Statement by Chief Executive Officer Of NYA on occasion of National Media Launch – Africa Youth Day Celebration, 2020

My Able Deputy CEOs

Directors and Staff of the NYA

Gallant Youth of Ghana

Our Cherished and Vibrant Media

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning,

It is with utmost gladness that I welcome you all to the offices of the National Youth Authority, the foremost youth development agency in Ghana.

On behalf of management and entire staff of the Authority I extend an utmost felicitation and goodwill to all media houses gathered here and young people of the country on this auspicious launch of our activities to herald this year’s Africa Youth Day Celebration.

This day (November 1st) was instituted by the Executive Council Division of the Africa Union Commission (AU), during the adoption of the Africa Youth Charter at the 1999 summit in Banjul, Gambia, to promote an increased awareness and recognition of young Africans as critical agents of transformation whilst highlighting their positive contributions in all facets of African society.

The AU Commission in a solidarity message has urged member states, civil society organizations and youth focused institutions to organize activities that hinges on forging unity and celebrating the commendable roles that these young persons play in peace building efforts, promotion of healthy lifestyles and working towards the attainment of the AU Agenda 2063 – “The Africa We Want”.

Here in Ghana, spearheaded by the National Youth Authority (NYA), the day will be marked with four (4) key activities, today’s National Media Launch, a Youth Peace Dialogue Session, Development & Signing of a Youth Peace Charter and a Youth Virtual Peace Concert. These activities will be marked under a local theme “A Peaceful Ghana: Rhetoric, Realities and the Youth Factor”, drawing on the upcoming 2020 elections and highlighting the indispensable roles of young people in ensuring a peaceful Ghana before, during and after the elections.

In choosing and promoting peaceful initiatives over conflict, the Authority recognizes the need for inclusion of our youth in building a fairer, more equitable and peaceful future for our country, Ghana.

The review of the 2010 National Youth Policy undertaken by the Authority with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports is a clear testimony of the NPP government’s commitment to foster youth inclusion in the areas of peace and security, political governance and socio-economic development. A clear departure from mere rhetoric to practical action.

Ghana since 1992, has been touted as a model of democracy and good governance, an enviable accomplishment characterized by seven (7) successive and generally peaceful elections, resulting in three (3) successful transfers of power from one party to another. These positive traits have however been occasionally undermined by sporadic electoral violence which has at times threatened to mar these elections. None of the seven general elections, by-elections or re-runs held so far in Ghana have been without some level of violence, this trend is worrying and must not be entrenched.

By-elections in Akwatia in the Eastern Region, Cheriponi in the Northern Region, Atiwa also in the Eastern Region, Talensi in the Upper East Region, Amenfi East in the Western Region have all witnessed some degrees of violence, a blot on our country’s reputation as a bastion of peace in the sub-region.

The recent case of Ayawaso-West-Wuogon and the Electoral Commission’s registration exercise, where there were reported incidents of clashes and shootings with some injuries and even death at Dormaa in the Bono Region remain fresh in our minds and these must be causes of worry for all.

We also condemn unequivocally attempts by some persons to foment trouble in our country in the name of seceding to form a supposed Western Togoland. The Authority wishes to use this opportunity to advice and caution elderly persons to desist from using the youth as a conduit for violence and to achieve selfish and parochial aims or interests.

Distinguished media persons, permit me to cite a critical development, the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security which is a clear demonstration of the confidence global leaders have in young people as positive contributors to peace and has thus set a framework to support their efforts.

These initiatives deserve commendation since they could play key roles in encouraging youth leaders in peace building. These should also be geared at responding to the wider socio-economic, cultural and political barriers that confront young people in their quest to become active agents of positive change and peace building.

To you, the media, let me also use this opportunity to say, that the National Youth Authority has taken note of the strenuous efforts by some commendable media organizations in promoting and consolidating peace, we however want to appeal to the few amongst you who are bent on inflaming passions of the populace notably the youth who are mostly the targets to be used as agents of violence and destruction.

We in this stead strongly appeal to such media houses not to drive Ghana on the path of self-destruction during these times but to strive to promote peace and reduce any threats of violence.

I implore you the media also, to be very vigilant in your core duties as gatekeepers and design more programmes, shape discourses and direct such to attain peaceful and non-violent outcomes. I urge you to boldly name and shame political leaders who may tend to rock the boat with their negative and divisive words and deeds.

Let me at this juncture also recall the tireless efforts of the National Peace Council, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, security services and other stakeholders for working collaboratively to continue to promote and sustain the peace in Ghana.

Finally, we at the National Youth Authority take this opportunity to remind the youth that the future of Ghana belongs to them and it is in their supreme interest to promote peace before, during and after the elections.

Undeniably, they are the main instruments used by political actors to perpetuate violence and as part of the Authority’s efforts to ensure peace, unity and stability we encourage them not to relent in their duties and responsibilities to their communities but rather to channel their energies to consolidate their positive strides to lead them on the journey to productive service whilst assuming their rightful positions as custodians of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.

On this note, and on behalf of the Board of Governors, Management and Staff of the NYA, I declare the 2020 Africa Youth Day celebrations duly launched.

Happy Africa Youth Day Celebrations to you All!!!