Joana Cudjoe urges youth to embrace self-belief, innovation at VL Exposure 2025

Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has called on the youth to embrace self-belief, innovation, and community-mindedness as key drivers of personal and national development.

She made the call while addressing a high-level audience at the second edition of The VL Exposure, held in Accra on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Themed “Beyond Boundaries”, the event brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, corporate executives, and community changemakers to explore stories of resilience, innovation, and transformative leadership.

Hon. Gyan Cudjoe, who spoke on the topic “Opportunities for Growth”, emphasised that sustainable progress lies in creating opportunities not just for oneself, but for others.

She drew from her own initiatives in Amenfi Central to demonstrate how practical support can ignite hope and productivity within communities.

“I looked at women who wanted to be helped—hairdressing and skills training—and I went to buy 200 sewing machines and 2,000 hairdressing kits,” she shared.

“In my village alone, over 4,000 students are undergoing skills training. They are learning something new, and they are happy,” she added.

Hon. Gyan Cudjoe also revealed her commitment to education, highlighting personal contributions to support young people’s academic journeys. She further disclosed that her projects have created employment for approximately 300 people.

“Some are paid GH¢1,000, others GH¢2,000, and some GH¢5,000 depending on what they can do. “Because we created something new, the youth have started building,” she noted.

Throughout her address, the MP repeatedly challenged young people to believe in their dreams and take action.

“If I can do it, you can do better than me,” she declared. “Don’t abandon your dreams. Take a pen and paper and write them down. Believe in yourself, no matter what.”

Hon. Gyan Cudjoe also critiqued the way many young people engage with digital platforms, urging them to be more productive with their time. “We spend so much time on social media gossiping and insulting, but you can be the destiny-changer in your family,” she urged.

She applauded government-led initiatives like Adwumawura and Women’s Banking, describing them as critical enablers of growth, particularly for women and the youth.

“When a government creates jobs, increases salaries, and supports women and youth, it becomes easier for people who have nothing to believe in themselves,” she said.

The MP stated that thorough restructuring of the economy is essential for the success of the current administration and argued for long-term governance and systemic change.

“Imagine the NDC is in power for 50 years—because the mess we are trying to clean doesn’t need four or even eight years. You need time to restructure everything. Just like in business, you need to identify your risks and mitigate them before you can grow.”

Founder of The VL Exposure, Victoria Lebene Osafo-Nkansah, outlined the project’s achievements in training and empowerment. According to her, 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.

The event also featured other speakers, including Communications Minister Sam Nartey George; Founder of the PK Amoabeng Leadership Foundation, Captain (Rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng; and Presidential Staffer Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, who charged the youth to take ownership of their futures by leveraging technology, discipline, and purpose-driven leadership.