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I was going through my folders the other day when I came across the image above. The picture was taken by the US Embassy Ghana’s media team during one of my speeches at an opening ceremony of one of the Cohorts of YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC), West Africa. As we are witnessing “an end of one era and the beginning of another”, this image brought back several fond memories about my experience at the RLC. In 2015 when the regional leadership program started, I applied for the first Cohort but didn’t make it. Thankfully, I made it through to the second Cohort in November of the same year. My experience at the program was quite remarkable. I met incredible fellows who are doing phenomenal work in their communities — young people who are turning “noes” into “yeses” and are doing things that some others might consider to be a miracle! Take, for example, Yahya Nancy Kandeh from The Gambia. Yahya was born in a very uncertain time. Even though his parents valued education, they like many others in the community never had the opportunity to go to school because they spent their days farming. No one in the family was literate, until Yahya. When Yahya was just four years old he approached his father about attending school. His father was sympathetic but feared that Yahya was too young to make the 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) trek to the nearest primary school on his own and told him to wait until he was a bit older. Yahya was determined to get an education, so when he was only six years old he joined classes designed for adult illiterates in his community, but at which other interested parties were welcome. Yahya took the classes very seriously. He performed so well that he caught the attention of his instructor who approached Yahya’s father and convinced him to allow his son to attend primary school. Yahya impressed his head teacher at Sare Sophie Primary School so much with his knowledge of basic numbers and letters that he was advanced from the first to the second grade after just two weeks in 1991. After completing third grade, Yahya was advanced directly into fifth grade. He went on to excel at Brikama Junior Secondary School (1997 to 2000) and Armitage Senior Secondary School (2000 to 2003). He went on to pursue a higher National Diploma in Public and Environmental Health, and a Bachelor’s Degree program in Public and Environmental Health, worked with US Department of State under the Generation Change Initiative as well as United Nations World Food Programme (WFP); where he served as a Field Monitor Assistant, and has also gained admission into the University of Queensland in Australia to pursue a Master’s Degree in Integrated Water Management. Read this story in full here Like Yahya, Tobiloba Ajayi is a young Nigerian that will not let a disability stand in her way of chasing her dreams and making a difference in her community. Tobiloba was a premature newborn, the 4th child of the Ajayi’s 5 children. Initially, her parents didn’t want to enroll her in school because although she could speak she could not sit, stand or walk; hence they thought she wouldn’t do well in school. It took the intervention of the proprietor of her siblings’ school for her to be enrolled. He convinced Tobi’s parents that she couldn’t sit, stand or walk, didn’t mean she wouldn’t be able to learn. Tobi recalls her dad saying that soon after she started school she began to make efforts to stand. Though she enrolled in Nursery at the age of 3, Tobi eventually started walking at the age of 12. She says that attending school with other students (without disabilities) challenged her to be better and encouraged her to overcome self-defeat. Tobiloba had her primary, secondary and tertiary education in Nigeria, and even partook in the National Youth Service Corps program. She later bagged a Master’s degree in International Law from the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. As a way of giving back, Tobiloba is now advocating for inclusive education for children living with disabilities as against the popular schools of children with special needs and has written several motivational books. She was accepted into the Mandela Washington Fellowship in 2016 and her story documented by the Presidential Precinct was a joy to watch. Read Tobi’s story in full here You’ve probably heard about several “lemon to lemonade stories” but Abena Yeboah is a young Ghanaian that aptly personifies everything you’ve heard or imagined. Her fortitude and grit is as delightful as it is inspiring. As a young girl, Abena found herself on the streets. But she always knew that the street was never going to be her home for long. With that conviction, she fought her way through all the hurdles that formed life on the street; doing every menial job she could find including selling “pure water”, call cards and the likes to moving cars on the highway. Now, with self-realisation, a lot of help from rural chiefs and donors, Abena has set up an organization that is dedicated to helping young girls get a better chance to life. Learn more about her work here All around Africa, there are numerous young people like Yahya, Tobi, and Abena who have benefited (and continue to benefit) from the training programs at the Young African Leaders Initiative either through the online courses, YALI Face2Face, the Regional Leadership Center or the Mandela Washington Fellowship. These young people whose works hitherto were not recognized or celebrated are now serving as role models and inspirations in their communities. And through them, a lot more are getting involved in making their worlds better than they met it. This is the legacy of President Barack Obama. This is how Africa will remember him. My involvement in the RLC has given me a great privilege to interact with hundreds of young people across West Africa. One thing they all share is hope, hope in the future of this continent and the vital role they are playing in actualizing it. As Ben Okri wrote, “it is our thoughts that make our world”. President Obama has inspired a new generation of Africans who are no longer waiting on the government or the society to do something for them but are stepping across the lines to take their fates into their own hands; young people who believe that “Africa’s future is up to Africans”. And by believing, they are sparking the same fire in their communities, schools, cities and countries. Indeed, these “young people — brimming with talent, energy, and hope” — are claiming the future for Africa and I am one of them!

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” — Dr Martin Luther King, Jr
Tom-Chris is the President and Founder of Stars From All Nations (SFAN), a social enterprise that bridges the gap between education and work. He is also the Regional Manager of Future of Ghana, and a MasterCard Foundation Scholars mentor. He is passionate about education, youth issues, social enterprise, technology and Africa. You can reach him at tomchris@sfanonline.org]]>

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Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity

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April 27, 2024

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The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.

This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.

Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

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This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.

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#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy

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April 27, 2024

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The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.

Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.

The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.

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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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April 27, 2024

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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April 26, 2024

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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April 26, 2024

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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April 26, 2024

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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