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The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, has challenged the country’s under-40s to place ethical leadership at the core of their skills.
Speaking at the 9th edition of the Forty under 40 Awards in Accra, she said that while the government was rolling out initiatives such as coding for agribusiness, design thinking and leadership to prepare people under 40 with relevant skills for the contemporary digital economy, acquiring such skills meant little without values.
“Skills and opportunities mean little without values. Integrity, innovation and leadership must define Ghana's under-40s.
“Integrity builds trust in our institutions and markets. Innovation drives new solutions in business, tech and social life.
“Leadership, rooted in service, ensures that under-40s not only succeed individually but lift others with them,” she said.
The event, organised by Xodus Communications Limited, honoured and celebrated emerging leaders under 40 who had demonstrated personal or professional impact through exceptional leadership.
The awards, which honour individuals across sectors such as banking and finance, agriculture, theatre and arts, journalism, fashion, and law, among others, also recognise projects and personal achievements that have enabled young leaders to distinguish themselves from their peers.
In all, 37 outstanding entrepreneurs, executives, managers and professionals in the public, private, and non-profit sectors were recognised for their outstanding achievements in business, experience in innovation, vision, leadership and community development.
The Executive Director of Brain Hills International School, Mary Anane Awuku, emerged as the Overall Winner.
She also won the “Best in Education Award”, as well as the coveted “Best Among Equals Award”.
Nana Bampoe Addo said the reset agenda by the government was not only about building local industries or the creation of more jobs, but about renewing the can-do spirit of the Ghanaian youth.
She said it was to inspire the youth to believe in themselves as serial entrepreneurs and business leaders.
“It is an agenda to create the next millionaires and high-performing professionals who can compete with the rest of Africa and the world,” she added.
In line with that, she said technical and vocational training were being prioritised alongside higher education.
The Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor, said that the progress of Ghana was tied to the success of its younger generation.
As a result, he said the government was implementing initiatives such as the school farm programme and youth agriculture estate projects to equip students with practical skills in agriculture and agribusiness.
Dr Boamah Otokunor, therefore, called on the awardees to view their recognition as a responsibility to inspire others and create pathways for future leaders.
For his part, the Founder of the award scheme, Richard Abbey Jnr, said putting the spotlight on young achievers would help build a robust platform for them to inspire the next generation of industry pacesetters.
This year, he said, the awards ceremony was preceded by a seminar with industry experts who provided practical insights for the awardees to learn and network.
Mr Abbey Jnr emphasised the importance of mentorship and patience for young entrepreneurs.
He further urged the youth to break free from the mindset that confines them to local boundaries.
