The cleanest town in Ghana? Really? That was the question lingering in the minds of many scholars from the PK Amoabeng Leadership Foundation as their bus rolled into Assin Kushea. Nestled in Ghana’s Central Region, Kushea is not just clean, it is immaculate. Streets swept with precision. Lawns trimmed with care. Dustbins placed strategically. Structures organized. It felt almost mythical, like a vision of what Ghana could become if leadership were driven by discipline, intention, and love for community.
However, as the scholars quickly discovered, Kushea’s beauty wasn’t accidental. It was the product of long-term vision, deliberate planning, and the uncompromising standards set by one man: Ahunabobrim Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, the Paramount Chief of Assin Owirenkyi in the Central Region. The town’s orderliness was the result of intentional systems, collective discipline, and forward-thinking, a living testament to the challenge posed by Yaw Nsarkoh: “If your solution is to find one brilliant leader, you have already failed. You need a system that works even when no one is brilliant,” Nsarkoh said. “We have to stop outsourcing our thinking. And we have to stop looking for saviors. The real work is ours to do, together, structurally, and sustainably.”
In Kushea, the scholars didn’t just hear about systems leadership, they witnessed it in action. This was immediately apparent as they toured the streets, and it became evident that the town’s cleanliness wasn’t just about aesthetics, it was a reflection of a community committed to a shared vision. The vision, rooted in respect for time, systems, and the future, had created a town that prioritized sustainable change rather than temporary fixes. Every corner of Kushea reflected years of effort and collaboration, not just the chief’s leadership but the collective responsibility of the town’s residents.
The scholars’ leadership lessons continued with practical experiences. Their first challenge was a business activity using the Business Model Canvas, which prompted creative thinking and efficient time management. This exercise gave them the opportunity to develop essential skills in leadership and decision-making. Following this, a dinner with the chief of Kushea allowed the scholars to engage with visitors from Australia, offering a chance for cultural exchange. The evening highlighted the significance of relationships in leadership, reinforcing the idea that leadership is grounded in trust and mutual respect.
On Saturday, the sessions took on a deeper dimension. Captain (Rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng, the foundation’s founder, emphasized the importance of time management, discipline, and respecting systems. According to him, great leaders not only master personal discipline but also value the time of others. His guidance urged the scholars to make decisions that would ultimately benefit the people, creating efficiency and tangible satisfaction. The scholars were also invited to participate in a simulated presidential exercise, where they presented policy ideas aimed at solving some of Ghana’s most pressing challenges. Captain Amoabeng encouraged them to think beyond theory, urging them to consider policies that could produce real, measurable outcomes for the people.
The afternoon brought another valuable experience as the scholars toured the community, visiting historical landmarks such as the crocodile pond, the Tomb of the Unknown Slave, and the River Pra. These sites served as reminders of the historical and cultural forces that shaped the community. However, as they reached the River Pra, the scholars were confronted with a stark, real-time example of a national issue: illegal mining, or galamsey.
The river, once clear and vibrant, had turned into a brownish, murky mass, resembling Milo, due to the devastating impact of illegal mining activities. According to their tour guide, drones had previously been used to monitor and control the spread of galamsey, but with a change in government, the drones had stopped functioning. As a result, the situation had worsened, further illustrating the pressing need for strong leadership and sustainable policies to address the issue. This encounter made the scholars acutely aware of the broader environmental challenges facing the nation.
On the final day of their visit, the scholars participated in a reflective session with Captain Amoabeng, who revisited the central theme of long-term thinking. In a world often focused on quick fixes, he stressed the importance of creating systems that remain functional even when no one is watching. His words resonated with the wisdom of Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, who emphasized that leadership is not about grand gestures, but about consistent, intentional action over time.
The scholars also had the opportunity to hear from William Tewiah, CEO of Zen Petroleum, who shared his entrepreneurial journey. Tewiah urged them to remain hungry for success and to embrace boldness in their pursuits. He encapsulated this philosophy with a simple but powerful message: “be hungry and foolish,” highlighting the importance of pushing boundaries and taking risks in leadership.
The weekend’s highlight came on Sunday, when Nana Prah Agyensaim VI shared his life story, offering valuable insights into his leadership philosophy. He emphasized the importance of hard work, honesty, and a mindset that dares to think outside the box. His message to the scholars was clear: push beyond limiting beliefs, take risks, and take pride in who you are.
Nana also spoke about the importance of perseverance, especially in the face of setbacks. “Nothing is useless, everything can teach you something if you’re paying attention,” he said, encouraging the scholars to embrace learning, no matter how difficult or seemingly insignificant the experience.
His philosophy on hard work was equally straightforward. “Hard work is not optional. If it fails you, try again. But don’t give up,” Nana remarked, stressing that the true measure of success lies not in avoiding failure but in continuing to strive, no matter the obstacles. He also spoke about the significance of personal responsibility, saying, “I don’t let others manage my life, not even in the name of God,” underscoring the need for self-governance and accountability.
In his characteristic mix of humor and insight, Nana reminded the scholars of the importance of genuine service: “Serve with a smile. And remember, the only time I see my driver smile is when I give him a gift, which is not the best.” His humorous observation reflected the human side of leadership, reminding the scholars that service should be genuine and not motivated by personal gain.
By the end of the visit, the scholars had not only absorbed leadership lessons but had gained a renewed sense of purpose. The clean streets of Kushea served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when vision and discipline align. It became clear that true leadership isn’t only about finding a single individual to lead a community, it’s also about empowering individuals to take responsibility, build systems, and work collaboratively toward the collective good.
Their time in Assin Kushea, guided by Nana Prah Agyensaim VI, showed them the transformative power of vision, discipline, and collaboration, qualities that, when applied consistently, have the potential to change not just a town but an entire nation.
