Opportunities

Hangout

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

Hangout

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

Hangout

Hights Enterprise Empowers 2,000 Women through Agric Value Addition in Upper East Region

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Hights Enterprise Limited, an agribusiness, is transforming agricultural livelihoods in Ghana’s Upper East Region through value addition, women empowerment, and sustainable agribusiness practices, according to its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Akayeti Naamlebna. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran during the launch of the Springboard Road Show 2025 in Bolgatanga, Naamlebna said the idea for Hights Enterprise was inspired by his work with women farmer groups in rural communities. “I realized that supporting women only to produce raw materials was not enough. When you add value to crops, you create jobs and make a real impact,” he said. The trained finance professional, Naamlebna explained that Hights Enterprise was established to lead in value addition within the region’s agriculture sector. “The company focuses mainly on the edible oil value chain, producing cold-pressed groundnut, sesame, and baobab oils sourced from local farmers,” he added. He said the oils are produced using natural methods and have become popular among diverse consumer groups in Ghana. Hights Enterprise is certified by the Food and Drugs Authority and is in the process of securing additional certification from the Ghana Standards Authority. Beyond oils, the company also processes baobab and hibiscus powders, as well as smoked guinea fowl, all made from locally sourced raw materials. “We started with 500 women farmers and have grown to 2,000 across the Upper East and Northeast regions,” Naamlebna said. Through partnerships with the GIZ Invest for Jobs initiative, Cosmos Innovation, and the Mastercard Foundation’s Bridging Agriculture Program, Hights Enterprise has received capacity-building and equipment support to strengthen its operations. Naamlebna explained that the women farmers, mostly out-growers, benefit from training, cooperative registration, and access to guaranteed markets. “We offtake everything they produce, so they don’t have to worry about where to sell,” he emphasized. The company also promotes environmentally friendly practices by using by-products from processing to produce organic manure. It is currently exploring the development of a biogas project to reduce reliance on firewood and improve rural energy access. Looking ahead, Naamlebna shared plans to expand into large-scale processing and export within the next five years. “We want to be a major player in the oil value chain and in value addition for northern products. Adding value creates jobs and reduces post-harvest losses,” he stated. He encouraged young people to explore opportunities within agriculture. “We are surrounded by opportunities, but if you don’t think, you won’t realize them. Positive thinking attracts positive results,” he advised. 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. By Genevieve Mensah

Edwuma

Rashid Adams Turns 100 Cedis Coconut Venture into Growing Brand

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Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rash Coco Hut, Rashid Adams, has transformed a coconut-selling venture he started with just 100 Ghana cedis into a growing enterprise producing bottled coconut water and organic fruit juices in Accra. Speaking on Ghana Grows Edwuma, Mr. Adams shared how his journey began after several years working as a driver’s mate. “I’ve always had the dream to build something and give the youth job opportunities,” he said. “After careful thought, I settled on the coconut business. It’s something I’ve done from childhood.” He explained that innovation has been central to his brand’s growth. “I can boldly say that selling bottled coconut water was introduced by Rashid, and many people can testify to this,” he noted. “The way we’ve known coconut sales over the years has been the same, but I decided to make it more appealing through packaging.” Today, Rash Coco Hut, located at Adenta Housing Down in Accra, operates with a team of young workers who help supply coconuts to customers daily and at events. The business sources its coconuts from Sammens and sells over 3,000 coconuts weekly. Beyond coconut water, the entrepreneur has expanded into producing a range of organic juices, including sugarcane, tiger nut, and pineapple blends. “We now have about 14 different varieties of juices, all pure and organic with no additives,” he said. Mr. Adams attributed his success to perseverance and purpose. “Indeed, I started this business with just 100 Ghana cedis. I think I’m blessed with knowledge and resilience to persist even under the harshest conditions,” he said. To sustain production, Rash Coco Hut now operates its own coconut farm, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. Mr. Adams emphasized his goal of creating employment for young people. “Most people complete school and say there are no jobs. I’ve committed myself to working hard so that through my business, others can find opportunities and stay off the streets,” he added. Through Rash Coco Hut, Rashid Adams continues to demonstrate how creativity and determination can turn a small idea into a sustainable source of livelihood and inspiration for Ghana’s youth. About Ghana Grows Edwuma Ghana 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 Genevieve Mensah

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

Springboard Road Show 2025

Techiman Youth Urged to Tap Opportunities in Agriculture – MCE Kwaku Adjei Mensah at Springboard Road Show 2025

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The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Techiman, Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah, has urged young people to explore opportunities in agriculture, describing the sector as a key driver of innovation, employment, and national development. He made the call at the Springboard Road Show 2025 held in Techiman, the sixth stop of the nationwide youth empowerment tour under the Ghana Grows programme. The event brought together young people, traditional leaders, and local authorities to discuss skills development, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being. Hon. Mensah noted that agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors for the country’s youth, offering vast potential for enterprise and self-employment. He encouraged participants to acquire practical skills and leverage both government and private-sector interventions to improve productivity and livelihoods. “Agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors for our youth. It offers vast potential for innovation, employment, and enterprise,” he said. “I encourage every young person to acquire practical skills and take advantage of interventions in agriculture to improve productivity and livelihoods.” The Techiman edition marked the transition of the Road Show from Ghana’s northern and savannah zones to the middle belt. The initiative, expected to cover all 16 regions and engage over 500,000 young people, focuses on empowering youth through innovation, inclusion, and mentorship. A key session on mental health and psychosocial support emphasized emotional resilience and self-care as vital elements of personal and professional success. Facilitators also highlighted the availability of free counselling services under the Ghana Grows programme. Two members of the Ghana Grows Girls Club shared how the initiative had transformed their lives. Ellen Anyaki said e-mentoring sessions on entrepreneurship and food processing helped her start a garlic and ginger paste business after winning the 60-Day Backyard Farming Challenge. “Through e-mentoring on entrepreneurship and food processing, I was able to start a garlic and ginger paste business,” she said. “Winning the 60-Day Backyard Farming Challenge gave me a starter kit and financial support to expand my venture.” Haggar Sackey, a participant of the Empower360 training, said training in soap making inspired her to establish Evert & Co., a youth-led enterprise that trains senior high school students in soap production and entrepreneurship. “The soap-making training gave me the confidence to start my own business,” she said. “The programme gave me purpose and direction.” Traditional leaders, including Nana Adwoa Akwaabea Sika (New Krobo Hemaa), Nana Kwadwo Yeboah (Atipimhene, Krobo Kyidom Traditional Council), and Nana Afia Yeboaa (Atipimhemaa, Krobo Kyidom Traditional Council), graced the event. Nana Kwadwo Yeboah, also a Ghana Grows Youth Ambassador, said his training at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) had enhanced his knowledge in agriculture and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET), enabling him to mentor young people through Career Clinic sessions. The Springboard Road Show 2025 continues its mission of nurturing a generation of skilled, confident, and purpose-driven young people. From Techiman, the nationwide journey proceeds to the Bono Region, carrying forward the message of enterprise, innovation, and empowerment for every young person ready to grow. Marketing and Communications Springboard Roadshow Foundation

Hangout

From Two Pupils to 215: How Springboard Inspired a teacher to Build a School in Zorko

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Dr. Thomas Abugre, Founder of Zimas Grace International School in Zorko, Upper East Region, credits a single encounter with the Springboard Road Show in 2010 for transforming his life and inspiring him to establish the first private school in his community. Speaking on the Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Dr. Abugre recounted how attending the Road Show sparked a vision to create opportunities for children in Zorko, a community that previously only had public schools. “Hearing Reverend Albert Ocran say it doesn’t matter where you are, you can make it, I was moved to act,” he recalled. According to Dr. Abugre, the school started in a rented single room with just two pupils, the children of his colleagues. By the end of the first year, enrolment had grown to 10. Today, Zimas Grace International School boasts 215 pupils and 12 teachers, offering classes from kindergarten through junior high school. The school also runs an affordable feeding programme, ensuring pupils receive daily meals, a factor Dr. Abugre says has improved attendance and retention. Beyond founding the school, Dr. Abugre has pursued his own education relentlessly, progressing from a Cert-A teacher to earning a first degree, a master’s, and a PhD specializing in early childhood development. “The Springboard Road Show changed my mindset about being a village champion. If I can rise to this level, so can others,” he said. Despite its success, the school faces significant challenges with infrastructure and land ownership. Zorko’s traditional landowners do not sell land to non-natives, so Zimas Grace currently operates in rented spaces, including a community centre. This limitation has prevented the school from fully utilizing its computer lab, despite receiving 15 computers through a donation facilitated by Springboard. Despite these obstacles, Dr. Abugre says the school has made a lasting impact, inspiring the emergence of other private schools in the area and reducing the need for parents to send their children to Bolgatanga for private education. Looking ahead, he hopes to track the progress of his pupils over the next decade and expand facilities to support their growth. He urged young people and the public to support the school’s infrastructure needs, either through the PTA or its bank account. “If there is anything you can get hooked on, get hooked on the Springboard Road Show. It has transformed my life, and it can transform yours,” he advised. The visit to Zorko was part of the 2025 Springboard Road Show, which is touring 16 cities and engaging over 500,000 youth in one amazing experience. 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. It airs every Saturday on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel (YouTube) at 4 pm. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

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