The Big Spectacle

In recent times, young people appear a lot more impatient than those before them — impatient with academic courses, with securing a job, and when they start a business or invest in a venture, impatient to have it grow and bear fruit.  A myriad of factors have contributed to the unease we see today. Pressures have been building up over the years from immediate family, friends, and social media — probably the most dangerous of all.  Today, many young people are faced with the pressure, or should I say the burden, of supporting their home. They are required to send money home as soon as they complete school — whether SHS or tertiary. Probably not their fault, or that of the family making these requests.  Many low- to middle-income families have no financial buffers to cushion them when the need arises. As a result, in times of emergency, all hell breaks loose, and unbearable pressure is placed on the younger ones.  A simple comparison of average rent prices in Accra aga...

Attitude Opens Doors of Opportunity: Decoding the unemployment situation in Ghana and developing pragmatic solutions to curb this menace.  “I will hire an attitude and train a skill", the words of Rev. Bernard Osei-Duah, CEO of BOD Mogul Consult and Jobs Afrique, a mentor of mine.  In 2019, I conducted academic research on youth unemployment in Ghana. One key finding was that the causes of unemployment are multi-faceted. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to contribute—however modestly—by applying lessons from people who have gone ahead of me. I have created a platform where I share opportunities; from jobs in Ghana to jobs abroad to scholarships and fellowships, among others. In the last two years, I've shared thousands of opportunities, and have had more than 600 people join the platform called  Study/ Travel Abroad and Jobs . Additionally, through my NGO, Young Champions Global Network , I have offered mentorship to hundreds of young people, particularly in the a...

  Introduction Not long ago, college degrees were the ultimate symbol of academic excellence and professional credibility. Degrees conferred status, opened doors to exclusive job markets, and earmarked people for certain salary levels. However, in today’s fast-evolving world, the value of degrees is increasingly being questioned. With the widespread availability of higher education and the changing dynamics of the job market, many are beginning to wonder: Is a college degree still worth it? The Golden Age A few years ago, degrees were hailed. They were a badge of honour and a beacon of elitism. Universities were fewer, access to formal education was limited, and graduates enjoyed near-automatic access to highly coveted job opportunities. In Ghana, for instance, intellectuals like Dr. J.B. Danquah, a lawyer and politician, were revered because of their education. Lost Glory: The Current State of College Degrees Today, degrees are widespread.  According to Statista data from 20...

A cry for mentorship by the Younger Generation There is a growing demand for mentorship among young people—a deep craving to be guided, nurtured, and inspired by those who have successfully navigated the paths they now seek to follow. Many young individuals find themselves in a state of uncertainty, grappling with setbacks and challenges they do not fully understand. The fear of making the wrong choices or failing to realise their potential often leaves them feeling lost. Reflecting on a recent conversation with a friend and drawing from my personal journey—as well as the experiences of some of the personalities I admire—I felt compelled to address this growing call for mentorship. This piece explores the realities of mentorship, the expectations of young people, and the role successful individuals can play in shaping the next generation. The Reality: The Grind Behind the Glam During my visit to Legon campus yesterday, a friend confided in me that she wanted to be mentored by B...

  Empowering Stories, Shaping Tomorrow: Insights from the 2024 B.You Conference (My experience) Hey girl! Listen up... WISDOM FROM YOUR FUTURE SELF – the captivating theme of this year's B.You Conference. Hundreds of young women gathered at the Palms Convention Centre between 9 AM and 5 PM of October 5 th to be inspired. From its inception to the very end, a wave of energy and vibrancy filled the room, with sounds of inspiration, conviction, and a fervent drive to embrace their individual stories echoing throughout. In 2017, the phenomenal young woman, known across the globe as Berla Mundi, embarked on a journey to unveil potential and inspire young women to believe in the power of their narratives and take action to shape their futures. As a PR and media professional, Berla champions the power of storytelling, encouraging others to soar on the wings of their unique experiences. A role model to many, she responded to the desires and calls for mentorship, convinced that the tim...

 What matters the most: the honest truth We live in a crazy world. Everything is moving so fast. Everyone seems to be in competition with what they do not even know or understand. Everyone is striving for greatness. Everyone wants to be in the limelight. Everyone is waiting to see what is the next biggest thing that makes the headlines. And yeah, we all want to be there. But wait. What matters the most? Is that all that is important?  In the world today, everyone wants to feel important. Every musician wants to have a hit song. Every team wants to win the world cup or some champions leagues or something of that sort. Parents are expecting their wards to be the best graduating student. Everyone is seeking to be at the top. So many people feel the pressure of trying to do things they are not, or trying to portray to be something else. People put out wrong figures to assume a certain public image. But the real question is, is that really what is important? Let us get into it! Wha...