Cape Coast Youth Colloquium Highlights Mentorship and Drug Abuse Concerns
The Cape Coast Youth Development Association (CCYDA) has organised a youth leadership and mentorship colloquium aimed at inspiring young people while also drawing attention to concerns about substance abuse among the youth in Cape Coast.
The programme, held under the theme “From Memory to Momentum: The Black Star Rising,” brought together young people, students, entrepreneurs, successful Cape Coast indigenes and other stakeholders to discuss youth development and the future of the historic city. The event formed part of activities marking this year’s Fetu Afahye celebrations.
Mentorship Takes Centre Stage
A major focus of the colloquium was the importance of mentorship in helping young people navigate education, careers and personal development.
Dr James Conduah Orleans-Lindsey, President of the Ghana Real Estate Association and Patron of the CCYDA, shared his own experiences and encouraged young people to seek guidance from mentors.
He urged participants to approach life with determination and perseverance, stressing that success is a process rather than an overnight achievement. He also highlighted opportunities available to young people in areas including education, business and technology.
Other speakers also encouraged young people to remain disciplined, resilient and focused.
Charles Quansah, a presidential aide, spoke about the value of mentorship and urged young people to develop a clear sense of purpose. Meanwhile, Thomas Hughes Amissah, Deputy Manager at NIB Bank, emphasised discipline, focus, resilience and maintaining a positive attitude.
Participants were also encouraged to continue developing themselves beyond formal education and explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and technology.
Association Raises Concern About Drug Abuse
Beyond mentorship and career development, the programme also highlighted concerns about drug and substance abuse among young people in Cape Coast.
According to a separate report on the event, Dr Orleans-Lindsey said the Association was committed to supporting efforts to reduce drug abuse in the city. He called on parents, teachers, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the future of young people.
The General Secretary of the CCYDA, Josiah Spio-Garbrah, also expressed concern about what the Association described as an alarming level of drug abuse among some young people in Cape Coast.
He said the Association planned to engage young people through sensitisation, mentorship and educational programmes as part of efforts to address the problem.
The issue was also raised during the colloquium by Nana Ekua Abookyi VI, Paramount Queen Mother of the Oguaa Traditional Area, who urged young people to stay away from drugs and other social vices.
Beyond Personal Success
The discussions also encouraged young people and successful indigenes to contribute to the development of Cape Coast.
Entrepreneur Kwabena Abekah Turkson encouraged young people to consider entrepreneurship instead of focusing exclusively on white-collar employment, while lawyer Charles Walker urged participants to continue learning beyond the classroom and make use of digital technologies.
The programme also carried a broader message for successful Cape Coast indigenes: personal achievement should be accompanied by efforts to give back and contribute to the development of the community.
Turning Potential Into Progress
Explaining the purpose of the colloquium, Mr Spio-Garbrah said many young people have talent and promising ideas but often lack the guidance needed to fully develop their potential.
As the CCYDA marks its 16th anniversary, the Association says it remains committed to education, mentorship and youth development.
The colloquium therefore brought together two important conversations affecting young people: creating opportunities for growth through mentorship and addressing social challenges that can threaten their future.
