Accra: ActionAid Ghana, a social justice organisation, has advocated the need for youth-centered policies, inclusive education, and stronger community structures that enable young people thrive and contribute meaningfully to society's development. It called on the government and development partners to increase investment in youth empowerment, innovation, and leadership to enable them to contribute to building resilient communities and promoting national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Abiba Nibaradun, the Upper West Regional Manager of ActionAid Ghana (AAG), made the call in Wa at a symposium to celebrate this year's International Youth Day on the theme: 'Building Resilient Youth through Effective Community Empowerment.' The event, organised by AAG in partnership with its Activista Ghana and the Young Urban Women Movement (YUWM), brought together youth activists and representatives from state agencies and departments to discuss ways to empower young people.
The symposium was preceded by a procession through some principal streets of Wa with placards, some of which read: 'Youth engagement= sustainable development'; 'Agriculture is our power, support rural youth'; and 'Educate us, don't exploit us'. 'Let this year's International Youth Day ignite a renewed commitment to building communities where young people thrive, where their potential is not wasted, and where their contributions shape the future we all desire', Madam Nibaradun said.
She mentioned the AAG's support for youth-led agroecology initiatives, skills development for rural youth, and enhancing livelihood opportunities for youth as part of efforts to enable young people contribute to their communities' development. Madam Nibaradun urged young people to avoid substance abuse and harness their potential for positive change.
Pognaa Fati Issaka Koray, the Upper West Regional Coordinating Director, representing the Regional Minister, said the government had prioritised youth development in its policies and programmes. She identified such commitments to include provision of start-up capital for young entrepreneurs, facilitating internship and apprenticeship programmes and enhancing youth participation in decision-making at all levels.
Pognaa Koray, however, said those interventions would amount to nothing if challenges threatening youth potentials, such as drug abuse, were not addressed. Madam Charity Batuure, the Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Gender, called on young people to take responsibility for building the foundations of their development rather than relying on the government.
She challenged them to adopt a proactive approach to resilience and community empowerment, stressing that self-initiative and collaboration were essential for national progress. Madam Batuure also encouraged the youth to look beyond individual needs and adopt a community-oriented mindset, fostering unity, mentorship, and intergenerational cooperation since no individual could build a nation alone.
Mr Simon Kunyangna, the Deputy Manager of the Resilient Against Climate Change (REACH) project, called for increased youth leadership in community development and climate change adaptation initiatives. He said through its Community Action Planning (CAP) approach, the project empowered communities to identify challenges, co-create solutions, and mobilise resources in ways that reflect their unique needs and priorities.
Madam Vida Addi, the Upper West Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA), called on stakeholders to prioritise investment in education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and mental health of young people.
