By Solomon Gumah
Tamale, Aug 29, GNA – Simba Ghana has held an empowerment forum for the youth to enhance their active participation in crucial decision-making processes in the country.
The forum, held in Tamale on the theme: “Youth participation in the new age, what does it take”, brought together youth groups, students, academia, youth leaders of community-based organisations amongst other stakeholders to deliberate on the new shifts and trends in the way young people should express themselves as active citizens.
The forum was organised in partnership with the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD- Ghana), Norsaac, YEFL- Ghana amongst other partners.
Mr Abdul- Rahaman Abdul-Mumin, Executive Director of Simba Ghana, who made a presentation during the event, said “There is the need for engagements that should prompt action and change and trickle-down effects, thus duty-bearers engaging more with the citizens to strengthen and activate citizens’ participation in the development drive of the country.”
He said “Active citizenship, especially among the youth is on constant decline whilst young people are being disengaged from many national issues. The development is even worse in the northern part of the country where poverty seems to have gained notoriety.”
Mr Abdul-Mumin said most of the youth who wanted to lead, were not properly equipped with leadership skills and competence, hence the forum to enable them to legitimately demand their part towards an all-inclusive national development.
Mr Balaarah Abdulai, Northern Regional Programmes Officer, CDD-Ghana, expressed the need for the youth to rise to the occasion for leadership by developing their skills and expertise to justify their inclusion.
Dr Arnold Mashud Abukari, Chief Executive Officer, Hyperlink, urged them to develop the courage to pursue their dreams and aspirations without fear, adding that “your competence and expertise would help you effectively demand your inclusion in national development”.
Mr Shani Mahama, Director of Industrial Liaison, Tamale Technical University, advised them to cultivate a culture of volunteerism to gather the needed experience and expertise in championing national development.
GNA