Young professionals and emerging leaders have been challenged to move beyond the pursuit of titles and positions and take active responsibility for driving change, confronting injustice and contributing to national development.
The call was made at the 17th Young Professionals and Youth Coalition (YPYC) Transform Summit and Africa Role Model Awards 2026, which brought together more than 400 young professionals, students, academics, industry players and distinguished personalities at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) Conference Hall of the University of Ghana.
Held under the theme ‘Leadership in Action: Breaking Barriers and Building Success’, the summit provided a platform for conversations on purposeful leadership, mentorship, professional development and the responsibility of young people to shape the future of their communities and the African continent.
Delivering an address on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, the Presidential Adviser on Ghana’s Economy, Seth Emmanuel Terkper, urged young people to take up leadership responsibilities rather than wait for opportunities or favourable circumstances to come their way.
He emphasised that leadership should not be measured by the titles individuals hold or the positions they occupy but by the impact they make on people and society.
According to him, leadership is a responsibility that demands commitment, active participation and the ability to deliver practical solutions to societal challenges.
He encouraged young professionals to overcome self-doubt, break existing barriers and develop the confidence to participate in decision-making processes at all levels.
The message reinforced the need for a generation of leaders who are not merely interested in occupying positions but are prepared to take initiative, demonstrate competence and create opportunities for others.
The Founder and President of YPYC, Hon. Dr Andy Osei Okrah, reiterated the importance of preparing young people for leadership through mentorship, exposure and deliberate capacity development.
He noted that leadership was not an exclusive privilege of a selected few but a responsibility that could be developed through learning, experience and consistent practice.
Dr Osei Okrah explained that YPYC was established to create opportunities for young professionals and students to interact with accomplished individuals, draw inspiration from their experiences, build meaningful professional networks and acquire the skills required to navigate an increasingly competitive and changing world.
He further challenged the youth to speak against injustice, take responsibility for addressing societal challenges and become active contributors to the transformation of their communities.
Reflecting on the Coalition’s 17-year journey, he underscored its commitment to mentorship, youth development and nurturing a new generation of responsible leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to national and continental development.
Adding to the leadership conversation, Professor Kwasi Dartey Baah highlighted the importance of discipline, consistency, integrity and continuous learning in achieving sustainable success.
He urged young people not to rely solely on academic qualifications but to develop the competence, character and capacity to solve problems.
He observed that while academic certificates could open doors to employment, an individual’s attitude, professional competence and ability to deliver results would ultimately determine their progress.
The summit also celebrated individuals whose contributions across various fields continue to inspire excellence, innovation, service and leadership.
In all, sixteen distinguished individuals were recognised at the 17th Africa Role Model Awards for their achievements and contributions to society.
The awardees represented different sectors, including business, public service, academia, entrepreneurship and social development.
Among the personalities recognised were Mr Samuel Maamgima, a university student who developed a machine within the energy sector; Mr Mohammed Nurudeen, Chief Executive Officer of Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited; and Madam Esther Cobbah, Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa.
Other notable personalities at the event included the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo; the Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako; Rev. Dr Stephen Wengam, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church; Lady Rosemond Prempeh, and other distinguished individuals.
The event was chaired by Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Engineering, with the participation of prominent academics and institutional leaders.
Organised by YPYC in collaboration with the University of Ghana School of Engineering, the 17th Transform Summit and Africa Role Model Awards reaffirmed the Coalition’s commitment to building leadership capacity, promoting mentorship and creating opportunities for young people to realise their potential.
As YPYC marks 17 years of youth empowerment and professional development, the message from the summit remains clear: the future of leadership will not be determined by the titles people acquire, but by their willingness to take responsibility, challenge the status quo, break barriers and make a lasting difference.
Leadership must therefore move beyond words and positions to action, impact and service.