Leadership Is About Responsibility, Not Titles – Sammi Awuku Tells UPSA Students

Akuapem North Member of Parliament Sammi Awuku has encouraged young people to redefine their understanding of leadership, saying true leadership is measured by responsibility and impact rather than the title or position one holds.

Mr. Awuku made the remarks when he addressed student leaders at The Ladder Project, a leadership and civic engagement programme held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Thursday, September 24.

The event, organised by Leadership House in partnership with the Graduate Students Association of Ghana (GRASAG-UPSA) and the UPSA Students’ Representative Council (SRC), brought together about 60 selected student leaders for discussions on leadership, public service and Ghana’s development.

According to Mr. Awuku, society often places excessive emphasis on the positions people occupy while overlooking the responsibilities that come with leadership.

“Leadership is not about the size of the office that you occupy. Leadership is the responsibility you are willing to carry.”

He explained that leadership can begin at the community and personal level, noting that individuals do not necessarily need to hold high-ranking positions before they can make a difference.

He cited activities such as mobilising people, initiating community projects and taking responsibility in one’s immediate environment as examples of practical leadership.

Mr. Awuku also challenged the students to think beyond their current positions and consider the lasting contribution they want to make to Ghana.

He urged them to look into the future and ask themselves what they would have contributed to the country if they were to return to their communities 15 years from now.

“What Ghana did you help to build and what did you help change about Ghana?” he asked, encouraging the students to consider their potential contributions to areas such as education, healthcare and other sectors of national development.

The MP advised the young leaders not to become overly focused on their present positions but instead develop a long-term vision for the impact they want to create.

“I just don’t want you to think about the present. Take a shot into the future.”

The Ladder Project seeks to provide young leaders with opportunities to interact directly with experienced public figures while discussing leadership, politics and national development.

The UPSA session featured moderated conversations, practical scenarios and an open forum that allowed the student leaders to engage the speakers and share their perspectives.

Also participating in the programme was Akosua Asaa Manu, a public policy and communications professional and former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority.

The organisers said the initiative is designed to expose young leaders to practical experiences and encourage meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing Ghana.

The September 24 programme formed part of the “Inna the Yard” edition of The Ladder Project held at UPSA.