The 2025 National Youth Empowerment Summit, co-hosted by the Leadership Empowerment Club (LEC Group) and MTN Ghana, successfully convened at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on June 28th. The summit, now in its fourth iteration, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering youth development through a potent blend of practical skills training, motivational discourse, and targeted mentorship. Hundreds of young attendees gathered at the Faculty of Law Auditorium, eager to absorb the knowledge and insights shared by prominent figures from leading organizations. The event focused on equipping participants with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of leadership, entrepreneurship, and career planning, thereby empowering them to shape brighter futures for themselves and contribute to Ghana and the continent’s growth.
This year’s summit featured a distinguished roster of speakers representing a diverse range of sectors, including telecommunications giant MTN Ghana, banking institution GCB Bank PLC, investment firm InvestCorp, and beverage company Bel Beverages Company Limited. The presentations covered a broad spectrum of critical topics relevant to youth development, ranging from financial literacy and entrepreneurial ventures to cultivating a purpose-driven life and fostering personal growth. This interdisciplinary approach aimed to provide a holistic learning experience for attendees, addressing both their professional and personal development needs.
A key highlight of the summit was Rosemary Atta Konadu’s, Head of Retail Shop at MTN Ghana, impactful presentation on personal growth. She challenged participants to “STRETCH” beyond their comfort zones – an acronym she elaborated upon: Sensitivity to time, Tactical execution, Resourcefulness with opportunities, Engagement with valuable networks, Thoughtfulness about long-term goals, Commitment to continuous improvement, and Hope for the future. Konadu emphasized the importance of proactive engagement and persistent effort in achieving one’s full potential, expressing concern that many young people remain within their comfort zones, hindering their personal and professional growth.
Complementing Konadu’s message, Albert Prempeh Kusi, CEO of LEC Group, underscored the necessity of cultivating an investment mindset from a young age. He urged participants to prioritize saving a portion of their income, regardless of the amount, to cultivate long-term financial security and create a foundation for future opportunities. Kusi criticized the prevalent culture of impulsive spending among many African youth, advocating for a shift in mentality towards responsible financial management and long-term wealth creation. He emphasized that consistent saving, however small, can contribute significantly to financial stability and future success.
The National Youth Empowerment Summit aligns seamlessly with MTN Ghana’s wider initiatives focused on mentorship and digital empowerment. Recognizing the widening technology and opportunity gap among Ghanaian youth, MTN actively supports programs that equip young people with essential digital skills, entrepreneurial tools, and professional mentorship. These initiatives aim to empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive job market. By providing access to these resources, MTN strives to create a level playing field for young people, ensuring they have the skills and support necessary to succeed in the modern economy.
The summit provided attendees with more than just inspiration; it equipped them with actionable strategies to enhance their financial literacy, accelerate their professional growth, and strengthen their leadership capabilities. The collaboration between LEC Group and MTN Ghana continues to demonstrate a powerful commitment to youth development. The National Youth Empowerment Summit stands as a testament to their shared vision of unlocking the vast potential within Ghana’s young people, nurturing them into the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. The summit’s continued success underlines the enduring power of mentorship, education, and empowerment in shaping a brighter future for Ghanaian youth and the nation as a whole.
