Accra: Ghana has joined the world to commemorate this year's International Youth Day, with a call on the citizens to treat the nation's development as a legacy in the making for every young Ghanaian. The theme for the Day was: 'Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.' August 12 has been set aside by the world for the celebration of the Day to highlight the crucial role young people play in translating global goals into local solutions, driving change, innovations, and leadership in their communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. George Opare Addo, the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, made the call in a statement to celebrate the Day. He said the country was rallying around the national theme, 'Igniting Potential, Inspiring Change,' with a month-long celebration of youth-led programmes. 'The activities are tailored to inspire, equip, and empower the youth to drive change in their health and well-being skills, re-skill and up-skill their training and education,' he stated.
The statement noted that this initiative would provide economic empowerment, improve civic engagement and local participation, and most importantly, enhance personal development and leadership roles among the youth. Mr. Addo emphasized that the Ministry, in collaboration with the private sector, civil society, development partners, and stakeholders, remained committed to investing in platforms and initiatives that empower young people to realize their full potential.
He reflected on the occasion's theme as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role young people play in driving social, economic, and technological transformation for national development. The Minister stated, 'On this youth day and in the spirit of national reflection, we remember the fallen heroes in both the helicopter and the road crashes and reaffirm our collective responsibility to create inclusive opportunities.'
The statement further highlighted the commitment to ensuring access to quality education, strengthening skills training, expanding mental health support, and enabling meaningful participation in governance. 'We acknowledge the resilience, creativity, and passion of Ghana's youth. Let us treat our nation's development as a legacy in the making, and together, build an enduring future worthy of the ambition of every young Ghanaian. Let the youth arise for Ghana, for the nation demands their devotion.'
