Serve Students First, “Not Party Colours” – Ayariga Tells Student Leaders

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Mr. Osman Abdulai Ayariga Esq., has issued a charge to student leaders to prioritise the interests of Ghanaian students over partisan politics. Speaking at the media launch of the 2025 National Youth Festival, he criticised what he described as the creeping politicisation of student leadership, where some leaders are “more blue or green than the politicians themselves.”

Mr. Ayariga underscored that student activism should be rooted in service, not ambition. “There’s a time to serve students and a time for politics—don’t confuse the two,” he said, urging SRC and NUGS executives to rise above party lines and defend the welfare of students.

He highlighted NYA’s current interventions, including the National Apprenticeship Programme and the upcoming Ghana Youth Leadership Fellowship, as part of a holistic strategy to equip young people for leadership and nation-building. These initiatives, he explained, align with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education.

Describing the upcoming National Youth Festival as “more than just an event,” the NYA CEO said it is a platform to inspire innovation, unity, and civic engagement among over 7 million Ghanaian youth. He pledged the NYA’s full support to ensure its success and called on all stakeholders to rally behind the vision.

Daniel Korley Botchway, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), said the festival would reflect a broader youth empowerment agenda. He stressed that while education contributes significantly to youth development, equal focus must be placed on entrepreneurship, skills training, climate action, and sports. He announced key activities such as the “A Tree for Every Student” campaign and a national marathon, both designed to engage students and promote active citizenship.