The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has reiterated his commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, stressing that discipline, hard work, and a sincere dedication to service remain the hallmarks of effective leadership.

Speaking on Monday during an engagement with Voice Bearers of Youth in Leadership and students from the Ghana School of Law at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Mayor emphasised that public service is not about holding titles but about impacting lives.

“You don’t need to be a politician to serve your country; you only need to care,” Mr. Allotey told the students, urging them to approach leadership as a duty rooted in civic responsibility and compassion.

The visit formed part of Youth in Leadership engagement programme, aimed at exposing youth to governance processes and inspiring public-minded leadership. The Mayor was joined by the Accra Metro Coordinating Director, Mr. Douglas N.K. Annoful.

Mr. Allotey highlighted his administration’s focus on addressing key urban challenges, including waste management, youth unemployment, and infrastructure development. He encouraged the team to be committed to learning success while also actively contributing to the well-being of society.

He noted that young people are not just beneficiaries of policy but are vital partners in building a modern and inclusive city.

“The youth are not the future, they are the now. We need their ideas, their energy, and their commitment,” the Mayor said.

The meeting also served as a platform for a candid exchange of ideas between the cadres and city leadership. The Mayor's openness to such a dialogue was lauded by the visiting cadres.

Speaking on behalf of the functionaries, Don Emmanuel Agbanyo, SRC Vice President Elect of the Ghana School of Law, Makola Campus, commended the Mayor for his humility, accessibility, and passion for inclusive leadership.

“We are encouraged by your vision and your willingness to engage young people. This interaction has deepened our understanding of leadership as service and given us a clearer view of the responsibilities that come with public office,” Agbanyo stated.

Other members of the delegation also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact with the city’s leadership and pledged to take lessons from the meeting into their future careers.

The delegation from the Ghana School of Law included:

• Jackson Bright Kitanya-Dabanyi, SRC Treasurer-Elect, GSL
• Don Emmanuel Agbanyo, SRC Vice President Elect, Makola Campus
• Festus Matey, Leading Member, Legal Green Association
• Evans Mawunyo Tsikata, Leading Member, Legal Green Association
• Ebenezer Sefa-Kissi, Leading Member, Legal Green Association

As the session concluded, the Mayor encouraged continued collaboration between the city and youth-led organisations. He urged the students to not only demand good governance but also contribute actively through initiatives such as civic education, mentorship, and community engagement.

“Real change comes when we all play our part as government, citizens, and especially the youth,” Allotey said.