Board Chairman of the MTN Ghana Foundation, Professor Franklyn Manu, has urged Ghanaian youth to discard the mindset of quick gains and shortcuts, stressing that sustainable success only comes through hard work, discipline, and perseverance.
He made the call in Accra during MTN Ghana’s Bright Conversations, a series of discussions and events that celebrate distinguished personalities and their contributions to Ghanaian society.
Youth must abandon the “quick success” mentality
Prof. Manu observed that many young people today aspire to live the good life but are unwilling to put in the effort required to earn it.
According to him, the problem begins in school, where students often neglect serious academic work.
“Many young people don’t take pride in their work. They don’t read their assignments, they don’t study their course notes, and at the end of the semester they ask lecturers to identify the examinable areas. This lack of diligence does not motivate lecturers to give their best in the lecture halls,” he lamented.
He further noted that the increasing rate of graduate unemployment is often cited as a justification by some young people not to take their studies seriously.
However, he insisted that education remains an important foundation for personal and professional development, regardless of the challenges in the job market.
Prof. Manu reminded young people that while the world offers many distractions and temptations to take shortcuts, discipline, hard work, and a commitment to learning remain the surest path to success.
Entrepreneurship and skills development as a solution
To address the unemployment situation and equip the youth for the future, Prof. Manu highlighted MTN Ghana Foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment through practical interventions.
He explained that the Foundation continues to invest in entrepreneurship and digital skills as a way of preparing young people to create opportunities for themselves and others.
Through initiatives such as the Enterprise Support Programme, MTN provides funding and training for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Additionally, by partnering with youth summits and offering digital skills training, the Foundation equips young Ghanaians with the tools to innovate, establish businesses, and grow them into sustainable ventures.
“These programmes focus on building practical skills, fostering financial literacy, and driving digital inclusion,” he explained.
“The ultimate aim is to help create jobs and a resilient economy anchored on entrepreneurship.”
Hard work still matters
Prof. Manu insisted that while opportunities such as funding and training are available, young people must develop the right mindset to take advantage of them.
He cautioned against the widespread notion of quick wealth without effort, warning that such shortcuts often lead to disappointment and wasted potential.
“Life is not about skipping processes. Success comes when you consistently apply yourself, learn from your experiences, and build steadily over time,” he stressed.
Bright conversations as a platform
The Bright Conversations series, where Prof. Manu made these remarks, is one of MTN Ghana’s platforms to highlight the contributions of leading figures to national development while inspiring the next generation.
The initiative also underscores MTN Foundation’s broader commitment to education, economic empowerment, and social development in Ghana.
