Official Report on the Nneka Youth Leadership Summit
Nneka Youth Leadership Summit, held at Yabram Community Senior High School in the Oti Region for all Senior High Schools, has been praised as a resounding success. The five-day residential program was conducted under the theme: “Preparing the Youth Leader for the Challenges Ahead.” It is aimed at developing young leaders into effective change-makers. The summit featured ten representatives each from ten of the twenty-five public schools in the region, with a total of sixty-three youth leaders participating, comprising forty-three female students and twenty male students.Read More
In his welcome address, Mr. Gustav Kudzo Brempong, Principal of Yabram Community Senior High School, urged the students to fully engage in all activities of the program. He emphasized that as youth leaders, they would face various challenges, including climate change, social inequality and injustice, economic uncertainty and unemployment, technological disruption and cybersecurity threats, and global health pandemics and crises. He encouraged them to develop the skills, knowledge, and character required to lead and make a positive impact.
The program was enriched by the contributions of various collaborators, including: Mr Adams Braimah and Mad. Mercy Yaa of The Ghana Health Service through the Krachi East Directorate, engaged the students in both mental health education and reproductive health. They were encouraged to prioritise their health and social well-being, enabling them to make sound decisions as leaders and seek help when necessary. Mr Gagakumah Kwame Setrakor, Regional Deputy Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) enlightened the youth on the kind of leaders they aspire to be and the type of citizens they should aim to become as part of the developmental process. The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection led by Mrs Esther Hammond Doe, Ag Regional Director accompanied by Mr Samuel Edem Kpeli of the Regional MIS Unit stressed the importance of seeking guidance and utilizing available resources and their contributions as essential to national development, she noted. She further on educated the youth on their roles as youth leaders and encouraged them to seek assistance from local and governmental institution when needed.
Edward Marfo of The Youth Empowerment Consortium and Mr Henry Dodzi Gakpe, Office of Public Labour and Employment, inspired the participants to take active roles in protecting the environment and to become ambassadors of climate change advocacy. Officer Destiny Selormey of The Ghana Police Service through the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), educated participants on harassment, abuse, and defilement. The youth were encouraged to know their bodies and rights, say no to sexual harassment, speak up against defilement, and report abuse. They were also charged to protect their future by making informed choices and seeking help when necessary. The Ghana Education Service through the regional directorate: Representatives of the Regional Director were present to observe the program and affirm their continuing support for the program and the advancement of education and the holistic development of the students.
A major highlight of the program centred on tolerance and peace-building, career guidance, and leadership development. Mrs. Cecilia Fiaka, Principal of the Nneka Youth Foundation, addressed the gathering when representatives of the Regional Director of Education were present. She noted that the Foundation’s largest collaborator is the Ghana Education Service, but in recent times, challenges have arisen in getting teachers and heads of schools to fully understand the Foundation’s role in advancing education. She called on educational authorities to advocate for the Foundation and emphasized that the Oti Region, being one of the youngest regions among the sixteen regions in Ghana, would greatly benefit from educating and guiding its youth toward accelerated progress and development.
Although the program aimed to host a bigger number of participants, 63 participants were recorded due to limited preparation time on the part of the students and the organizer. However, the summit was considered highly successful, having made a significant impact on those who were present. The event organizers agreed to make it an annual event moving forward. Certificates of participation were awarded to the youth leaders, who pledged to become change-makers, beginning with their schools and communities. The best youth leaders were rewarded with books and other items following their presentations on behalf of their groups. Additionally, the career workshop clinics provided valuable guidance, enlightening the participants about their aspirations and encouraging them to set attainable goals.
The organizers and collaborators expressed their satisfaction with the program’s outcome. The Nneka Youth Foundation also extended its gratitude to all supporters, the host school, volunteers, and benevolent donors for their dedication and commitment throughout the event.
