The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has challenged young Ghanaians to reject hopelessness, embrace hard work and patriotism, and equip themselves with the skills needed to drive Ghana’s transformation as he officially launched the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration.
Addressing government officials, development partners, youth organisations, traditional leaders and the media at the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment, the Minister said the celebration is not merely a ceremonial event but a national call to inspire a new generation of responsible, innovative and patriotic young citizens.
He urged young people not to allow unemployment, temporary setbacks or the glamorous lifestyles portrayed on social media to discourage them from pursuing their dreams. Instead, he encouraged them to remain focused, develop their talents, uphold integrity and seize opportunities that prepare them for the future.
“The future of Ghana will not be determined by our natural resources alone but by the character, skills and determination of our young people,” the Minister stressed, adding that President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to establish the Ministry demonstrates government’s commitment to making youth development a national priority.
Hon. Opare Addo acknowledged the difficulties confronting many young people, including unemployment, limited access to finance and mentorship, mental health challenges and substance abuse. However, he said these obstacles should inspire greater determination rather than despair, urging the youth to become active contributors to national development.
Speaking on the theme, “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism, Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age,” the Minister said technology alone cannot build a prosperous nation without discipline, honesty, responsibility and love for country. He therefore called on young people to become responsible digital citizens while using innovation and entrepreneurship to create opportunities for themselves and others.
He announced that government will continue expanding digital skills programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, coding, digital marketing and data analytics to prepare young Ghanaians for the rapidly evolving global economy. He also disclosed plans to strengthen digital platforms that connect young people to jobs, scholarships, entrepreneurship support and learning opportunities, while establishing youth resource centres and innovation hubs to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The Minister further encouraged young people to become champions of environmental responsibility by adopting drains within their communities, promoting proper sanitation and supporting national efforts to prevent flooding.
He appealed to the private sector, development partners, faith-based organisations, civil society and traditional leaders to invest in youth empowerment through mentorship, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, innovation and mental health support, stressing that developing the country’s youth is a shared national responsibility.
Providing an overview of the celebration, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Mr. Osman A. Ayariga, said the month-long programme has been designed to inspire patriotism, leadership, volunteerism and responsible citizenship among young people.
He announced that the celebration will feature nationwide community service, clean-up exercises, engagements with religious and traditional leaders, the National Youth Conference, the National Youth Parliament, mentorship programmes, entrepreneurship exhibitions, sports activities and campaigns against drug abuse and substance misuse.
Mr. Ayariga noted that the National Youth Month is intended to empower young people not only through celebration but by providing platforms for leadership, civic engagement, innovation and policy dialogue. He urged Ghanaian youth to embrace integrity, discipline, volunteerism and patriotism while taking advantage of the numerous opportunities created throughout the month.
Officially declaring the celebration open, Hon. George Opare Addo expressed confidence that by embracing discipline, innovation, service and patriotism, Ghana’s youth would become the driving force behind a stronger, more prosperous and resilient nation.
