation, challenged persons with disabilities and young people to rise above limitations and take intentional steps toward personal growth and empowerment. “The wheelchair is not the disability: the real disability is a mindset that believes you cannot change your circumstances due to challenges you are confronted with,” he stressed. Director at the Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities Ghana, Mr. Alexander K. Tetteh, encouraged persons with disabilities to embrace entrepreneurship and self-development as a means of financial empowerment.   The event was organised by No Limit Foundation in partnership with Springboard Road Show Foundation, Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities Ghana, Enterprise Life, Enterprise Insurance, Enterprise Trustees, Gold Fields Ghana Foundation and Telecel Ghana among others.

News

Ghana Grows High School Next Level Tour Transforms Lives at Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind

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The Ghana Grows High School Next Level Tour continues to make a profound impact on young lives, with its recent stop at the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind delivering not just knowledge and inspiration but also a life-changing financial breakthrough for one student. This year’s edition of the tour is dedicated to special schools and institutions for persons with disabilities, creating opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness while transforming lives in powerful and unexpected ways. A standout moment from the event was the Wow Moment segment, where students are recognized for their engagement, enthusiasm, and outstanding participation. In a particularly moving instance, a student named Callistus was awarded a cash prize, just when he was struggling to pay his school fees. “I didn’t know how I was going to pay my fees, and today, this happened. I am so grateful to the organizers for coming here, not just to teach us but to change lives. This means everything to me,” Callistus expressed emotionally. His story exemplifies the transformative power of the High School Next Level Disability Inclusion program, which not only broadens young minds to opportunities in agriculture but also meets critical needs in impactful ways. Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, highlighted the deeper impact of the initiative “Every time we visit a school, we see young people whose dreams are just waiting to be ignited. Today, beyond educating and inspiring, we were able to make a direct impact on a student’s life.” With each stop, the Ghana Grows High School Next Level Tour is changing perceptions, opening doors, and making a tangible difference. So far, the team has visited Koforidua School for the Deaf, Kibi School for the Deaf, Bechem School for the Deaf, Takoradi Special Vocational School, and Twin City Special School. Additionally, the tour has seen the foundation visit Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind, Volta School for the Deaf and Blind and Gbi Special School. About Ghana Grows The Ghana Grows programme is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation, led by the Springboard Road Show Foundation. Lyme Haus serves as a sub-implementing partner, alongside key technical collaborators, including, Axis Human Capital, Meraki Arts Africa, Light for the World, Ghana Psychological Association (GPA), Young & Vibe, Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA) Together, these partners are driving meaningful change and creating new opportunities for young people across Ghana.

News

Ghana Grows High School Next Level Tour Heads to Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind!

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The High School Next Level tour is in full swing, and excitement continues to build as the team makes its way to the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind on Friday, March 28. So far, the tour has delivered inspiring and transformational experiences at the Koforidua School for the Deaf and the Bechem School for the Deaf, where students are engaged in interactive learning, hands-on activities, and motivational sessions designed to expose them to endless opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness. This year’s edition of High School Next Level, an initiative of Ghana Grows, led by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the Springboard Road Show Foundation is dedicated to special schools and institutions for persons with disabilities. The goal is to ensure that every young person, regardless of ability, has access to the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in agriculture and ATVET (Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training). As the High School Next Level team heads to the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind, students can expect a life-transforming experience featuring engaging presentations on career opportunities in agriculture, inspirational mentorship sessions with resource persons, and exciting activities designed to challenge perceptions and inspire change. Joining the tour as a resource person, Michael Owusu Asare, Disability Inclusion Specialist and Founder of No Limit Consult, will continue to motivate and empower students, emphasizing that disability is not a limitation to success in agriculture and beyond. Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, shared: “The response to this year’s road show has been incredible. It is always awe-inspiring to see students actively listening and participating in the program. Their enthusiasm propels us to keep doing what we are doing. This program is all about empowerment, inclusion, and creating opportunities for young people to see the possibilities in agriculture. We look forward to an amazing experience at the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind and beyond!” The countdown to Friday, March 28, has begun, and the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind is ready to experience the excitement, learning, and inspiration that the Ghana Grows High School Next Level tour brings. About Ghana Grows The Ghana Grows program is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation, led by the Springboard Road Show Foundation. Lyme Haus serves as a sub-implementing partner, alongside key technical collaborators, including Axis Human Capital, Meraki Arts Africa, Light for the World, the Ghana Psychological Association (GPA), Young & Vibe, the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Ghana Hairdressers and Beauticians Association (GHABA).

News

Ghana Grows High School Next Level Kicks Off with an Unforgettable Experience at Koforidua School for the Deaf!

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The Ghana Grows High School Next Level tour has officially begun with an unparalleled experience for students at Koforidua School for the Deaf on Friday, March 14. This year’s edition is particularly special as it is dedicated to special schools and institutions for persons with disabilities, ensuring that every young mind, regardless of ability, is empowered with knowledge and opportunities in agriculture and its extended value chain. This intervention, under the Ghana Grows Program, is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with the Springboard Road Show Foundation. Over the years, the High School Next Level has become one of the most anticipated events for high school students, providing hands-on experiences and inspiring stories to help young people see the vast opportunities in agriculture and ATVET (Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training). Following the remarkable success of previous editions, the 2025 edition is prioritizing inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind. The journey began in the Eastern Region, with Koforidua School for the Deaf hosting Kibi School for the Deaf and setting the stage for an insightful and impactful experience. Speaking at the event, Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, emphasized the significance of this year’s focus saying, “This year’s edition of High School Next Level is about breaking barriers and creating a future where every young person, regardless of ability, has access to opportunities in agriculture. By reaching out to special schools, we are intentional about inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey of economic empowerment.” Joining the tour as a resource person to motivate students, Michael Owusu Asare, a disability inclusion specialist and founder of No Limit Consult, stressed the importance of inclusive participation in the agricultural sector. He said, “Agriculture is a game-changer in Ghana’s economy, and young people are at the heart of its transformation. Through this initiative, we are not only equipping students with knowledge but also providing them with the tools and confidence to explore agriculture as a viable and fulfilling career path regardless of any physical challenges they may face.” The 2025 Ghana Grows High School Next Level tour will be held in about ten schools with a clear commitment to reaching special schools and institutions for persons with disabilities. The program is designed to challenge perceptions and ignite aspirations to consider agriculture as a career path. From Akropong to Accra, the tour will continue bringing practical training, insightful presentations, and entertainment to students across the country. With more destinations ahead, the excitement is just beginning! About Ghana Grows The Ghana Grows Program is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation, implemented by a consortium led by the Springboard Road Show Foundation. Lyme Haus serves as a sub-implementing partner, alongside other key technical collaborators, including Axis Human Capital, Meraki Arts Africa, Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD), Ghana Psychological Association (GPA), Young & Vibe, the Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and GHABA.