Ghanaian business mogul, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, has called on young people to invest in personal development and cultivate discipline before attempting to influence or uplift others.

Addressing participants at the 2026 International Youth Empowerment Summit held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra on Friday, March 13, 2026, Quaye who doubles as the founder of the RNAQ Foundation stressed that genuine impact begins with building one’s own character and capacity.

He explained that individuals must first overcome their own challenges in order to effectively support others. According to him, a person who remains trapped in personal difficulties may struggle to guide or rescue others.

Quaye noted that many young people search for complicated strategies to achieve success, but in his view the path is straightforward. He said success ultimately rests on two key principles discipline and time.

“If you find yourself in bondage, you cannot rescue people. You have to rescue yourself first. After rescuing yourself, then you can rescue other people…I’ll put it in only two words because I don’t want you to ever forget this. The answer is discipline and time,” he said.

Business mogul RNAQ reveals why he now spends only 2% of his income

He emphasised that discipline must reflect in everyday choices, including financial decisions and personal commitments.

“When I say I will do something, I will do it no matter what. If I say I will not do something, I am not going to do it,” he stated.

The entrepreneur emphasised that discipline should be reflected in everyday decisions, particularly in how individuals manage their commitments and finances. He said keeping one’s word and maintaining consistency in actions are crucial traits for long-term success.

Quaye also cautioned young people about the tendency to increase spending as income rises, describing it as a common trap that prevents many people from building lasting wealth. He said resisting that temptation requires strong discipline and patience.

According to him, the discomfort associated with maintaining discipline and allowing time for growth discourages many individuals from achieving their goals.

He argued that the unwillingness to endure that process is one of the main reasons most people do not attain financial success.



AM

Meanwhile, learn of the story of the man behind the iconic Akwaaba frames in Ghana: