MYDE holds National Youth Forum

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, in collaboration with its agencies, has organized a National Youth Forum, providing a dedicated platform to listen to young people, engage with their perspectives, and give them a meaningful voice in shaping policies and decisions that affect their future.

The forum, held at the Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), was held under the theme: “A Sound Youth, A Sound Nation: Your Voice. Your Future. Our Ghana.”

Speaking at the forum, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga Esq., described the gathering as an important opportunity to reflect on the state of youth development in Ghana, take stock of progress made, listen directly to the aspirations and concerns of young people, and collectively identify ways to accelerate opportunities for Ghanaian youth.

He noted that the mandate of the National Youth Authority is to coordinate and facilitate youth development in Ghana by developing a dynamic and disciplined youth imbued with nationalism, patriotism and civic responsibility. He stressed that the Authority is also committed to ensuring the effective participation of young people in the development of the country.

Mr. Ayariga commended the President for translating the aspirations of the National Youth Policy into practical programmes and interventions that Ghanaian inyouth can access and experience in their communities.

Addressing the issue of economic and financial empowerment, Mr. Ayariga said unemployment, underemployment and limited access to sustainable livelihood opportunities remain among the most pressing challenges confronting Ghanaian youth.

He explained that the Authority’s response has been to place skills development, employability, entrepreneurship and the creation of sustainable livelihood pathways at the centre of its programmes, including the National Apprenticeship Programme.

He further disclosed that efforts have been made to provide tax exemptions aimed at easing the financial burden on young entrepreneurs as they establish and grow their businesses. He therefore encouraged young entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Speaking on the Authority’s “Red Means Stop” campaign, Mr. Ayariga said the initiative is aimed at responding to the increasing threat posed by substance abuse and the misuse of dangerous drugs among young people.

He also highlighted the Authority’s efforts to strengthen youth leadership through comprehensive leadership development opportunities. With support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the NYA conducted the Youth Leadership Fellowship Training across the country, with a total of 261 youth leaders participating.

The training covered key areas including ethical leadership, civic responsibility, emotional intelligence and project planning.

Mr. Ayariga urged young people to secure a place at the decision-making table, emphasizing that their participation should not be based merely on their age but on the ideas, experiences and perspectives they bring to the development of Ghana.

He thanked the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, for organizing the impactful forum and creating an avenue for young people across the country to engage directly with government.

In his introductory remarks, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, said the National Youth Forum was organized to confront the realities facing young people and find practical solutions to them.

He explained that the forum was also an opportunity for government to listen to the youth, adding that it had been deliberately designed as a platform where young Ghanaians could speak directly to government about issues affecting their lives and future.

The Minister encouraged the youth to speak frankly and honestly without fear, and to articulate the kind of government and Ghana they want to inherit and help build.

The forum brought together young people from across the country and provided them with the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences, express their concerns and make suggestions on policies and interventions aimed at advancing youth development in Ghana.

The National Youth Forum reaffirmed the importance of meaningful youth participation in national development and underscored the need for sustained collaboration between government and young people in building a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Ghana