Leadership Starts with Everyday Choices – Hon. Dr. Sebastian Sandaare Tells UWESU
The Member of Parliament for the Daffiama Bussi Issa (DBI) Constituency and Leader of the Upper West Regional Caucus in Parliament, Hon. Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, has urged students to recognise that leadership begins with the everyday choices they make rather than after graduation or securing employment.
Speaking at the Upper West Students’ Union (UWESU) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) public lecture on Saturday, August 8, 2026, on the theme, “Leadership, Health and Regional Development,” Hon. Sandaare said leadership is often wrongly associated with political power and the occupation of public office.
According to him, leadership goes beyond holding a political position because it is fundamentally about “influence, responsibility and service.”
He explained that students demonstrate leadership when they choose integrity over dishonesty and when they view education not only as a means of improving their individual lives but also as a tool for identifying and solving problems in their communities.
Hon. Sandaare emphasised that the Upper West Region has produced several renowned personalities across different fields, stressing that geographical location should not become a barrier to individual development and achievement. He noted that education remains an important tool through which young people can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals and contribute to society.
He further described integrity as a fundamental quality of effective leadership, particularly in a society where corruption and the abuse of public trust continue to undermine ethical standards. “It is integrity that sustains leadership and earns public trust,” he emphasised.
On health, Hon. Sandaare said good health provides an important foundation for effective leadership, academic success and economic development. He explained that when people are unhealthy, productivity declines, making sustainable development more difficult to achieve.
According to him, good health goes beyond the absence of disease and should be understood as “a state of physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.” He therefore encouraged students to take their health seriously, stressing that good health and academic success are closely connected.
The Upper West Regional Caucus Leader also expressed concern about the rising number of HIV infections in Ghana and encouraged students from the region to know their HIV status and make responsible decisions concerning their health.
He also cautioned against the abuse of drugs and other narcotic substances, warning that substance addiction could undermine the future of young people and the development of society. “No society can achieve sustainable development if its youth are trapped in addiction,” he warned.
He consequently encouraged students to play an active role in promoting healthier communities, stressing that regional development should ultimately focus on improving the quality of life of the people.
Addressing the issue of employment, Hon. Sandaare acknowledged that government alone cannot provide employment opportunities for all graduates. He therefore encouraged young people to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and become “job creators” rather than depending solely on government for employment.
He identified agriculture as one of the sectors with significant potential for creating wealth and employment in the Upper West Region. He encouraged graduates to view agriculture beyond its traditional perception and explore opportunities within the sector. “See agriculture not merely as a traditional occupation, but as a sector capable of generating wealth and creating employment,” he advised.
He also highlighted the importance of technology in creating opportunities for young people, particularly in areas such as digital innovation, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He encouraged students from the Upper West Region to acquire relevant digital skills to enable them to compete effectively in an increasingly technology-driven global environment.
Despite encouraging students to pursue educational and career opportunities outside the region, Hon. Sandaare cautioned them not to lose their identity and connection with their communities.
He emphasised that young people who leave the Upper West Region in pursuit of education and career opportunities should remain committed to contributing to the development of the communities that nurtured them. “Where young people may pursue education and career outside Upper West, they should never lose their commitment to the communities that nurtured them,” he emphasised.