Board Chairman of the MTN Ghana Foundation, Professor Franklyn Manu, has urged Ghanaian workers and young people to cultivate passion, inner drive, and pride in their work as the hallmarks of true and lasting success.
Speaking at MTN Ghana’s “Bright Conversations” series in Accra, he made a strong case that motivation and commitment—rather than shortcuts or the mere pursuit of salaries—must guide individuals who aspire to thrive in their careers and ventures.
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Passion as the fuel for success
Prof. Manu underscored that motivation often stems from working in dedicated teams with a shared commitment to excellence.
He credited MTN Ghana Foundation’s staff and partners for embodying such values, stressing that their dedication has enabled the Foundation to make a measurable impact on Ghanaian communities.
Reflecting on his personal journey, he revealed that on days of low energy or disheartenment, it was his inner drive and belief in the Foundation’s mission that kept him going.
“Looking at the scope of problems in Ghana, one can easily feel overwhelmed. You need something that motivates you internally. Being excited about what you are doing and being passionate about it is what brings the inner drive. Without these, nothing works,” he explained.
The crisis of workplace apathy
Unfortunately, Prof. Manu lamented that passion for work is absent in many Ghanaian organisations.
He estimated that as many as 90% of workers in the country lack genuine passion for their jobs and are only motivated by paychecks.
“That is why many Ghanaian organisations struggle. People simply go through the motions, often demotivated or frustrated. Some even report to work already sad,” he observed.
He cited the case of newly minted PhD graduates who, after years of study, enter academia with salaries ranging between GH₵5,000 and GH₵6,000.
According to him, without a deep love for teaching and research, such scholars quickly become disillusioned.
“The average Ghanaian, young or old, does not take pride in their work. But taking pride in your work is what makes you successful, because it reflects on who you are,” he added.
Shortcuts bring short-lived success
Prof. Manu also warned against the growing tendency of some individuals to seek shortcuts to success. While these may bring immediate financial gain, he stressed that they are rarely sustainable.
“Shortcuts may produce short-term success, but it does not last. Long-term success comes only from commitment, passion, and pride in the work you do,” he said.
MTN Foundation’s youth empowerment drive
As part of its mission to inspire the next generation, the MTN Ghana Foundation has been encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth.
Through its flagship Enterprise Support Programme, the Foundation provides funding, incubation, and training support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
In addition, the Foundation partners with youth summits and organizes digital skills training workshops to empower young people to start and grow their businesses.
These programmes focus on building practical and vocational skills, fostering financial literacy, promoting digital inclusion as a driver of jobs and building a more resilient economy driven by local enterprise.
Prof. Manu argued that such interventions are essential, given Ghana’s rising youth unemployment challenge, which he has previously described as a “time bomb” if left unaddressed.
Bright conversations: Celebrating impactful voices
The remarks were made during MTN Ghana’s “Bright Conversations” series, an initiative designed to celebrate distinguished personalities and their contributions to Ghanaian society.
The platform also serves as a forum for reflection on the challenges confronting the nation and the opportunities to build a brighter future.
Prof. Manu’s emphasis on passion, inner drive, and work pride ties into the Foundation’s broader mission of empowering people and communities, not just through resources, but through a renewed mindset about work and nation-building.
Building a culture of pride and purpose
Prof. Manu’s central message was clear: Ghana cannot achieve sustainable development if its citizens approach work with apathy and resignation.
Instead, the culture of pride, passion, and purpose must be mainstreamed across workplaces, academia, and entrepreneurship.
“Take pride in your work. That is what will make you successful. When you work with honesty, passion, and commitment, success follows naturally,” he told the audience.
By combining personal drive with institutional support through initiatives such as MTN Foundation’s empowerment programmes, he believes Ghanaian workers and entrepreneurs can turn challenges into opportunities and create a resilient, job-creating economy.
