STAR-Ghana, NYA dialogue with youth in Koforidua

• Mr Nelson Owusu Ansah (inset) addressing participants in the programme

The National Youth Authority (NYA), in collaboration with the STAR- Ghana Foundation, organised a youth dialogue in Koforidua on Thursday, focusing on the National Youth Policy (NYP) for 200 youth from the Eastern Region.

The event, on the theme: ‘Youth in Action: Shaping the future through the National Youth Policy,’ aimed to foster a shared understanding of the policy and its implementation plan.

The dialogue sought to promote youth ownership and responsibility, encourage direct communication between the youth and decision-makers, and address the region’s specific challenges and opportunities related to the policy.

Mr Nelson Owusu Ansah, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NYA, emphasised the crucial role of youth in national development.

He explained that globally, nations had formulated strategies and policies to address the issues and challenges hindering youth development.

“In Ghana, the NYP, developed in 2010 and reviewed for 2022- 2030, was designed to empower the youth and contribute to the country’s progress,” he said.

However, Mr Owusu Ansah noted that many young people were unaware of their rights and the opportunities available under the policy, highlighting a significant information gap between policymakers and the youth.

“To bridge this gap, the NYA, in partnership with STAR-Ghana Foundation, organised the dialogue to raise awareness and encourage active participation among the youth in governance,” Mr Owusu Ansah revealed.

He urged the youth to seize the opportunity to interact directly with stakeholders, share their perspectives, and contribute to discussions on youth empowerment and development.

Mr Owusu Ansah further emphasised that the ultimate goal was to increase awareness of the NYP and enhance youth participation in decision-making processes.

He also encouraged the youth to recognise their influence and the power of their voices, which could drive transformation through advocacy, entrepreneurship, and service.

“You have the power to ignite change in your communities,” he said, urging the youth to engage proactively with the NYP and shape their future.

In his remarks, Mr Raymond Danso, the Portfolio Manager, Right to Services, at STAR-Ghana Foundation, acknowledged that governments worldwide were recognising the vital role young people play in national development.

He stressed the importance of improving the quality of life for youth and ensuring their meaningful participation in governance and decision-making.

However, he pointed out that youth participation in these processes remains alarmingly low and expressed the need to shift this narrative and empower the youth to become active contributors to their own futures.

He stated that the dialogue was designed to address the critical need for greater awareness of the rights, responsibilities and opportunities outlined in the NYP.

Mr Danso also reaffirmed STAR- Ghana Foundation’s commitment to working with the NYA to create sustainable platforms for youth engagement.

These platforms, he noted, would help translate discussions into impactful policies and open greater opportunities for all Ghanaian youth.

FROM AMA TEKYIWAA
AMPADU AGYEMAN,
KOFORIDUA