The J-FORCE Ashesi Lead Yourself Conference, held on April 9, 2026, at Ashesi University, brought together students from Ashesi and NCUK for an engaging and thought-provoking evening centered on leadership development, with Eric Kwapong Jr. joining other speakers in encouraging young people to take ownership of their personal growth.
The conference also marked a meaningful return to Ashesi for Eric Kwapong Jr., an alumnus and founder of the Josiah Leadership Movement, also known as J-FORCE, whose Ashesi chapter — J-FORCE Ashesi — continues to run strong years after its founding, creating spaces for young people to reflect, grow, and lead with purpose.
Guided by the theme “Be the Leader You’ve Been Waiting For,” the event encouraged participants to take initiative, reflect on their development, and embrace their capacity to lead in their own spaces. Rather than presenting leadership as something reserved for titles or positions, the conference framed it as a personal responsibility shaped by discipline, self-awareness, values, and intentional action.
The event opened with an impactful session by Bishop Eric O. Kwapong, who set the tone by sharing practical and deeply reflective principles on self-leadership. He emphasized the importance of personal responsibility, urging students to take full ownership of their lives without excuses. He also highlighted self-awareness as the foundation of growth, encouraging individuals to know themselves truthfully.
Further, he spoke on the role of discipline, stressing the need to consistently do what must be done and to do it well. He illustrated this point by referencing his son, who committed to healthier habits through a more balanced diet and regular exercise, ultimately improving his overall well-being. The example reinforced his broader message that lasting transformation is built through consistency, intentional choices, and the courage to change.
Bishop Kwapong also emphasized the importance of values as guiding principles that shape decisions and actions, as well as the need for courage in the face of uncertainty. Finally, he encouraged intentional growth, reminding students that becoming better requires conscious and continuous effort.
Following this insightful opening, the conference transitioned into a panel discussion led by Maama Afua Kome-Mensah, featuring Kofi Blankson, Mrs. Yvonne Gyebi, Beyeeman Ofori-Atta, and Eric Kwapong Jr. The discussion centered on building self-awareness and becoming intentional about personal development.
During the conversation, Eric Kwapong Jr. and the other panelists shared practical strategies such as journaling, encouraging students to regularly reflect on what they want, what is working well, and what needs to change. They also spoke about the importance of observing others and learning from people who embody qualities they aspire to develop.
A key theme throughout the discussion was the need to stay true to one’s beliefs, even in challenging situations. Additionally, the panelists highlighted the power of confessions, emphasizing how what individuals say to themselves and their environment can shape their mindset and outcomes.
The interactive Q&A session provided attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with Eric Kwapong Jr. and the other panelists, fostering meaningful dialogue and deeper insights into leadership, personal growth, and career development. This exchange enhanced the overall experience, making it both practical and relatable, as students received guidance tailored to their real-life concerns.
Notably, one student inquired about the journey to becoming a successful lawyer. In response, Beyeeman Ofori-Atta shared valuable study strategies, emphasizing that success is not only about reading, but also about studying smart. He advised that while it is beneficial to read broadly, students must know what is relevant to their examination, what points to tackle, and what the examiner is looking for.
Additionally, Mrs. Yvonne Gyebi addressed the importance of financial discipline. While sharing her personal approach to saving, she humorously remarked, “If you see me blowing, it means I have saved towards it.” The audience responded with laughter, but her message was clear. Her comment effectively conveyed the value of consistent saving habits and highlighted how financial responsibility can enable more confident and guilt-free spending.
The event concluded with a series of powerful takeaways that reinforced the core message of self-leadership. Attendees were encouraged to build inner resilience, develop a questioning mind, and clearly define the kind of person they aspire to become. They were reminded that excuses only delay the inevitable, and that learning to say no is an essential part of setting boundaries and maintaining focus.
Participants were also urged to find their release — healthy outlets for stress and reflection — and to find their tribe, surrounding themselves with people who support and challenge them to grow. After the formal sessions, attendees had the opportunity to interact with Eric Kwapong Jr. and the other panelists, ask further questions, and gain additional insights in a more personal setting. This final segment fostered meaningful connections and left many students feeling inspired and empowered.
In conclusion, the J-FORCE Ashesi Lead Yourself Conference was more than just an event; it was a transformative experience that challenged students to take ownership of their lives and leadership journeys. It was, as one attendee put it, a wake-up call. By emphasizing that leadership begins from within, the conference left a lasting impression on all who attended, reminding them that the leader they are waiting for is, ultimately, themselves.
