The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr. George Opare-Addo, has urged members of the Ministry’s Joint Steering Committee Working Group to support government efforts to address substance abuse among young people and expand opportunities for skills development and youth empowerment.
He made the call during the inauguration of the Working Group, stressing the need for strong commitment, collaboration and innovative interventions to tackle the challenges confronting Ghanaian youth.
The Minister said the Working Group had a strategic role in shaping and driving initiatives that would positively influence young people’s lives and contribute to national development.
He particularly emphasised the importance of behavioural change initiatives, referencing a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Christian Council of Ghana to help curb substance abuse among young people.
According to Mr Opare-Addo, the youth remain Ghana’s greatest asset and must be equipped with the right values, opportunities and support systems to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
He therefore urged members to use their expertise, influence and networks to promote responsible behaviour, healthy lifestyles and greater access to youth development programmes.
The Minister also highlighted skills development as a key driver of youth empowerment and economic growth, pointing to the role of the Digital Technology Institute (DTI) in providing industry-relevant training for young people.
He said equipping the youth with practical skills would better prepare them for the demands of the modern workforce and the growing digital economy.
Mr Opare-Addo encouraged Working Group members to mobilise resources, build strategic partnerships and secure stakeholder support to expand opportunities for young people across the country.
He further tasked the group with identifying innovative interventions and recommending successful programmes that could be scaled up to reach more beneficiaries.
He stressed the importance of evidence-based approaches that deliver measurable results and lasting impact in youth development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
The Working Group is expected to provide strategic guidance and technical support to the Joint Steering Committee while improving coordination among key stakeholders involved in implementing youth-focused policies and initiatives.
