The auditorium of Bolgatanga Nursing Training College was abuzz with excitement on Saturday, as students from eleven institutions and youth organizers across the Upper East Region gathered for a special mentorship event. The guest of honor was Tebon Zumah, the Director of Port, Tema.
Addressing the enthusiastic TEIN students, Mr. Zumah urged them to take their studies seriously, reminding them that dedication and ambition can lead to remarkable success. Drawing from his own journey, he shared, “I am the director of a port, a seaport, but it is interesting to know that since the establishment of the Ghana Coast and Harbour Authority, many of our senior brothers have held this position. Rising to this level requires hard work, delivering on your job, and belonging to the right political party.”
Mr. Zumah recounted how his career began unexpectedly when he was posted by the National Service Secretariat to the port, a place he knew little about at the time. “When I first arrived, I didn’t even know anything about Seaport. But I embraced the opportunity, worked hard, and after 22 years, I was appointed director by the president.” He emphasized that leadership is about service, not titles. “Our duty is to use our positions to help as many people as we can, especially those from our own communities.”
Reflecting on the history of political transformation in Ghana, Mr. Zumah pointed out that many impactful leaders had their roots in student activism and grassroots mobilization. He encouraged the students to focus on their studies while also taking politics seriously. “Your concentration should be on your studies, but you must also be deliberate in certain decisions. Ambition and discipline can open doors to new fields, whether in accounting, law, or even marine engineering.”
Mr. Zumah explained that his exposure to different roles at the port helped him discover the variety of careers available, from ship pilots to marine engineers. He urged students to learn from the experiences shared at the event, so they could envision themselves in future leadership roles, perhaps even as director or president of a port.
He proudly highlighted the port’s 24-hour operation system, which has boosted employment and created significant job opportunities. “By running a three-shift system, we create jobs for more people. In this system, one job can mean employment for three to five individuals.”
Mr. Zumah concluded with words of encouragement: “If you commit to hard work at school and on the job, you will go far. But remember, patience is key.”
The event was a massive success, drawing notable politicians and dignitaries from both the region and the national stage, and left the students inspired to pursue excellence in their studies and future careers.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com