Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people, vowing to give them a fair chance to develop their skills and participate meaningfully in national development. The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment made this commitment as Ghana joins the global community to commemorate International Youth Day on August 12, 2026.
Different Contexts, Common Aspirations
The Ministry's Public Relations Unit issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to expanding opportunities for skills development and lifelong learning, supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation, and promoting decent employment and economic inclusion. According to the statement, young people across urban and rural communities, educational institutions, workplaces, and entrepreneurial ecosystems continue to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and determination.
Their contributions are evident in areas including business, technology, agriculture, the arts, sports, public service, and community leadership. The Ministry noted that young people should not be viewed merely as future leaders but as active agents of change who are already driving solutions to local and national challenges and contributing to Ghana's social and economic transformation.
Strengthening Youth Participation and Empowerment
The Ministry listed strengthening youth participation in governance and civic engagement, as well as advancing mental health awareness and psychosocial support, among its priorities. It pledged to ensure that no young person is left behind regardless of location, gender, ability, or socioeconomic background. The Ministry further called on stakeholders to work together to rebuild values such as integrity, discipline, hard work, and patriotism, while empowering young people to harness the opportunities of the digital age responsibly and productively.
The global theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," is a call for greater collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, development partners, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and communities. Such collaboration is necessary to create an enabling environment in which every young person can thrive. The Ministry urged young people to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and continue making meaningful contributions to national development.
Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age
Ghana is marking the occasion under the national theme, "Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age." The Ministry said the national theme complemented the global theme by highlighting the need to rebuild positive values, strengthen patriotism, and equip young people with the digital skills and opportunities required to succeed in an increasingly technology-driven world.
As Ghana celebrates International Youth Day, the Ministry urged young people to continue making meaningful contributions to national development. The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment is responsible for coordinating and implementing policies aimed at promoting youth development and empowerment and ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills, opportunities, and support required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Ministry's commitment to empowering young people is a step in the right direction, as it recognizes the potential of the youth to drive social and economic transformation in Ghana. By expanding opportunities for skills development and lifelong learning, supporting youth entrepreneurship and innovation, and promoting decent employment and economic inclusion, the Ministry is empowering young people to realize their full potential and contribute to the country's prosperity.
Source: Joy Online
