History Made – MYDE Holds Maiden State of the Youth Address
The Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment (MYDE) has hosted the first-ever State of the Youth Address (SOYA) at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment. The event created a national platform to assess the current state of Ghanaian youth and discuss pathways for empowering young people to drive national progress.
Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Hon. George Opare Addo, described youth as the backbone of Ghana’s development and urged the nation to view youth policy as central to social and economic transformation. He said the Address aims to foster evidence-based dialogue, inspire young people, and align government and stakeholder efforts toward inclusive development.
He outlined five key pillars guiding the Ministry’s youth development strategy:
- Youth Health and Wellbeing
- Education and Skills Development
- Economic Empowerment
- Civic Engagement and Community Participation
- Personal Development and Leadership
Hon. Opare Addo raised concerns over rising substance abuse among young people, linking it to peer pressure and weak community interventions. He called for stronger national coordination and counseling support to address the crisis.
He also noted that road accidents involving young men remain a major concern, referencing University of Ghana research that calls for stricter enforcement of helmet laws and other safety measures.
On civic engagement, the Minister said nearly half of Ghana’s youth are involved in civic duties, commending them for their growing commitment to volunteerism and community service.
Touching on economic empowerment, he stressed that youth development must go beyond training to ensure access to jobs and opportunities. He urged greater investment in TVET and closer collaboration between government and development partners to align programmes with national priorities.
The event featured a high-level panel discussion that examined drug abuse, civic inclusion, apprenticeship, and youth employment. Participants shared practical recommendations to strengthen policy and improve the wellbeing of Ghanaian youth.
The State of the Youth Address is expected to become an annual national platform for accountability and evidence-driven youth policy dialogue.
