Power

Virtual University

Education is Ghana’s Greatest Tool for Change, Says Yaw Nsarkoh

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Strategic adviser and director, Yaw Nsarkoh, has described education as the ultimate prescription for building a good society in Ghana. He stressed that knowledge is the most powerful productive force and must be embraced if the country is to experience true liberation. Speaking on Springboard your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Nsarkoh closed the 17th-anniversary Thinkathon series on “The Power of Ideas” with a call for a more profound rethink of development. “Educate, educate, educate. Knowledge is the primary productive force. Embrace it. If we get it, we will liberate our society,” he said. He argued that economic growth statistics, such as reduced inflation, mean little if they do not translate into better livelihoods for citizens. “The destination is what Nkrumah was talking about. 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. The strategic Advisor further questioned the fairness of Ghana’s democracy, warning that it risks trapping generations in cycles of poverty. “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 children will keep giving birth to the poor,” he cautioned. He described this “Santa Claus democracy” as an over monetized system that treats citizens as tokens to be bought during elections, excluding them from meaningful participation in national progress. Quoting Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate in literature, he said Africa’s variant of democracy has become “a public auction for the highest bidder.” Mr. Nsarkoh added that true development must be measured not by figures but by the creation of opportunities, a thinking culture, and a green, sustainable environment where every citizen has the chance to rise. 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

Virtual University

Ghana’s Political Future Hinges on Integrity and Accountability – Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu

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Speaking on a recent Springboard your virtual university broadcast, Most Rev. Prof. Johnson Kwabena Asamoah-Gyadu delivered a critique of Ghana’s political landscape, stressing the urgent need for integrity and accountability in national leadership. He drew attention to a troubling pattern in which politicians from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are appointed to public office despite facing ongoing investigations for alleged corruption. “I am not saying they are guilty because I don’t know. But I believe investigations should be concluded before such appointments are made,” he stated. “Integrity isn’t about shortcuts. Let the system determine credibility, not the ruling party.” Beyond corruption, Prof. Asamoah-Gyadu condemned the culture of hostile political campaigning, particularly when it involves threats to the livelihoods of opponents. “How can destroying other people’s livelihoods be a campaign message?” he asked, urging citizens to hold leaders accountable. His message reinforced a call for a new political paradigm anchored in ethical governance and citizen responsibility. He urged Ghanaians to be bold in questioning authority and to demand higher standards from those in power. “Integrity matters. Leadership matters. The future of Ghana depends on a society brave enough to insist on both,” he concluded. This address stands as a wake-up call to the nation, reminding citizens that Ghana’s political future rests not only on the leaders elected, but also on the values that society chooses to uphold. 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 Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkathon series brings together thinkers and leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Genevieve Mensah

Career Clinic

Ghana Grows Career Clinic Highlights the Power of Time Management for Personal Growth and Legacy

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Friday’s Ghana Grows Career Clinic was nothing short of transformative as Dr. Isaac Newman Arthur unpacked the powerful link between time management, mental health, and purpose. He reminded participants that time is more than hours ticking away, it unfolds in moments of opportunity, seasons of growth, and a lifetime that God has set for impact. “Lifetime is set by God so that meaningful events can happen to your life,” he explained, urging everyone to value each season because wasting one can disrupt the next. While some time slips away unintentionally, Dr. Newman emphasized that we still have the power to take charge. The key lies in setting goals and focusing on what matters most. “You are more effective if you prioritize than when you don’t prioritize,” he said. He painted a vivid picture of a future where people pay not for the hours in your day, but for the years you’ve invested in becoming valuable. Time management, he stressed, is inseparable from wellbeing. Poorly managed time often manifests as stress, anxiety, burnout, or poor health. True wellbeing, according to Dr. Newman, rests on four pillars: physical fitness, mental soundness, social competence, and spiritual strength. He urged participants to reflect honestly, practice genuine self-care, and embrace continuous learning. “Unforgiveness is one of the delays of time,” he cautioned. “When you fix time for yourself and you heal yourself, then you have the capacity to impact the world.” To students, his advice was direct: “If you’re a student, only two things are important: God and school.” To entrepreneurs and leaders, he emphasized the need to build systems that outlive them. And to all, he left this challenge: “If leisure does not maximize your output in life, it is useless leisure.” By the end of the session, one truth stood out clearly: time is shaping our future, our health, and our legacy. Or, as Dr. Newman summed it up powerfully: “If you’re doing well, you will do well!” Once again, the Ghana Grows Career Clinic proved to be a wake-up call to live intentionally, guard our wellbeing, and use time wisely to create impact that lasts. About Ghana Grows Career Clinic Ghana Grows Career Clinic is a weekly webinar series designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive in work and life. Held every Friday at 4:00 PM, the sessions bring together expert facilitators, practical training, and interactive discussions on a variety of topics. By Genevieve Mensah

Virtual University

Popular Culture is Key to Driving Social Change

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Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, says that popular culture plays a decisive role in shaping society and sparking social change. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing 17th anniversary Thinkaton series, Prof. Ampofo highlighted the importance of ideas, mentorship, and structured philanthropy in building a better future. “Ideas are the most powerful because without ideas, you don’t move, you’re stuck. You have to be thinking and dreaming about something to move somewhere,” she said. She emphasized that young people are central to this process, adding that mentoring them provides fulfillment and hope for the future. “Working with young people gives me a lot of energy. Not only do they take what you give them, but they take it further,” she noted. Prof. Ampofo also drew attention to the everyday acts of philanthropy within African societies, pointing out the need for a more structured approach. “Everybody is paying somebody’s school fees, hospital bills, funeral donations…but we are not counting it. We are doing philanthropy but it needs to be formalized and connected to science and policy,” she explained. According to her, social development must be measured by how vulnerable groups are treated. “It should be our benchmark how are we taking care of the most vulnerable?” she stressed. She further underscored the importance of imagination and vision in driving innovation. “You cannot develop if you’re not dreaming. To innovate your imagination has to be activated,” she said. 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 Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The ongoing Thinkaton series brings together thinkers and leaders from various fields to explore the power of ideas in shaping society. By Faustina Yeboah

Virtual University

17 Years On, Springboard Still Graduates a Nation of Doers

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Springboard marks its 17th year with Thinkathon, a seven-week ideas series inviting Ghanaians to think boldly, act responsibly, and build a culture of integrity. Seventeen years ago, a simple on-air conversation at Joy FM became a movement. Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran, has grown into one of Ghana’s most trusted platforms for thought leadership and practical capacity building. Reflecting on the journey, Rev. Ocran said “This broadcast was born on the evening of August 4, 2008, when Comfort and I sat in the studios of Joy FM to discuss building a good society. Seventeen years later, it is remarkable to reflect on how far we have comewith the broadcast, the number of platforms it now serves, and the millions of lives it has positively impacted. To God alone be the glory. We thank all our sponsors, stakeholders, listeners, and viewers. You make Springboard, the Virtual University.” Across the years, Springboard has hosted some of the nation’s most influential voices, including Pastor Mensa Otabil, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, Dr. Patrick Awuah, Bernard Avle, Kwami Sefa Kayi, Azumah Nelson, and Anita Erskine, sharing ideas that shape mindsets and inspire action in business, governance, academia, sports, and faith. The impact is echoed by national figures. Actor Adjetey Anang notes, “What Springboard Virtual University gives you is social skills. It helps you set yourself apart and be street-smart.” Veteran stateswoman Joyce Aryee calls the programme “relevant” and “timely.” And Professor Pikay Richardson urges young people to tune in, emphasizing Springboard’s role in democratizing knowledge: “In the knowledge economy, knowledge is power…this is one programme where you can actually get knowledge, virtually for free.” To mark the anniversary, Springboard has launched Thinkathon, a seven-week series convening experts to test bold ideas for national progress. For nearly two decades, Springboard has functioned as a “national classroom,” translating insight into action for listeners across generations. It airs every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on Joy FM and Springboard Zone (YouTube), and at 9:00 p.m. on Joy News TV. With Thinkathon, Springboard widens the conversation, equipping Ghanaians with ideas, practical guidance, and the motivation to lead in their communities and workplaces.

Hangout

“Your Health Is Your Power”– Experts Urge Young People to Eat and Live Better

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 Dietician Madam Etornam Bansah and gym instructor Mr. Julius Siakpornu have stressed the need for young people to take control of their health by paying attention to their diet and committing to regular physical activity. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with Lady Comfort Ocran, they tackled practical questions about fitness, nutrition, and how simple lifestyle changes can improve long-term health outcomes. The discussion formed part of the Her Health Her Power series, designed to help young women make better choices for their minds and bodies. Nutritionist and dietician, Madam Bansah, encouraged young people to start by eating balanced meals rather than starving themselves in the name of weight loss. “For the average healthy person, eating just once or twice a day is not ideal,” she said. “Three main meals a day with healthy snacks in between is fine. Starving slows your metabolism and throws your body off.” She also cautioned against replacing food with supplements. “Supplements are fine, but they’re meant to support, not replace, good nutrition. Your meals should look like a rainbow: different colors, fruits, vegetables, proteins. That’s the foundation.” Madam Bansah, who was drawn to nutrition after a childhood encounter with a woman suffering from goiter, added that people should avoid self-medicating with supplements unless they’ve been properly diagnosed. “Don’t just pop iron or calcium pills because you feel dizzy. Know your history. If you’re pregnant, a sickle cell patient, or have a condition, talk to a doctor first.” Mr. Siakpornu also touched on the importance of warming up before workouts. “Your muscles are like you; they sleep at night. Warming up wakes them and prepares them for what’s coming. You can’t just jump into lifting or jogging without alerting your body.” He also explained why water is essential during exercise. “You need to stay hydrated to keep your circulation going. When your throat gets dry, it’s your body asking for help. Take small sips to stay balanced.” 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