NYA inaugurates National Youth Peace and Security Working Group

The National Youth Authority (NYA) has inaugurated the National Youth Peace and Security Working Group (NYPS-WG), a body tasked with formulating strategic policies and initiatives to address significant challenges encountered by Ghanaian youth concerning peace and security.

The Tuesday, May 28 event came off at the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) office in Cantonments - Accra and witnessed scores of representatives from diverse state agencies, youth groups, donor agencies, and civil society organizations in attendance.

The Group, whose goal is to spearhead the development of a National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security (NAP-YPS), comprises young leaders and activists, in cognisance of their potential as catalysts for positive change, and by extension, the need to prioritize their inclusion, protection, and empowerment in the country's peacebuilding efforts.

Its membership includes representatives from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), NYA, UN System (UNFPA, UNESCO), National Peace Council, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of National Security, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding, Young Parliamentarians Forum and the Youth Bridge Foundation.

Other members include the African Students for Interfaith Tolerance, the Ghana Youth Federation, the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, Political Party Youth Wings (NDC, NPP, LPG), Youth Advocates Ghana, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), EU Delegation, National Development Planning Commission, GIZ and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

As part of its duties, the Working Group is expected to spearhead investigations into specific issues faced by Ghanaian youth vis-à-vis peace and security, consult extensively with various stakeholders to ensure that the NAP-YPS accurately reflects the needs and perspectives of Ghanaian youth, and outline concrete policies and initiatives designed to address the identified issues.

It will also establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress and effectiveness of the National Action Plan.

On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pius Enam Hadzide, NYA’s Deputy CEO in charge of Finance & Administration, Akosua Ansah Manu described the development as "a critical step towards advancing peace and security endeavours among the youth" of Ghana.NYA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Finance & Administration, Akosua Asaa Manu described the development as “a critical step towards advancing peace and security endeavours among the youth” of Ghana.

In her address to the gathering, she emphasised the NYPS-WG as evidence of Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and inclusion in decision-making processes, working closely with the multi-stakeholders within the peacebuilding value chain.

“The inauguration of this working group marks an important step towards fulfilling Ghana's commitment to the UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security,” she noted. “NYA's leadership in this initiative demonstrates its dedication to empowering young people and ensuring their voices are heard in matters of national importance.

“As we embark on this journey towards sustainable peace and security contribution of the youth of Ghana, we recognize the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity which have greatly been demonstrated by the collective efforts of key stakeholders.”

In support of her submission, the sector Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif added that the impending Action Plan “marks a distinction that would affirm Government’s plan to address crucial challenges with the Youth and highlight a public change in Peace and security.”