Development Communication Practitioner and newly launched author, Dennis Agyei Boateng, is making a passionate call on government and stakeholders to institutionalize volunteerism in Ghana, describing it as a critical tool for national development and youth empowerment.
Speaking at the launch of his book titled Serve to Lead: Harnessing Youth Volunteerism for National Development at the African University of Communication and Business (AUCB) on 5th July 2025, was graced by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Ms. Prisca SedinamKekeshie, Dr. David D. Olaga, Esq., Co-Managing Partner of The Law Office of Kwainoe among other dignitaries. Mr. Boateng emphasized that volunteerism must move beyond spontaneous acts of goodwill to become a nationally coordinated and recognized development strategy.
“This call is not only to the youth,” Mr. Boateng stated. “It is to government, civil society, corporate Ghana, and all stakeholders. We need a national framework that recognizes and coordinates the efforts of volunteers across the country.”
Operationalization of Volunteerism
He urged the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the National Youth Authority (NYA), Youth Employment Agency (YEA), and the National Service Authority, to lead the charge in operationalizing volunteerism. According to him, Ghana needs a centralized National Volunteerism Office—a hub where citizens of all backgrounds can register, be trained, and deployed to sectors where their services are needed most.
“Just last month, the Honourable Minister of Health appealed to retired nurses to volunteer during the nationwide strike,” he noted. “That moment reminded us that volunteerism is not only for emergencies—it must be part of our national development architecture.”
Mr. Boateng highlighted the challenges he faced while writing Serve to Lead, including the lack of credible data on volunteerism in Ghana. He believes that a centralized system would enable the country to track, measure, and improve volunteer engagement.
“Without reliable data, we cannot measure our impact, identify gaps, or develop effective strategies,” he stressed. “Volunteerism must be streamlined if we are serious about tackling challenges in health, education, sanitation, and unemployment.”
In his address, he lamented the lost potential of thousands of young Ghanaians who have the passion and willingness to serve but lack platforms to contribute. He advocated for structures that allow the youth to actively participate in national development and contribute meaningfully toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Reflecting on his own journey, Mr. Boateng shared how volunteerism transformed his life—from a timid, uncertain youth to a confident leader and mentor. “Volunteerism is not a detour—it is destiny in disguise. When we serve, we lead. When we give, we grow. And when we rise, we lift others.”
He concluded with a message of hope and challenge to Ghana’s youth:“Your time is now. Don’t wait to be discovered. Serve your way into purpose. Lead with your heart. And never forget you were born to make an impact."
About the Book
Serve to Lead is a 98 page book structured into thematic chapters, this book begins by defining volunteerism and its various forms, then examines global and national trends, the role of institutions, the challenges faced by young people, and real-life stories of those who have used service as a springboard for personal and professional success. It concludes with policy recommendations and a roadmap for strengthening volunteerism in Ghana.
Serve to Lead is available in bookstores and online, and has already begun to inspire conversations around civic responsibility, leadership, and the future of youth empowerment in Ghana.
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