Koforidua: The National Youth Authority (NYA) has inaugurated a 13-member Eastern Regional Youth Committee to deliver impactful programmes that enhance livelihoods and safeguard the rights and health of young people. The Eastern Regional Youth Committee is serving as the pilot of the initiative, which is intended to be replicated in all the 16 regions of Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the establishment of the Regional Youth Committee under the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939), marked a significant step in strengthening youth participation and ensuring effective coordination of youth development initiatives at the regional level. Alhaji Inusah Mahama, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NYA, noted that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is supporting the pilot initiative to enhance youth engagement.
“This pilot initiative in the Eastern Region aims to test, learn, and inform the expansion of similar structures across all regions and districts of Ghana. We intend to replicate this model nationwide so that every young person can benefit from coordinated, responsive, and accountable youth governance,” he stated. Mr. Mahama also highlighted pressing challenges facing the youth, including unemployment, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy, which he said required swift and coordinated action.
He emphasized that addressing those issues would require sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, traditional authorities, civil society, the private sector, and community leaders. “I urge the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council to formally adopt and support this Committee by providing the necessary technical and administrative backing to ensure its effectiveness,” he added.
Mr. Mahama commended the government for its vision for youth development and for championing bold initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Adwumawura Initiative, One Million Coders, and the Red Means Stop campaign. He said those programmes reflected a strong commitment to equipping Ghanaian youth with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive.
The 13-member Regional Youth Committee was officially inaugurated by Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister. Committee members included Mr. Frederick Somuah Obeng (Chairman), Mr. Peter Sae Afari (ERCC Representative), Mrs. Evelyn Enyonam Lotsu (Eastern Regional Director of NYA), Mrs. Vera Allotey (Eastern Regional Director of Community Development), Mrs. Edith Dompreh Asiedu (Eastern Regional Public Health Director, Ghana Health Service), and Rev. Alex Koranteng (Representative of the Ghana Education Service).
Others were Mr. Isaac Koramoah Asante (Eastern Regional Director of Social Welfare), Mr. Emmanuel Asare (Speaker, New Juaben South Youth Parliament), Mr. Emmanuel Afiso (Representative, Ghana Society for Physically Disabled), Ms. Diana Dede Foni, Mr. General Buhari Abubakari, Ms. Fadilatu Ahmed Tijani, and Ms. Miriam Tetteh (Representatives of the Youth Federation).
Mrs. Awatey described the inauguration as a pivotal moment in advancing the institutionalization of youth participation at the grassroots level. She said the Youth Committee would serve as a platform connecting young people, policymakers, and development stakeholders, promoting dialogue, coordinating youth initiatives, and contributing to the formulation of regional and national strategies for youth development.
She encouraged members of the newly established Committee to approach their responsibilities with dedication, transparency, and innovation. “Let your endeavours embody the principles of service, inclusion, and accountability,” she said.
Following the regional inauguration, the Eastern Regional Director of NYA proceeded to Begoro in the Fanteakwa North District to inaugurate a 15-member District Youth Committee.
