Story by Nsor Paul Mensah
The President of the Gonjaland Youth Association (GLYA), Al-Hassan Baba Darison, has outlined a clear and purposeful agenda for the association's future development. Speaking at the handing over and fundraising ceremony of GLYA, President Darison emphasized the need for purpose-driven leadership, youth empowerment, cultural promotion, and financial sustainability.
Youth Empowerment: President Darison highlighted the importance of youth empowerment and entrepreneurship through advocacy, partnerships, and access to national opportunities.
Cultural Promotion: He emphasized the need to preserve and project the Gonja language, music, values, and heritage.
Financial Sustainability: The President outlined plans for bold and creative fundraising activities to ensure the association's
President Darison also highlighted the challenges facing Gonjaland, including:
High Youth Unemployment, Youth unemployment in the Savannah Region stands at over 38%.
Low Literacy Rates Literacy rates in the region are the lowest nationwide, at just 32.8%.
Limited Access to Education, Tertiary education access remains extremely limited.
Poverty: Nearly half of the population in the Savannah Region lives in multidimensional poverty.
The President appealed to sons and daughters of Gonjaland, friends, and well-wishers to support the association's cause generously. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to contribute to the association's fundraising efforts to support scholarships, youth-led enterprise, cultural programs, and operational structures.
President Darison also announced plans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of GLYA next year, which will be a major milestone in the association's history. The celebration will provide an opportunity for the association to reflect on its journey, honor its pioneers, and outline its aspirations for the next 50 years.