The General Director of Soka Gakkai Ghana, D. K. Sintim Aboagye, has called for the empowerment of Africa’s youth as the foundation for lasting peace and progress on the continent.

Emphasizing the need for inner transformation and collective responsibility, he urged young people to take charge of their future by embracing the values of self-discipline, education, and compassion.

He was speaking at the 2025 West Africa General Meeting, held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Soka Gakkai.

The meeting, themed “Africa Soaring Higher through the Empowerment of Youth,” took place in Accra and brought together SGI members from Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Mali, Niger, and Cameroon.

It featured engaging discussions, networking opportunities, workshops, and the sharing of experiences aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Founded on January 26, 1975, in Guam, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a global Buddhist organization promoting peace, culture, and education. With its headquarters in Tokyo and over 12 million members worldwide, SGI is centered on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin and the writings of Dr. Daisaku Ikeda.

Citing SGI founder Daisaku Ikeda’s vision of the 21st century as the “Century of Africa,” Mr. Aboagye highlighted that those who had endured the greatest struggles had the potential to lead the world toward peace.

He stressed that true change begins within individuals and extends to society through the philosophy of human revolution—an inner transformation that fosters wisdom, courage, and a sense of mission.

He, therefore, encouraged young Africans to embrace their inherent potential by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, taking bold action, and working together to build a future based on dignity and harmony. This, he said, would not only transform their own lives but also contribute to a more just and peaceful world.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, emphasized that youth empowerment is crucial for societal transformation. He noted that true youth development goes beyond giving them a voice—it requires providing education, skills, and opportunities while dismantling systemic barriers such as poverty and discrimination.

“But empowerment is a collective responsibility. It demands effort, dedication, and commitment from all stakeholders. Governments, organizations such as Soka Gakkai International, and individuals must work together to foster an environment that supports youth development,” he added.

Similarly, a former Chairperson of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Samia Nkrumah, emphasized the need for a united Africa to achieve prosperity and restore dignity. She advocated for collective industrial development, technological sovereignty, and self-sufficiency in food and renewable energy.