The inauguration of the Ghana Youth Federation (GYF) marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to youth empowerment and participatory governance. This newly established statutory body, nonpartisan in nature, aims to amplify the voices of young Ghanaians and ensure their meaningful involvement in national development processes. The GYF’s establishment fulfills a key promise made by President John Dramani Mahama, underscoring the government’s dedication to recognizing the youth as vital stakeholders in shaping the nation’s future. The inauguration ceremony, held in Accra, saw the appointment of Sheriff Ghali, President of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, as the Federation’s inaugural president. This appointment, along with the unveiling of the interim leadership team, sets the stage for the GYF’s initial operations and the subsequent establishment of regional and district structures.
The GYF is not simply another youth organization; it represents a fundamental shift in how young people are engaged in national discourse. Legally recognized under the National Youth Authority Act 2016 (Act 393) and aligned with the National Youth Policy, the Federation serves as the apex coordinating body for all youth-related organizations, movements, associations, and councils across Ghana. Its mandate is threefold: to mobilize the youth, represent their interests effectively, and empower them to become active participants in national development. The GYF is envisioned as a platform for advocacy, innovation, and unity, facilitating direct engagement between young Ghanaians and the state, amongst themselves, and with the global community. It’s designed to be a dynamic force for change, not a passive echo chamber.
Sheriff Ghali, in his inaugural address, emphasized the transformative potential of the GYF, describing it as a movement rather than merely an institution. He articulated the Federation’s vision to unite fragmented youth voices and catalyze collective action towards national transformation. Ghali stressed the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes, highlighting the historical exclusion of young people from discussions that directly impact their lives. The GYF seeks to rectify this by ensuring that youth perspectives are integrated into national policies and development strategies. This includes engaging with policymakers, ministers, parliamentarians, and development partners to advocate for youth concerns and priorities.
The GYF’s operational framework encompasses a multi-faceted approach to youth empowerment. Beyond advocacy, the Federation will connect young people with opportunities across various sectors. This includes facilitating access to national apprenticeship schemes, mentorship programs, innovation grants, and entrepreneurship funding. By providing these resources and support systems, the GYF aims to equip young Ghanaians with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in the 21st-century economy. The Federation will also serve as a bridge between young people and decision-making bodies, ensuring their perspectives are considered in policy formulation and implementation.
Drawing inspiration from successful youth councils in other countries, such as Nigeria, Italy, and the United States, the GYF is modeled on principles of inclusivity, transparency, and democratic participation. While grounded in global best practices, the Federation is distinctly Ghanaian, tailored to the specific context and needs of the country’s youth. Sheriff Ghali underscored the importance of youth ownership and engagement, urging young people across Ghana to embrace the Federation as their own platform and actively shape its agenda. He emphasized that participation in shaping the country’s future is not a privilege to be granted, but a right to be exercised.
The government has pledged its full support to the GYF, both institutionally and personally, through the Minister for Youth Development. The Minister challenged the interim leadership to build a Federation that is not only inclusive and transparent but also impactful, setting a precedent for youth leadership in Africa. He expressed the aspiration for Ghana to become a model for youth empowerment and meaningful participation in governance. The inauguration of the GYF signifies a critical step towards realizing this vision, empowering young Ghanaians to become active agents of change and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. The Federation’s establishment underscores the government’s recognition of the youth as a vital force for national development and its commitment to creating an enabling environment for their voices to be heard and their potential fully realized.
