Daniel Asomani
Visionary Organisation Development and Entrepreneurial Club (VODEC) Africa has launched the National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEP) 2025, scheduled for September 22, 2025, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The forum, themed “Is There Enough Youth Employment? The Gateway to Sustainable Economic Development,” is expected to attract 5,000 young people from across the country. It aims to empower future leaders to drive sustainable economic growth.
Chief Executive Officer of VODEC Africa, Daniel Asomani, said this year’s forum would move “beyond inspiration and toward concrete action,” focusing on practical solutions to empower young people as innovators, job creators, and leaders.
He explained that the event would feature an impressive lineup of both local and international speakers from business, technology, policy, and social innovation sectors.
Discussions will cover areas such as entrepreneurship, governance, climate change, technology, and digital transformation, with a strong emphasis on implementation and collaboration.
“Our goal for NELEP 2025 is not just to fill a room with bright ideas but to ensure every participant leaves with actionable steps, clear conditions, and the confidence to turn their vision into reality,” Mr. Asomani stated.
Highlighting VODEC Africa’s track record, he noted that the organisation has mobilized hundreds of volunteers, supported thousands of entrepreneurs nationwide, and launched projects across rural and urban areas.
These initiatives include agricultural innovations in northern communities, startups and social enterprises in major cities, and interventions addressing waste management, sustainability, and youth leadership development.
“The upcoming forum is expected to provide a platform where youth voices can directly shape national development strategies. The youth of Ghana are not just ready for the future; they are ready to shape it,” he affirmed.
On his part, Reverend Lawrence Tetteh, Board Chair of VODEC, expressed concern over the rising challenge of graduate unemployment in Ghana, stressing that many young people complete their education only to face joblessness.
He underscored the urgent need to make agriculture attractive and lucrative, emphasizing that the sector has the potential to absorb a large number of young people while strengthening national food security. He also urged the youth to embrace technical and vocational education, noting that practical skills would not only secure sustainable employment but also enable them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their communities.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke