Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has urged young Ghanaians to speak openly about the challenges they face and contribute practical solutions to the country’s youth development agenda.
Speaking at the National Youth Forum, Hon. Opare Addo said the government is implementing a number of initiatives aimed at equipping young people with relevant skills, creating employment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship.
He highlighted the National Apprenticeship Programme, which provides demand-driven skills training aligned with labour market needs, as well as programmes supporting young entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.
The Minister also mentioned the Labour Exchange Programme, which seeks to improve the transition from education and training into meaningful employment, including opportunities beyond Ghana, while preparing young people to compete in the global digital economy.
He further introduced InterStar, a one-stop digital platform designed to connect young people to opportunities in skills training, jobs, entrepreneurship, education, funding and other youth-focused programmes.
According to Hon. Opare Addo, the government is also taking steps to address substance abuse among young people, describing the issue as a growing threat that affects individuals, families and society as a whole.
He called for collective efforts from government, communities, civil society and young people themselves to tackle the menace.
Touching on the government’s 24-hour economy agenda, the Minister said it forms part of a broader economic transformation strategy aimed at expanding production, strengthening value chains and creating sustainable jobs.
Hon. Opare Addo acknowledged that the government had not yet solved all the challenges confronting Ghanaian youth.
“We have not solved the youth challenges yet, and we have not finished solving the problems. We have only begun.”
He therefore encouraged participants at the forum to identify what is working, highlight what is not working and propose practical ways of improving government interventions.
He stressed that the voices of young people must go beyond the forum, with the Ministry expected to translate their concerns and recommendations into evidence-based policies, programmes, measurable actions and accountability.
The Minister also called for greater transparency from institutions implementing youth-focused programmes, urging their leaders to make relevant data available so young people can track and understand how resources are being utilised.
He emphasised that the National Youth Forum should not become another event where young people speak, government applauds and participants return home without tangible outcomes.
Instead, he said the engagement must generate concrete actions and influence the country’s development and policymaking processes.
Hon. Opare Addo further noted that young people constitute a significant proportion of Ghana’s population and therefore have a crucial role to play in determining the country’s future.
He called on the youth to acquire the necessary skills, develop the right mindset, embrace opportunities and work collaboratively with government and the private sector to build a better Ghana.
“The future of Ghana will not be built by government alone,” he stressed, calling for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society, communities and young Ghanaians.
He concluded by urging participants to speak with courage, clarity and respect, insisting that the National Youth Forum must serve as a platform for honest dialogue, innovative ideas and meaningful action.
Story by: Ernest Frimpong (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
