By Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, June 25, GNA – Madam Joycelyn Quashie, Member of Parliament (MP) for North Dayi, has called for increased investment in young people to enable them to assume leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development agenda.
She made the call during the 6th African Youth Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).
Speaking on the theme: “Reimagining Africa Through Youth-Driven Solutions,” Madam Quashie, who delivered a special statement at the event, emphasised the need to empower young people through leadership opportunities, innovation and active participation in national development.
She said Africa’s youthful population remains the continent’s greatest asset and stressed the importance of investing in their talents, ideas and aspirations.
According to her, creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive would help build a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future for Africa.
“The future of Africa depends largely on how effectively we harness the potential of our young people and equip them with the tools and opportunities needed to drive development,” she said.
Commending the organisers, Youth Advocates Ghana (YAG), and other stakeholders for the initiative, Madam Quashie said it provided a platform that amplifies the voices of young people and promotes meaningful dialogue on sustainable development issues.
She noted that such initiatives were crucial in inspiring the next generation of African leaders and encouraging innovative solutions to the continent’s challenges.
The North Dayi MP urged governments, development partners and the private sector to continue supporting youth-focused programmes that foster leadership, entrepreneurship and civic engagement.
She expressed optimism that with the right support and investment, African youth would play a leading role in transforming the continent and advancing the goals of sustainable development.
The summit brought together young leaders, policymakers, development practitioners, academics, entrepreneurs and development partners from across Africa and the diaspora to deliberate on practical pathways towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
The MP’s call aligns with Africa’s demographic reality: over 60% of the continent’s population is under 25, making youth investment both an economic and governance imperative.
“Reimagining Africa Through Youth-Driven Solutions” therefore frames youth not just as beneficiaries of development, but as architects of policy.
By targeting leadership, innovation and civic engagement, the summit’s focus reflects a shift from generic youth programmes to structured pathways that convert ideas into policy influence.
This approach is critical if Agenda 2063’s goal of “an Africa whose development is people-driven” is to move from aspiration to measurable outcomes.
GNA
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Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong