A three-day national capacity-building work­shop aimed at equipping Scout and Guide leaders with relevant 21st-century skills has ended in Accra, with an em­phasis on youth empowerment and national development.

The workshop, held last weekend by the Scout and Guide Fellowship Ghana (SGF-Gh), brought together adult leaders and volunteers from across the country to strength­en their competencies in lead­ership, digital literacy, critical thinking, civic responsibility, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and community engagement.

According to organisers, the initiative forms part of SGF-Gh’s long-term strategy to close leadership gaps in schools and communities, while reinforcing the values and principles of the scouting and guiding movement.

Speaking at the opening cer­emony, the President of SGF-Gh, Mr Andrew Botchway, said the workshop was a deliberate effort to rebuild capacity with­in the movement and prepare leaders who are capable of guiding the next generation.

Mr Botchway called for greater collaboration among stakeholders in the movement, noting that unity was key to reviving the visibility and im­pact of scouting and guiding, which he said had declined in recent years.

He disclosed that Ghana plans to host the 2027 Interna­tional Scout and Guide Fellow­ship (ISGF) World Conference. Additionally, plans were under­way for a major international jamboree in 2026, dubbed“The Ghana Experience’’, which is expected to attract global participants.

The SGF-Gh President also called for stronger support from both government and the private sector to sustain initia­tives that promote leadership development and volunteer service among Ghanaian youth.

The Executive Secretary of SGF-Gh, Ms Stephanie Biriko­rang, described the workshop as more than just a training programme. She said it was a platform to inspire responsi­ble leadership and empower participants to effect positive change in their homes, work­places, and communities.

We are not just here to enhance skills,”she said.“This workshop is about strength­ening the spirit of service and citizenship that defines our movement, and equip our­selves with the tools, knowl­edge, and confidence to lead better and serve more.”

Ms Birikorang noted that the sessions—delivered by experienced facilitators and partners—were essential for remaining proactive and relevant in a rapidly chang­ing world. She added that the workshop also served as a space for networking and collaboration among scouts, guides, and community lead­ers.

Also present at the opening was the International Com­missioner of the Ghana Girl Guides Association (GGGA), Ms Sylvia Nicole Eshun, who underscored the importance of the Girl Guiding movement in shaping empowered and responsible young women.

She appealed to parents, educators, and local leaders to support the guiding move­ment, emphasising that it offers young girls a unique op­portunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and become change-makers in society.

 By The Spectator Reporter