Tamale: A Youth Parliament has been inaugurated in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to promote youth participation in decision-making processes across the country. The event, which was attended by traditional authorities, youth groups, and other stakeholders, was part of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project.
According to Ghana News Agency, the inauguration was themed 'Empowering the Youth to Lead the Fight Against Drug Abuse: A National Responsibility'. It aimed to equip young people to contribute meaningfully to national development. Mr. Abukari Baba Sumaila, Tamale Metropolitan Director of the National Youth Authority, highlighted during the inauguration that the initiative was designed to create a platform for young people to advocate for policies and programmes that support their growth and development.
The SOCO project, initiated by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in collaboration with the World Bank, aims to foster social cohesion, economic resilience, and regional collaboration across the Northern Gulf of Guinea, including Ghana, Benin, C´te d'Ivoire, and Togo. Mr. Sumaila stated that the Youth Parliament is intended to ensure inclusive governance by giving the youth a voice in the country's decision-making processes. He emphasized the importance of including young voices in discussions to build their capacity, confidence, and patriotism, urging them to embrace the initiative and prepare for leadership roles.
Mr. Nicholas Perrin, Practice Manager for Social Development at the World Bank, praised the initiative as a vital tool for mobilising youth to engage in critical issues affecting their communities. He reiterated the World Bank's commitment, through the SOCO Project, to supporting platforms that promote youth engagement and participatory governance. He described the initiative as a critical step toward building a sustainable democracy, with continued support for the Youth Parliament from the SOCO project.
Ms. Rashida Shamsudeen, Speaker of the Youth Parliament, stated that the platform would serve as a space for action, innovation, and leadership. She reaffirmed the commitment to meaningful youth engagement, participatory governance, and the democratic ideals shaping the region's future. She called on young people to lead awareness, prevention, and advocacy efforts to combat drug misuse and abuse, highlighting the serious threat drug abuse poses to public health and the collective future.
