The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) hosted its annual Youth Empowerment Summit on February 7, 2025, at the Methodist University campus in Dansoman, Accra. Themed “Ghana My Home My Future: Beyond The Ballot Box,” the summit attracted over 200 participants from various denominations, including the Methodist Church, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Anglican Church, and African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Zion Church. The event underscored the importance of youth engagement in national development and focused on preparing the next generation of leaders.
Reverend Dr. Cyril Fayose, General Secretary of the CCG, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the importance of grounding leadership in sound teaching and biblical principles. He stressed that aspiring leaders must submit themselves to learning and allow the word of God to guide their paths. This theme of spiritual grounding set the tone for the summit, highlighting the significance of moral and ethical leadership in building a better future for Ghana.
The MILLS (Mindset, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership & Service) Institute, a key partner in the summit, focused its engagement on “Mindset Transformation: The God Factor In Building Ghana.” Samuel Koku Sitsofe Anyidoho, Founder and CEO of the MILLS Institute, highlighted the importance of recognizing the divine element embedded within Ghana’s national symbols, particularly the National Anthem and Pledge. He argued that true Ghanaian identity is not rooted in individualism but in a collective identity anchored in these symbols, which both begin and end with an acknowledgement of God. This emphasis on the “God factor,” Anyidoho asserted, is crucial for building the desired future for the nation.
Mr. Anyidoho further elaborated on the MILLS Institute’s commitment to collaborate with the CCG and other stakeholders in mentoring and equipping the youth for future leadership roles. He emphasized the importance of deliberate and conscious efforts to provide the necessary knowledge and training for future leaders to succeed. Drawing on his theological training and experience in politics and governance, Anyidoho stressed the need for proper mentoring to prevent young leaders from faltering due to inadequate preparation. This commitment to mentorship underscores the Institute’s dedication to nurturing responsible and effective future leaders.
Major General Richard Addo Gyane, Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Center (KAIPTC), served as the guest speaker. He cautioned against a hasty takeover of leadership positions by the youth, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation. Gyane highlighted that true empowerment is not about simply assuming leadership roles, but about developing the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the responsibilities that come with leadership. His message resonated with the summit’s focus on equipping the youth for future leadership roles.
Dr. Anthony Baidoo, a lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the concept of sacrifice for the nation. Dr. Baidoo encouraged the youth to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, emphasizing the abundant blessings that accompany such dedication. This message underscored the importance of selfless service and commitment to national development, reinforcing the summit’s overarching theme of preparing the youth for a future of responsible and impactful leadership. The summit, therefore, served as a platform for inspiring and equipping young Ghanaians to become effective and ethical leaders, grounded in faith and dedicated to serving their nation. The various speakers highlighted the importance of preparation, mentorship, and a commitment to national values, particularly those rooted in faith, as crucial elements in building a brighter future for Ghana.
