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By: Emmanuel Austin Baah
Young leaders, teacher trainees and professionals have been encouraged to embrace leadership with courage, integrity and innovation in order to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s national development.
The call was made during the IAF–TTAG-EGA Leadership Forum held at the British Council on Friday, 8 May 2026, under the theme “Empowering Young Leaders to Drive National Development.”
The event was organised by the Inspired Alswel Foundation in collaboration with the Teacher Trainees’ Association of Ghana – Eastern/Greater Accra and brought together students, educators, traditional leaders and development advocates for discussions centred on leadership, youth empowerment and national progress.
Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, Nana Darkowaa Ampem Kyerewaa II, Paramount Queen Mother of the Yamfo Traditional Area in the Ahafo Region, urged the youth to see themselves as agents of transformation capable of shaping Ghana’s future.
According to her, leadership goes beyond titles and positions, stressing that true leadership is rooted in service, responsibility and innovation.
She further highlighted the importance of balancing traditional values with modern education and project management skills to ensure sustainable community development. The Queen Mother also encouraged young women to pursue education and confidently take up leadership positions in society.
Touching on values and spirituality, she reminded participants that effective leadership must be grounded in humility, integrity and faith, adding that “God is the lifter of men.”
Guest speaker, Dr Joseph Kwabina Essibu, who is the Head of the Department of Agricultural Education at the University of Education, Winneba as well as Founder and Executive Director of Ideal College Schools, also underscored the critical role of agriculture in Ghana’s development and youth empowerment.
Speaking at the forum, Dr Essibu described agriculture as more than a traditional occupation, insisting that the sector presents enormous opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
He stressed the importance of integrating technology, agritech solutions and sustainable farming practices to make agriculture more attractive and profitable for the younger generation.
According to him, Ghana’s future development depends heavily on how well young people are prepared to embrace modern agriculture and use innovation to solve challenges within the sector.
Dr Essibu further encouraged young people to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path capable of transforming rural communities, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
He also called for stronger partnerships between institutions, government agencies and international organisations to enhance food security and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imports.
Also addressing participants was the Deputy National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, Abigail Elorm Akwambeah Mensah, who delivered an inspiring message on confidence, communication and leadership.
She noted that many people often hesitate when given the opportunity to speak publicly because they fear their English may not be polished enough. However, she emphasised that leadership is measured not by grammar or sophisticated vocabulary, but by courage and conviction.
She encouraged participants to speak boldly whenever opportunities arise, urging them to communicate from the heart with clarity and confidence.
According to her, leadership should not be viewed solely through the lens of politics or titles, but rather as a commitment to service, responsibility and the willingness to step forward when others remain silent.
She further stated that embracing leadership opportunities without fear would help build stronger communities and inspire future generations to take up leadership roles.
In a passionate call to action, Abigail Mensah challenged participants never to underestimate the power of their voices, urging them to “take the microphone when it is offered, accept responsibility when it is given, and lead with confidence.”
The forum ended with renewed calls for young people to become active contributors to national development through leadership, innovation, education and community service.