The second edition of The VL Exposure, held on Saturday, 30 August 2025, in Accra, was a vibrant celebration of resilience, enterprise and empowerment under the theme “Beyond Boundaries” and the topic “Opportunities for Growth”.
The event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, corporate executives, and community changemakers, creating a dynamic platform where personal stories of resilience, government opportunities, and private-sector innovation intersected to inspire the next generation.
Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, urged young people to embrace authenticity, resilience, and brand identity as the keys to success.
Reflecting on his journey from a university entrepreneur to cabinet minister, he said, “People don’t buy products; they buy brand identity. The lion is not the fastest or the smartest, but it has presence. That is what I built my political campaign on.”
He highlighted lessons from pitching to firms like MTN and Guinness, stressing self-discovery: “There can only be one Samuel Nartey George. Discover what is unique about you and nurture it.”
He also outlined the government’s One Million Coders Programme and ongoing reforms of 15 digital economy laws.
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, delivered an impassioned address urging young people, especially women, to embrace opportunities for self-development and entrepreneurship.
Sharing her own initiatives, she highlighted how investment in vocational training was transforming her constituency.
“I looked at women who wanted to be helped with hairdressing and skills training. “I went to buy 200 sewing machines and 2,000 hairdressing machines,” she recounted. “Today, more than 4,000 students in my village are engaged in skills training, learning something new, and they are happy. This is how you get rid of poverty by creating something not just for yourself but for others, because we are building a nation.”
Hon. Cudjoe revealed that her initiatives had already employed about 300 workers, with salaries ranging from GHS1,000 to GHS5,000 depending on skills. She encouraged the youth to start small, to believe in themselves, and to put their ideas into action.
“If I can do it, you can do it and even better. Don’t abandon your dreams. Write them down, believe in yourself, and begin,” she said.
Her remarks were also a call for discipline and creativity among young people. She pointed out how social media often distracts the youth with gossip and trivialities, urging them instead to use their time productively.
“Even selling pure water can become a business if you think innovatively,” she advised, adding that supportive government programmes such as Adwumawura and Women’s Banking were also poised to provide opportunities for growth.
Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) at the Presidency, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, praised the MP’s journey, describing her rise from modest beginnings to success as “exceptional and unique.” She noted that Gyan Cudjoe’s transformation from a domestic worker to a businesswoman worth millions underscored the essence of going “beyond boundaries”.
“Her personal testimony was profound,” Nana Oye remarked. “She discovered opportunities beyond Amenfi Central, came to Accra, and worked her way to the top. Today she stands as an example that dreams are attainable with courage and determination.”
She also referenced the inspiring story of Captain (Rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng, whose financial institution, Unique Trust, once stood among Ghana’s most respected banks.
On his part, Captain (Rtd) Amoabeng, founder of the PK Amoabeng Leadership Foundation, shared his entrepreneurial journey of setbacks and resilience.
After rejecting opportunities abroad, he chose to remain in Nigeria, where years of failed ventures eventually gave way to the creation of Unique Trust.
From a humble beginning with one table and three chairs, it grew into a leading financial services company employing over 2,500 people.
“My philosophy has always been that time is life’s most limited resource,” he said. “Respecting clients’ time means respecting their humanity. That discipline, coupled with faith and persistence, is what built my companies.”
Founder of The VL Exposure, Victoria Lebene Osafo-Nkansah, outlined the project’s achievements in training and empowerment. This year alone, 31 beneficiaries received free training in vocational and administrative skills, including wig-making, makeup artistry, bakery, tailoring and office administration.
“Our youth are often slow in embracing opportunities, but this initiative proves that transformation is possible when raw talent is given a chance,” Victoria said.
“In the next 10 years, VL Exposure will be global—impacting lives, inspiring young entrepreneurs, and collaborating with businesses to promote innovation and growth,” she revealed.
Beulah Oppong, a trainee in bakery, testified to the immediate impact of the programme.
“It took just one week of back-to-back training, and now I am confident I can start my own bakery and serve customers,” she said.
Beulah encouraged other young people not to wait until they finish school to pursue their dreams, urging them to start when they are young: “That is the time you can make mistakes and learn.”
