The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to empower young people with significant decision-making authority. This includes allowing them to serve on boards, design programmes, and manage financial resources. This call reflects a growing recognition of youth-led movements reshaping civic engagement across Africa.
Charles Kojo Vandyck, Head of Capacity Development at WACSI, highlighted the increasing influence of youth-led movements. He noted that young people are organising civic action differently, often outside traditional organisational structures. These movements demonstrate that meaningful social change can emerge from networks and collective action, not solely from large, formally established organisations.
This development fits into a broader narrative of evolving civic participation in Ghana and across Africa. Traditional CSOs, often structured with formal hierarchies, are being challenged by more agile, youth-driven initiatives. The shift underscores a demand for more inclusive governance and resource allocation within the non-profit sector. It also reflects a desire for greater transparency and direct impact in social change efforts.
Mr. Vandyck stated, "Give young people power. Let them sit on boards. Let them control resources. Let them design programmes. Let them make mistakes." He made these remarks on Tuesday, August 25, at the Students and Young Professionals African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) 2026. This event was organised by the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education in partnership with the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
The implications of this call are significant for the future of civil society in Ghana. CSOs must now consider how to integrate these dynamic youth movements into their operations. This integration could lead to more effective and sustainable social change initiatives. Decision-makers within CSOs will need to adapt their governance models and resource allocation strategies. They must move beyond merely creating youth-focused programmes to genuinely sharing power and responsibility. This shift will likely influence funding priorities and partnership models within the sector. It could also lead to a more vibrant and responsive civil society landscape, better equipped to address contemporary challenges. The ability of CSOs to embrace this change will determine their relevance and impact in the coming years. This evolution is crucial for fostering a more democratic and participatory civic space in Ghana.