The Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition’s participation in the National Economic Dialogue, hosted by President John Dramani Mahama, served as a platform to advocate for significant reforms in governance and corruption, emphasizing the crucial role of youth development and inclusion. Their core argument centered on the idea that true national progress is contingent upon a multi-pronged approach, addressing leadership development, promoting active citizenship, and enacting constitutional reforms that reflect the needs and aspirations of Ghana’s youth. The coalition’s call for change resonated throughout the dialogue, challenging the status quo and pushing for a more inclusive and youth-centric approach to governance.
The coalition’s first point of emphasis was the critical need for a fundamental shift in leadership development. They argued that cultivating ethical and effective leaders requires a deliberate and intentional curriculum, starting from the grassroots level and continuing throughout the education system. They introduced a “6S” framework for leadership, encompassing Solutions, Service, Selflessness, Stewardship, Sacrifice, and Sincerity. These core values, they believe, are essential to fostering a culture of accountability and responsible leadership, where leaders prioritize the needs of the citizenry and act with integrity. This framework, they argue, would help move away from the current leadership challenges plaguing Africa and instill a new generation of leaders with a strong moral compass and a commitment to serving the people.
Secondly, the coalition stressed the paramount importance of active citizenship, particularly among young Ghanaians. With over 73% of the population under 35, youth represent a significant demographic and a powerful force for change. Active citizenship, they argued, is inextricably linked to human capital development, and the youth are essential to achieving good governance. However, the coalition expressed deep concern over the systemic exclusion of young people from decision-making processes, relegating them to the role of mere voters. Despite the fact that youth constitute a significant portion of the electorate, their representation in governance structures, particularly at the cabinet level, remains woefully inadequate. This disconnect, they argued, undermines the very principles of democracy and hinders the nation’s progress.
The coalition highlighted the irony of the National Economic Dialogue itself, where young people were largely excluded from the thematic area discussions, despite their presence in the plenary sessions. Furthermore, they pointed to the lack of youth representation in the current administration’s cabinet, with only one youth appointed as a regional minister and none holding cabinet positions, including the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment. This lack of representation, they argued, perpetuates a cycle of exclusion and prevents young voices from being heard in critical national conversations. The coalition therefore called for urgent action to ensure that youth are not only invited to participate but are seen as equal partners and stakeholders in the journey towards good governance.
Thirdly, the coalition emphasized the urgent need for constitutional reform to address the systemic issues hindering youth participation in governance. They called for a review of the constitution to make it more “youth-sensitive and youth-relevant,” creating a framework that empowers young people and facilitates their active involvement in shaping the nation’s future. This reform, they believe, is essential to ensuring that the legal and institutional frameworks reflect the demographics and aspirations of the Ghanaian population. A youth-sensitive constitution would create pathways for greater youth representation in decision-making bodies and ensure that policies are designed with the needs and interests of young people in mind.
The coalition’s participation in the National Economic Dialogue, which covered a range of critical themes including macroeconomic stability, economic transformation, infrastructure development, structural reforms, private sector growth, and good governance and combating corruption, demonstrated their commitment to contributing to Ghana’s overall development. Their message was clear and consistent: youth must be at the center of Ghana’s progress. They advocated for a paradigm shift in governance, where leadership embodies the principles of the “6S” framework, active citizenship is fostered and encouraged, and the constitution provides a framework for meaningful youth participation.
The coalition concluded their participation in the dialogue with a strong call for action, urging the government and all stakeholders to prioritize youth development and inclusion. They argued that investing in the youth is not simply a social responsibility but a strategic imperative for national development. By empowering young people, fostering ethical leadership, and creating a truly inclusive governance framework, Ghana can unlock its full potential and build a prosperous and equitable future for all its citizens. The coalition’s message serves as a timely reminder that the future of Ghana rests in the hands of its youth, and their voices must be heard and their contributions valued in the national discourse.
