Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment on International Youth Day
The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has reaffirmed its commitment to creating more opportunities for young people across Ghana to acquire skills, secure decent jobs and play meaningful roles in national development.
The Ministry made the commitment as Ghana joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day under the global theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Ghana is observing the occasion under the national theme, “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age.”
According to the Ministry, the global theme highlights the fact that young people may live in different communities and face varying challenges, but they share common aspirations, including access to quality education, meaningful employment, innovation, dignity, inclusion and a better future.
The Ministry said Ghana’s national theme complements the global message by emphasising the importance of rebuilding values, promoting patriotism and equipping young people with relevant digital skills and opportunities.
It noted that empowering young people in the digital age, while strengthening values and patriotism, would contribute to building a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Ghana where every young person has the opportunity to realise their potential.
Youth as Agents of National Development
The Ministry said Ghana needs a new generation of responsible, technology-savvy and civic-minded citizens capable of using digital transformation to drive national development.
It commended young people across the country for their resilience, creativity and determination, noting that their contributions are visible in areas including business, technology, agriculture, arts, sports, public service and community leadership.
According to the Ministry, young people in urban and rural communities, educational institutions, workplaces and entrepreneurial spaces continue to demonstrate their potential as agents of positive change.
More Opportunities for Young People
As part of its youth empowerment agenda, the Ministry said it would continue to expand opportunities for skills development and lifelong learning.
It will also support youth entrepreneurship and innovation, promote decent employment and economic inclusion, and strengthen youth participation in governance and civic engagement.
The Ministry further pledged to promote mental health awareness and psychosocial support for young people as part of efforts to address the broader challenges confronting the youth.
Call for Collective Support
The Ministry called on government institutions, the private sector, development partners, civil society organisations, educational institutions and communities to work together to create an environment where every young person can thrive.
It urged stakeholders to help young people uphold values such as integrity, discipline, hard work and patriotism while encouraging them to use digital opportunities responsibly and productively.
The Ministry also stressed the need to ensure that young people are not left behind because of their location, gender, ability or socioeconomic background.
It said although young people may have different experiences and face different challenges, they continue to share common aspirations for education, employment, innovation, dignity, inclusion and a better future.
The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment is responsible for coordinating and implementing policies and programmes aimed at promoting youth development and empowerment and ensuring that young people have the skills, opportunities and support needed to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
