(Gomoa Fetteh, Ghana – September 5, 2025) – The Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, has called for stronger youth participation in peacebuilding and national development, stressing that Ghana’s future rests heavily on its young population.
Addressing the 4th National Youth Conference in Gomoa Fetteh, Brig. Gen. Ayorrogo noted that young people—who constitute more than 60% of Ghana’s population—represent a transformative force for national progress. “They are not merely beneficiaries of policies; they are active participants and leaders who can drive sustainable development and stability,” he said.
He commended the National Youth Authority (NYA) for convening the conference despite earlier postponements, describing it as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among government, civil society, development partners, and youth leaders.
Highlighting KAIPTC’s role, Brig. Gen. Ayorrogo referenced the Centre’s Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI), which hosts a Youth Desk dedicated to amplifying young voices in peace processes. Through training, workshops, and community-focused initiatives, the Centre has been equipping youth with skills in conflict resolution, leadership, and advocacy.
Despite these efforts, he acknowledged persisting challenges such as unemployment, limited access to quality education, and barriers to leadership, urging collective action to address them. He further encouraged youth to engage actively in democratic processes and governance, stressing the need to “challenge the status quo” and make their voices heard in shaping Ghana’s future.
Brig. Gen. Ayorrogo concluded with a call to action: “When young people are empowered, they become catalysts for positive change in their communities. Together, let us build a society where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and lead.” The conference, held under the theme “Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change,” also advanced discussions on Ghana’s forthcoming National Action Plan (NAP) on Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). Mr. Edmund Akoto Bamfo, Senior Programme Officer (Youth) at KAIPTC, guided discussions on the technical frameworks and methodologies needed to shape context-specific and inclusive action plans. Panellists underscored the need for extensive consultations and locally grounded research to ensure the NAP effectively tackles drivers of conflict, particularly in northern Ghana and other vulnerable regions.
The discussions also focused on the design of technical components within the NAP that could enhance Ghana’s capacity for prevention. Speakers emphasized the importance of creating effective early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms that leverage youth networks in conflict-prone communities. With KAIPTC’s expertise in peace operations serving as a foundation, the panel underscored that youth must not only be seen as beneficiaries but also as key partners in detecting risks and preventing violence before it escalates.
Alongside plenaries, stakeholders—including government ministries, faith-based groups, youth-led organizations, civil society, and international partners—held side events on issues such as youth migration, climate change, substance abuse, digital technology, and entrepreneurship. The National Youth Conference, a highlight of Ghana’s annual Youth Month, continues to serve as a rallying point for policy dialogue, networking, and action planning to advance youth development and participation in nation-building.
