From Comfort to Commitment: MTN Ghana and LEC Inspire New Youth Mindset at KNUST Empowerment Summit

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) came alive with youthful energy and purpose on Saturday, June 28, 2025, as MTN Ghana and the Leadership Empowerment Club (LEC Group) held the KNUST edition of the 2025 National Youth Empowerment Summit and Awards. The summit, now in its fourth edition, was held at the Faculty of Law Auditorium and attracted hundreds of students eager to chart a more disciplined and purpose-driven path in life.

Organized under the theme “Empowering the Youth through Leadership, Investment, and Purpose,” the summit brought together speakers from MTN Ghana, GCB Bank PLC, InvestCorp, and Bel Beverages. The event focused on redefining the mindset of the Ghanaian youth—from seeking comfort to embracing the commitment necessary to succeed in leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship.

One of the most compelling presentations came from Rosemary Atta Konadu, Head of Retail Shop at MTN Ghana, who challenged students to stretch beyond their limits and develop the capacity to endure discomfort in the pursuit of their goals. She urged them to take deliberate action, manage their time wisely, and cultivate relationships with the right people who can help them grow.

According to her, many of Ghana’s youth have fallen into the trap of seeking convenience and instant gratification, which stifles long-term progress. “Most of our youth are simply too comfortable,” she said. “They want to succeed, but they’re not willing to stretch. They don’t want to wake up early, study harder, or push themselves. Growth requires discomfort—and you must be ready to endure it.”

She emphasized the importance of perseverance, resourcefulness, collaboration, and hope in building a future grounded in discipline and service. Her words struck a powerful chord with participants who confessed they had often underestimated the importance of sacrifice in achieving their goals.

Adding to the summit’s impact was a keynote speech by Albert Prempeh Kusi, Chief Executive Officer of the LEC Group, who addressed a vital issue plaguing the youth: poor financial discipline. He urged participants to develop a strong investment mindset and resist the urge to spend all they earn.

“You don’t need a big salary to begin investing,” Mr. Kusi said. “You can start with something small. The key is to be consistent and intentional. Save a portion of your income, no matter how little it is. That’s how wealth begins.”

He lamented how many young people live paycheck to paycheck without planning for the future. “The youth must rise above the illusion that money will always come. Many Africans are broke not because they didn’t have money, but because they failed to plan for tomorrow.”

He encouraged students to explore financial education resources, adopt simple savings habits, and engage with mentors who can help them navigate the journey toward long-term wealth and independence.

Throughout the event, the atmosphere was one of awakening and transformation. Participants were offered mentorship opportunities and practical guidance on life purpose, self-leadership, gratitude, and entrepreneurship. Speakers shared personal stories of their struggles, failures, and eventual successes—giving attendees the assurance that their dreams were attainable with the right mindset and consistent action.

Students left the summit visibly motivated. Abena Osei, a second-year Business Administration student, said the event challenged her to change her entire approach to life. “I’ve been living on autopilot, just doing the bare minimum. Today has taught me that I need to be more intentional and disciplined,” she shared.

Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, a final-year Civil Engineering student, noted that the summit made him rethink his spending habits. “I always thought I had to wait until I was working full-time to start saving or investing. But I’ve realized I can begin now with what I have. That’s a powerful lesson.”

The summit forms part of LEC Group’s broader vision to inspire and equip Ghana’s youth to take leadership of their lives and communities. With the strong support of MTN Ghana and other corporate partners, the summit continues to grow in reach and impact. Future editions are expected to extend to more tertiary institutions, bringing empowerment to thousands more students across the country.

MTN Ghana’s active participation in such initiatives reflects its firm belief in empowering the next generation through mentorship, digital skills training, and entrepreneurial support. By shifting the mindset of the youth from comfort to commitment, the company hopes to help cultivate a generation of change-makers ready to lead Ghana into a brighter future.