CAPE COAST – At a pivotal summit hosted by the Institute for Liberty and Economic Education (ILEE) at the University of Cape Coast, young Ghanaians were challenged to take up the mantle of change. The Campus Liberty Summit, an initiative designed to cultivate informed and engaged leaders, served as a crucial platform for a call to action: that the nation’s youth must not only pursue their passions but actively shape the policies that govern their lives.
A Clarion Call for Systemic Change
Professor Enoch Opoku Antwi, Dean of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Communication Arts at Academic City University, delivered a compelling address that underscored the disconnect between youth potential and societal norms. He argued that Ghana’s cultural fabric often stifles individual initiative, preventing young people from emerging as bold leaders.
“The system is not equitable for all to enjoy,” Professor Antwi stated, highlighting the urgent need to educate the youth on systemic inequalities. He emphasized that by shifting their mindsets and ideologies, young people could become the catalysts for meaningful societal impact.
Professor Antwi, who is also a distinguished Leadership and Governance Consultant, offered a strategic path forward. “If you want to influence any system, you can do it from within or without,” he advised, suggesting that if individual efforts prove insufficient, joining a political party could be a viable route to achieving desired change.
Fostering a Culture of Liberty and Entrepreneurship
Echoing this sentiment, Eric Coffie, Executive President of ILEE, explained that the summit’s core mission is to promote the principles of liberty and empower young people with a deep understanding of their constitutional rights. He noted with concern that many young Ghanaians have become “oblivious to issues happening at the national level” and are often unaware of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed to them.
Coffie also addressed the pervasive and often problematic reliance on government for post-university employment. “We have been conditioned to rely on the government for jobs after university, which is inappropriate,” he asserted. He championed entrepreneurship as the true engine of economic growth, urging students to embrace innovation and creativity to create jobs for themselves and others.
The Imperative of Cultural Evolution
Dr. Eric Usifoh, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Classics and Philosophy at the University of Cape Coast, provided a nuanced perspective on the relationship between change and tradition. He affirmed that while change is a necessity driven by modern demands, it must not erode the foundational cultural principles that define Ghanaian society.
“Our culture promotes common good and humanitarian principles,” Dr. Usifoh remarked, stressing the importance of upholding these values even as the nation evolves. He called for a critical shift away from harmful cultural practices while preserving the rich heritage that underpins the country’s social cohesion.
The Campus Liberty Summit series aims to be a catalyst for a new generation of leaders—one that is not only passionate and entrepreneurial but also deeply engaged in the policy discourse that will shape Ghana’s future.
