Accra, Aug. 14, GNA – The Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) has called for concerted efforts by the Government, private sector and civil society organisations to improve the welfare and economic prospects of the Ghanaian youth.
The Council said Ghana’s growing youth population could either become a major catalyst for economic development or a source of social instability if young people were left without adequate opportunities.
A statement issued on Thursday, signed by the Reverend Dr Cyril G.K. Fayose, General Secretary of CCG, to mark the International Youth Day, said young people, despite living in different socio-economic and cultural contexts, shared common aspirations for dignity, equal opportunities, quality education, decent work and a sustainable future.
This year’s global theme is: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The Council said the observance also aligned with Ghana’s month-long youth celebrations being led by the National Youth Authority (NYA) on the theme: “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism, Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age.”
It commended the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) for its partnership with the Council through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on youth development.
The CCG also welcomed the recent engagement between its leadership and the NYA, describing the collaboration between the Church and State as necessary to advancing youth welfare.
The Council urged stakeholders to take urgent measures to prevent young people from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), warning that prolonged idleness could undermine Ghana’s social and economic development.
It called for targeted investment in technical and vocational education, accessible entrepreneurship incubation hubs, youth-focused agricultural incentives and robust mentorship programmes in corporate and religious institutions.
The Council also advocated a holistic approach to youth empowerment that combined ethical development with digital skills.
It said young people needed strong moral guidance to navigate an online environment that offered opportunities but also exposed them to cyberbullying, financial fraud and misinformation.
The CCG, therefore, urged the youth to use their digital skills and creativity for productivity, social cohesion and national development rather than destructive activities.
It said the Church would continue to use its pulpits, youth fellowships and educational institutions to promote hard work, patriotism and responsible use of digital technology.
“The Ghanaian youth is structurally equipped and spiritually anchored to lead,” the Council said, reaffirming its commitment to working with the State and other stakeholders to empower young people.
The Council reminded the youth that they were not only the future of Ghana but also an important part of the country’s present and urged them to channel their talents towards community development, civic responsibility and national pride.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Eric Appah Marfo