Springboard

Virtual University

Rhyme Sonny, Six Strings, and Emma Ofosua Share Lessons on Growth and Creativity on Springboard, Your Virtual University

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Poet Rhyme Sonny, musician Six Strings, and writer Emma Ofosua have urged young people to build confidence, collaborate, and stay consistent as they pursue their creative and professional goals. The three shared their experiences on Springboard, Your Virtual University on the road edition with host, Rev. Albert Ocran. According to Rhyme Sonny, creativity becomes impactful when it is turned into value-driven products and partnerships. “When we turn our creativity into products, platforms, and partnerships that add value, that’s when art becomes meaningful,” he said. He emphasized that collaboration and discipline are essential for sustainable growth, noting that “no artist thrives alone” and that “with the right structure and mindset, poetry and art can provide a fulfilling and decent livelihood.” Rhyme Sonny also highlighted the importance of confidence in one’s identity. “Black identity is not a burden but a mark of beauty, resilience, and purpose,” he said. Six Strings encouraged audiences to replace envy with empathy and celebrate the success of others. “A better world begins when we celebrate one another’s victories and replace envy with empathy,” he stated. He added that real joy and progress come through human connection, explaining that “joy multiplies when success is shared.” Writer and speaker Emma Ofosua spoke about consistency and hope as key ingredients for growth. “Dreams grow through persistence, patience, and consistent effort,” she said, adding that “even in difficult times, hope remains the seed of progress.” The second episode of Springboard, Your Virtual University on the Road continues the Foundation’s commitment to spotlighting the stories and lessons of Ghana’s creative and entrepreneurial minds. 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 Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. Marketing and Communications Springboard Road Show Foundation

Virtual University

Okyeame Kwame and Nana Asaase Urge Truth and Cultural Identity as Springboard, Your Virtual University Marks 17th Anniversary.

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Musician Okyeame Kwame and poet Nana Asaase have called on young people to uphold truth, creativity, and cultural identity as foundations for lasting success. The two shared their insights on Springboard, Your Virtual University during the 17th-anniversary edition. According to Okyeame Kwame, staying true to personal values has sustained his career across generations. “There are songs that I have created because of trends that died with the trends, but truth never passes. When I create from a place of truth, it stands the test of time,” he said. He noted that continuous learning has helped him reinvent himself, explaining that his studies in linguistics, marketing, and public relations have strengthened his craft. “Whenever I felt my work was becoming stale, I went back to learn. With new knowledge comes new content,” he added. The award-winning artist also highlighted partnership, collaboration, and humility as keys to progress, and shared how dyslexia shaped his growth. “Don’t pray against problems. They happen for you, not to you,” he told the audience. He further emphasized empathy in parenting, adding that “children learn more from what we do than what we say.” Poet and pastor Nana Asaase urged young creatives to remain consistent and adaptable in their work. “Change is the only dynamic constant. I have not stopped reading, writing, or meditating. Consistency produces results,” he said. He underscored cultural relevance as central to his craft, explaining that he conducts audience research before every performance to understand who will be present, their background, and preferred language. “Before entering a room, know who will be there, what language they speak, and how they think. Cultural relevance helps you speak to people’s souls,” he said. Reflecting on his decision to pursue poetry full-time, Nana Asaase said faith led him to preserve Ghana’s cultural identity. “Someone had to hold the cultural gates. Without our identity, we are lost,” he stated. 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 Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. By Genevieve Mensah

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

Virtual University

MTN CEO Stephen Blewett Urges Youth to Seize AI and Digital Opportunities

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Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has called on young people across Ghana to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools, and entrepreneurship as the keys to unlocking their future prosperity. He emphasized that the digital revolution is already underway and must be harnessed to create opportunities rather than feared. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Blewett highlighted Ghana’s potential to become a leader in AI if government, the private sector, civil society, and citizens work together. “It must be a collaboration. Government can’t run alone. MTN can’t run alone. NGOs can’t. But if we all put our efforts together with a common purpose, Ghana can lead this revolution. Otherwise, someone else will take that position,” he stated. Mr. Blewett revealed that MTN is investing in young people to drive innovation while also supporting the government’s One Million Coders Project, an initiative designed to prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future. Encouraging young people to be proactive, he advised: “Don’t wait. Put yourself forward. Get together with friends, develop ideas, and pursue opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities I see in Africa is gaming — but games that are developed locally, coded creatively, and even enhanced with AI.” He further urged parents to support their children’s interests in gaming and digital technology, noting that these tools can be powerful vehicles for learning and innovation. “Sometimes we reject it because it’s unfamiliar. But gaming can be used positively, even for education in maths and science. Parents must see the potential rather than dismiss it,” he explained. Reflecting on his own leadership journey, Mr. Blewett admitted that he was “arrogant” earlier in his career but has since learned humility, resilience, and service. “As a CEO, you are a custodian, a servant. You ultimately serve everyone in the organization, even the shareholder with just ten shares. That’s a sobering thought,” he remarked. Highlighting the impact of MTN Ghana, which serves over 30 million customers daily, he underscored the scale of responsibility the company carries. “If I turned off the network today, you would see how important we are. We are shaping the digital future of economies and people. That is a huge responsibility,” he said. Looking ahead, Mr. Blewett reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to continued investment in network quality, digital services, and opportunities for Ghanaians. “What gives me the most joy is seeing lives touched through what we do. Our ethos is that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life, and we will not leave anyone behind,” he affirmed. About the Springboard Road Show Foundation The Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment, mindset transformation, and career development. Through programs like Springboard, Your Virtual University, The Ghana Grows Programme in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, and Springboard Road Show 2025, SRSF continues to inspire and equip young Africans to lead change in their communities and industries. Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) Communications & Public Affairs Department Email: info@springboard.com.gh Website: www.springboard.com.gh

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

Virtual University

Education Must Move Beyond Memorization in the Age of AI, Say Experts

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Education experts Anis Haffar and Dr. Nefertiti Puplampu say artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education and must drive a shift from rote memorization to problem-solving and innovation. Speaking on Springboard your Virtual University, with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Haffar explained that AI has made the old model of cramming facts obsolete. “We don’t need to memorize information anymore. AI gives us the information we need, but we must know how to articulate our needs and use it meaningfully. The students must now be in the driver’s seat,” he said. He pointed to learner-led education models such as the International Baccalaureate, which require students to apply creativity, activity, and service to real-world challenges. “Education must have an application component. At the end of the day, your degree is the solution or service you provide that makes life easier for others,” he added. Dr. Puplampu, Head of the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning, highlighted the urgent need to align curricula with industry and societal demands. She warned that while students are adapting quickly to new technologies, many educators are struggling to keep pace. “The pace of change is so fast that the same person who started teaching under one model is now being required to adjust to new demands. If educators and policymakers don’t retool, the system will reject innovation,” she said. She further explained that learner-centered methods not only improve retention but also empower students to lead. “When students are given the chance to teach, apply concepts, and engage in real-world projects, retention rates can reach as high as 90 percent. It’s not about teachers knowing everything anymore. It’s about creating environments where students can think critically and solve problems,” she noted. Both speakers agreed that AI should be seen as an enabler, not a threat. According to Dr. Puplampu, AI-driven tools can help teachers personalize instruction and scale innovative teaching models globally. 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 Springboardzone (YouTube) and Joy FM, and at 9 PM on Joy News TV. By Genevieve Mensah

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

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

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

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