The closure of applications for UNFPA Ghana’s innovative idea in 2018- the Youth Leaders Fellowship Programme (YoLe)- saw an innumerable number of hopeful applicants who were on tenterhooks as to whether they will be selected. The fears of 16 young people were allayed when their email inboxes received congratulatory messages from UNFPA after passing through a series of rigorous selection processes.

For the past 12 months, the 16 fellows have had their skills honed, established good networks and had their capacities built.

All too soon, the roller coaster journey ended and to celebrate the hard work of the fellows, UNFPA held a befitting farewell ceremony alongside the reception for the Parliamentary Dialogue with the Diaspora.

Graced by Parliamentarians from both the diaspora and Ghana, invited guests, government officials and young people, the ceremony saw the fellows praised for their immense contribution to UNFPA Ghana.

On behalf of the inaugural batch of the fellowship, a fellow, Jean-Philip Lawson recounted the memorable moments experienced during the fellowship. According to Mr. Lawson, the skills the acquired during the fellowship programme, has given them the confidence to be referred to as “the stars of the future”. The fellows also received certificates of completion in recognition of their hard work.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Latin America and Caribbean Regional Director, Mr. Harold Robinson Davis thanked the country office for spearheading the organization of the Parliamentary Dialogue with the diaspora which has helped strengthened the relationship between UNFPA and Afro descendants.

Also, at the ceremony, the chief of Commodities at the Securities Commodity Branch, Dr Gifty Addico on behalf of UNFPA, congratulated Dr Patrick Aboagye on his recent appointment as the acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service.

The YoLe fellows parted with words of wisdom from management and staff of UNFPA, partners and well-wishers.