The Youth Impact Parliament (YIP), a vibrant bicameral youth legislature modeled after Ghana’s national Parliament, recently embarked on an educational visit to the Parliament House in Accra, receiving commendation and encouragement from high-ranking officials. Hon. Andrew Asiamah Amoako, the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, lauded YIP’s initiative and urged its members to consider future careers in national politics. This visit, marking the First Bicameral Youth Legislature’s interaction with the Parliament, aimed to deepen the young participants’ understanding of governance, legislative procedures, and the workings of Ghana’s parliamentary system. The event offered a valuable platform for these aspiring leaders to witness firsthand the complexities and significance of democratic processes.
The visit, which took place on March 20, 2025, was structured into two key sessions. The first focused on enriching the YIP members’ knowledge of parliamentary functions. Hon. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, former Minister for Information, Works, and Housing, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the legislative process, the role of parliamentary committees, and Parliament’s critical function in law-making, oversight, and national development. He emphasized the importance of the public purse and Parliament’s authority over budget approval and economic policies. Hon. Isaac Ashai Odamtten, MP for Tema East, further elaborated on the budget approval process, highlighting its transparency and accountability mechanisms. Both speakers encouraged the youth to engage actively in governance to shape the future of Ghana. This session concluded with a lively question-and-answer segment and the presentation of YIP brochures and a citation honoring the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin.
The second session provided YIP members with a unique opportunity to observe live parliamentary proceedings from the Speaker’s Gallery. They witnessed the 36th Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 1st Session of the 9th Parliament of the 4th Republic, presided over by Hon. Andrew Asiamah Amoako in the absence of the Speaker. The sitting included the adoption of previous proceedings, parliamentary questions directed at Ministers, and a debate on the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presented by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson. Hon. Asiamah Amoako formally acknowledged the presence of YIP, recognizing it as the First Bicameral Youth Legislature and introducing its presiding officers, Jones Amegashie-Viglo and Adam Usman, President of the Senate and Speaker of the Parliament, respectively.
During this session, YIP also recognized Hon. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, their Patron, with a Citation of Honor, acknowledging his support and guidance. The event concluded with a photo session with several Members of Parliament, solidifying the connection between the aspiring young leaders and experienced parliamentarians. The visit underscored the importance of mentorship and intergenerational dialogue in nurturing future leaders and strengthening democratic institutions. YIP expressed gratitude to its patrons, members, supporters, and promoters for their contributions to the visit’s success, emphasizing the ongoing need for support in youth capacity building for a brighter future.
The Youth Impact Parliament, an offshoot of the Youth Impact Movement (YIM), reflects a broader movement to empower young people and instill the values of good governance. Founded in Ho, Ghana, on April 22, 2021, by Jones Amegashie-Viglo, a political activist passionate about parliamentary democracy and African unity, along with Raymond Elikem Agbo and Amanor D. Narh, YIM emerged in response to perceived governance challenges and the lack of unity across African nations. YIP, with chapters in Ghana, Uganda, India, Namibia, and Kenya, represents the parliamentary arm of this movement, aiming to cultivate a new generation of ethical and capable leaders.
YIP’s core mission is to instill values of patriotism, honesty, transparency, diligence, selflessness, and commitment in young people, shaping them into leaders who prioritize national interests over personal gain. Through a collaborative approach to participatory democracy, YIP aims to address obstacles to good governance and African unity, equipping young leaders with parliamentary knowledge and practical skills. This visit to Ghana’s Parliament served as a powerful example of YIP’s practical approach to leadership development, providing its members with invaluable experience and insight into the complexities of governance and the importance of civic engagement. By exposing young people to the inner workings of parliament, YIP is cultivating a generation prepared to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations.
