By Michael Kofi Kenetey
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA) in charge of Operations and Programs, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, has called for swift and coordinated efforts to address the pressing challenges confronting the youth in the country. Alhaji Mahama mentioned unemployment, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy as some of the pressing challenges facing young people, which remain significant barriers to their well-being and potential. He was speaking during the inauguration of the Eastern Regional Youth Committee in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.
The inauguration of the Eastern Regional Youth Committee in Koforidua by the Eastern Regional branch of the National Youth Authority is to help promote youth development, mainstreaming, and participation at the regional level. It is also meant to facilitate youth engagement in decision-making processes, oversee the implementation of youth policies, and address key challenges confronting young people in the region.
The committee, which is a pilot initiative, comprises the Regional Director of the NYA, representatives from the Ghana Youth Federation, Regional Coordinating Council, Ghana Education Service, Department of Social Welfare, Ghana Health Service, Department of Community Development, Youth Parliament, and organizations of individuals with disabilities, among others.
In his remarks, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority in charge of Operations and Programs, Alhaji Inusah Mahama, noted that the establishment of the Eastern Regional Youth Committee under the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939), is a significant step in strengthening youth participation and ensuring effective coordination of youth development initiatives at the regional level. He added that they intend to replicate the model nationwide to enable every young person to benefit from coordinated, responsive, and accountable youth governance.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, commended the NYA for its visionary leadership in operationalizing the key provisions of the National Youth Authority Act, 2016 (Act 939). Mrs. Awatey encouraged members of the committee to serve with transparency and innovation and to let their endeavors embody the principles of service, inclusion, and accountability. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of stakeholders for their collective commitment, which exemplifies the spirit of inclusivity and partnership that should characterize the approach to youth empowerment.
The Chairman of the Eastern Regional Youth Committee, Frederick Somuah Obeng, promised that the committee will serve diligently to help improve the livelihoods of the youth in the region. He noted that teenage pregnancy is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed in the region.
The Eastern Regional Youth Committee members include:
Mr. Frederick Somuah Obeng – Chairman
Mrs. Evelyn Enyonam Lotsu – Regional Director, NYA (Secretary)
Mrs. Vera Allotey – Regional Director, Department of Community Development
Mr. Peter Sae Afari – ERCC Representative
Mr. Isaac Koramoah Asante – Regional Director, Department of Social Welfare
Rev. Alex Koranteng – Ghana Education Service Representative
Mrs. Edith Dompreh Asiedu – Eastern Regional Public Health Director, Ghana Health Service
General Buhari Abubakari – Member
Mr. Emmanuel Asare – New Juaben South Youth Parliament Speaker
Mr. Emmanuel Afiso – Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled (GSPD)
Miss Fadilatu Ahmed Tijani – Youth Federation
Miss Nettey Mabel – Member
Mrs. Diana Dede Foni – Member
Miss Miriam Tetteh – Youth Federation
