The Youth Empowerment Consortium (YEC) has urged for a new wave of young leaders in Ghana, emphasizing that sustainable national development hinges on individuals who can translate challenges into practical, action-oriented solutions. This call to action was made during the induction ceremony for participants of the YEC Governance Programme on Saturday, May 30, under the theme “Youth Mobilisation for National Development.” The event welcomed 165 participants, including members of the Youth Model Parliament and youth ministers from various districts.
Focus on Practical Solutions and Ethical Leadership
Edward Marfo, Founder and Acting General Secretary of YEC, highlighted the critical need for leaders who are ready to implement effective solutions to the nation’s pressing issues. He explained that the YEC Governance Programme simulates Ghana’s governance system to train future leaders passionate about political leadership and governance.
The programme aims to provide participants with hands-on experience in leadership, decision-making, and public administration. Marfo stressed that YEC’s mission extends beyond mere leadership training, focusing on cultivating individuals with responsibility, integrity, compassion, and a commitment to service excellence.
“As a group, our mission is to produce leaders who are known for their responsibilities in action. I think we cannot only pinpoint the problems that we have in our nation, but we need actors who will implement critical solutions towards our nation’s development,” Marfo stated.
He further underscored the importance of strong moral values and character in leadership. Effective leaders, he noted, must possess a genuine desire to serve others and contribute positively to society. YEC seeks to nurture leaders recognized for their integrity, compassion, and excellence in executing programmes and projects.
Confidence in Future Generations
Marfo expressed strong confidence in the capabilities of the current programme participants, noting that both current and past members have shown significant potential to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development. “From my experience so far, our leaders who are here today and previous ones have what it takes to actually lead, and we are proud of that as we continue to train them and take them through processes that will make it better for Ghana’s sustainable development,” he said.
Encouraging Community Impact and Collaboration
The YEC leader pointed out that many participants are already actively engaged in community development through non-governmental organizations, social interventions, and local projects. He encouraged them to maintain discipline, focus, and commitment to their aspirations.
“We’ve always been encouraging them to keep up the good work because most of them run NGOs in their constituencies and districts. Some are into projects that are making Ghana better. We ask them to be disciplined and consistent and to keep pushing for their goals and aspirations,” Marfo advised.
Reflecting on YEC’s six years of operation, Marfo described the journey as rewarding and urged young Ghanaians to seize available opportunities for personal and community growth. He also appealed to development partners, institutions, and individuals interested in youth empowerment to collaborate with YEC through strategic partnerships and support.
Leadership Requires Preparation and Accountability
Addressing the newly inducted participants, Marfo emphasized the necessity of self-development and thorough preparation for leadership roles. He advised aspiring leaders to focus on personal effectiveness and direction before taking on responsibilities that involve managing people and resources.
Teamwork and collaboration were identified as crucial leadership qualities, with successful leaders needing to work effectively with others and build supportive systems. Marfo cautioned emerging leaders against making excuses, stressing that accountability is a paramount attribute of effective leadership.
He stressed that leadership demands the courage to accept responsibility for failures, learn from mistakes, and apply those lessons to enhance future performance and decision-making. The YEC Governance Programme is part of a larger initiative to equip young people with essential leadership competencies, governance experience, and practical skills, thereby fostering active citizenship and meaningful youth participation in national development.
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