By Godfred Anku Kaali
The Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority, NYA, Nelson Owusu Ansah has observed that the NYA is dedicated to supporting and empowering the youth to drive positive change within their communities.
He made these remarks at a Youth Dialogue session on the National Youth Policy in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional Capital. The event, which brought together a diverse group of young people from across the region, provided a platform for the youth to gain a deeper understanding of their roles, rights, and responsibilities in the context of national development.
The National Youth Authority, NYA, was established in 1974. The authority is mandated under the National Youth Authority Act, 2016, Act 939, to develop policies and implement programmes that promote the advancement of young people nationwide. The National Youth Policy aims to empower the youth and create opportunities for them to contribute to national development. The national youth policy dialogue was organized by the NYA in partnership with the STAR-Ghana Foundation.
The event drew participation from a variety of groups, including traditional leaders, clergy members, regional and district heads of institutions, youth group representatives, security personnel, and the media among others.
In his address, the Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority, NYA, Nelson Owusu Ansah noted that Ghana is a predominantly youthful nation and cannot progress without the active participation of its young people. He noted that the national youth policy offers young people a platform to influence and improve the conditions that shape their lives and future prospects.
“Ghana is a very youthful country and you cannot do anything meaningful without the meaningful involvement of the young people. By engaging with the National Youth Policy, you (the youth) can help mold the conditions under which you live, work and thrive.”
The Eastern Regional Director of the NYA, Evelyn Enyonam Lotsu, noted that the National Youth Policy serves as a strategic tool for addressing the pressing challenges faced by the youth. She emphasized the importance of youth engagement in addressing societal challenges such as unemployment and inequality through active participation in the implementation of the policy.
“The youth are not just the future, they are the present. The National Youth Policy serves as a framework designed to address the pressing needs of young people while enabling their active participation in the decision-making and development process.”
The Portfolio Manager responsible for Rights to Services at STAR-Ghana Foundation, Raymond Danso, expressed concern about the limited participation of young people in policy formulation and decision-making. He emphasized the importance of fostering inclusive development that actively involves and creates opportunities for youth engagement.
“If you look at the level of youth participation in decision-making in the country, it is alarmingly low. We cannot have a holistic development if we do not incorporate, integrate and create spaces for our youth participation.”
The partnership between the NYA and Star Ghana Foundation highlights the critical role of collaboration in effectively implementing the National Youth Policy. Through youth dialogues, the authorities aim to cultivate a stronger sense of ownership among young people and inspire them to take on leadership roles in advancing the policy’s objectives.
