Young professionals in the country have been challenged to see themselves as the next generation of leaders and help accelerate Ghana’s development.

President of the Young Professionals and Youth Coalition (YPYC), Andy Osei Okrah is convinced Ghana can develop when young people are productive and innovative.

He made the call at the 8^th Young Professionals Transformational Leadership Conference and Young Professional Role Model Awards ceremony on the theme: ‘Mentoring Africa’s young leaders for Africa’s transformation’ at the Accra International Conference Centre.

The event brought together more than 1,500 young professionals and youth from all over the country.

Mr. Osei Okrah said the objective of the conference is to equip the country’s youth with state-of-the-art leadership skills and values for rapid nation building.

He noted that, to fulfill the present and future needs of Ghana, continuous engagements, collaborations and development of young professionals with changed mind-sets, capable in skills and competencies and above all strong in leadership and generational thinking are needed.

The former deputy Ashanti Regional Minister indicated that, since the inception of the programme many young professionals are making significant impact in the socio-economic development of the country leading to the creation of more jobs for young people.

Mr. Osei Okrah said through the annual event the youth would be led to utilize their limited resources to solve their own immediate challenges as private entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the theme: ’Mentoring Africa’s young leaders for Africa’s transformation’ he said the theme was chosen based on the need confronting young professionals in the 21st Century.

The YPYC President stated that, he introduced the Young Professionals Role Model Award to recognize those who demonstrate superior leadership both personally and professionally, to deliver total youth development.

Winners of this year's awards include, Francisca Oteng Mensah, Young Professional Female Role Model, Nathanial Kwabena Anokye Adisi (Bola Ray), Young Professional Male Role Model, Franklin Cudjoe, Young Professional Role Model in Civil Society Leadership, Kingsley Kweku Pinkrah, Young Sate Role Model and many others.

Mr Okrah called on Institutions and Corporate Ghana to support the laudable initiative that would help empower young professionals.