Accra: The Cape Coast Youth Development Association (CCYDA) has organised a leadership and mentorship colloquium designed to inspire and equip young people in Cape Coast to build successful futures and contribute to the development of the historic city.
According to Ghana News Agency, the session gathered successful Cape Coast indigenes from various fields, students, young entrepreneurs, and representatives of key stakeholder groups to network, share experiences, and inspire one another towards a better future. Speakers shared personal stories of struggle, emphasizing the importance of resilience, commitment, and persistence in the pursuit of success.
The event, held under the theme 'From Memory to Momentum: The Black Star Rising,' was part of activities marking this year's Fetu Afahye. Dr. James Conduah Orleans-Lindsey, President of the Ghana Real Estate Association and Patron of the CCYDA, highlighted the significance of mentorship, sharing how mentorship guided him to become one of Ghana's leading real estate developers. He encouraged young people to seek mentors and emphasized that success is a process rather than an event.
Mr. Charles Quansah, a presidential aide, credited mentorship for shaping his legal career, while Mr. Thomas Hughes Amissah, Deputy Manager at NIB Bank, stressed the importance of discipline and resilience. Dr. Nana Obuafo Kwamena Essuman Appiah I, CEO of Citizens Talking Responsibility, USA, encouraged determination and integrity, and Mr. Charles Walker, a lawyer, urged youths to leverage digital technologies for self-education.
Mr. Kwabena Abekah Turkson, CEO of Sonturk Supermarket, shared his journey from street struggles, advocating for entrepreneurship over white-collar job fixations. Mr. David Gibbs, Deputy High Commissioner of Barbados, praised the event for preparing future leaders and disclosed plans to strengthen ties between Cape Coast and Speightstown in Barbados.
Cape Coast Mayor George Justice Arthur urged young people to embrace their culture and language while maintaining faith and unity for the city's advancement. Nana Ekua Abookyi VI, Paramount Queen Mother of Oguaa Traditional Area, called on successful indigenes to create jobs and discouraged substance abuse among the youth.
Mr. Josiah Spio-Gabbrah, General Secretary of CCYDA, noted that the colloquium aimed to inspire and empower youth, committing to education, mentorship, and development as the Association celebrates its 16th anniversary.