Youth Bridge Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has held a one day national stakeholders’ dialogue to orient the youth on effective participation and involvement in policy formulation and governance.
Stakeholders and participants across the country including the Minister of Youth and Sport, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, representatives from the UNDP, CEO of National Youth Authority, Ras Mubarack and some Members of Parliament were present to dialogue with the youth.
Concerns raised by the youth
Some concerns raised by the youth include;
• Inclusive youth development
• involving the disabled youth in the discourse
• Strategy for collaboration between ministries at the national and local levels especially with the National Youth Authority (NYA) and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD)
Paramount among the issues raised by the youth is how to bridge the vast information gab which exists between policy makers, other stakeholders and the youth.
It has been noted that, at every point in time there is a government policy or proposal or some form of youth related measures being put in place to assist the youth in one way or the other. But, the problem is, where and how it is communicated and the channels through which the youth can have access to those information.
Minister of Youth and Sports
The minister of youth and sports Edwin Nii LanteyVanderpuye in his remarks to the youth and the stakeholders said government will not be successful if it does not give prior attention to the engagement, participation and involvement of the youth. He cautioned various ministries to re-examine the way they handle youth issues.
He added this dialogue is not going to be ”just a talk” and assured the youth of maximum attention and support to address and implement the issues raised.
MP advises the youth.
Addressing some of the concerns, the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Seth Kwame Acheampong admonished the youth to engage in conversation and get involved with their leaders at all levels. The minister also cautioned them to do so by using the right approach in order to get the attention of their leaders.
’’ Communication is very important therefore be civil, learn to use the right language, do away with pride and be mindful of the other person’s pride’’ the MP said.
Youth Bridge Foundation in its quest to bridging gabs for positive youth development with the support from its partners including the UNDP, over the years has been organizing programs and events which is geared towards building the capacity of the youth and deepening their engagement in governance.
Funded By: UNDP
Facilitated by: Youth Bridge Foundation
Partners: National Youth Authority Ghana