VISION BEYOND SIGHT: THE VOICE OF LEADERSHIP

Have you ever considered what it truly means to navigate a world without sight, yet maintain a clear and unwavering sense of purpose?

This is the story of Atule Adongo Jacob, the visually impaired Deputy CEO at the National Youth Authority, who is dismantling the long-held stereotype regarding impairment and reminding us that purpose is not confined to physical ability. Through his leadership and public service, he is building a legacy of change and hope.

Atule Adongo Jacob, Deputy CEO at the National Youth Authority

A glimpse into the past

Jacob Atule Adongo was born in the year 1983 to two poor peasant farmers in Upper West East Region. He was born blind along with two other siblings.

“My parents struggled to accept the fact that three of their children were blind. As a child I was taken to several hospitals, churches and native doctors in an attempt to find a cure to my blindness” he recalled.

After much persuasion and pleading from his uncle, Adongo was enrolled in a school for the blind at the age of nine. Although this was a milestone, life was far from smooth. His journey was marked by several hardships, which he endured with remarkable resilience. From a young age, Adongo often had to walk barefoot to school, surviving only on ground millet due to financial constraints.

Reflecting on his experiences, Adongo shared, “At some point in time, I didn’t want to go back to school anymore. I was a laughingstock. I had nothing to eat, only a few clothes to wear, and lacked many essential needs.”

Even after successfully passing his exams, Atule’s parents struggled financially to further his education.  He was spotted by the District Coordinating Director_ Paul Kant, who offered to sponsor him through senior high school, after he had gained admission to Wenchi Senior High School as a General Art student.

After successfully writing his Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE), he had to wait anxiously for the results. “When the results came, I found out I had 4 Fs, 2 Cs, and a D, so I immediately went to the headmaster to request a letter to the WAEC office for a remarking. Even though I was visually impaired, I believed those were not my real results.” Atule recalled.

After much persuasion, the West African Examination Council (WAEC), accepted his request and agreed to remark his papers. Following the remarking, it turned out that, Atule had actually performed very well. Despite his father’s advised to pursue teacher after he has acquired his results, Atule declined and secretly applied to the University of Ghana, Legon where he studied Political science, Sociology, History and Religion.

“At the university, I learnt to maneuver my way around the school; I could move from one hall to another with little or no help.” Adongo said

Despite these adversities, Adongo found strength and inspiration in the stories of those who had suffered similar fate. Their stories served as a source of motivation, reminding him that with determination and perseverance, he too could rise above his circumstances.

Leadership Forged in Adversity

Adongo discovered his passion for leadership back in senior high school. “In SHS, I used to mobilize my peers to discuss current affairs. I led my school in debate competitions against other schools, and we always emerged victorious. Through that, I believed I was born to lead,” he asserts.

At the university, Jacob attributes his decision to study political science to a deep sense of curiosity. He was driven by a desire to understand the foundations and functions of politics. After noticing issues bedeviling his school, such as water crisis and improper waste disposal, Adongo decided it was time for change.

“My passion for change is what motivates me. I believe meaningful change can only be achieved through leadership. This what inspired me to begin my political journey while in school,” he explained.

His boldness and critical thinking stood out. He often posed challenging questions to ministers during campus programs, impressing both peers and faculty.

These events motivated him to participate in campus politics. Although Adongo lost his first election as Organizer of Okuafo Hall in the university and the SRC Secretary position, he remained resolute.  After graduating, Adongo joined the Youth Employment Agency, where he dedicated 12 years of service. In 2025 he was later appointed as the Deputy CEO of National Youth Authority for his enduring dedication to public service.

Stirring waves of hope and empowerment

In Ghana, unemployment remains a major social and economic issues affecting most youth. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the national unemployment rate stood at 13.9% in 2023, with youth unemployment even higher, affecting over 25% of individuals aged 15–35. For physically impaired persons, acquiring a job is even more challenging.  Hence, to address these social disparities, Adongo in collaboration with the National Youth Authority has made a notable impact in addressing youth unemployment. Together, they have implemented various vocational and apprenticeship training programs aimed at equipping young people with practical skills for the job market. They also support young people through training in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, and security services.

“Selected participants are provided opportunities to travel abroad for exchange programs and capacity-building workshops, enabling them to gain international exposure and build valuable networks. Importantly, most of our programs are inclusive, extending support to individuals with physical impairments to ensure equal opportunities for all” he stated.

Charting the way forward

Adongo, continues to aspire for greater heights in his political journey. Passionate about youth development, Adongo is committed to supporting young people in various impactful ways.

One of the key initiatives he envisages, is establishing a skills training center to empower persons with disabilities. He also envisions setting up a production center where the youth can produce and sell various items, promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance. In his broader plan to combat unemployment, Adongo aims to leverage agriculture as a sustainable solution, creating jobs and opportunities for young people across the country.

“I would advocate for a bill to reserve 5 percent of public sector jobs for persons with disabilities at the end of my office. I believe this will significantly enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” he explained.

Conclusion

Adongo’s admonishes the  youth to identify opportunities and make good use of them. He firmly believes that opportunities are not meant to find you; rather, you must be ready to recognize them when they present themselves. His words serve as a clarion call of action for young people to rise, engage, and lead with purpose.