Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), has called for bold, youth-centered action in Ghana, declaring: “Youth leadership is not optional; it is a development imperative.”
He delivered this message at the National Civil Society Conference held at the UPSA Auditorium, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, marking the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN@80) and the 2025 International Human Rights Day.
The landmark event brought together diplomats, civil society leaders, women’s rights advocates, academics, and youth groups, emphasizing the indispensable role of civic actors in safeguarding human rights, promoting gender equality, and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
Dr. Wemakor, also Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana CSOs Platform on the SDGs, placed young people at the heart of sustainable development, noting the challenges they face: limited participation in policymaking, rising unemployment, digital misinformation, and vulnerability to drug abuse, violence, and radicalization.
Highlighting the work of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, he referenced the Nationwide Sensitization Campaign on Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol/Drug Abuse (KTT Project), which has educated over 60,000 Ghanaians on critical issues such as kidnapping, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.
“Youth are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are key agents of change. When young people are empowered, societies thrive,” he stressed.
Dr. Wemakor urged government, civil society, and the UN system to adopt a youth-centered development agenda—institutionalizing youth participation, safeguarding civic freedoms, investing in innovation and digital literacy, strengthening partnerships, and prioritizing marginalized youth.
“Token inclusion is not enough; we need real power-sharing and real opportunities for the next generation,” he emphasized.
The conference, organized by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, also focused on gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive development, highlighting civil society’s pivotal role in advancing accountability and societal progress.
Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (IYNUNSCR) and Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the universality of human dignity.
He called on Ghanaians to reject discrimination, defend freedoms, and uphold interfaith harmony as a cornerstone for national cohesion.
Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, underscored the urgent need for stronger national commitment to gender justice, noting that persistent inequalities continue to undermine Ghana’s human rights progress.
She urged enhanced law enforcement, increased women’s leadership, protection of vulnerable groups, and family support, stressing that investing in women is investing in society, as women bear the brunt of unpaid labor while contributing disproportionately to national development.
Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN DGC, described civil society as “the lifeblood of global cooperation.”
She emphasized that non-state actors are critical in ensuring policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just official rhetoric, and called for stronger collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and the UN system, particularly on issues affecting women, children, and youth.
Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, Executive Director of EIB Network, highlighted the importance of investing in women’s participation across all sectors.
“For Africa to thrive, we must create spaces where women lead, innovate, and make decisions that shape our economies, communities, and governance. Gender equality is
not just a women’s issue—it is a national imperative,” she said.
She also announced the Women in Sustainability Africa Summit, slated for May 21, 2026, which aims to amplify women’s voices in policy, entrepreneurship, and climate action.
The conference concluded with a unified call for strengthened collaboration among civil society, government, and global partners to advance human dignity, gender justice, youth empowerment, and sustainable development, as the United Nations enters a new decade of global action.
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