The 5th Cohort of UNFPA Ghana Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellows at their induction ceremony.

As the world races towards 2030, the global population is set to witness a surge in the number of young people across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. These teeming youth will become the driving force of our shared future and thus, require investments that will safeguard their health, promote their dignity and ensure that they are engaged in decent and meaningful work. 

In Ghana, one of the ways UNFPA has chosen to harness the potential of the burgeoning youth population is through the establishment of the Youth Leaders (YoLe) Fellowship Program. The program aims to train and equip vibrant youth leaders with the necessary leadership skills and knowledge in development programming to help them better serve their communities, country and world at large.

At a ceremony held on December 15, 2023 in Accra, the UNFPA Ghana Country Office officially inducted the 5th Cohort of 33 YoLe Fellows and held a graduation ceremony for the outgoing 4th cohort of fellows. In his remarks, the UNFPA Ghana Country Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, commended the fellows for their transformative journey, underscoring the pivotal role of youth in championing UNFPA mandates and shaping a sustainable future.

UNFPA Ghana Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan addressing the new and outgoing cohort of Fellows.

He further encouraged them to embrace the challenges ahead, while reminding them of their capabilities and the unwavering belief of UNFPA in their potential to make a real difference in the world. “I hope that the holistic approach of equipping you with knowledge and skills in leadership and advocacy, alongside diverse professional training opportunities, will be the spark that continues to light your way in creating lasting change”, he stated. He continued to express the intention to distill key learnings and collaborate with other entities including universities to scale the program’s impact.

The ceremony was not only a testament to the vitality and innovation of the fellows but also a platform for addressing critical issues. Through a compelling drama on child marriage and obstetric fistula, the fellows showcased their commitment to advocating for issues about young people and the health of women. Additionally, an innovative military parade creatively demonstrated their understanding of the UNFPA mandate and the UN mantra of ‘Leaving No One Behind’ in development.

WFP Ghana Representative, Ms. Barbara Clemens making remarks at the ceremony.

The World Food Programme (WFP), Ghana and the Ministry of Youth and Sports were key partners present. Showcasing their dedication to the programme, the WFP Country Representative, Ms. Barbara Clemens expressed her satisfaction and confidence in the caliber of leaders the fellowship is producing. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, represented by a deputy Director, Ms. Francisca Atuluk, also with a focus on the value of investing in young people's potential and future, reaffirmed its commitment to the YoLe Fellowship Programme, on behalf of the ministry.

The ceremony also attracted a diverse audience, including UN staff, government officials, and young people, reinforcing the fellowship's commitment to inclusivity and collaboration. The ceremony concluded with a sense of optimism, as the new and former fellows were expected to influence society in a positive way through their enhanced leadership skills and experience gained within the UN system through the fellowship.