Mapping My Leadership Journey: From a Passionate Beginner to Chapter President of UCC YouthMappers
- Wilfred Okrah
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Introduction: A Transformative Journey
YouthMappers is more than just an organization; it is a movement that empowers young people to use open geospatial data to support vulnerable communities around the world. My journey with YouthMappers began in 2021 as a freshman at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), and little did I know that this decision would shape my leadership, technical skills, and professional confidence in ways I never imagined.
Joining YouthMappers: A Spark of Passion
I first encountered YouthMappers during an orientation session at UCC, where chapter executives passionately shared the power of mapping for humanitarian causes. Instantly, I felt a pull toward this noble mission, despite a significant hurdle—my lack of a personal laptop. But my passion to learn and contribute far outweighed this limitation. I dove into every training session, eager to understand the nuances of mapping. Our chapter was built on a foundation of solidarity, where senior members were always ready to lend a hand—whether that was offering their laptops or sharing insights. Even before I could practice on my own device, I was already familiar with the workflow of JOSM (Java OpenStreetMap Editor), thanks to the mentorship I received. It was not long before I was paired with Gideon Tandoh, the then Training Officer, who played a pivotal role in guiding me.
Embracing Leadership: From Trainee to Training Officer
Under Gideon Tandoh’s mentorship, I gradually took on more responsibility, helping peers with software installations and troubleshooting issues. This informal support role was a natural precursor to my nomination as Training Officer during the chapter’s elections. With no prior leadership experience, I was nervous but also eager to grow. The interview process was a rollercoaster of excitement and nerves, but I managed to impress the panel. Winning the election unopposed became one of my proudest moments, solidifying my place in a community that believed in my potential.
The Training Officer Experience: A Lesson in Leadership Beyond Mapping
As a Training Officer, my responsibilities expanded beyond technical skills. I had to stay updated with the latest mapping techniques while also ensuring that the chapter’s members were equipped with these tools. But perhaps the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the role was engaging with people. Building strong relationships within the chapter and ensuring that training sessions were interactive and informative became a key part of my work.
Additionally, I was tasked with managing the chapter’s social media presence—a skill I had never explored. Handling official platforms and crafting media posts initially felt intimidating, but YouthMappers gave me the opportunity to hone these skills. Today, I am able to manage digital platforms with confidence, creating content that resonates with our members and the global mapping community.
Ascending to Chapter President: A New Era of Impact
My journey did not stop at Training Officer. Through my dedication and the mentorship I received, I was later elected Chapter President. This new role allowed me to deepen my leadership skills and spearhead initiatives that would leave a lasting impact on both the chapter and the broader community.
Under my leadership, our chapter achieved remarkable milestones. We organized the first-ever Inter-University Mapathon in Ghana, fostering technical excellence and collaboration among YouthMappers chapters nationwide. Additionally, we hosted a two-day drone flight training, empowering members with the skills to incorporate drone mapping into their work. One of our most groundbreaking initiatives was the high school outreach program, which introduced younger students to open mapping and geospatial technology—paving the way for future generations of mappers. We also completed the Flood Label Project, aimed at building community resilience against flooding in the Central Region of Ghana, a project that underscored the power of mapping in disaster risk management.
Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation
Looking back, my decision to join YouthMappers has been one of the best I have made during my University years. From a freshman with no laptop to leading an entire chapter, my journey demonstrates the power of passion, mentorship, and community. YouthMappers not only equipped me with technical skills but also instilled in me confidence, leadership, and the ability to make tangible, positive changes in the world.
To any student thinking about joining YouthMappers, my advice is simple: take the leap. You never know how far you can go until you start mapping your own journey.
About the Author
Wilfred Okrah is a geography graduate from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and the most recent Chapter President of YouthMappers at UCC. Wilfred is very passionate about using mapping and geospatial technology to tackle real-world challenges, especially in disaster risk management and community resilience.
Connect with Wilfred here.