The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga Esq., has called on Ghanaian youth to pursue purposeful leadership by becoming agents of change rather than merely holding positions for status or recognition.
He made the call while addressing participants at a leadership summit held at the Islamic University College, Ghana, under the theme “Leading Beyond Limits: Building Vision, Influence, and Impact.”
Speaking to young attendees, Mr. Ayariga urged them to focus on creating meaningful impact that will benefit future generations, stressing that leadership should be driven by vision, service, and practical action.
“Be leaders of change, not occupiers of space,” he charged.
According to him, positions alone do not automatically grant influence, noting that true leadership is earned through dedication to the welfare of others and a genuine commitment to societal progress.
He emphasized that young people should not seek leadership roles solely for prestige or titles, but rather for the opportunity to positively influence others and contribute to national development.
Mr. Ayariga also encouraged the youth to develop realistic and achievable visions, describing vision as a critical foundation for driving sustainable transformation.
He further advised young people not to shy away from leadership opportunities, but instead commit to continuous learning, practice, and personal development to strengthen their ability to lead effectively.
Also speaking at the summit, Acting National President of the Ghana Youth Federation (GYF), Sherif Ghali, highlighted the gap between innovation and execution among many young people.
While acknowledging that Ghanaian youth generate numerous ideas, he noted that many fail to translate those ideas into meaningful action.
He stressed that ideas alone cannot create impact without implementation, adding that structure is essential for turning vision into reality.
“A vision without structure is merely a wish,” Mr. Ghali stated.
He also encouraged young people to embrace constructive criticism rather than fear it, explaining that feedback plays a vital role in personal growth and long-term success.
The summit brought together several notable speakers, including Member of Parliament for Odododio, Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, and President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Rashid Ibrahim, as part of broader efforts to inspire youth leadership and development.
