Given the youth bulge evident in the large numbers of young people present in African states including Ghana, development practitioners and population experts have variously expounded on the need to adequately address issues affecting young people, including them in development processes and harnessing their potential for social advancement and economic growth.

As part of these efforts, the National Youth Authority (NYA), the Young Parliamentarians of Ghana and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), held a dialogue to address crucial issues faced by young people in Ghana, recognizing the challenges, as well as presenting valuable recommendations.

The dialogue provided a unique opportunity for conversations around: the need for a separate ministry for youth, period poverty which often affects young women in low-income settings, youth unemployment, and innovation. The dialogue had esteemed guests including the CEO of the NYA, Hon. Pius Enam Hadzide, the chair of the Young Parliamentarians of Ghana, Hon. Elvis Morris Donkoh and the Country Representative of UNFPA, Dr. Wilfred Ochan.

To commence the dialogue, the CEO of the National Youth Authority, Hon. Pius Enam Hadzide gave a keynote address and made a presentation on various projects done with and for young people by the NYA in various fields, including education, entrepreneurship, and social activism. He also acknowledged the prevailing obstacles that hinder the realisation of the full potential of young people.

UNFPA Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan making remarks during the dialogue.

In his remarks, the UNFPA Representative, Dr. Ochan stated: “Currently, the population of Ghana aged less than 35 years is at 73.4 per cent. This demographic structure presents an enormous opportunity for Ghana to harness the immense potential, creativity and energy of our youth for sustainable development, if adequate investment is made in their education, empowerment and employment including productivity.”

One of the key concerns raised during the dialogue was the need for a separate ministry exclusively focused on youth affairs. Participants at the dialogue emphasised the need for a distinct ministry that would ensure targeted policies, programs, and allocation of resources to facilitate youth development programmes. This separate entity would effectively address the unique challenges faced by young individuals and enhance their socio-economic prospects.

Another issue of significant concern discussed during the dialogue was period poverty, which affects numerous young girls and women in Ghana. Participants called to the attention of stakeholders the importance of providing affordable menstrual hygiene products and fostering open dialogues in the country to break myths and tackle stigmas around menstruation.

The active participation of young parliamentarians, youth leaders, and key stakeholders in the dialogue created an avenue for valuable discussions on pressing youth-related issues in the country.

A cross-section of participants at the dialogue.