Sylvester Demuyakor was the host of the panel
Across Africa and especially in Ghana, calls for transformational leadership continue to grow.
But while many look to politicians and government officials to lead the change, what if the real solution lies in training people to become leaders?
That was the central theme at a recent panel discussion hosted by Gracedlife Leadership Centre on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
The event brought together influential voices from various sectors to explore how young people in Ghana can rise up and become the change-makers their communities need.
One of the panellists, Beatrice Afia Wilson, Founder of Handz On Africa, emphasised the importance of education, youth empowerment, and policy creation as the top three agents that can create good leadership.
She challenged schools to move beyond theories and focus on practical, field-based learning to prepare future leaders.
Beatrice further stressed that building new leadership requires collective involvement from everyone.
She also emphasised the need to shift mindsets, especially among the youth.
“We must begin by transforming how people think,” she said, urging leaders to examine the potential in young people and guide them intentionally.
Instead of relying solely on theories, she called for action-oriented learning, encouraging the youth to step into the field and apply what they’ve learned.
She also advocated for hands-on training for teachers, stressing that educators need practical tools and exposure to real-world challenges to truly prepare the next generation of African leaders.
Another speaker, Michael Brainy Appeadu, founder of The Brainy Leadership Team, stressed the need for intentional leadership development.
He advocated for rigorous training programs that prioritise impact over connections, while urging institutions to stop selecting leaders based on familiarity and instead focus on influence and capability.
Also featured on the panel were Emmaryn Leuzzi, Founder of The Climate Sociologists and Kekeli, who shared powerful insights on youth leadership in Ghana.
Leuzzi emphasised the need for inclusivity and personal growth.
She encouraged young people to build themselves up, especially by standing out in spaces where most are just seeking salaries.
According to her, true leadership begins with self-discipline and a hunger for impact.
Kekeli Yaw Dorkenoo, founder of Keldork Global Innovations, brought a fresh perspective, reminding the audience that skills alone aren’t enough.
He stressed the importance of mentorship, saying that who advises you can shape the kind of leader you become.
He also cautioned against feeling entitled or overly confident, especially in entrepreneurship.
He further advised the youth not to dwell on unfair treatment but instead focus on growth.
He added that the youth must be visionary, innovative and ready to seize every opportunity, whether good or bad.
Sylvester Demuyakor, the host of the panel, reminded the audience that “No one is coming to fix Africa.”
According to him, waiting for external help is a mindset that must shift.
He emphasised that the world runs on principles, not pity, and if Ghana wants change, it must align with those principles.
Sylvester also challenged the youth to rethink how they view challenges. Instead of seeing problems as setbacks, he urged them to see them as opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership.
About the Conference
"The Miliarium Leadership Conference" is an annual milestone celebration event that allows TGLC to welcome new cohorts into their leadership development training program, while transitioning other cohorts from one stage to the other of the 3-year-long program.
The Gracedlife Leadership Centre is a non-profit organisation with the mission to raise leaders, reorient mindsets, and foster a culture of integrity and selflessness among young Africans. TGLC achieves this mission through its four core programs, which include;
1. Leadership Development Training
2. Leadership Experience Program.
3. Skill Development Program.
4. Mentorship Program.
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