The Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, has called on the youth to embrace visionary leadership as a cornerstone for national development, speaking at the prestigious International Youth Empowerment Summit (IYES) Ghana 2026.
The summit, held at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra, brought together a convergence of influential policymakers, business leaders, and young changemakers to deliberate on the theme, “Transgenerational Impact.”
Serving as the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Debrah delivered a powerful address underscoring the critical need to equip the next generation with a strong sense of purpose. In an engaging session, he stressed that the future of Ghana rests on the ability of its young population to lead with integrity and foresight.
“The energy and creativity of our youth are Ghana’s greatest assets,” Hon. Debrah remarked. “But energy without direction is futile. We must empower this generation not just with skills, but with a vision that transcends their immediate circumstances.”
The Chief of Staff’s participation extended beyond his keynote address. He engaged in a notable dialogue with Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu on the final day of the conference, exploring practical pathways for young people to transition from potential to impactful action.
The four-day summit, orchestrated by convener Brian Amoateng, featured a formidable lineup of speakers who dissected themes of sustainable leadership, wealth creation, and values-based influence. The roster included Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Pastor Jerry Eze, and Samira Bawumia, each offering unique perspectives on building legacies that endure.
Beyond the inspirational talks, IYES Ghana 2026 served as a platform to showcase tangible initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity. Programmes highlighted included the Adwumawura Programme, the National Apprenticeship Programme, and the One Million Coders Initiative, all designed to foster entrepreneurship and digital literacy among the youth.
As the summit concluded, attendees were galvanized to move beyond dialogue, charged with the responsibility of becoming catalysts for metamorphosis in their communities and industries.
