By Wilberforce Asare
Copyright asaaseradio
Kow Essuman, Legal Counsel to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has challenged Ghanaian youth to overcome fear, embrace bold leadership, and turn their ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses.
Speaking at the ICE Conference 2025 at the Beulah SDA Church in Kumasi, Essuman urged young people not only to start small but to multiply and expand their impact.
“God has already given you every gift you need to survive and to fulfill your purpose,” Essuman said.
“The real battle is not whether you are equipped. The battle is whether you believe it or let fear and imposter syndrome hold you back.”
Own Journey
Drawing on his own journey, he recalled becoming the youngest person to be appointed Legal Counsel to the President of Ghana, and later serving as Acting Secretary to the President. Despite criticism that he was “too young” for such roles, he said his experience showed that courage and faith were essential to leadership.
He also shared personal setbacks while preparing for the New York Bar exam. Despite the ordeal, he sat for the exam the following day and passed on his first attempt.
“Failure and setbacks are not meant to destroy you; they are meant to prepare you for scale,” he told the audience.
Business growth
Essuman urged entrepreneurs to prioritize good governance, compliance, and innovation, highlighting the importance of training staff, adopting technology, and anchoring ventures in biblical principles.
“From Genesis itself, God commanded us to be fruitful and multiply. Multiplication is not just about children, but about impact, growth, and stewardship,” he noted.
He cautioned against discouraging others’ dreams, recounting advice he once received from former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen: “Never discourage a businessman. You don’t see what he sees.”
More opportunities
Essuman reminded participants that putting the youth to work was about more than jobs.
“Africa is not and should not be a graveyard of dreams; it is a vineyard of opportunities. Start small but think big. Multiply. Scale,” he said.
The conference, themed “IGNITE: Fueling Ideas, Sparking Action,” brought together pastors, entrepreneurs, students, and business leaders to explore strategies for youth empowerment and enterprise development.
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