Young leaders from across the continent gathered in Accra recently for the Convergence of Young African Leaders/Award (COYALA 2023).
The global event which had its theme as ‘Inspiring A New Mindset For Young Political And Business Leaders’ witnessed an array of speakers delivering different speeches on the way forward for Africa as a continent.
While delivering the welcome address, Comrade Barry Ndu Nwaihim, convener of COYALA called on African leaders to effectively utilize the resources inherent in the continent for the betterment of lives. He urged those who seek political office to always remain committed to the promises they made before election. The Advocate of youth inclusion in Governance said it is time to change the mindset people have about politics. In his words, “In a continent where people expect to be paid before voting needs to be totally condemned”.
He continued, “A continent where citizens take things as small bags of rice, sugar etc., to vote against their conscience is reprehensible and is against the principles of integrity. When people spend so much money to get political office or bribe to get a job or even to access Government contracts, their mindset would be to loot and recover all they spent. We cannot continue this way if we sincerely want this blessed continent to progress.”
He concluded by urging young people who have the opportunity to lead in any sector of sector to do so with integrity , self-confidence and honor as they have the capacity to bring positive change in the society.
Dr. Hassan Ayariga, founder and presidential candidate of All People’s Congress – APC expressed dissatisfaction on the manner some African leaders have not been able to develop their respective countries because of corruption. He urged citizens to stop voting people whose main intention is to loot resources meant for the people. The Presidential candidate stated different strategies any serious minded leader can use to bring their people out of poverty. He thanked the organizers for such laudable initiative and hopes to continue partnering with them in their quest to take young people out of unemployment rather than waiting for Government job.
Dr. Comrade Sunny Ofehe, former governorship candidate in Delta state and founder – Hope for Niger Delta Campaign, Netherlands went down memory lane on challenges he faced while contesting election. He said one key thing that needs to be effectively tackled in Africa is youth unemployment; He said that joblessness breeds crime and all kind of social vices. He urged relevant authorities to invest more in impacting the lives of young people as they are the drivers of any economy.
Hon. Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah , member of Parliament for Afram Plains North constituency in her speech noted that young people can deliver on any task given. She enumerated her achievements as a member of parliament and explained that she has been able to do so because of her commitment to leave a lasting and memorable legacy in the minds of her constituents; she said Africa can do more than it is doing currently if leaders can be sincere and patriotic.
20 Africans making impact across several sectors of society were awarded and also inducted into the African Leaders Hall of Great Achievers, with a call to keep impacting Humanity.
Some of the Award recipients included Hon. Frank Annoh Dompreh, Majority Chief whip Ghana parliament, Dr. Leticia Appiah Executive Director National Population Council, H.E Alieu M. Massaquoi, PhD Head of Mission -Liberian Embassy Ghana, Roselyn Felli, Journalist, HRM Dr. Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu, King of igbos in Ghana, Dr. Hassan Ayariga, Founder APC -Ghana, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, Senator representing FCT, Mr. Agostinho Kapaia, Founder/Chairman Opaia Coglomerate, Angola, Hon. Betty Nana Efua Krosbi Mensah, member of Parliament for Afram Plains North, Sylvia Lopez Ekra, Deputy Director, UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley OCLOO. MP for SHAI-OSUDOKU Constituency, Greater Accra, Alberta Ablordeppey, Author/Philanthropist -America, Chiamaka Uba , CEO Meals n’ More, Kofi Kakra Kusi, Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs-Ghana Tourism Authority and others.
The organizers look forward to a more exciting edition next year.
Email – africayoungleaders2023@gmail.com
