Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, April 10, GNA – A Foundation aimed at championing youth empowerment and community development has been launched.
Its objective also is to reshape the future of Ghana’s youth while fostering resilience and development in communities across the country.
The initiative, known as Nana Kwesi Osew Foundation (NKOF), was founded by Nana Kwasi Osew, Okuapehene Sompahene, also known as Dr George E. Gyamfi-Osew, a renowned Chartered Marketer and Management Consultant.
Speaking at the official launch, and a fundraising session at the British Council in Accra, Dr Gyamfi-Osew, said the Foundation’s strategy is built on three key pillars—education, economic empowerment, and social welfare.
It sought to give scholarships, skills development, digital training and infrastructure development while championing vocational training, entrepreneurship support, micro finance programmes and gainful employment.
Dr Gyamfi-Osew, highlighting the relevance of these interventions, expressed his passion for supporting youth development and bridging the gap between opportunity and access.
He lamented the growing rate of youth unemployment and its impact on the prevalence of social vices.
He said the youth, when left on their own, engage in social vices—breaking into homes because they have no jobs—and urged everyone to be responsible for moulding the youth to be the leaders they wanted them to become.
“This is more of a calling, and we all have a responsibility,” he said.
“Some may contribute their minds, their hearts, or their money, but some way or the other,” he added.
Explaining the motivation behind the Foundation’s strong emphasis on technical and vocational training, Dr Gyamfi-Osew said “The youth are the future, and must be helped to take the mantle after we leave the scene.”
Also, he outlined plans to support promising female football players from the secondary school level to tertiary education and beyond, as a means of youth empowerment.
“Everything should start from the bottom. If you look at the seed and water it properly, it will grow to become a big tree,” he said.
The advisory board for the Foundation is comprised of traditional leaders, business executives, academics, and media personalities. Notable among them are Pognaa Chaana Abdul Razak, Queen Mother of the Sing Traditional Area; Prof. Gostina Gabbey Malope of Toutele Agricultural University, South Africa; and Yaw Sakyi Afari, CEO of Rite Sports Services.
The Chairperson at the launch, Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, Adukromhene and Nifahene of Akuapem, praised the Foundation for responding to a national need.
He said the Foundation stood as a catalyst for meaningful change, and a force determined to bridge the digital divide.
“Let us not only celebrate it today, but support it continually with our time, our resources, and our voices,” he said.
The launch was attended by key stakeholders including government officials, traditional leaders, and private sector players.
GNA