Ghana must sustain its investment in youth skills, reproductive health, and drug abuse prevention. This is essential to harness the nation's demographic dividend, according to various stakeholders. Coordinated interventions are necessary to address unemployment, population pressures, and inadequate reproductive health services. These issues could undermine the benefits of a growing youth population.
William Nortey, representing the Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA), made this call. He spoke during activities marking the 2026 World Population Day. The event's theme was "Investing in Ghana’s Future through Healthy, Skilled, and Empowered Young People.” Mr. Nortey emphasized that Ghana's future depends on a healthy and skilled youth population. This population must be capable of creating employment and contributing meaningfully to national development.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to leverage its young population. The country faces persistent challenges in job creation and human capital development. Investing in youth is seen as a crucial step to boost productivity and reduce reliance on government employment. This approach aims to transform a large youth population into an economic asset rather than a burden.
Mr. Nortey highlighted the NYA’s National Apprenticeship Programme. This program is being implemented in 24 skill areas. It aims to equip young people with employable skills. The first phase, which began in October 2025, will conclude in September 2026. Trainees will receive start-up kits to establish their own businesses after completing their training. The NYA also promotes healthy lifestyles among young people, including education on substance abuse dangers.
Nana Ama Obuobi-Donkor, Acting Greater Accra Regional Population Officer of the National Population Council (NPC), also spoke. She noted that population challenges in the Greater Accra Region require active involvement from traditional authorities and community leaders. She identified unemployment, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate reproductive health services as major challenges. These issues could undermine efforts to harness the demographic dividend.
Mrs. Obuobi-Donkor explained that rapid migration into the Greater Accra Region strains employment opportunities. Overcrowding in some schools affects education quality and skills development. She called for improved access to reproductive health information and services for young people. Misconceptions about family planning still prevent some young people from seeking appropriate services. The NPC integrates population variables into development planning to inform policy and resource allocation.
Sandra Thompson, a Senior Narcotics Control Officer of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), issued a warning. She stated that substance abuse poses a serious threat to building a healthy and productive youth population. Education and prevention are critical in addressing drug abuse among young people. She cautioned against peer pressure, curiosity, and the misuse of substances. These include shisha and prescription medicines. Mrs. Thompson urged young people to make informed choices. She stressed that Ghana's demographic dividend depends on healthy, skilled, and empowered youth.
The collective call from these stakeholders underscores a national priority. Effective implementation of these investment strategies will be crucial. It will determine Ghana's ability to realize its full economic potential. The government and civil society organizations must work together. They need to ensure these programs reach the most vulnerable youth. This will secure a prosperous future for the nation.