The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has officially launched the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration*, declaring that Ghana’s future depends on investing in the energy, creativity and resilience of its young people.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, Hon. Opare Addo said the month-long observance is more than an annual event.
“Today is a declaration that Ghana believes in its young people. A declaration that the future of this country will not be built without the energy, creativity, and resilience of the youth of this country. And above all, it is a declaration that the time to invest in our young people is now,” he said.
The Minister noted that while every country has natural resources, Ghana’s greatest asset is its people.
“What is the greatest natural resource of every country? It is not our gold. It is not our cocoa. It is not our oil. It is the over 12 million young people whose talents, dreams, and innovations will determine whether Ghana succeeds in the decades ahead,” he stated.
He commended President John Dramani Mahama for establishing the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment to ensure youth issues are treated as a national priority and not an afterthought.
While the United Nations marks International Youth Day on August 12, Ghana has dedicated the entire month of August to empowering youth, showcasing achievements, addressing challenges and inspiring civic participation.
“This year's celebration is therefore not just about festivities. It is about purpose. It is about opportunity. It is about action,” Hon. Opare Addo said.
The Minister acknowledged pressing challenges facing young Ghanaians, including limited access to finance and mentorship, skills mismatch, mental health issues, substance abuse and migration.
He cited statistics showing that nearly *1 in 3 young Ghanaians remain unemployed*, while more than *7 out of 10 have considered leaving Ghana* for better opportunities. Research also indicates that exposure to drug use begins at an early age for many.
“Behind every number is a face, a family, a dream, and a future that deserves protection,” he said.
However, he also highlighted positive data, noting that *88% of young people actively participate in civic and community activities.
“They are simply asking for opportunities. They are asking for leadership. They are asking to be trusted, and this government has heard that call,” he added.
Aligning with the UN’s 2025 global theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”_, Ghana’s national theme for 2026 is: *“Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism, Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age.”
NYA Outlines Month-Long Activities
Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman A. Ayariga, Esq., said this year’s celebration builds on last year’s aborted plans following the national period of mourning after the helicopter crash.
He explained that the month is designed for education, interaction, policy direction, patriotism and volunteerism, not just merry-making.
“In a time of rapid technological change, digitalization has unlocked opportunities for learning and enterprise, but also introduced challenges like misinformation, cyber insecurity and the erosion of values,” Mr. Ayariga said.
He outlined activities to include community outreach, volunteer services, engagements with traditional and faith leaders, parliamentary dialogues, intergenerational forums, exhibitions, conferences and regional platforms aimed at deepening national consciousness and social cohesion.
“The mandate of the National Youth Authority extends beyond employment creation. It includes the deliberate cultivation of ethical leaders, responsible digital citizens, and young patriots who place national interest above all,” he stated.
Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, Mrs. Emma Ofori Agyemang, said the Ministry’s mandate is to coordinate policies that make Ghanaian youth nationally responsible and globally competitive.
She said agencies under the Ministry, including the NYA and National Service Authority, are collaborating to deliver the lineup of activities across the country.
The 2026 National Youth Month will run throughout August with programs targeted at students, apprentices, artisans, entrepreneurs and young professionals nationwide.
