The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was the scene of inspiration, motivation, and transformation on Saturday, June 28, 2025, as it hosted the fourth edition of the National Youth Empowerment Summit and Awards. The event was held at the Law Faculty Auditorium and was organized by the Leadership Empowerment Club (LEC Group) in partnership with MTN Ghana, Africa’s leading mobile telecommunications company.
The summit brought together hundreds of students from across various departments of KNUST and featured distinguished speakers from MTN Ghana, GCB Bank PLC, InvestCorp, and Bel Beverages Company Limited. The summit, themed “Empowering the Youth through Leadership, Investment, and Purpose”, is part of a broader nationwide initiative aimed at building a new generation of confident, visionary, and responsible young leaders.
This year’s edition marked a significant milestone in the journey of youth development in Ghana, as participants were taken through practical sessions in entrepreneurship, leadership development, financial literacy, and personal growth.
MTN Ghana Champions Youth Empowerment
Speaking at the event, Rosemary Atta Konadu, Head of Retail Shop at MTN Ghana, delivered an inspiring presentation centered on the need for young people to “STRETCH” in order to reach their full potential.
She used the word STRETCH as an acronym, emphasizing:
- Sensitivity to time and discipline
- Taking action to apply knowledge
- Resourcefulness in problem-solving
- Engaging with the right people
- Targeting realistic goals
- Commitment and courage
- Hope and positive mindset
According to her, “Many of our youth today want to succeed, but they are not ready to go the extra mile. They are too comfortable in their comfort zones. Real growth happens when you stretch beyond your limits.”
She urged the youth to embrace challenges, stay consistent with their efforts, and align their ambitions with strong values and mentorship.
MTN Ghana’s involvement in the summit reflects its commitment to youth development, particularly through digital innovation, career guidance, and entrepreneurship support. Their numerous programs seek to bridge the digital divide and equip the youth with 21st-century skills.
Financial Literacy: A Foundation for the Future
Albert Prempeh Kusi, CEO of the LEC Group and lead convener of the summit, delivered a passionate keynote address on investment and financial planning.
He expressed concern over the lack of financial literacy among Ghanaian youth, stating that many spend all the money they earn without saving or investing.
“You don’t have to be rich before you start investing,” he said. “You can start with the little that comes your way. The key is discipline. Put a portion aside every time you get money, and you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.”
He added, “Many Africans are broke because they lack the culture of investment. It’s a mindset we must shift among our youth if we want to see a prosperous future.”
Kusi urged students to adopt long-term financial thinking and to develop habits that would ensure financial independence and generational wealth.
Empowering Youth with Purpose
The summit also offered mentorship on life skills such as finding one’s purpose, the importance of networking, and developing a grateful attitude. Panel sessions and interactive Q&A segments allowed students to directly engage with professionals and mentors, who shared real-life experiences and challenges they overcame in their careers.
A participant, Linda Mensah, a third-year Development Planning student, expressed her excitement after the summit, saying, “I feel so empowered. This summit has changed the way I think about success. I now know that investment and stretching myself are necessary if I want to achieve my dreams.”
Another student, Kwabena Yeboah from the College of Engineering, also shared, “The speakers were very practical and relatable. I learned that leadership isn’t about position, but about purpose and service.”
The Way Forward
The 2025 National Youth Empowerment Summit at KNUST is part of a nationwide movement led by the LEC Group to empower students across universities and tertiary institutions in Ghana. The initiative continues to grow in impact and reach, with strong backing from MTN Ghana and other corporate stakeholders committed to youth advancement.
The organizers revealed that future editions will include more workshops, digital skills training, and entrepreneurship boot camps to further prepare the youth for the demands of the modern world.
As the summit concluded with high energy and inspiration, one thing was clear—Ghana’s future is bright, and its youth are ready to lead it with passion, purpose, and preparedness.
