By Solomon Gumah
Tamale, May 12, GNA – A Youth Parliament has been inaugurated in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to promote youth participation in decision-making processes across the country.
The inauguration, attended by traditional authorities, youth groups amongst other stakeholders, was under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project.
It was on the theme: “Empowering the Youth to Lead the Fight Against Drug Abuse: A National Responsibility” and sought to equip young people to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mr. Abukari Baba Sumaila, Tamale Metropolitan Director, National Youth Authority, speaking during the inauguration in Tamale at the weekend, said it was part of efforts to create a platform for young people to advocate for policies and programmes that supported their growth and development.
The SOCO project, an initiative of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in collaboration with the World Bank, seeks to foster social cohesion, economic resilience, and regional collaboration across the Northern Gulf of Guinea including Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
Mr. Sumaila said: “The Youth Parliament is designed to ensure inclusive governance by giving the youth a voice in the country’s decision-making processes.”
He added that “The youth are the future of our country, and including their voices, opinions and challenges help build their capacity, confidence and patriotism.”
He urged young people to embrace the initiative and prepare themselves for leadership roles.
Mr. Nicholas Perrin, Practice Manager for Social Development at the World Bank, lauded the initiative describing it as a vital tool for mobilising youth to engage in critical issues affecting their communities.
He emphasised the World Bank’s commitment, through the SOCO Project, to supporting platforms that promoted youth engagement and participatory governance.
He said: “This initiative is a critical step toward building a sustainable democracy and the SOCO project will continue to support the Youth Parliament.”
MsRashida Shamsudeen, Speaker of the Youth Parliament said the platform would serve as a space for action, innovation and leadership, adding “We reaffirm our commitment to meaningful youth engagement, participatory governance and the democratic ideals that shape our region’s future.”
She said: “We are reminded of the urgent responsibility we bear as young leaders. The rise of drug abuse amongst our peers poses a serious threat to public health and our collective future.”
She called on young people to lead awareness, prevention, and advocacy efforts to combat drug misuse and abuse.
GNA
EA/BM