Youth empowerment key to national dev’t

By Samuel SAM

“The future of humanity and our planet lies in our hands. It lies also in the hands of today’s younger generation who will pass the torch to future generations,” says Jeffrey Sachs.

This sentiment underscores the importance of youth empowerment, a crucial element for Ghana’s development. The adage “Catch them young and they shall be yours forever” emphasises the need to inspire and harness the potential of young people to contribute in national growth.

Current state of youth empowerment

Despite efforts to empower the youth, significant challenges remain. According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), approximately 1.5 million individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 were not engaged in education, employment or training (NEET) as of the third quarter of 2022. The youth unemployment rate stands at 19.7%, exacerbated by duplication of initiatives, lack of coordination and limited impact evaluations of existing programmes.

Efforts to promote entrepreneurship and job creation through initiatives such as the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programm (NEIP) are ongoing. Educational institutions have also instituted programmes geared toward youth empowerment, helping many young people identify and develop their talents. However, many young Ghanaians remain disconnected from educational and vocational opportunities, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling youth unemployment.

Role of organisations in youth empowerment

Several organisations are playing critical roles in Ghana’s youth empowerment efforts:

1. JA Ghana – This non-profit organisation offers programmes designed to help young people understand the role of business in society, develop their entrepreneurial spirit and manage their personal finances. Their programmes have created over 1,000 new businesses and improved financial literacy for over 100,000 young people
2. Self-Help International – Their youth in agriculture programme introduces students to modern agricultural practices, equipping them with skills to establish agricultural enterprises and create income-generating opportunities.
3. Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC) – KIC provides resources and infrastructure to empower young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector through initiatives like the AgriTech Challenge Pro.
4. PureTrust Foundation – Based in Tamale, this non-profit focuses on youth empowerment through economic projects, cooperative development and entrepreneurship.
5. Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA) Ghana – This women-led organisation focuses on empowering women and girls, promoting youth education and enhancing climate resilience.
6. URBANET – This youth empowerment programme increases youth livelihoods through capacity and skills development, gradually increasing employment opportunities.
7. Patriots Ghana – They provide financial literacy education, entrepreneurship programs, community volunteering, and national platforms for youth advocacy.
8. Youth Employment Agency (YEA) – YEA has provided jobs, training and experience to Ghanaian youth, employing over 20,000 through the Business Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP).

Challenges and recommendations

Despite these efforts, the implementation of youth empowerment policies faces challenges due to political and traditional interferences.

Mr. Alhassan Fatawu, Head-Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Tamale Technical University (TaTU), notes the need for practical entrepreneurship education to imbue in students a spirit of patriotism and self-reliance.

Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, Vice Dean-Department of Communication, Innovation and Technology at the Faculty of Agribusiness and Communication Sciences, advocates for innovative educational curricula that meet the job market’s demands.

To enhance youth empowerment in Ghana, several strategies are recommended:

1. Family and community engagement – Support and encouragement from families and communities are crucial for young entrepreneurs.
2. Entrepreneurship education – Integrating entrepreneurship education with practical skills development is essential.
3. Financial models and products – Developing financial models tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs can address challenge of access to capital.
4. Technical and vocational training – Offering comprehensive training that includes business, technical and life skills will help young people develop skills beyond the classroom.
5. Government Support – Governments should provide access to capital for young entrepreneurs, offer entrepreneurship education and establish mentorship programmes.
6. Public-Private Partnerships – Collaboration between governments and NGOs can address challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, such as lack of access to finance, inadequate skills and limited market opportunities.

By implementing these measures, Ghana can transform youth unemployment into an opportunity for national development – achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

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