“Real, effective leaders are in short supply in Africa” — Moses Baffour Awuah charges youth

The Global CEO of Youth Arise Organization, Moses Baffour Awuah, has challenged young people to embrace leadership as a personal responsibility and ambition.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2024 edition of the Leadership Diary Training Program (LDTP) in Accra on Saturday October 26, 2024, Mr. Baffour Awuah delivered a session titled "African Leadership," highlighting the need for purpose-driven leadership on the continent.

“You are the leader of your life and therefore need to have a purpose, vision, and plan for it,” Baffour stressed, urging participants to take ownership of their personal development. He noted that leadership begins with self-awareness and deliberate action toward meaningful goals.

Addressing leadership challenges in Africa, Mr. Baffour observed, “Real and effective leaders are in short supply.” He called on participants to develop their leadership capacities to fill this gap, stating that “leadership is a worthy ambition.”

Mr. Baffour Awuah underscored the importance of continuous learning in leadership. “Admit that you are not good, go back and learn,” he advised, encouraging participants to embrace growth and improvement as part of their leadership journey.

He also highlighted the accessibility of leadership by citing examples of ordinary individuals who have risen to greatness. “Ordinary people have become great leaders,” Mr. Baffour noted, reinforcing that leadership is attainable for anyone willing to work toward it.

In his thought-provoking message, Mr. Baffour emphasized the need for Africans to engage with knowledge and information to lead effectively. He also reminded participants that leadership is integral to making a positive impact, stating, “You cannot be an impact maker without practicing leadership.”

The session ended with an empowering question from Mr. Baffour: “Can you be a leader? The answer is Yes!” His message left participants inspired to lead with purpose and actively pursue roles that promote change within their communities.