By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Bedeku-Ada, Aug. 04, GNA — About 700 students of the Bedeku Technical Institute in the Ada East District have benefited from the second edition of the Ada Youth Summit, a flagship youth empowerment initiative under the Tapioca Foundation.
The summit, held on the theme “A Paradigm Shift”, was aimed at nurturing responsible, innovative and purpose-driven young leaders.
It brought together educationists, traditional leaders, professionals, and motivational speakers who challenged the students to embrace discipline, innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies as pathways to personal and community development.
Mr Seth Priceless Ala-Amegavi, the Convener of the Summit, said the initiative formed part of the foundation’s commitment to investing in young people through mentorship, education and leadership development.
Mr Ala-Amegavi urged students to remain disciplined, pursue academic excellence, and take advantage of opportunities that would prepare them for productive and meaningful lives.
He said empowering the youth was critical to the development of the Ada area and the country at large, stressing that today’s students were the future leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals whose decisions would shape society.
Madam Faustina Okai, the Principal of Bedeku Technical Institute, expressed gratitude to the organisers for selecting the school to host the second edition of the summit.
She described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that it had inspired and motivated the students to remain committed to their education despite the numerous challenges confronting them.
Madam Okai observed that several students in the school continued to grapple with inadequate learning materials and other educational constraints but encouraged them not to allow such limitations to determine their future.
She expressed confidence that the guidance and mentorship provided during the summit would strengthen the students’ resolve to work hard, remain focused, and pursue their dreams with determination.
Nene Lomo IV, the Chairman of the Ada Youth Summit, speaking on the theme: “Called for a Fundamental Shift in the Mindset and Attitudes of Young People”.
He urged students to move away from insults, unnecessary arguments, and divisive behaviour and instead cultivate a culture of respect, constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
The youth must also shift from a culture of blaming into taking responsibility, stressing that personal accountability remained one of the key ingredients for success and national development, he said.
Nene Lomo further encouraged the students to see education, innovation, and entrepreneurship as powerful tools for transforming the Ada area.
He challenged them to use knowledge and creativity to establish businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of their communities while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Ada people.
“The future belongs to young people who are willing to embrace change, think creatively and become agents of positive transformation,” he said.
Dr Godwin Gaduga, Esq., one of the guest speakers, encouraged the students to believe in their abilities and remain steadfast in pursuing their ambitions, urging them not to allow their backgrounds or present circumstances to limit their aspirations, as determination, discipline and perseverance could enable them to achieve their goals.
Other speakers expressed concern about the increasing incidence of drug abuse, indiscipline, and other social vices among some young people in the Ada area, describing the situation as a major threat to the future of the youth.
They called on students to reject such negative influences by focusing on education, character development, and skills acquisition.
The students were also urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies as essential tools for learning, innovation, and career advancement.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA