The Students Representative Council at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has held a seminar to empower students to develop leadership skills, build confidence and make informed decisions to enhance their personal, academic and professional growth.The seminar, held at the Jophus Anamoah-Mensah (JAM) Auditorium on the university campus, was organised under the theme, “The Voice That Shapes Us.” It brought together university officials, distinguished speakers and students from the Departments of Home Economics, Business and Political Science to deliberate on youth empowerment, mentorship, self-awareness, effective communication and the influence of personal and external voices on leadership development.The event sought to encourage students to recognise the value of their voices, identify positive influences and develop the confidence to express their ideas while preparing themselves for leadership and responsible citizenship.Speakers included the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Effutu Municipal Assembly, Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah, who chaired the seminar; Professor Esther Danso; Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong; Mr Vincent Wang; Mr Gabriel Nii Kommey-Adams; Mr Augustus Koranteng Kyei; and Mr Ismael Tuohesung Issahaque.The seminar opened with an interactive session in which the moderator challenged participants to examine why the voices of young people were often overlooked in society. Students were encouraged to reflect on the factors that limited youth participation in decision-making, the challenges that prevented young people from expressing themselves and the responsibilities they had to assume to make their contributions count.The discussion also raised questions about whether young people were adequately utilising available opportunities to communicate their ideas and participate actively in matters affecting their lives. The session underscored the importance of self-reflection, personal responsibility and the creation of an environment in which young people could express their views constructively.Delivering the welcome address, President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Mr Bright Gyan, urged students to speak boldly, communicate their ideas confidently and overcome the fear that often prevented them from making their voices heard. He emphasised the importance of student participation and encouraged the youth to appreciate the value of their opinions and contribute meaningfully to discussions on issues affecting their academic and social development.His address set the tone for the seminar, highlighting the need for students to develop the confidence to engage with others, articulate their concerns and participate actively in leadership and decision-making processes.The Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong, who delivered a presentation on the topic, “From Follower to Leader: The Voices to Adhere,” emphasised the role of the university in helping young people distinguish between right and wrong, think critically and organise themselves effectively.He commended the SRC for organising the seminar, describing it as a valuable initiative that provided students with an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas and develop essential leadership qualities. Prof. Sarpong also acknowledged the planning and preparation required to organise a successful programme and expressed appreciation to the dignitaries and students for their participation.In his presentation, Professor Sarpong identified four important voices that could influence personal development and leadership: the voice of instruction, the voice of correction, the voice of service and the voice of conscience. He explained that these voices had helped to reinforce his vision and shape his personal and professional journey, stressing that individuals needed to be discerning about the guidance they accepted.According to him, the ability to listen, learn and reflect was essential to developing sound judgment and becoming an effective leader. He cautioned students against rushing into success merely to compete with others or gain recognition, urging them instead to develop at their own pace and learn from experience.He said personal development required discipline, patience, reflection and a willingness to accept constructive guidance rather than blindly following the decisions and actions of others.Professor Sarpong further stressed that effective leadership depended on continuous learning, a strong sense of conscience and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and meaningfully. He encouraged students to understand that leadership was not an instant achievement but a gradual process that demanded commitment, sound judgment and the ability to learn from both successes and failures.His presentation reinforced the importance of choosing positive influences and developing the capacity to make responsible decisions in both personal and professional life.Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah, MCE of the Effutu Municipal Assembly and chairperson of the seminar, delivered an address focused on youth empowerment, mentorship, resilience and the pursuit of success. He emphasised that the energy, creativity and potential of young people needed to be supported through opportunities that promoted their personal development and prepared them for future careers.The Effutu MC urged students not to surrender when confronted with difficulties, noting that the voices they listened to could either support their progress or undermine their ambitions. He encouraged them to pay attention to their inner voices, particularly those that inspired them to aim higher, remain determined and pursue meaningful goals.“Will you be a mentor, or will you be mentored?” he asked, challenging the students to consider their readiness to learn from others and their future responsibility to guide and inspire the next generation.He advised them to identify suitable mentors at the local, national and international levels, explaining that mentorship could provide guidance, broaden perspectives and help young people navigate the challenges associated with personal and professional growth.Hon. Rev. Mensah also encouraged students to acquire at least one valuable skill that could improve their employability, expand their opportunities and enable them to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.He said young people needed to be intentional about their development by identifying their strengths, acquiring relevant competencies and seeking guidance from individuals whose experiences and values aligned with their aspirations.The MCE challenged the students to reflect on the legacy they wished to leave behind and the contributions they intended to make to their communities and society at large.He urged them to confront difficult circumstances with courage, determination and perseverance rather than withdraw when faced with setbacks.Describing failure as an institution for success, he explained that setbacks could become valuable learning experiences when individuals were prepared to acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them and improve their approaches. He stressed that meaningful achievements required consistency, noting that ambitious dreams could only be realised through daily effort, discipline and commitment.According to him, giving up in the face of adversity could lead to lasting regret, while perseverance could open the way to personal growth, achievement and greatness. He therefore encouraged the students to remain focused on their goals, embrace opportunities to learn and continue improving themselves even when progress appeared slow.His address highlighted resilience as an essential quality for young people seeking to overcome obstacles, achieve their ambitions and assume leadership responsibilities in their communities. He further urged them to think beyond immediate personal success and consider how their skills, experiences and achievements could be used to support the development of others.In a demonstration of support for student development, Hon. Rev. Mensah donated GH¢10,000 to the Students’ Representative Council. The donation was one of the highlights of the seminar and underscored the importance of supporting student-led initiatives and activities aimed at promoting leadership, learning and personal development.The gesture also added a practical dimension to the discussions on youth empowerment, highlighting the role that institutional and community support could play in creating opportunities for students.The seminar reinforced the importance of positive guidance, self-awareness, confidence and effective communication in shaping the future of young people. Through the presentations and interactive discussions, students were encouraged to evaluate the influences around them, listen to constructive advice and develop the confidence to express their views responsibly. The discussions also highlighted the need for young people to combine ambition with discipline, remain open to mentorship and recognise that leadership required service, integrity and accountability.Participants were reminded that the voices shaping their lives extended beyond those of mentors, teachers and other influential individuals to include their own convictions, decisions and attitudes towards challenges.The seminar concluded with a call on students to be deliberate about the voices they followed, take responsibility for their personal development and use their knowledge and abilities to contribute meaningfully to society. It also reaffirmed the importance of creating platforms where young people could engage in dialogue, build confidence, learn from experienced individuals and prepare themselves for leadership roles.The event served as a reminder that empowering the youth required not only giving them opportunities to speak but also equipping them with the skills, guidance and confidence to ensure their voices made a positive and lasting impact.
Story By: Charles Baah Aboagye & Yvonne Callarh Kwakye -ISD
Last modified: October 21, 2026
