Ghana Chapter of Queen Elizabeth II’s Commonwealth Trust launched

The British High Commission in Accra has launched the Ghana chapter of Queen Elizabeth II’s Commonwealth Trust. This initiative honors the late British monarch.

The program aims to nurture young people across Ghana. It will equip them with skills and a mindset for future leadership in Ghana and Africa.

At the launch on Thursday, April 10, former GIMPA Rector Professor Emeritus Stephen Adei spoke. He praised the initiative and stressed giving youth the right opportunities.

He encouraged young people to stay in Ghana. They should work towards its development instead of seeking better lives abroad.

“There is a need to motivate young people,” he said. “They can succeed locally without crossing the Sahara Desert.”

Professor Dean Roberts Jnr, High Commissioner and UNIPGC USA Vice President, also attended. He urged world leaders to provide genuine hope for their youth.

“Empowerment means giving them hope,” he stated. “It’s not just about jobs or money.”

He highlighted peace and security as crucial factors. “If there is no security, there is no peace,” he warned.

Deputy British High Commissioner Keith McMahon expressed belief in Ghanaian youth potential. He noted that the Trust empowers Africa's next generation of leaders.

“This is a proud moment for Ghana and the Commonwealth,” he said.

Kingsley Kwaku Pinkrah, Chairman of the Ghana Chapter, emphasized youth potential. “You are drivers of innovation and voices of the future,” he stated.

He explained that QCT seeks to empower youth leaders with necessary tools. This will help them scale initiatives and positively impact communities.

“But we cannot do this alone,” he added. He called for collaboration from government, private sector, and civil society.

A total of 33 young people have been selected for the Trust in Ghana. Most are university graduates, students, or young entrepreneurs.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust focuses on youth empowerment as a beacon of hope. It supports young social entrepreneurs transforming their communities through innovation.

Since its inception, QCT has aided over 200 young entrepreneurs across the Commonwealth. This number will grow with the new Ghana Chapter.

Past impacts include seed grants for over 50 social entrepreneurs tackling climate change, education, and healthcare issues. Capacity-building programs have equipped hundreds with skills to create jobs.

Partnerships have formed with leading organizations to unlock more opportunities for youth-led initiatives worldwide.