MTN CEO Stephen Blewett Urges Youth to Seize AI and Digital Opportunities

Genevieve Mensah / October 7, 2025

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has called on young people across Ghana to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), digital tools, and entrepreneurship as the keys to unlocking their future prosperity. He emphasized that the digital revolution is already underway and must be harnessed to create opportunities rather than feared. Speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University with Rev. Albert Ocran, Mr. Blewett highlighted Ghana’s potential to become a leader in AI if government, the private sector, civil society, and citizens work together. “It must be a collaboration. Government can’t run alone. MTN can’t run alone. NGOs can’t. But if we all put our efforts together with a common purpose, Ghana can lead this revolution. Otherwise, someone else will take that position,” he stated. Mr. Blewett revealed that MTN is investing in young people to drive innovation while also supporting the government’s One Million Coders Project, an initiative designed to prepare the next generation for the jobs of the future. Encouraging young people to be proactive, he advised: “Don’t wait. Put yourself forward. Get together with friends, develop ideas, and pursue opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities I see in Africa is gaming — but games that are developed locally, coded creatively, and even enhanced with AI.” He further urged parents to support their children’s interests in gaming and digital technology, noting that these tools can be powerful vehicles for learning and innovation. “Sometimes we reject it because it’s unfamiliar. But gaming can be used positively, even for education in maths and science. Parents must see the potential rather than dismiss it,” he explained. Reflecting on his own leadership journey, Mr. Blewett admitted that he was “arrogant” earlier in his career but has since learned humility, resilience, and service. “As a CEO, you are a custodian, a servant. You ultimately serve everyone in the organization, even the shareholder with just ten shares. That’s a sobering thought,” he remarked. Highlighting the impact of MTN Ghana, which serves over 30 million customers daily, he underscored the scale of responsibility the company carries. “If I turned off the network today, you would see how important we are. We are shaping the digital future of economies and people. That is a huge responsibility,” he said. Looking ahead, Mr. Blewett reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to continued investment in network quality, digital services, and opportunities for Ghanaians. “What gives me the most joy is seeing lives touched through what we do. Our ethos is that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life, and we will not leave anyone behind,” he affirmed. About the Springboard Road Show Foundation The Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth empowerment, mindset transformation, and career development. Through programs like Springboard, Your Virtual University, The Ghana Grows Programme in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, and Springboard Road Show 2025, SRSF continues to inspire and equip young Africans to lead change in their communities and industries. Springboard Road Show Foundation (SRSF) Communications & Public Affairs Department Email: info@springboard.com.gh Website: www.springboard.com.gh

Dr. Angela Dwamena – Aboagye Calls for Unwavering Commitment to Purpose

Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation and 2025 MTN Heroes of Change winner, has urged Ghanaians not to give up on their dreams despite the delays, challenges, or discouragements they may encounter. “Never give up, never give in, no matter the strength of the enemy,” she emphasized, stressing that seasons in life are real and that staying faithful to one’s calling is key to lasting impact. Dr. Dwamena-Aboagye was speaking on Springboard, Your Virtual University, hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran as part of the ongoing series titled Changing Narratives. The conversation drew insights from her nearly three-decade journey in advocacy, counselling, and legal support for women and children in Ghana. Dr. Angela, who was recently named Overall Winner of the MTN Heroes of Change 2025, described the award as an unexpected and humbling moment. She noted that although all the finalists were deserving, her consistent work across various vulnerable groups over the years may have set her apart. She spoke passionately about the principle of seedtime and harvest, describing it as a spiritual truth that always proves itself. “Instinctively, I knew harvest time would come… and because I’m a person of faith, I’ve held that in my heart. So when things started happening, I said, ‘That’s you, Lord. You said it and you’re doing it.” According to her, years of advocacy work without much recognition taught her that waiting is not a passive act, but an intentional commitment to the work one has been called to do. She encouraged people to see waiting as an active posture of trust, courage, and consistency. Dr. Angela, who is also a theologian, pointed out that many of the challenges in gender justice stem from long-held mindsets that require a complete renewal of thought. She said that while Ghana has made progress in areas such as access to education and legal reforms, many institutions still struggle with coordination and sensitivity when responding to victims. She described The Ark Foundation as a Christian mission organization that works through legal rights and human rights frameworks to train, advocate, and support victims of gender-based violence. Their work includes training churches, police officers, and other institutions on the dynamics of sexual and domestic abuse and how to respond effectively. Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Angela concluded that her sustained commitment, even when others abandoned the work, is proof that her path is a divine assignment. “There is never one day when I’ve thought of stopping,” she said. “I know I can do other things, but none of them capture my heart like working with women and children who are hurting.” About Springboard, Your Virtual University Springboard, Your Virtual University, is Ghana’s leading motivational and personal development broadcast hosted by Rev. Albert Ocran. It provides thought leadership, practical life lessons, and transformational conversations with trailblazers across sectors.