Opportunities

Hangout

Youth Urged to Tap Into Tourism as Ghana’s Untapped Goldmine

Madam Felicity Nelson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations at the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), has called on young people to explore the vast opportunities in Ghana’s tourism sector, describing it as an untapped goldmine. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Madam Felicity explained that tourism is not just about sightseeing but a significant economic driver that channels money directly into local communities. “Tourism is an immense contributor to our GDP and we must take it seriously,” she said. She also highlighted a range of initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs. One such innovation she mentioned is Car by Night, a double-decker bus tour that showcases Accra after dark, with stops at cultural landmarks such as the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the Osu Night Market. According to her, the tour blends heritage, food, and nightlife to create new experiences for both locals and foreigners. She further announced that the GTDC is offering free vendor advertising on its platform for a period of one year. Young people running tours, cooking classes, craft workshops, or performances can register through the company’s website and receive support with the process. “If you are a young person wondering how to get your name out there, we are offering a platform,” she assured. Madam Felicity also underlined the importance of digital skills and content creation, describing them as pivotal to the growth of tourism in Ghana. She encouraged young people to start small, build consistently, and refine their craft. 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 Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

“Every Cancer Patient Deserves a Special Nurse” – Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti

2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award winner, Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, is calling for greater recognition of cancer nursing as a dedicated specialty within healthcare, saying patients battling such conditions deserve focused, expert care. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, the Oncology Nurse Specialist stressed, “Every patient, and by extension every cancer patient, deserves to be taken care of by a special nurse. There is a need for us to realize cancer nursing as a specialty.” The conversation formed part of the broadcast’s ongoing Changing Narratives series, which highlights Ghanaians who are reshaping the national story through bold and impactful work. The award-winning specialist used the platform to highlight the emotional weight many nurses carry in silence. “Sometimes you see yourself in your patient,” she said. “Depending on the state they come in, it can be emotionally draining. You go home carrying what they are going through.” As an Oncology Nurse Specialist, she stated that her Christian faith is key to how she copes and provides comfort. “Sometimes a patient will ask, ‘Will I survive?’ and because both of us are Christians, I’ll tell them, ‘God will do it.’ I’ve found myself praying for patients. Faith is what keeps me going.” She also shared the core qualities that drive her work and what she believes every great nurse must have: compassion, skill, and faith. “Compassion gives you the drive. Skills give you the ability to deliver. But faith keeps you grounded and strong,” she explained. Reflecting on her journey, the award-winning nurse said her passion for nursing was shaped early by her environment and upbringing. “Growing up, I’d follow family members to the hospital. I watched nurses speak with authority, care, and calm, and people listened. I admired that. I wanted to be that.” Raised by parents of modest means, Mrs. Oyoe Ohene Oti credits her father’s belief in education for helping her pursue her calling. “My dad was a security officer and my mum a trader. He used to say the best thing you can give your children, apart from God, is education. He didn’t get to attend university even after gaining admission, but he made sure all his children did.” She described the award experience as a journey of visibility and purpose. “It’s opened up opportunities to meet amazing people and tell our story. This is what nurses are doing to impact the world.” 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 Joy FM and 9 PM on Joy News TV. The show provides thought leadership, practical life lessons, and transformational conversations with trailblazers across sectors. The current Changing Narratives series spotlights Ghanaians making bold moves to rewrite the national story through innovation and impact.