Springboard

Virtual University

“Nobody Owes You Anything, Build Your Own Path” — Constance Swaniker Charges Young People

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Founder of the Design and Technology Institute, Constance Swaniker, has urged young people to take responsibility for their future by building skills, pursuing purpose, and creating opportunities for themselves rather than waiting for employment. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host Pastor Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing Exploring Women in Leadership series, she said the future of work demands a shift in mindset, especially among young Africans entering an uncertain job market. According to her, the traditional expectation of securing ready-made jobs is no longer reliable, making it critical for young people to think differently about work and success. She explained that many of the jobs available in the future will require high-level skills that technology cannot easily replace, particularly in areas such as welding, plumbing, and electrical work. She pointed out that the reality of the labour market is already visible, citing the overwhelming number of applicants chasing limited opportunities as a sign of what lies ahead. In her view, the answer lies in equipping young people with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset that allows them to create value and employ others. “We are entering a world where jobs are limited and highly competitive. Young people must begin to see themselves not as job seekers but as job creators. When you combine skills with the right mindset, you are not waiting to be chosen; you are positioning yourself to build something of your own,” she said. Reflecting on her own journey, Madam Swaniker said she did not start out as a top academic performer and only came into her own later in life. She described herself as a late developer who had to find her voice and build confidence from within, adding that her story should encourage young people who may not fit traditional academic expectations. “I was not the A student people expected to succeed. I had to discover my strength and prove to myself that I could become something. You must be your own biggest cheerleader because at the end of the day, you are the one responsible for your journey,” she noted. She also emphasised that purpose plays a central role in leadership, explaining that her work is driven by a commitment to transforming the lives of young people. For her, leadership is not about personal success but about creating pathways for others to grow and thrive. Beyond technical skills, she stressed the importance of character, discipline, and values in shaping successful individuals. She revealed that a significant portion of training at her institute focuses on soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and personal conduct. “Technical ability alone is not enough. We are building people who can think, communicate, and carry themselves well. When you are not there, your values must speak for you. That is what makes the difference in the real world,” she explained. Touching on gender inclusion, she highlighted the growing number of young women entering traditionally male-dominated fields such as welding and industrial work, describing it as a powerful sign of progress. She said many of these young women are excelling and redefining what is possible. She noted that seeing confident, skilled women in such spaces is not just inspiring but necessary for national development, adding that storytelling around these successes must be amplified to change long-held perceptions. Madam Swaniker further called for a collective national effort to support young people, stressing that government, industry, and individuals all have a role to play in preparing the next generation. “If we say it takes a village to raise a child, then we are that village. Everyone of us has a responsibility to create opportunities, mentor, and support young people so they can build a better future,” she said. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion formed part of the special International Women’s Day series dubbed HERizon: Exploring women in leadership. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

Nguvu Global Expands Shea Business Supporting Over 1,000 Women in Northern Ghana

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Freditta Apeagyei, Founder of Nguvu Global Ltd, and Francesca Apeagyei, Co-Founder of the company, say their shea-based skincare business is creating economic opportunities for more than 1,000 women in Northern Ghana while promoting locally produced beauty products. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, the entrepreneurs explained that Nguvu Global works directly with women involved in harvesting and processing shea nuts, building a growing value chain around one of Ghana’s most widely used natural products. According to Freditta Apeagyei, the company was established to build a business around natural shea butter skincare products while recognising the women whose work sustains the industry. “Nguvu means strength. The name was derived from the women who produce the shea butter. They are strong, capable, and productive women who have gone through so much but still continue working,” she said. She noted that the company currently produces a range of about thirteen skincare products made from shea and other natural ingredients, including refined and unrefined shea, black soap, charcoal soap, oils, shampoos, and conditioners. “We have dedicated pickers and producers. Some go to the plantations to pick the nuts, and others process them. The raw materials come from nature and are then sent to our production centre in Accra,” Freditta Apeagyei said. Francesca Apeagyei explained that one of the brand’s best-selling shea products was discovered during a visit to Tamale, where she encountered a locally made formulation that stood out. “I tried it and said no way. I sent it to Freditta in the UK and told her she had to try it. When she tried it she said, what are we waiting for? There was something about the formulation that people needed to know about,” she said. Beyond the commercial side of the business, the sisters added that the company has also undertaken community development initiatives in the areas where its shea raw materials are sourced. According to them, the decision to build a preschool near one of the production sites came after observing that many women had to bring their young children to work because there were no nearby schools. “We decided to build a preschool for the factory workers’ children so that parents can drop them off and go to work safely,” she said. The sisters added that they intend to continue expanding the shea value chain while creating more employment opportunities for women and supporting social initiatives in the communities where the business operates. 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

Uncategorized

‘Business Must Be Built Around People, Not Profit’ Says Gwen Addo

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Founder and CEO of Hair Senta, Gwen Addo, has urged entrepreneurs and aspiring leaders to build businesses that place people at the centre rather than profits, saying long-term success comes from service, trust, and a willingness to keep learning. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, with host, Ps. Albert Ocran, as part of the ongoing Exploring Women in Leadership series marking International Women’s Day, Mrs. Addo reflected on her journey from banking into entrepreneurship and shared lessons on leadership, innovation, and personal growth. According to her, one of the biggest mistakes many entrepreneurs make is starting businesses solely with profit in mind. “You don’t start a business thinking about profits. That is the wrong way to do it. I saw a problem and realised there were people who needed options with their hair and extensions. I tapped into that need and also saw the opportunity to build a brand around trust and consistency,” she said. Mrs. Addo explained that the decision to leave banking and venture into the beauty industry did not happen overnight. Instead, she started the business on a small scale while still working in the corporate sector, testing products among colleagues before eventually committing to it fully. “I didn’t just wake up and quit my job. I started small. I ordered a few pieces of hair and tested them with colleagues to see how it would go. When I saw the potential, I planned and realised this could become something bigger,” she noted. The entrepreneur also highlighted the importance of balancing customer acquisition with retention. “A lot of companies focus only on acquiring new clients, but retention is just as important. When you retain clients while still attracting new ones, your market share grows naturally,” she said. Reflecting on the growth of Hair Senta, Mrs. Addo added that the business evolved significantly once she began focusing on what customers actually wanted rather than what she personally believed the market needed. “In the beginning, I created a brand around what I wanted, not what people wanted. The business really opened up when I began listening to people and understanding their needs,” she said. She added that as the company expanded into partnerships and international distribution, her leadership approach also changed. “As you grow, leadership changes you whether you like it or not. I began to realize that people in different industries were watching what we were doing. That made me more intentional about how I lead because there are people learning from the journey,” she said. The CEO also credited her Christian faith as a major influence on her leadership philosophy, explaining that it shifted her perspective from ownership to stewardship. “Faith has humbled me and made me realize that I am not an owner but a steward. When you see yourself that way, it becomes natural to operate with integrity and to serve people well,” she said. According to her, this mindset has helped her maintain resilience even during difficult periods in business. “As a person of faith, I believe everything works together for good. Even when something looks like failure, it may simply mean that path was not meant for you,” she added. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is a weekly motivational and personal development broadcast produced by the Springboard Road Show Foundation and hosted by Pastor. Albert Ocran. The broadcast airs every Sunday at 7 PM on  Joy 99.7 FM and on Springboard Channel (Facebook & YouTube)  and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. The discussion formed part of the special International Women’s Day series dubbed HERizon: Exploring women in leadership. Marketing & Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Hangout

“The Future of Agro Processing Is Value Addition” – Dr. Rosemond Dadzie Calls for Farmer Collaboration and Zero Waste Production

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Food scientist and lecturer Dr. Rosemond Dadzie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fountain Foods, says the future of Ghana’s agro-processing sector depends on adding value to local produce, working closely with farmers, and eliminating waste at every stage of production. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Dr. Dadzie explained that these principles have shaped the steady growth of her Cape Coast-based agro-processing company over the past few years. According to her, Fountain Foods has expanded significantly since its early days, increasing its product range from 7 to 14 while strengthening its production processes and improving product packaging. “When you first came, we had about 7 products. Now we have doubled the number to about 14 products,” she said, noting that the company has also moved from simple plastic packaging to customized branded packaging as part of efforts to improve quality and presentation. Dr. Dadzie added that the company’s market presence has also grown steadily. What began with a presence mainly in Cape Coast and Tarkwa has now expanded to other major markets, including Accra, Kumasi, and Sunyani, as demand for locally processed food products continues to rise. Beyond market expansion, she stressed that a deliberate zero-waste philosophy is central to how the company operates. According to her, every stage of production is carefully managed to ensure that little or nothing goes to waste. “We do not throw them away. After the sieving stage, we mill the particles again to produce fine gari. What remains at the very end is used for animal feed,” she explained. Dr. Dadzie also highlighted the importance of partnerships with farmers in sustaining the company’s growth. She disclosed that Fountain Foods currently works with about 50 to 60 farmers under a structured supply system that ensures each farmer has a scheduled date to deliver produce. “We have a schedule for them. A farmer knows that on a particular date, he is supplying cassava to Fountain Foods, and we do not bypass anyone when their time comes because they are expecting that opportunity,” she said. She explained that the system helps guarantee a reliable supply of raw materials while also giving farmers a stable market for their produce. According to her, Fountain Foods currently produces about 650 tons of flour each year, in addition to other products such as pepper powder, ginger powder, natural mixed spices, and ground nut paste. Despite this output, Dr. Dadzie noted that demand for cassava-based products continues to rise across the country. “The demand is quite high, and we are working very hard to meet it,” she said, adding that the company sometimes has to extend working hours to fulfill urgent orders from distributors in different parts of the country. Dr. Dadzie encouraged greater collaboration within the agro-processing sector, stressing that partnerships among processors could help businesses expand their markets while meeting increasing consumer demand. 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

Hangout, News

Comfort Ocran Marks International Women’s Day with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority.

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March 9, 2026, was an inspiring moment of reflection and dialogue as Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, joined the National Pensions Regulatory Authority to commemorate International Women’s Day under the theme “Give to Gain.” The gathering celebrated the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women while marking an important milestone: the launch of the NPRA Women’s Wing. The initiative is designed to create a platform that encourages mentorship, strengthens community among women, and empowers women to reach greater heights in their personal and professional lives. Mrs. Ocran delivered remarks on the topic “Empowering Women, Securing Futures: Leadership and Impact in the Pension Sector.” Speaking to over 50 women of the Authority, she shared practical insights on the importance of financial planning and long-term investing as critical foundations for a secure retirement. She emphasized that consistent investment over time can create sustainable financial returns and long-term stability. Her message also highlighted the transformative role women play not only as professionals and leaders, but as builders of resilient families, stronger communities, and inclusive economic growth. “Securing your future isn’t just about you. It is about your children and the generations after them,” she noted. Mrs. Ocran also encouraged women to actively support one another in their journeys toward leadership and financial independence. “Financial security is part of empowerment. Empowerment is incomplete if a woman works hard all her life and still struggles in old age.” The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the Springboard Road Show Foundation to empower young people, particularly women, to achieve their full potential while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable society. Deputy CEO Victor Azuma Majida, speaking on behalf of the CEO of NPRA, Mr. Chris Boadi-Mensah highlighted the launch of the NPRA Women’s Wing as a journey to equality and empowerment. He emphasized “Creating an inclusive environment is vital for amplifying every voice. This initiative aims to provide resources and support for women, fostering a collaborative hub for inspiration and addressing challenges”. Majida noted that inclusive leadership boosts performance and innovation, asserting that investing in women’s leadership is essential for advancing gender equality and enhancing NPRA’s vision and mission for the future. Also, in her remarks Madam Efua Appiah-Gyimah, leader of NPRA Women’s Wing spoke about the significance of the establishment of the women’s wing.   “The establishment of this Wing represents a deliberate commitment to creating a supportive platform that encourages mentorship, leadership development, collaboration, and empowerment among women in the authority. It is a connection where women can share experiences, nurture talent, build confidence, and inspire one another to reach greater heights.” She said. Madam Efua Appiah – Gyimah added that the initiative reflects the Authority’s broader commitment to inclusion, excellence, and institutional growth. The event concluded as a moment of reflection, inspiration, and renewed commitment to ensuring that more women are equipped to plan boldly for their futures while uplifting others along the way.  

Virtual University

Komenda College of Education Funds Staff Housing and 2,500 Seat Auditorium Through Agriculture

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The Principal of Komenda College of Education in the Central Region of Ghana, Very Rev. Prof. Kwesi Nkum Wilson, has disclosed that the College is funding significant infrastructure projects through proceeds from its agricultural ventures, positioning agriculture as both an educational tool and a sustainable funding strategy. Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Prof. Wilson explained that the institution has deliberately turned its 338 acres of land into productive farmland, generating internally raised funds to support development across the campus. He noted that as a public institution, salary support is provided, but development requires prudent management and innovation. “As a Government Institution, subventions will not be coming. They pay salaries, and that is all. You need to manage the College,” he said. According to him, proceeds from the College farms are currently being used to construct a 12-unit staff apartment facility and a 2,500-capacity auditorium. “We would meet a 12-unit staff apartment coming up there. They are on site, and we are settling with our monies we raise from the farm and other places. We will go down there, with the aid of the Chaplain and others, and we are putting up a 2,500-capacity auditorium with IGF. I am emphasizing on that, not with government subvention,”he stated. The agricultural projects include a 50-acre coconut plantation, maize cultivation, piggery, fish farming, and plans for cattle rearing. According to him, the College harvested over 60 acres of maize with active student participation last year. Beyond revenue generation, Prof. Wilson underscored the moral and national importance of agriculture, arguing that the ability to produce food is foundational. “If you cannot feed yourself, then you have failed God. A nation that imports huge volumes of rice when we have rivers across, there is something wrong. That is why, in spite of what people say, in my College, you would weed. I introduce you to the land,” he said. He maintained that exposure to farming should begin early in life rather than being presented later as an alternative for unemployed youth. As part of a long-term sustainability strategy, the College has invested heavily in coconut cultivation, a crop with an estimated lifespan of about 70 years.  Prof. Wilson indicated that the goal is to protect and develop the land for future leadership. “I will be ending my duty next year, December. But whoever will take over and those I am leaving behind have enough resources to develop the College,” he said. 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

Hangout

Eusbett Hotel Expands from 18 to 250 Rooms, Diversifies into Agribusiness and Manufacturing

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Eusbett Hotel in Sunyani has expanded from an 18-room facility to a 250-room hospitality establishment while diversifying into multiple business ventures, including water production, agribusiness, and automobile services, according to its General Manager, Mr. Robert Mensah. Speaking on the Springboard Hangout with Comfort Ocran, Mr. Robert Mensah said the growth reflects years of deliberate expansion and value-driven leadership since he assumed management more than two decades ago. “I took over when it was an 18-bedroom hotel. Now we have developed to a 250-room hotel,” he said. Mr. Robert Mensah explained that beyond accommodation, the hotel has established several supporting businesses to enhance operations and create additional revenue streams. These include a water production unit, where the company treats water from its own boreholes, with plans to expand to the commercial market after securing Food and Drugs Authority approval. The company has also expanded into yogurt and juice production to support its hospitality services. “Currently we are using only in the hotel, but we have the accreditation to sell outside. Very soon we will be moving outside,” he said. In addition, Eusbett Hotel operates a fuel station under the Goil brand, which he said was recognized as the overall best fuel station in Ghana within its first two years of operation. The hotel has also invested in agriculture, including a cattle ranch and vegetable farms that supply produce such as tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, and onions for its kitchens. Mr. Robert Mensah added that the company is part of a network of authorized service centres for Toyota Ghana and has emerged as a top performer among the centres over the past five years. Beyond his role at the hotel, Mr. Robert Mensah has also established his own business in cleaning services and construction supplies. He said his cleaning business started with a single bank contract and has since expanded, employing several staff. “At the end of the month, they paid me, and the relationship was good. Over time, the cleaners became my staff, and currently my senior supervisor started as a janitor,” he said. He noted that maintaining transparency with his employer has been key to balancing his corporate role and personal business interests. “One is full disclosure. I made my CEO aware of everything that I’m doing. The second is not to do anything that competes with what I am originally employed for,” he explained. He encouraged young people to cultivate mentorship and develop an entrepreneurial mindset while maintaining integrity in their professional lives. “Seek for mentors and build the intrapreneurship attitude in you. You can work for somebody and build something around you but declare it to your CEO and ensure that you do not compete with your organization,” 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. Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications Genevieve Mensah

Virtual University

Family System Under Threat as Experts Call for Urgent Parenting and Moral Reorientation

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Family life educators and mental health professionals have raised alarm over what they describe as a growing crisis within the family system, warning that rising dysfunction, weakened moral values, communication breakdowns, sexual abuse, and untreated mental health challenges are undermining the foundation of society. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Family Life Educator and President of Fruitful Ministries International, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kisseaddo, and Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Lynda Dede Ahulu, both underscored the urgent need for intentional parenting, moral reorientation, and open dialogue within families. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo said the family institution is under pressure “on all fronts,” attributing the strain to rising selfishness, individualism, and the erosion of shared values. He noted that the original concept of family was built on unity and togetherness, but modern dynamics are increasingly driven by competition and self-centeredness. “If a person does not aim at unity, then you are not functioning as God intended,” he said, stressing that the loss of togetherness threatens the core purpose of the family unit. He described marriage as fundamentally a sexual relationship that requires proper education and moral instruction, warning that the absence of structured sex education within families has led to distortions in sexuality and instability in marriages. According to him, unregulated sexual passion can destabilize families, calling for a national crusade on sex education for young people. “The strongest passion in the human body is sex, and if it is not properly guided, the family is threatened from its very foundation,” he stated. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo further pointed to moral decline, distractions, and external influences as contributors to the weakening of families, adding that historical societal collapses often begin with the breakdown of family structures. He urged a return to intentional parenting practices, including family meetings, structured engagement, and spiritual guidance. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Lynda Dede Ahulu also highlighted significant strains on the family unit, citing poor communication, parental unavailability, trauma, and untreated mental health conditions as major factors. She noted that the family plays a central role in shaping both individuals and society. “The family has the propensity to impact both its members and society. If society is unhealthy, look at the family unit,” she said. Ms. Ahulu identified communication breakdown between parents and children as a key indicator of a family in distress, noting that many children no longer feel safe confiding in their parents. As a result, parents often remain unaware of critical issues such as sexual abuse, substance use, bullying, and emotional struggles. She also pointed to excessive phone use and digital distractions as barriers to meaningful family interaction. She further discussed the psychological impact of childhood trauma and generational patterns of dysfunction, explaining that unresolved trauma can influence behaviour across generations. According to her, abuse, neglect, depression, and emotional unavailability can shape future relationship patterns if not addressed. Ms. Ahulu also listed depression, suicidal ideation, financial stress, infertility challenges, neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, and societal pressures regarding the gender of children as stressors that place additional strain on marriages and family systems. Both experts emphasized the need for intentional parenting, ethical grounding, education, and open communication to rebuild resilient families. Rev. Dr. Kisseaddo stressed that marriage and parenting require preparation and continuous effort, describing marriage as a process rather than a finished product. “Marriage is not a finished product. It depends on what you put into it,” he said. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, 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. Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications Genevieve Mensah

Springboard Road Show 2025

“You Are the Leaders of Today”: Comfort Ocran Rallies Youth as Springboard Marks 18 Years

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The Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, Comfort Ocran, has reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to empowering young people as Springboard celebrated 18 years of nationwide impact at its 2025 Grand Finale held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra on Saturday 22nd November. Addressing thousands of participants, Comfort Ocran said the Ghana Grows programme “is not ending today; it is only beginning,” adding that hope must be treated as a practical skill young people can apply. She noted that since 2007, Springboard’s nationwide interventions have reached more than one million young people across Ghana and West Africa. Under the Ghana Grows programme, delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Springboard has engaged more than 500,000 participants. In 2025 alone, 145,605 young people took part, with young women making up 93.3 percent of the total. Another 3,469 persons with disabilities participated across all sixteen regions. Comfort Ocran said many participants have moved into agriculture, agribusiness, and TVET pathways, contributing to better livelihoods in their communities. Technical Director of the Foundation, Rev. Albert Ocran, urged the youth to prioritize excellence, collaboration, and value creation as anchors for national progress. He reminded them that progress is a collective effort, saying, “You cannot build something significant working alone, if you want to go farther and faster, go together.” He encouraged young people to build networks, share what works, and support one another as they rise. The Grand Finale drew an audience of more than 6,000, including young women, young men, persons with disabilities, traditional leaders, institutional heads, and associations. As part of the celebration, five rising changemakers were honored under the Young Innovators Awards. The awardees, three young women and two persons with disabilities, included Kow Aboagye Ghunney (Agriculture), Clara Messe (Akorfa) (Agribusiness), David Wakpal (ATVET), Mary Tetteh (Most Promising Agripreneur and YLO Model Ambassador), and Justine Mauda A. Aniaku (Best YLO Facilitator). Emelia Asamoah, Head of Workforce Development at the Mastercard Foundation, commended Springboard for helping reshape perceptions about agriculture and vocational careers. She noted that TVET enrolment has risen by 193 percent since 2020 and praised the progress of young farmers under the Ghana Grows programme, saying, “These sectors were once seen as fallback options, but Ghana Grows is proving they are innovative and future focused.” Building on these achievements, Dr. Kafui Mills-Odoi, Head of Inclusion for Nigeria at the Mastercard Foundation, encouraged the young innovators and wider youth audience to pursue growth with confidence and preparation. “You must have confidence and believe, not only to secure a job, but to maintain it and grow in it,” she said. “Your voice is not just the sound you make; it is the influence you carry. Take time to prepare, to build competence, and to understand the challenges around you so you can create real solutions.” By: Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications Genevieve Mensah

Virtual University

Entertainment Is a Multibillion-Dollar Opportunity Ghana Must Harness, Says Ruddy Kwakye

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Entrepreneur & Culture Curator, Ruddy Kwakye, says Ghana is sitting on a massive economic opportunity in the entertainment and creative industries, one that can generate jobs, attract tourism, and feed multiple sectors if intentionally developed. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with host Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Kwakye described entertainment as an essential global need and one of the world’s largest economic drivers. “Across the planet, we all eat, drink, sleep, but in between, we must unwind. That recreation is entertainment, and it is as essential as bread and butter,” he said. He explained that while countries such as the UK and the US have built highly efficient ecosystems around music, sports, events, and creative culture, Ghana has yet to fully unlock its potential. He cited Africa’s underutilized sports and event facilities as an example of missed opportunity. “There are over 5.6 million stadium seats in Africa. Many see full capacity only once or twice a year. Entertainment is the module that optimizes that infrastructure elsewhere,” he noted, referencing global acts filling stadiums weekly across Europe. Mr. Kwakye emphasized the vast value chain behind entertainment, pointing to architects, structural engineers, medical teams, cleaners, security, caterers, riggers, and hundreds of laborer’s required to stage a single major festival. “You may see an artist on stage for four hours, but a thousand people may have worked daily for weeks to make that happen. The creative industries employ more people than we recognize,” he said. He revealed that last year alone, Ghana welcomed 126,000 visitors for December events, each spending an average of $2,304. “Every one of them came with a dollar sign on their head. They spent on food, accommodation, entertainment and transportation. That is real money, and the projection is 5% growth into this year,” he added. Mr. Kwakye stressed the need for deliberate systems, particularly around infrastructure, payments, and facility management, to support the sector. He contrasted Ghana’s fragmented venue oversight with global best practices where professional companies manage national event facilities with clear targets. “If we are intentional, stadiums and theatres can run like the O2 or venues in South Africa. We need proper management, seating plans, and booking systems that make advance sales and dynamic pricing possible,” he explained. He said businesses in hospitality, food, retail, transport, and accommodation can all benefit from the booming events economy, if they plan. “A festival can take a year to produce. Hotels get fully booked months before. SMEs must read reports, understand visitor behavior, and prepare early. During one festival, we sold 26,000 bottles of water and over 8,000 bottles of coca cola. There is a market for everyone,” he said. On collaboration, Mr. Kwakye called for a shift from Ghana’s individualistic approach to a more integrated model that mirrors global systems. He highlighted loyalty programs and shared customer models as tools that can multiply revenue for creatives and businesses. “Sharing makes us all make more. We must stop thinking we must dominate one small corner when collaboration can help us conquer ten,” he stated. He also urged the public to respect the economics of events by ending the culture of freebies and gate-crashing. “The only way organizers recover their investment is through ticket sales. We must stop expecting free access and support the work behind the scenes,” he stressed. About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, 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. Springboard Road Show Foundation Marketing and Communications