ACCRA, Ghana — The General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina A. Fiagbenu, has called on Ghanaian youth to develop practical skills, embrace innovation and cultivate discipline as the country prepares for an increasingly competitive global future.

Speaking at the 2026 National Youth Mentorship Summit held at the University of Ghana, Mrs Fiagbenu said Ghana’s future prosperity will depend largely on how well young people prepare themselves to seize emerging opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development.

She noted that Africa’s rapidly growing youthful population represents one of the continent’s greatest assets, but stressed that this demographic advantage can only translate into economic transformation if young people are equipped with the right knowledge, skills and mindset.

Addressing hundreds of students, she encouraged participants to look beyond academic qualifications and intentionally develop practical competencies, integrity, creativity and a strong work ethic.

According to Mrs Fiagbenu, today’s labour market increasingly rewards individuals who can solve problems, adapt to changing environments and consistently deliver value.

“We don’t have enough prepared youth. There are many opportunities available. People are looking for good people and great people to work with, but they are sometimes disappointed because applicants are simply not prepared,” she said.

She explained that while governments and private institutions continue creating employment opportunities, young people must equally take responsibility for preparing themselves through continuous learning and professional development.

Mrs Fiagbenu stressed that employers now value critical thinking, communication skills, teamwork and innovation alongside academic qualifications.

Reflecting on her own career journey, she disclosed that many opportunities came through the reputation she built for competence, excellence and reliability rather than through numerous job applications.

She therefore encouraged students to remain prepared at all times because career opportunities often arise unexpectedly through referrals, professional networks and demonstrated performance.

Mrs Fiagbenu also urged young people to shift their mindset from merely seeking employment to identifying challenges within their communities and creating innovative solutions capable of generating sustainable businesses and jobs.

According to her, entrepreneurship should focus on solving real societal problems while creating lasting impact rather than pursuing financial rewards alone.

She further highlighted discipline, integrity and responsible behaviour as essential qualities that distinguish exceptional professionals and future leaders.

Expressing concern over persistent acts of indiscipline, including poor sanitation habits, she said such behaviours undermine national development and damage Ghana’s international image.

Mrs Fiagbenu also advised students to maximise technology and digital platforms by learning new skills, improving their knowledge and building their personal capacities instead of spending excessive time on entertainment.

She concluded by encouraging Ghanaian youth to become lifelong learners who embrace innovation and remain committed to continuous self-improvement, insisting that the country’s future will ultimately be shaped by a generation that is disciplined, innovative and adequately prepared.

The Executive Director of LEC Group and organiser of the summit, Albert Kusi, said the Success Africa initiative has impacted more than 400,000 young people across nearly 100 educational institutions over the past two decades.

He explained that the mentorship programme was established to bridge the gap between classroom education and industry expectations by equipping students with practical employability, leadership and entrepreneurship skills.

Mr Kusi revealed that the 2026 National Youth Mentorship Summit marked the grand finale of a 13-campus nationwide mentorship tour that began in February and engaged thousands of tertiary students across Ghana.

The summit, organised by LEC Group in partnership with the Success Africa Foundation under the theme “Youth Innovation & Wealth Creation: Shaping Ghana’s Future,” brought together students, entrepreneurs, business executives and professionals to discuss leadership, innovation, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

The event received support from MTN Ghana, InvestCorp, UBA, Prudential Bank, ACCA, Malta Guinness and Skytech Ghana, reflecting continued private sector investment in developing Ghana’s next generation of innovators and business leaders.