The search for purpose and opportunity
Growing up, he faced the same challenges many young people encounter, including limited resources, few platforms and scarce job opportunities. Undeterred, he sought ways to serve his community. From 2008, he began by organising his peers to discuss peace before, during, and after the 2008 general elections in Ghana, under the National Peace Council’s Youth Peace Ambassadors project. He also rallied friends to help make a difference among in-school and out-of-school youth. These small actions led him to realise that youth work could transform not only his own life but also those around him.
As a young undergraduate in 2011, Samuel struggled to find internship placements. He said:
“Many organisations lacked motivation and structure to support young people. They would not even give me a chance to become an intern or volunteer,"
Determined to change his destiny, Samuel spent his vacations actively seeking opportunities: knocking on doors, speaking with community leaders, and attending local events to find internship placements that could complement his academic work.
“In one of my endeavours, I was engaged by the Ghana Red Cross Society in the Ashanti Region and soon joined the National Youth Authority's volunteer programme, ultimately leading a flagship school renovation project that benefited over 200 primary school pupils in Ghana.”
A turning point: Discovering the Commonwealth Youth Programme
Samuel’s leap forward came when a mentor introduced him to the Commonwealth Youth Programme (CYP). Through the CYP, he discovered a vibrant network of leaders from around the world, united by their commitment to youth development. The programme opened his eyes to the power of youth advocacy and the value of organised cross-cultural collaboration.
For Samuel, it was more than just training — it was a gateway to a world where youth voices truly mattered. He shared:
“When youth voices are heard, communities become stronger and solutions more innovative. We have inspired many to believe in their own potential and act for their communities.”
His journey, driven by perseverance and hope, has now established him as a leading global youth worker and advocate within the Commonwealth. Youth work professionals help and support young people with their personal, social and educational development using educational processes as well as care and leisure approaches.
For over 50 years, the Commonwealth has been a champion of youth empowerment, providing a platform for youth and the professionals who support their development to participate in shaping policies and influencing decision-making.
Samuel has used his newfound network to advocate for youth inclusion in Ghana. He says:
“I have led project management training sessions for over 3,500 beneficiaries, spoken at forums, and encouraged other young professionals to share their stories. The impact of my work was recognised in a joint evaluation by the National Peace Council and the University of Massachusetts’ Department of African Studies in 2016 as having contributed to the mitigation of election violence in identified hotspots in the Ashanti Region.”
Today, Samuel works as a Regional Programme Officer at the National Youth Authority in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He also plays a leading role in the West African Youth Alliance, championing the adoption of the West African Youth Parliament as part of the ECOWAS Treaty.
Reflecting on his journey from a determined volunteer to a globally recognised youth advocate, he says:
“Youth voices matter. When young professionals unite, we can build a future where every young person can lead causes that make a real difference”.
His dedication is also evident during International Youth Day celebrations, where he works with other local organisations that showcase the potential of young Ghanaians.
Samuel is now leading efforts to establish a Commonwealth Youth Workers Association in Ghana. The platform aims to bring together youth workers and to offer training and a code of practice to enhance their collective impact. Samuel envisions an organisation that not only supports youth workers but also influences policymakers.
Looking ahead: The 5th Global Youth Work Conference in Malaysia
Samuel will be a delegate at the 5th Global Youth Work Conference in Malaysia this November. He sees this conference as an opportunity for youth workers across the Commonwealth to share ideas, build alliances, and learn from diverse experiences. He is particularly excited about sharing insights from Ghana on the global stage and returning with cross-cutting ideas and methods to support his peers.
Media contact
- Ijeoma Onyeator, Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- E-mail | Mobile: +44 07483919976
