Government launch 2026 National Youth Month

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, Esq., has reaffirmed government's commitment to empowering Ghanaian youth through digital skills development, employment creation and value-based leadership, declaring that the country's future depends on a generation equipped with both technological competence and strong moral principles.

Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration in Accra, the Minister said the month-long programme, observed as part of activities marking International Youth Day on August 12, is intended to spotlight issues affecting young people while advancing policies that will make Ghanaian youth nationally responsive and globally competitive.

The celebration is being held under the theme, "Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism: Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age."

According to Mr. Opare Addo, Ghana's youth continue to face numerous challenges, including unemployment, limited access to technology and start-up capital, skills mismatch, inadequate labour market opportunities, and concerns relating to health and wellbeing.

He disclosed that recent research indicates 41 percent of tertiary students and 37 percent of Senior High School students are aware of drug availability and use on their campuses, with Colleges of Education recording the highest awareness level at 54 percent.

The Minister further revealed that 26 percent of young people begin using drugs before the age of 15, 41 percent between the ages of 16 and 17, while 25 percent start between 18 and 19 years.

He also cited labour market data showing that Ghana's youth unemployment rate stood at 32.5 percent in 2025, while 72 percent of young people expressed a desire to migrate in search of better opportunities.

Despite these challenges, he noted that 88 percent of young people participate in civic activities, demonstrating their readiness to contribute to national development.

Referencing the United Nations' 2026 International Youth Day theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," Mr. Opare Addo said young people everywhere share common aspirations for dignity, opportunity, inclusion and sustainable development regardless of their geographical location.

He explained that Ghana's localized theme reflects government's determination to rebuild national values while equipping young people with the skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.

"The problems are now, so the solutions need young persons now. Issues like unemployment, climate change, digital skills, online scams, mental health and education are happening now. Therefore, the energy, creativity and innovation of young people are needed today, not tomorrow," he stated.

The Minister stressed that rebuilding patriotism requires restoring integrity, accountability, hard work and civic responsibility among young people.

He announced that the Ministry is collaborating with traditional authorities, religious institutions and community organisations to institutionalise mentorship and value-based leadership programmes across all 16 regions.

He also underscored government's commitment to expanding digital skills development through flagship initiatives such as Adwumawura and the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP), which will incorporate specialised training in coding, artificial intelligence, digital marketing and data analytics.

Mr. Opare Addo further announced that the National Youth Tracker Platform and the YouthXplore App will be promoted to connect young people with employment opportunities, scholarships and digital learning resources.

He disclosed that government expects to complete three Youth Resource Centres this year, equipped with modern digital hubs, business incubation facilities and co-working spaces to support youth entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Minister appealed to development partners, the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations and the media to strengthen collaboration with government in advancing youth development through investments in digital infrastructure, employment pathways, entrepreneurship, apprenticeship and youth wellbeing.

Addressing young people directly, he encouraged them to remain ambitious despite existing challenges.

"The future is now, and you are the future. Continue to invest in productive ventures, be creative, remain energetic in all you do, and master the digital tools available to you. Ghana believes in your potential, and this Ministry will continue to clear the path for your success," he said.

He subsequently declared the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration officially launched.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, described this year's celebration as a strategic opportunity to reposition Ghanaian youth as responsible digital citizens and patriotic leaders capable of driving national transformation.

He observed that while digitalisation has opened new opportunities for education, innovation and entrepreneurship, it has also fueled challenges such as misinformation, cyber insecurity, substance abuse, indiscipline and the erosion of societal values.

"Our shared values must remain the foundation upon which our future is built. Innovation without integrity cannot build a resilient nation. Knowledge without discipline cannot sustain development, and talent without patriotism cannot transform society," Ayariga stated.

He noted that the National Youth Authority's mandate extends beyond employment creation to nurturing ethical leadership, responsible digital citizenship and patriotism among young people.

Mr. Ayariga announced that this year's National Youth Month will feature a series of nationwide activities, including the National Voluntary and Community Service Day, youth engagements with Christian and Muslim leaders, the National Youth Conference at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the National Youth Parliament Sitting, an Inter-Agency Football Gala, an Inter-Generational Dialogue, and the Red Means Stop Campaign 2026, aimed at combating drug abuse among the youth.

He also announced that Ghana will host two major international youth engagements—the TICAD Youth Drive, under the theme "Youth Agenda 2055: From Vision to Action," and the inaugural in-person Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy—to strengthen continental cooperation and expand opportunities for Ghanaian youth.

Calling for collective action, the NYA Chief Executive urged government institutions, development partners, civil society, parents, traditional authorities and the private sector to actively support the month-long programme.

He concluded by encouraging young Ghanaians to recognise the critical role they play in shaping the nation's future, stressing that Ghana's progress will ultimately depend not only on technology, but also on the integrity, discipline, creativity and patriotism of its youth.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith