The Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing at the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) hosted a leadership dialogue on Friday, November 21, 2025, themed “Civic Courage: Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Making a National Impact.”
The event brought together student politicians, governance and public policy students, and selected student leaders to discuss civic responsibility, ethical public service, and the courage required to participate in Ghana’s democratic process.
Distinguished Guest speaker Awentami Paul Afoko, former National Chairman of the National Patriotic Party, emphasized the importance of civic courage, defining it as the willingness to defend principles even when it’s dangerous.
“Civic courage is not partisan or ideological,” Afoko said. “It’s the ability to say this is wrong, even when it’s unpopular.”
Afoko shared his personal experience of being arrested and exiled for speaking up against the JJ Rawlings regime in 1981, stressing that courage shapes nations more than fear.
“Courage strengthens a nation, but cowardice weakens it,” he said. “A nation that does not speak its truth slowly loses its soul.”
The dialogue also featured a poem by Ama Nhyira and a welcome address by Nana S. Achampong, Director of the Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing.
Afoko offered practical steps for young people to develop civic courage, including developing an informed voice, separating partisanship from love of country, and holding leaders accountable respectfully.
In a Q&A session, Afoko encouraged young people to stay true to their convictions and speak their truth, even in a system that may not allow it.
“The youth of this country have the courage to speak courageously,” he said. “Speak your truth and criticism quietly. And respectfully.”
The event aimed to inspire young leaders to make a national impact through civic courage and responsible leadership.
