The Global CEO of the Youth Arise Organization, Moses Baffour Awuah, on Monday, September 22, 2025, launched two new books titled “Leading by Your Life Story” and “Understanding Youth Work.”
The event brought together leaders, youth workers, and development stakeholders to celebrate the milestone and reflect on the critical role of stories and youth work in shaping leadership and social transformation.
In his address, Mr. Baffour Awuah explained the motivation behind the books, describing them as practical contributions to leadership and youth development.
“Every leader has a story, and that story carries lessons that can shape not just the individual, but families, organizations, and even nations,” he said.
He emphasized that “Leading by Your Life Story” serves as a guide for leaders at every level, while “Understanding Youth Work” addresses the urgent need to professionalize the practice of youth work.
Chairing the occasion, Mr. Robert Lamptey, CEO of Vola Money, urged the audience to embrace their stories no matter how small.
“Don’t despise your story. Even algebra started with one plus one equals two, and that simple step has enabled man to walk on the moon,” he said.
He encouraged young people to start where they are, create new paths, and let their stories inspire others. “One day you will also write your book and tell us your story,” he added.
His remarks reinforced the theme of the book launch: that stories shape destiny and fuel resilience.
Delivering his remarks as the foreword writer of “Understanding Youth Work”, Mr. Peter Anum, the Global Coordinator of the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association (CAYWA), praised the author’s approach and vision. “I’m happy about the approach you are taking. These are stories that need to be told globally,” Mr. Anum said.
Mr. Anum also stressed the urgent need to elevate youth work beyond voluntary service.
He called for recognition of youth work as a professional field, adding: “We must see youth work not as a voluntary activity, not as a second option, but as a profession.”
The editor of the books, Mr. Ruben Anani, reflected on the depth of the manuscripts and the personal impact they had on him. He emphasized that the author’s use of lived experiences was both practical and transformative.
“This is not a book of abstract theories. It is a book that marries deep experiences with timeless principles”, he said.
Mr. Anani praised the book’s unique ability to prompt reflection, even in those shaping it.
“This manuscript compelled me to revisit my own history, to measure my choices against the framework of unplanned paths, reflective pause, and deliberate future. I found myself transformed, reminded that even the editor is not merely shaping a book, but being shaped by it,” he revealed.
Written by Samuel Nii Adjetey
