By Maxwell Awumah
Ho, March 31, GNA – The Nneka Youth Leadership Summit has successfully ended at Yabram Community Senior High School, bringing together young leaders.
The five-day residential summit attracted participants from 10 out of the 25 public Senior High Schools in the Oti region, was under the theme, “Preparing the Youth Leader for the Challenges Ahead.”
The summit provided a platform for young leaders to develop critical skills-set to navigate pressing challenges such as climate change, social inequality, unemployment, technological disruption, and health crises.
Urging the participants to embrace resilience and innovation, Mr. Gustav Kudzo Brempong, Principal of Yabram Community SHS, in an address emphasised the need for “the youth to equip themselves with the necessary skills to address the evolving challenges of our time.”
He said: “You must bear in mind that you are the ones who will inherit the challenges of today and shape the solutions of tomorrow.
The world you are growing up in is vastly different from what your parents and grandparents experienced. It is a world of rapid technological advancement, increasing global interconnectedness, and growing social, economic and environmental complexities.”
Mr. Brempong urged the youth to lead to the pact of critical thinkers and problem solvers, effective communicators and collaborators, adaptable and resilient in the face of uncertainty, passionate and driven by a sense of purpose, ethical and responsible in your decision making.
“As you prepare for the challenges ahead; seek out opportunities to learn and develop new skills, engage with your communities and take action on the issues that matter most to you, build relations and networks with people from diverse background and perspective, stay informed and up to date on global issues and trends and take care of your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing,” he said.
He added: “Let us build a better future together. Take chances and make use of them. Be ready to serve, as that’s what defines you as a leader.”
Mr. Gagakumah Kwame Setrakor, the Regional Deputy Director of the NCCE, encouraged students to reflect on their leadership aspirations and remain resolute.
He said: “As future leaders, you must not only dream of leadership but embody the qualities of responsible and active citizens.”
Discussions on mental and reproductive health were led by Mr. Adams Braima and Madam Mercy Kofoya from the Ghana Health Service, of the Krachi East Health Directorate.
They advised the students to prioritise their well-being and sexual lives, stating, “Prioritising their health enables them to make sound and responsible decisions as leaders and not hesitate to seek help when necessary.”
Mrs. Esther Hammond Doe, Ag. Director of Oti Regional Directorate of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, stressed the importance of seeking guidance and utilizing available resources, and their contributions are essential to national development, she noted.
Mr. Henry Dodzi Gakpe, representative of Public Labour, Job & Employment Ministry, of the Oti Regional Office, also urged participants to engage with public institutions for career guidance and opportunities. He also added the importance of students participating in meaningful activities while in school to build their confidence and experience.
Environmental consciousness was a major highlight of the event, with Mr. Edward Marfo from the Youth Empowerment Consortium inspiring participants to take an active role in climate change advocacy.
“The fight against climate change begins with you. Be the ambassadors of change,” he urged.
Expressing satisfaction with the event’s success, the project and administration office led by Mrs. Cecilia Fiaka, the Founder and Principal, and partners reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing young leaders across Ghana.
The Nneka Youth Foundation extended heartfelt appreciation to the host school, volunteers, facilitators, and donors for their unwavering support.
She announced plans to make the Nneka Youth Leadership Summit an annual flagship event, ensuring sustained youth empowerment and leadership development in the region.
The event concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, during which participants pledged to be proactive change-makers in their communities. Outstanding young leaders received special recognition for their exemplary participation and leadership throughout the summit.
GNA
MA/BM