Take control of your financial future  …female students urged

 Mrs. Janet Acheampong Otoo, Treasurer of the Akenten Ap­piah-Menka University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has urged young wom­en to take control of their financial future by embracing literacy, confi­dence, and purposeful planning.

Speaking at the university’s Finan­cial Literacy Summit over the week­end, she emphasized that “money is power” and that women must be em­powered with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions.

The summit, organised by the Stu­dent Representative Council, was held under the theme “Financial Fitness: Building wealth and securing your future.”

Mrs Acheampong Otoo explained that financial literacy was more than budgeting—”it encompasses saving, investing, and managing debt”.

However, she noted that many wom­en still struggle due to a confidence gap that hinders their ability to create and follow effective financial plans.

“Financial independence is about freedom, confidence, and the ability to pursue your dreams,” she said. “As women, we have the power to shape our own futures and contribute mean­ingfully to society and family life.”

She encouraged female students to attend workshops, read widely, and avoid impulsive spending on beauty and lifestyle. “Every financial deci­sion should align with your long-term vision,” she added. “Believe in yourself. Lead the charge.”

Joining the conversation, the Municipal Chief Executive of Sekyere South, Mr Evans Amo Twumasi, called finan­cial literacy one of the most overlooked foundations in nation-building.

“In today’s world, the line between economic survival and financial freedom is drawn not by luck but by knowledge and discipline,” Mr Amo said. “Money may be finite, but knowledge is infinite—and finan­cial discipline is the bridge between them.”

He stressed that financial fitness was not just about saving or spend­ing, but understanding the value of a cedi, the cost of each decision, and the power of forward planning. With the right mindset and habits, he said, anyone can achieve economic resilience and long-term success.

Mr Amo urged stu­dents to embrace financial education as a tool for personal transformation and national progress. “The future does not belong to those who merely wish for wealth—it belongs to those who plan it, save it, and work for it,” he said.

He also called for policies that strengthen entrepreneurship and youth empowerment and encouraged students to respect money and use it with purpose.

Other speakers included Dr Evans Duah, Dr Prince Gyimah and Prof. Joseph Mbawuni, all lecturers at the University.

 From Kingsley E. Hope