Innovators

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

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