Civil society organizations have renewed calls on government to intensify efforts toward fulfilling its commitments to young people, particularly in the areas of education, skills development, and employment.
While acknowledging some level of progress, the groups stressed that substantial gaps remain in the implementation of youth-focused promises.
The call was made at a Youth Accountability Forum organized by the Ghana Youth Manifesto Coalition in collaboration with the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) and other partners, with support from OXFAM Ghana and ActionAid Ghana.
The forum was held under the theme “Tracking Commitments and Shaping Tomorrow.”
Speaking at the event, Programs Manager at FOSDA, Solomon Okai, emphasized the importance of sustained and critical monitoring of government commitments to young people.
He noted that although political campaign promises outlined more than 100 initiatives targeting the youth, only a few have been implemented so far.
“It is not enough to merely organize an accountability forum or bring young people together,” Mr. Okai said. “There must be continuous efforts to hold government accountable to its own promises, while critically examining how inclusive and impactful these interventions are.”
He further disclosed that the coalition intends to institutionalize the forum as an annual platform and produce analytical reports to track progress on youth-related manifesto commitments.
Also addressing the forum, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), acknowledged the initial steps taken by government but insisted that more comprehensive action is needed.
“Based on the presentations made, it is clear that government has begun taking steps,” Dr. Wemakor stated. “However, there is still a long journey ahead. Youth empowerment cannot be achieved through promises alone.”
He dismissed arguments that it was too early to demand accountability, explaining that early scrutiny is crucial to ensuring the holistic implementation of manifesto commitments and sustainable youth development.
“They are making some progress, but government must move forward more decisively and ensure that all youth-centered promises are delivered holistically if we are to see meaningful development and empowerment for young people,” he added.
The forum brought together youth leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners to examine challenges affecting youth development and to strengthen youth voices in national policy discussions. Organizers indicated that the initiative is designed to influence policy decisions and deepen youth participation in governance.
The discussions were covered by GHOne TV, a subsidiary of the EIB Network, as part of broader efforts to draw national attention to issues of youth accountability.
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