By Paul Eduarko Richardson
Accra, Sept. 2, GNA – The youth must cultivate strong moral values and embrace ethical leadership to help drive Ghana and Africa towards the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the Reverend Mrs Angela Carmen Appiah, Chief Executive Officer of the African Corporate Governance Network (ACGN), has said.
She said values such as discipline, integrity, courage, accountability, humility, service and trust were essential for building a generation of responsible leaders capable of addressing Africa’s present challenges and securing its future.
Rev. Appiah made the call in Accra when she delivered a keynote address at the launch of three books authored by Mr Bernard Quarm, Director of Level Up (LUP) Consult, and the LUP team.
The books, “Menumeho,” “Finding the Person Called Me,” and “Wealth Mindset,” focus on character development, identity building and responsible stewardship, particularly among young people.
She said the aspirations of Agenda 2063, which sought to achieve “The Africa We Want”, could not be realised without a generation of leaders guided by strong ethical principles.
Agenda 2063 envisions an Africa characterised by economic prosperity, continental integration, good governance, peace and security, cultural identity, people-driven development and greater global influence.
Rev. Appiah said ethical leadership should not be considered an option but a fundamental bridge between aspirations and their achievement.
“If Ghana and Africa are to realise the aspirations of Agenda 2063, The Africa We Want, then our young people must be equipped to learn, live and lead with good values,” she said.
“Ethical leadership is the bedrock upon which the hopes of Africa’s flourishing will stand.”
Rev. Appiah said values served as a compass for navigating an era of rapid technological advancement, changing economies and increasingly complex social challenges.
“Without values, success becomes hollow; with values, success becomes meaningful and sustainable,” she said.
She explained that values were not merely abstract ideals but were reflected in the daily choices people made, the principles they upheld, and the standards by which they led.
“They shape character, influence destiny, and determine whether our societies flourish or falter.”
The ACGN Chief Executive Officer urged the youth to reject the notion that they were merely “leaders of tomorrow”, saying they were already leaders with a responsibility to contribute to solving the challenges confronting the nation.
She encouraged them to take up leadership responsibilities in their schools, workplaces, communities and families, stressing that leadership was demonstrated through action and responsible choices.
“Do not wait for tomorrow. Your leadership is needed today. The choices you make now will shape the Ghana we build and the Africa we inherit,” she said.
Rev. Appiah also called for stronger collaboration between the youth and older generations, saying Africa’s future depended on the complementary roles of both groups.
She said while the youth brought energy, innovation and fresh perspectives, older generations offered experience and wisdom that could help guide the continent’s development.
“When leaders, young and old, embrace integrity, accountability and service, they ignite hope. They inspire trust. They create institutions that endure,” she added.
“And they ensure that Africa’s wealth is not squandered, but harnessed for the flourishing of all.”
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Paul Eduarko Richardson
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