By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, Oct 30, GNA – The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) in partnership with the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), have inaugurated a Steering Committee to curb substance abuse among Ghanaian youth.
The Steering Committee is to oversee a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the Christian Council.
The MYDE–CCG MoU will provide a framework for sustained cooperation in advancing youth development and empowerment.
The MoU, signed on August 4, 2026, mandates the Ministry to provide policy leadership while the Christian Council implements youth interventions through its Sound Youth, Sound Nation (SYSNA) Programme.
The Programme will focus on preventive education, value promotion, patriotism, life skills, counselling support and community engagement to encourage responsible decision-making among young people.
These interventions will help encourage responsible decision-making, strengthen resilience among young people, and foster supportive environments that enable them to make healthy choices and realise their potential.
Mr George Opare Addo, the Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, said religious institutions played a critical role in shaping morals and guiding young people to make informed choices.
He noted that substance abuse remained a significant concern which required sustained collective action.
The Minister explained that the Steering Committee was a key requirement of the MoU, which provides a joint oversight structure to ensure effective coordination and successful implementation of the agreed programmes.
The Minister said the Steering Committee was a key requirement of the MoU, serving as a joint oversight structure to ensure effective coordination and successful implementation of the agreed programmes.
Mr Opare Addo underscored the importance of achieving practical outcomes, including improved youth well-being, increased awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, positive behavioural change, and reduced vulnerability to social risks.
He urged members to demonstrate commitment, professionalism, innovation, integrity, and a strong spirit of collaboration in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Minister underscored the importance of achieving practical outcomes, including improved youth well-being, increased awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, positive behavioural change, and reduced vulnerability to social risks.
He said the partnership reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to working with faith-based organisations and other relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable, youth-centered interventions that responded to the needs and aspirations of the youth.
Mr Opare Addo assured members of the Ministry’s full commitment and support in facilitating the operations of the Steering Committee.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Priscilla Oye Ofori
Email address: [email protected]