Make youth issues central to Ghana’s 2020 elections agenda -group demands

A youth-oriented group, Voices of Youth, has demanded the inclusion of young people in the agenda for the 2020 general election.

“We want the 2020 elections agenda to focus on youth for many reasons. Firstly, the demographics of young people provide a compelling justification for focusing on ways to improve their economic and social wellbeing.” part of the statement said.

The group argues that the inclusion of young people in decision making will not only be in fulfilment of the 1992 constitution but also groom young people for the future.

“Young people aged 15 to 35 years account for about 35% of Ghana’s population and failure to respond to the education, health, employment and other needs of this large share of our nation’s population continues to entrench poverty for current and future generations.”

The statement is a clarion call on International Youth Day, which is marked annually as an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement.

The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.

In that regard, the VOY said, “In line with the theme of International Youth Day 2020 – Youth Engagement for Global Action – we also call on all those contesting for a political power to partner with youth at all levels towards a more inclusive and sustainable development process.”

“As we draw close to the December 7 elections, youth voters will be watching out for candidates whose proposed development agenda focuses on young people’s hopes and aspirations as reflected in the Ghana Youth Manifesto and the People’s National Youth Policy both compiled by the Voices of Youth Coalition in 2012 and 2016 respectively,” the statement said.