Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, the Acting Chief Executive of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), has challenged Ghana's youth to reject the idea of being mere "leaders of tomorrow." He insists they are indispensable partners in building Ghana's prosperity today. This call to action emphasizes immediate engagement in national development.
Mr. Mould delivered his keynote address at the University of Education, Winneba's Seminar on Conflict and Nation Building. The seminar's theme was "The Role of Youth as Partners for Growth and Development in Africa." He argued that Ghana's future relies less on natural resources and more on the capabilities, character, and execution of its people. This perspective highlights a shift towards human capital development.
This emphasis aligns with broader economic discussions in Ghana about diversifying the economy beyond raw materials. The nation consistently seeks ways to boost productivity and innovation. Ghana's economic growth, while often driven by resource extraction, needs sustained human capital investment for long-term stability. This strategy is crucial for achieving the country's development goals.
Mr. Mould stated, "The future is not built tomorrow. It is built today; in classrooms, laboratories, workshops, businesses, communities and universities." He used examples from Singapore, South Korea, Finland, and Botswana to illustrate his point. These nations achieved prosperity by investing in capable people and strong institutions, not solely through natural resource abundance. Their success stories provide a blueprint for Ghana.
The Acting MiDA CEO described development as "the sustained increase in a nation's ability to solve its own problems." He stressed that prosperity comes from innovation, productivity, and disciplined execution, not just rhetoric. He declared, "Resources create potential. Capability converts potential into prosperity." This statement underscores the importance of practical skills and implementation.
Mr. Mould challenged universities across Africa to produce nation-builders, not just graduates. He proposed that every graduate should possess five critical capabilities: critical thinking, execution, value creation, collaboration, and strong character. This framework aims to equip students for real-world problem-solving. Many countries, he noted, struggle with implementation despite having sound policies.
He encouraged students to ask, "What problem can I learn to solve?" instead of "Where can I find a job?" Societies reward individuals who consistently solve important problems. Young Africans should invest in skills that create value. "Capability creates opportunity. Capability creates enterprises. Capability creates industries. Capability creates prosperity," he emphasized. This advice aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset.
Mr. Mould also praised Edudzi Tamakloe, Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority, as a living example of youth leadership. Mr. Tamakloe's presence demonstrated that young Africans are already shaping national development. This recognition aims to inspire students to pursue leadership roles regardless of age. It reinforces the message that age is not a barrier to innovation or public service.
In conclusion, Mr. Mould urged the next generation to reject mediocrity and entitlement. Instead, they should embrace responsibility, integrity, and disciplined execution. He maintained that history would judge today's generation by the institutions it strengthened and the opportunities it created. "The Ghana you hope for will not appear because someone else imagined it. It will appear because your generation prepares for it, builds it, protects it and improves it," he concluded. This powerful message calls for active participation and ownership of Ghana's future.