MYDE, Christian Council of Ghana partner to combat substance abuse among youth

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) has inaugurated a joint Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of its partnership with the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), aimed at tackling substance abuse among young people and promoting positive behavioural change.

The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on August 4, 2026, seeks to strengthen youth development interventions through preventive education, counselling support, life skills development and community engagement.

Under the agreement, the Ministry will provide policy leadership and strategic direction, while the Christian Council of Ghana will lead youth-focused activities through its Sound Youth, Sound Nation (SYSNA) Programme.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, commended the Christian Council for responding to the Ministry’s invitation and demonstrating its commitment to addressing challenges confronting young people.

He said the partnership underscored the importance of working with faith-based organisations to promote responsible behaviour, strengthen moral values and protect young people from the harmful effects of substance abuse.

The Minister described substance abuse as a major concern for youth development, stressing that addressing the problem requires sustained and coordinated efforts involving government, religious institutions, families and communities.

He noted that religious organisations were strategically positioned to influence positive behavioural change through moral guidance, values-based education and support systems that help young people make informed decisions.

According to him, the inauguration of the Steering Committee fulfils a key requirement of the MoU by establishing a joint oversight mechanism to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the agreed programmes.

The committee will serve as the principal decision-making and oversight body for the partnership, responsible for providing strategic direction, approving annual work plans and budgets, reviewing progress and addressing challenges that may hinder implementation.

Its responsibilities will also include strengthening stakeholder coordination, promoting accountability, mobilising resources and recommending improvements to ensure the programmes achieve their intended objectives.

Hon. Opare Addo urged members to approach their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, innovation and a strong sense of commitment, emphasising the need for practical results rather than focusing solely on meetings and administrative processes.

He said the success of the partnership would be measured by tangible improvements in young people’s well-being, increased awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, positive behavioural change and reduced vulnerability to social risks.

Through the SYSNA Programme, the Christian Council of Ghana is expected to intensify preventive education, provide counselling support, promote life skills and strengthen community participation in youth development initiatives.

These interventions are intended to build resilience among young people, encourage responsible decision-making and create supportive environments in which they can make healthy choices and realise their potential.

The Minister assured the committee of the Ministry’s commitment to supporting its operations and congratulated members on their nomination, expressing confidence in their ability to advance the objectives of the partnership.

The five-year MoU provides a framework for sustained cooperation between the Ministry and the Christian Council of Ghana, reinforcing efforts to develop inclusive and sustainable interventions that respond to the needs and aspirations of young people.

The inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between government and faith-based organisations in addressing substance abuse and other social challenges affecting Ghanaian youth.

Through coordinated prevention efforts, effective oversight and sustained community engagement, the partnership aims to promote responsible citizenship, safeguard young people’s well-being and contribute to building a healthier, more resilient and empowered generation.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith