Gov’t Declares August As National Youth Month To Empower Young Ghanaians

Story by Fada Amakye

The Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, has officially launched the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration.

Speaking at the launch, he said the month is a declaration that Ghana believes in its young people and that the future of the country depends on their energy, creativity and resilience.

Hon. Opare Addo said President John Dramani Mahama created the Ministry to make youth development a national priority, not an afterthought.

He explained that while the UN marks International Youth Day on August 12, Ghana has dedicated the entire month of August to empowering youth, listening to them, showcasing their achievements, and addressing their challenges.

The Minister noted some of the challenges facing young people, including unemployment, limited access to finance and skills, mental health issues, substance abuse, and the desire of many to leave the country. He said nearly 1 in 3 young Ghanaians are unemployed and more than 7 out of 10 have considered relocating for better opportunities.

Despite these challenges, he said 88% of young people still actively participate in civic and community activities, showing they have not given up on Ghana.

This year’s national theme is: _“Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism, Empowering The Youth In The Digital Age”_, which aligns with the UN’s global theme: _“Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

Hon. Opare Addo said the celebration is not just about festivities, but about purpose, opportunity, and action to help young people get decent work, dignity, and a chance to contribute to national development.
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NYA Rolls Out Month-Long Youth Festival To Promote Values And Patriotism

The National Youth Authority [NYA] has officially launched this year’s National Youth Festival, with a call on young Ghanaians to uphold values, patriotism, and discipline in the digital age.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Officer of NYA, Osman, said last year’s festival was cut short due to the helicopter crash that put the country in a state of mourning. He said only the National Youth Conference was held, but this year the full month of activities will go ahead.

Mr. Osman said the 2025 celebration is not just for merry making, but for education, policy dialogue, volunteerism, and national renewal.

He announced this year’s theme as: _“Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism, Empowering The Youth In The Digital Age.”_

According to him, while digitalization brings opportunities for learning, innovation and business, it also comes with challenges like misinformation, cyberbullying, and erosion of values.

He said the month-long calendar will include community outreach, volunteer services, leadership development, entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, intergenerational dialogue, exhibitions, and policy engagement across the country.

Mr. Osman urged every young Ghanaian to embody integrity, discipline, civic responsibility, and love for country as the nation prepares for the future.
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Government Launches National Youth Month To Empower Young Ghanaians

The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has officially launched National Youth Month to be observed every August.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Emma Ofori Agyemang, said the month is designed to coordinate policies that will make Ghanaian youth nationally responsible and globally competitive.

She explained that the activities lined up for the month reflect the mandate of the Ministry and were developed together with the youth.

Mrs. Agyemang noted that key agencies including the National Youth Authority [NYA], Youth Employment Agency [YEA], National Service Authority, and the Ghana Youth Federation are partnering with the Ministry to deliver the programs.

The event was attended by heads of agencies, partners, and representatives of the Ghana Youth Federation.

The Ministry said the celebration will focus on empowering young people and giving them more platforms to contribute to national development.