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 come with 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, emphasising Springboard’s role in democratising 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.

1. August 17: Prof. Justice Bawole (former Dean, UGBS) - Celebrating integrity in public life.

2. August 24: Dr. Kuukuwa Manful (University of Michigan) - African architecture, sustainability, and preserving history.

3. August 31: Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo - Popular culture and social change.

4. September 7: Most Rev. Prof. J. K. Asamoah-Gyadu (Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana) - Faith and responsibility.

5. September 14: Ephraim Ayeh Oracca-Tetteh - A visually impaired scholar with a perfect 4.0 FGPA on resilience and excellence.

6. September 21: Yaw Nsarkoh - Systems thinking and the challenge of governance.

7. September 28: Bright Simons (Honorary Vice-President, IMANI Africa) - Innovation that drives meaningful change.

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.