Rethinking Leadership: PK Amoabeng Foundation seeks to transform leadership in Ghana and Africa

Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng, co-founder of UT Bank, is seeking to shape the mindset of young people into the leaders Africa needs.

Despite being retired, Captain Amoabeng continues to push for change, driven by concerns over the direction of leadership on the continent.

Speaking about Ghana’s progress since independence, Captain Amoabeng questioned the current state of leadership and stressed the need for a new approach to grooming future leaders. “We’ve had independence for over 67 years, but where are we headed?” he asked, emphasizing that leadership development is key to the nation’s future.

The PK Amoabeng Foundation’s Scholars Programme is at the heart of this initiative, offering hands-on leadership training to young people. Unlike previous efforts focused on speeches and debates, the programme emphasizes practical experiences, with participants undergoing boot camps, military-style discipline, and intense training to instill leadership values. Captain Amoabeng noted that the programme is designed to help participants understand the importance of time management, respect, teamwork, and the spirit of Ubuntu—promoting shared responsibility and collaboration

Tullow Ghana Limited, a multinational energy company, has partnered with the foundation to support the leadership development initiative. Dr. Jennifer Bruce Kunoah, Local Content Manager at Tullow, explained that the company saw the foundation’s potential to reshape the mindset of young business leaders. “We share their vision for integrity and professionalism,” she said, adding that this alignment of values prompted Tullow to join forces with the foundation.

As part of their support, Tullow has enrolled ten PK Amoabeng Scholars in its Supplier Mentorship Programme, providing one-on-one mentorship and real-world business training. Additionally, the company has introduced the scholars to its Supply Chain Academy Programme, offering courses in finance and digital skills to equip them with essential tools for business success.

One of the scholars, Rachael Awinsu Allabila, explained her motivation for joining the programme, citing the need for a new generation of leaders in Ghana. “Ghanaian youth are tired. We can’t sit around waiting for the older generation to make decisions that don’t reflect our aspirations. We want to cause change, and the PK Amoabeng Scholars Programme is giving us the tools to do just that,” she said.

Miss Allabila emphasized the desire among young people to lead with transparency, accountability, and integrity, traits she believes are critical for the nation’s progress. The programme, she added, is designed to challenge the status quo and empower the next generation of leaders.

Looking ahead, the PK Amoabeng Foundation aims to expand its leadership programmes and garner further support from stakeholders to create lasting change in Ghana’s leadership landscape. Captain Amoabeng acknowledged the enormity of the challenge but expressed optimism, stating that with the right values and resources, the country can shift its leadership direction.

The foundation remains focused on its mission to actively create change rather than waiting for it, as Captain Amoabeng and his team continue their work to shape the future of leadership in Ghana and across Africa.