Ghana's Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, will lead a National Youth Forum in Accra. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 19, at the Kofi Ohene Konadu Auditorium at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The forum aims to provide a direct platform for young Ghanaians to raise concerns and share ideas. Participants will outline their priorities and expectations regarding issues affecting their lives and future. This engagement is vital for shaping the country's development agenda.
Ghana's youthful population significantly influences the nation's future trajectory. More than 70% of the population is aged 35 years and below. This demographic reality makes youth participation in national policy discussions increasingly important for sustainable growth. Previous government initiatives have often struggled to effectively address youth unemployment and skills gaps.
Mr. Opare Addo will be joined by several key agency heads. These include Osman Abdulai Ayariga, CEO of the National Youth Authority. Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, will also attend. Eric Adjei, CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, and Ruth Dela Seddoh, Director-General of the National Service Authority, complete the lineup. Their presence allows direct engagement with institutions implementing youth-focused programmes.
The Ministry is partnering with the Ghana Youth Federation to ensure broader participation. This collaboration aims to bring diverse youth perspectives into the discussion. YFM will support the initiative through its stations in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Its digital and affiliate platforms will also extend the conversation. The forum will be streamed live on the Ministry’s social media platforms and major media outlets. This ensures young people beyond Accra can follow discussions and share their views. The Ministry encourages active participation to shape the country’s youth development agenda.
This forum represents a critical step in integrating youth voices into national planning. Effective youth engagement can lead to more relevant policies. These policies could address challenges like unemployment and skills development. Policymakers will closely monitor the outcomes and proposed solutions from this event. Future government spending and programme design may reflect these discussions. The success of such initiatives is crucial for Ghana's long-term economic stability and social cohesion.