About Us
About Youth Arise Organisation
Empowering Young People to Lead, Innovate, and Transform Communities
Youth Arise Organisation (YAO) is a youth-focused nonprofit organization committed to empowering young people, women, and communities through leadership development, mentorship, capacity building, entrepreneurship, and social innovation. Founded in 2013, YAO began as a mentoring-focused radio initiative and has since grown into a dynamic organization impacting thousands of lives across Ghana and beyond.
Our work is driven by the belief that every young person possesses the potential to become a catalyst for positive change. Through innovative programs, learning opportunities, and community-based interventions, we equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to create sustainable impact in their communities.
Our Story
Youth Arise Organisation was founded by Moses Baffour Awuah while he was a student at Central University in Ghana. Inspired by the transformative role of mentorship in his own life, he launched a radio program aimed at providing guidance and inspiration to young people.
What began as a simple platform for mentoring soon evolved into leadership training workshops, youth development programs, and community initiatives. Today, YAO has grown into a network of professionals, volunteers, mentors, and changemakers working together to nurture the next generation of African leaders.
From the Desk of Moses Baffour Awuah
A Message from the Executive Chairman:
The Architect’s Vision
Twelve years ago, I embarked on a journey that began with a simple observation: the incredible potential of the African youth was being stifled by a lack of sustainable systems. What started as a grassroots effort to empower “game-changers” has since evolved into a lifetime mission to architect Social Sovereignty.
As I reflect on over a decade as the Global CEO of the Youth Arise Organisation (YAO), I have come to a profound realization. True development is not merely a matter of capital or infrastructure; it is a matter of Narrative. For too long, the African story has been told through the lens of external observers—focusing on deficit rather than design, and aid rather than agency.
My life’s work is now dedicated to reclaiming that narrative. I call this Narrative Sovereignty.
Through my research and the methodology established in my book, Leading By Your Life Story, I have codified a three-phase journey—the Unplanned, the Pause and Reflect, and the Planned—that allows social entrepreneurs to transition from reactive
survival to institutional permanence. We have tested this framework within our “West African Lab” scaling YAO into a federation of seven specialized agencies that address everything from agricultural transformation to holistic health.
We are no longer just “helping youth”; we are building a Poly-Centric Institution that proves African solutions can be self-sustaining, data-backed, and globally influential.
As we move into this next chapter, our focus is on Knowledge Production. We are synthesizing 13 years of longitudinal field data to inform global policy and ensure that the “African Journey” is documented and led by Africans themselves. I invite you to explore our ecosystem—not just as a collection of programs, but as a blueprint for a resilient, independent, and prosperous Africa.
The story is ours to tell. The future is ours to build.
Respectfully
Moses Baffour Awuah
Executive Chairman
Youth Arise Organisation
OUR CORE VALUES
We act honestly, ethically, and consistently in all our interactions and activities.
We are committed to serving others selflessly and contributing positively to our communities.
We embrace continuous learning, innovation, and growth in pursuit of excellence.
We value the dignity, perspectives, and contributions of every individual.
We promote understanding, reconciliation, and the opportunity for growth through learning from mistakes.
We take responsibility for our actions, decisions, and commitments.
We encourage creativity, initiative, and innovative thinking in addressing challenges and creating opportunities.
We remain grounded, open to learning, and willing to value others above ourselves in service and leadership.
We remain dedicated to our mission, values, partners, and the communities we serve.