MTN boss urges CEOs to invest in Ghana’s youth
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr. Stephen Blewett, has called on corporate leaders in Ghana to take a proactive role in the country’s development by investing in youth-focused initiatives and job creation.
Speaking at the 9th Ghana CEO Summit held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on May 26, 2025, Mr. Blewett said the time had come for business leaders to shift from passive support to active engagement in shaping Ghana’s economic future.
“Ghana’s young population is full of potential. But potential alone is not enough—we need to create platforms that offer real opportunity,” Mr. Blewett stated. “As CEOs and business leaders, we must be intentional about leveraging our resources and networks to build a more sustainable and inclusive economic system.”
He urged companies to go beyond profit-making and contribute to a national vision that prioritizes skills development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. According to him, the private sector holds immense power to influence growth, and that influence must be directed toward social and economic transformation.
“We must stop thinking of development as the responsibility of government alone. It is our responsibility as well. We must invest in people, in systems, and in ideas that will drive sustainable progress. That is how we build a future worth inheriting,” he added.
Mr. Blewett emphasized that deliberate and collaborative efforts were required to overcome systemic challenges in education, employment, and infrastructure. He called for stronger partnerships between the private sector, civil society, and government, noting that such collaborations would be critical in addressing youth unemployment and underemployment.
He also underscored the need for increased investment in digital infrastructure and digital skills training, particularly in underserved communities, to ensure that all young people have access to the tools necessary to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
“As leaders, we have the means to support change—not only through our businesses but through our voices, our policies, and our platforms. Let us use them wisely,” Mr. Blewett urged. The summit, themed: “Leading Ghana’s Economic Reset: Transforming Business and Governance for a Sustainable Futuristic Economy,” attracted top executives, policymakers, and thought leaders from across sectors. Discussions centered around economic reforms, innovation, governance, and strategies for long-term resilience amid global economic uncertainties.
