A former Chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, has called on the graduating cohort of the PK Amoabeng Scholars Foundation Programme to lead the charge in transforming Africa. Speaking during the induction and graduation ceremony of Cohorts One and Two of the programme held in Accra on December 19, 2024, Mrs. Osei highlighted the critical role of leadership in Africa’s development.
She emphasized that the continent’s people are no longer content with promises but demand tangible results from their leaders.
Addressing the graduating cohort, Mrs. Osei underscored the need for honest, transparent, and effective leadership to chart a new course for Africa. “The people of Africa no longer want promises; they want results. They want leadership that is honest, transparent, and effective. And it is you, the graduating cohort, who must lead the way,” she said. Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting the growing impatience with mediocrity and inefficiency on the continent.
Mrs. Osei also acknowledged the significance of the event’s timing, coinciding with the aftermath of Ghana’s 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections. She stated that the graduates had a unique mission to drive Africa’s renaissance—a movement aimed at eradicating corruption, mediocrity, and inefficiency while promoting merit-based leadership. “The era of choosing leaders based on religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation is behind us. This is a new age. We are in an era where leaders are chosen based on merit—their ability to serve, to deliver, and to inspire change,” she remarked.
The ceremony, which celebrated the induction and graduation of young leaders, was a testament to the PK Amoabeng Leadership Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders. Founded by Capt. (Rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng, the Foundation has become a beacon of hope for young individuals aspiring to make a difference in their communities. Speaking to the media after the event, Capt. Amoabeng passionately reiterated the Foundation’s mission to invest in leadership. “We need to rewrite all the wrongs and get it right by investing in the right leaders for the next generation that comes after us. That’s what this phase of my life is meant for. I want to empty all that’s in me,” he said.
The ceremony brought together a host of distinguished personalities, including Capt. (Rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng; Chairman of the Venture Capital Trust Fund, Mr. Kwesi Amoafo Yeboah; Advisory Board Member Felix Biga; former Deputy Minister of Education, Hon. Twum Ampofo; Dr. Jennifer Bruce Konuah of Tullow Ghana; Sophia Kudjordji of Jospong Group; and Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Founder of Obuobia Foundation. Each of these individuals added their voice to the collective call for transformative leadership in Africa.
Dr. Jennifer Bruce Konuah, Local Content Manager at Tullow Ghana, reaffirmed Tullow’s commitment to supporting the PK Amoabeng Scholars. She emphasized the company’s dedication to providing capacity-building courses and resources to equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary for Africa’s growth and advancement. Her remarks highlighted the vital role of public-private partnerships in fostering leadership development across the continent.
Among the graduates, Mr. Ahmed-Sherrif Kanvela Yussif, a genetic counselor at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of his peers. He urged his fellow graduates to embody honesty, professionalism, and punctuality in their leadership journeys. Reflecting on their experiences in the programme, Yussif expressed gratitude for the mentorship they received from the Foundation’s advisory board members, including Dr. Irene Wulff and Mr. Kwesi Amoafo Yeboah. “The guidance and mentorship we have received have been invaluable in shaping us into the leaders we aspire to be,” he said. His speech was a poignant reminder of the transformative power of mentorship in cultivating leadership.
The PK Amoabeng Scholars Foundation Programme has become a symbol of hope and progress for Africa, providing young individuals with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Through its emphasis on mentorship, capacity building, and merit-based selection, the programme is fostering a new generation of leaders who are poised to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
The event also served as a platform for reflecting on the challenges and opportunities facing Africa. Speakers called for a shift from outdated practices and urged young leaders to embrace innovation, transparency, and accountability. The graduation ceremony was not only a celebration of the achievements of the scholars but also a call to action for all Africans to contribute to the continent’s transformation.
As the evening came to a close, it was evident that the graduates of the PK Amoabeng Scholars Foundation Programme were leaving the event with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. They had been challenged to lead with integrity, serve with dedication, and inspire change in their respective fields.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates and underscored the importance of leadership in shaping the future of Africa. With the support of initiatives like the PK Amoabeng Leadership Foundation, there is hope that Africa’s next generation of leaders will rise to the occasion and usher in a new era of growth, prosperity, and progress for the continent.
