The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo, has reaffirmed that the youth remain central to Ghana’s national development agenda, urging management of the Ministry to remain committed, innovative and collaborative in delivering on its mandate.
According to the Minister, a critical review of the Ministry’s achievements and activities over the past year is essential for identifying gaps, consolidating successes and charting a clear path forward.
Mr. Opare Addo was speaking at the Ministry’s maiden management retreat held at the Peduase Valley Resort yesterday, February 4.
He noted that the retreat provided an opportunity to assess progress and lay the groundwork for the effective operationalisation of key policies.
He announced that several major policies would be rolled out in the coming year, outlining priority areas that include intensifying the “Red Means Stop” campaign, operationalising the Youth Tracker to monitor and evaluate youth development programmes, and introducing a domestic economy initiative aimed at equipping young people with skills and opportunities to thrive within the local economy.
The Minister further disclosed plans to develop a national policy on volunteerism to provide a structured framework for harnessing the energy and creativity of young people for national development.
Mr. Opare Addo also indicated that the Ministry is now fully established, with the boards of all its agencies duly constituted and functioning effectively.
He concluded by calling on management and staff to remain dedicated to the Ministry’s vision, stressing once again that the youth remain at the heart of national progress.
In her welcome address, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Emma Ofori Agyemang, described the retreat as the first of its kind, noting that it offers management the opportunity to engage in deep reflection, share insights and align strategies to advance the Ministry’s vision of youth empowerment and sustainable development.
The retreat, which ends on January 6, is expected to harmonise the activities of the Ministry and its agencies, reduce duplication of efforts, and develop effective strategies to advance youth development to the next level.
