(Accra, Ghana, 11th February 2025) The 2025 Ghana Youth Congress, themed “Ghana – My Home, My Future: Beyond the Ballot Box,” was held from 6 to 9 February, 2025, calling for sustained civic engagement among Ghanaian youth. The event brought together young leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to explore how young people can actively contribute to national development beyond elections.
As the Guest of Honour, the Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Major General Richard Addo Gyane, emphasized the vital role of youth in promoting peace, governance, and national progress. He urged young people to move beyond participation on election day and commit to ongoing civic involvement, policy advocacy, and leadership in various sectors of society.
“The future of Ghana does not rest solely on elections but on the daily contributions of its young people in governance, community service, and economic development. Your role extends far beyond the ballot box,” Major General Gyane stated.
He highlighted five key objectives of the congress: fostering post-election civic engagement, building leadership for nation-building, promoting sustainable development, encouraging inclusivity and unity, and inspiring constructive activism. These objectives aim to equip young people with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s progress.
The Ghana Youth Congress was established to maximize youth participation in national activities and aligns with global frameworks such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security and UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for inclusive and participatory decision-making at all levels.
Rev. Fr. Jehoshaphat Calys-Tagoe, Chair of the Youth Steering Committee of the Christian Council of Ghana, reiterated the importance of preparing young people for leadership. He acknowledged efforts made by successive governments to include youth in governance but emphasized the need for more intentional investments.
“We must not only advocate for youth inclusion but also equip them with the necessary skills to lead effectively. This Congress is both a call to policymakers and a capacity-building platform for the next generation of leaders,” he said.
He explained that the timing of the congress was strategic, as it followed the general elections, offering young people a critical window to engage in policy discussions while the new administration was still shaping its governance agenda.
Dr. Anthony Baidoo, a lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), emphasized the importance of ethical leadership and civic responsibility. Reflecting on Ghana’s political history, he urged young people to actively participate in national development with integrity and purpose.
“Leadership is not confined to political office—it is about making a difference in your community, workplace, and nation. We need a generation of leaders driven by faith, morality, and action,” he remarked.
Samuel Koku Anyidoho, CEO of the Atta Mills Institute (AMI), stressed the need for ethical leadership and national service among young Ghanaians. He introduced the MILLS Leadership Framework, which stand forMindset, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership, and Service, as a guide for youth development.
“True leadership is about service to God, country, and humanity. Ghana needs young leaders who prioritize national progress over personal gain,” he emphasized. He called for a shift from self-centered leadership to a model based on accountability and nation-building, urging youth to uphold Ghana’s values and contribute meaningfully to its progress.
The KAIPTC remains committed to fostering leadership, peace, and security among Ghana’s youth. Through its Youth, Peace, and Security programs, the Centre has organized training workshops, leadership forums, and civic engagement initiatives to equip young people with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development.
KAIPTC continues to collaborate with regional and international organizations to support youth-led peace initiatives and mentorship programs for emerging leaders. Major General Gyane reaffirmed KAIPTC’s dedication to empowering the next generation, ensuring that democracy in Ghana thrives beyond electoral cycles.
The 2025 Ghana Youth Congress serves as a powerful reminder that youth involvement in governance and civic engagement must be continuous. Organizers have called on churches, youth organizations, and development partners to support and invest in youth development efforts. “This is more than an event—it is an investment in Ghana’s future. We must see tangible outcomes from the ideas shared here,” Rev. Fr. Calys-Tagoe noted.
At the congress, participants engaged in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to equip them with practical skills for impactful civic participation. The message is clear: Ghana’s future is in the hands of its youth, and their active involvement is crucial for building a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous nation.
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