The Health and Wealth Conference, a flagship initiative by the Young Champions Global Network, is designed to push the boundaries of wealth creation and wellness simultaneously.
In a world where economic opportunities are limited and healthcare costs are over the roof—when accessible at all—it is essential for the next generation to learn how to optimize their financial potential while maintaining their well-being.
The Genesis
This transformative event can be traced back to 23rd October 2021, when it was first launched as “Reconsidering Your Health Goals” at the Commonwealth Hall Conference Room, University of Ghana.
The idea was born out of the urgent health crisis observed in Ghana, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed vulnerabilities in global economies—and Ghana was no exception.
While Ghana reported fewer casualties compared to other nations, the impact was nonetheless significant.
By December 2022, approximately 1,500 COVID-19-related deaths had been recorded. Studies from leading health facilities, such as the Ghana Infectious Disease Center and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, indicate that a majority of those who died—often upwards of 75%—had underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic lung or kidney disease.
COVID-19 exposed the glaring weaknesses in our healthcare systems and the general well-being of Ghanaians. As the nation mourned losses and grappled with economic hardship, little was done to strengthen the healthcare system to prevent future crises. This underscored the need for individuals to take personal responsibility for their health and proactively address their well-being.
A Refined Vision: The Turning Point
It became clear that health, though crucial, was not a topic that captured widespread enthusiasm. Instead, many people were focused on survival and financial success. Recognizing the struggles of Ghanaian youth—the economic hardships, their aspirations, and the desire to break free from limitations—the Health and Wealth Conference evolved to address both financial empowerment and holistic wellness.
Health and wealth are two sides of the same coin. While people often pursue wealth at the expense of their health, true success is unattainable without a balance of both.
As the saying goes, health is wealth. This program is designed to inspire individuals to optimize their financial potential—whether through entrepreneurship or corporate careers—by leveraging emerging trends in business, technology, and networking, all while cultivating a healthier lifestyle.
The conference also incorporates free health screenings, ensuring participants gain awareness of their current health status. Additionally, select attendees receive mentorship opportunities from distinguished industry leaders, providing valuable guidance on both professional and personal development.
With this refined vision, the Health and Wealth Conference continues to serve as a powerful platform for change, equipping individuals with the tools to thrive financially and physically in an ever-evolving world.
Health and Wealth Conference 2024
In 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to bring to life the first edition of our refined vision—the Health and Wealth Conference. It was a dream realized, a moment of immense fulfillment, fueled by the unwavering spirit of our team and volunteers. Every individual played a vital role in making this vision materialize, and together, we made history.
The event commenced with energy and enthusiasm, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. Our dynamic MCs, Gideon Nicholas Day of Pulse Ghana and Christal Trevison of Media General, engaged the audience masterfully, keeping the excitement alive while backstage preparations were finalized. As the speakers took their seats, anticipation filled the air, and the conference was ready to unfold.
Keynote Address: A Call to Action on Health and Wealth
Delivering the keynote speech on empowering the next generation for health and wealth, Wing Commander Dr. Benjamin Toboh, a physician specialist and air crew inspector for the Ghana Air Force, highlighted critical gaps in our healthcare system.
Dr. Toboh expressed deep concern about the rising demand for healthcare services and the severe deficit in supply. He pointed out the alarming increase in chronic conditions such as hypertension and kidney failure, even among young people, both of which come with exorbitant medical costs.
He noted that many Ghanaians continue to grapple with poverty—an issue he humorously referred to as “deep pocketitis”, coining a mock-medical term to suggest that poverty has become a widespread societal ailment. He further stressed that even for those who can afford treatment, issues such as personnel shortages and inadequate medical facilities remain persistent barriers.
His address served as a wake-up call, urging people to be more proactive in managing their health. He emphasized stress management strategies and advocated for urgent reforms in the healthcare system. His final words, “Remember, health is wealth,” resonated powerfully with the audience. His humor, expertise, and engaging delivery kept attendees captivated throughout his insightful yet succinct presentation.
Panel Discussion: Addressing Stress, Wealth, and Growth
The conference featured a robust panel discussion, bringing together experts from various fields:
• Dr. Prince Ankrah, Medical Officer at The Bank Hospital
• Mr. Kelvin Nyame, Co-Founder and CEO of Meqasa Limited, Ghana’s largest real estate marketplace
• Edna Frimpong (The Shoemakergurl), PR professional, TEDx speaker, author, and Co-Founder of Ahofade Fashion
• Damon Osei, Founder of Youth-In Business, Lynchpin Global, and a budding medical doctor, who served as the moderator
On the subject of stress management, Dr. Ankrah highlighted its severe impact on the immune system, cognitive function, and overall well-being. He explained that modern health trends in Ghana show a shift from infectious diseases like malaria and typhoid to lifestyle-related conditions such as hypertension, which now affect younger demographics at an alarming rate.
His solution? Time management, prioritization, and rest. He urged both students and professionals to structure their schedules wisely to avoid stress-induced health complications.
Damon Osei, an accomplished entrepreneur and Physician-in-Training, expanded on the reality of stress in the pursuit of success. Engaging the panelists, he encouraged them to share personal experiences of overcoming stress, making the discussion deeply relatable.
Kelvin Nyame, an authority in the real estate space, shared practical insights on how young entrepreneurs can enter the real estate industry with limited capital. He advocated for leveraging partnerships and exploring real estate through agriculture as a strategic starting point.
Edna Frimpong delivered an enlightening session on personal branding, demonstrating how individuals can use it as a tool to build wealth and visibility.
Citing her own success, she detailed how media exposure, TEDx Ghana features, and consistent social media presence played a significant role in amplifying her brand.
She provided an in-depth breakdown of how each social media platform works and how entrepreneurs can harness them for growth.
Damon Osei, passionate about youth empowerment, emphasized the importance of developing monetizable skills. Using communication skills as an example, he illustrated how individuals could seamlessly transition from radio to television and beyond, applying their expertise across multiple industries.
He also introduced opportunities available at Youth-In Business, an organization dedicated to connecting young people with career-enhancing opportunities.
Special Highlights and Collaborations
A major milestone of the event was the official launch of the Young Champions Global Network website—ycgnetwork.org. Nicholas Mawulorm, the NGO’s Technical Director, led the launch, showcasing the website’s features and explaining how members could easily access information, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our projects through donations or service.
As part of the commitment to holistic well-being, North Legon Hospital provided free health screenings at the venue, allowing participants to assess their health status. Radio Univers provided media promotion, significantly boosting the event’s visibility and reach.
The event was beautifully documented by Gallery House Lens, capturing moments that will forever be cherished. WACCBIP generously provided their auditorium, reinforcing the power of strategic partnerships in making impactful events possible.
A Grateful Reflection and Looking Ahead
Reliving the immensely satisfying experience of the 2024 Health and Wealth Conference fills our hearts with immense gratitude. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated volunteers, generous partners, and the 80+ attendees who graced the event with their presence. Their feedback confirms that lives were truly impacted, and we remain committed to making future editions even bigger, better, and more impactful.
As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, we invite you to follow Young Champions Global Network on all social media platforms to stay updated on our next projects.
Together, let’s continue achieving excellence, empowerment, and transformation! Young Champions Global Network: Achieving Excellence Together!
