The Student Representative Council (SRC) of Central University successfully organized the highly anticipated Youth Quake Conference as part of this year’s Akwaaba Week celebrations. The event, held at Trinity Hall on May 15th, brought together students, dignitaries, and speakers under the theme “Entrepreneurship and National Leadership.”
Despite initial challenges in organizing the conference—including concerns about political content and low early turnout—organizers persevered. According to Prince Obeng Kore, a Level 100 Law student, “Earlier before the start of the program, our hopes were down. We were not getting the numbers and there were delays. But when time went on, we realized people started coming out of their rooms and hostels, filling up the place, and we had a good event.” The determination of the SRC and student volunteers ensured the event’s success.
The conference featured Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, a former MP as guest speaker, and Prof. Adelaide Kastner, Dean of Students and Alumni Affairs and Immediate Past Dean of the Central Business School. The keynote address focused on the nature of entrepreneurship challengingcommon misconceptions: “Entrepreneurs are made, they are not born.” Stated Mr. Agyapong.He emphasized that entrepreneurship is accessible to anyone willing to take risks and learn, encouraging students not to be discouraged by the belief that entrepreneurial qualities are innate.
In his address, Mr. Agyapong outlined seven essential qualities for aspiring entrepreneurs. He explained that to be successful in business, one must possess vision—the ability to see opportunities ahead; courage—to take bold steps even in uncertainty; integrity—to maintain honesty and strong moral principles; focus—to remain dedicated and undistracted by challenges; foresight—to anticipate future trends and prepare accordingly; humility—to be teachable and grounded; and cooperation—to work effectively with others.
Students found the event both informative and inspiring. Samuel Frimpong, a Level 600 Doctor of Pharmacy student, expressed his motivation for attending: “I honestly came here to learn about Honorable’s business path, what he did, his mistakes he made, and basically his experiences. And how far they’ve gotten, and mostly the lessons he has to offer with the coming youth.”
The Prampram Secondary School also participated, with students and teachers in attendance.Cassandra, a student from Prampram Senior High School, shared her reflections after attending the Youth Quake Conference at Central University. She highlighted key qualities discussed at the event, saying, “I’ve learned that to be an entrepreneur, you have to be a good leader, have a good vision, and also have humility and also be courageous.”
The Youth Quake Conference ultimately proved to be a resounding success, equipping students with valuable insights into entrepreneurship and leadership, and reinforcing the message that future business leaders are shaped through experience, learning, and determination.
Written by:
Hawawu Tahiru is a final-year student at Central University, pursuing a degree in Communication Studies with academic training in public relations, advertising, and media studies. She has served as Treasurer of the Communication Students Association (COMSA) and currently serves as the Organizing Secretary for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Association (FASSA).