The Youth Empowerment Summit, an annual gathering that has become a beacon of hope for young people in northern Ghana, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a strong call for youth to harness opportunities and build lasting legacies.
Organised by the Martha Inspires Foundation, the summit brought together students from secondary schools, tertiary institutions, youth groups, civil society actors, and development partners under the theme: “Amplifying Youth Voices, Building Legacies.”
Over the past decade, the platform has offered mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities, nurturing a generation of young leaders committed to nation-building. At this year’s event, students, individuals, and organisations were honoured for their contributions to the Foundation’s mission.
Miss Martha Anabilla, Executive Director of Martha Inspires Foundation, reflected on the journey, attributing the summit’s longevity to unwavering support from stakeholders, including civil society organisations, development partners, and the private sector.
“This milestone is not just about 10 years of meetings; it is about 10 years of shaping lives, building confidence, and preparing our youth for the future,” she said, urging continued collaboration to expand the impact.
Speakers challenged the youth to invest in skills, discipline, and vision. Reverend Aaron Lambon Fant, Senior Pastor of Sanctuary of Wind and Fire Assemblies of God Church, encouraged participants to avoid distractions, delay instant gratification, and pursue long-term goals.
“Believe that the African youth can succeed early,” he said.
The event also highlighted public and private sector support. Alhaji Inusah Mahama, Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority, urged young people to take advantage of government programmes, while Madam Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to equipping the youth with digital tools through initiatives like the MTN Skills Academy.
For many participants, the summit was more than speeches. Miss Mohammed Asana, a student at Tamale Girls’ Senior High School, described it as “a springboard for empowerment, exposure, and informed decision-making.”
With partners including the National Youth Authority, Songtaba, Norsaac, SWIDA-Ghana, WEE-North, Savanna Opticals, Twisco, and MTN Ghana as lead sponsor, the summit’s 10th edition reinforced its reputation as a catalyst for youth transformation.
