Accra: The National Youth Authority (NYA) has launched the 2025 National Youth Festival, reaffirming Ghana's commitment to placing young people at the heart of national development through skills training, civic engagement, and active participation in nation-building. Held on the theme 'Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change,' the month-long festival seeks to empower young Ghanaians with the tools and platforms they need to make meaningful contributions to the country's progress.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Osman Ayariga, NYA Chief Executive Officer, at the launch called for urgent action to turn policy intentions into tangible results for Ghana's youth. 'This festival is more than just a celebration, it is a movement, movement that will inspire lasting change in the lives of our young people and, by extension, our beloved nation,' Mr. Ayariga said. He noted that with youth making up 38.2% of Ghana's population, the country holds a valuable demographic dividend that can drive development if effectively harnessed.
Ayariga outlined five key objectives of the 2025 festival which included; providing robust skills and entrepreneurship training, reinforcing national values and positive youth behaviour, increasing youth involvement in governance, tackling pressing issues like mental health and substance abuse, and showcasing youth contributions to national development. The festival, which will span the entire month of August, is set to unfold across all 16 regions of the country.
Planned activities include youth dialogues with religious leaders, community outreach efforts, climate action summits, stakeholder engagement forums, a national youth carnival, and a presidential interaction to mark International Youth Day. 'This is your month, a time to showcase your talents, share your ideas, learn new skills, and connect with opportunities that can transform your life,' Mr. Ayariga said. He also called on stakeholders including government bodies, civil society, the private sector, and the media to actively support the initiative.
'The National Youth Festival 2025 is more than a celebration, it is an investment in Ghana's future. When we ignite the potential of our youth, we inspire change that ripples through communities,' he added.
