Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor – Human Rights Reporters Ghana (NGO)

December 20, 2025

Youth Groups Press for Stronger Accountability on Government Commitments at Accra Forum

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.

Watch this video:

December 19, 2025

Ghana’s UN@80 Conference Reignites Civil Society–UN Alliance for Human Rights and Sustainable Development

Ghana has marked the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN@80) alongside the 2025 International Human Rights Day with a landmark National Civil Society Conference, held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Auditorium in Accra.

The high-level gathering reaffirmed and strengthened the vital partnership between civil society and the United Nations in advancing sustainable development, human rights, accountability, and inclusive governance at a time of growing global complexity.

Bringing together diplomats, civil society leaders, women’s rights advocates, academics, and youth groups from across the country, the conference underscored the indispensable role of civic actors in safeguarding human dignity and reinforcing multilateral cooperation.

Participants united around a shared commitment to ensure that development and governance remain people-centered, inclusive, and rights-based.

Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, Rev. Canon Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chief Patron of the International Youth Network for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 (IYNUNSCR), highlighted the universality of human dignity.

He called on Ghanaians to reject all forms of discrimination, defend fundamental freedoms, and uphold interfaith harmony as a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence and national unity.

Addressing gender justice, Dr. Angela Dwamena Aboagye, Executive Director of The Ark Foundation, called for a stronger national commitment to gender equality, warning that persistent inequalities continue to undermine Ghana’s human rights gains.

She urged policymakers to reinforce law enforcement mechanisms, expand opportunities for women’s leadership, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen families as a foundational pillar of human rights protection.

Dr. Dwamena emphasized that investing in women is an investment in society as a whole, noting that women shoulder the greatest burden of unpaid care and domestic labour while contributing disproportionately to national development.

The conference was organized by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, with a strong thematic focus on gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive development as key drivers of sustainable development and democratic governance.

Mrs. Theophiline Bannerman, Convener of the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN DGC, described civil society as “the lifeblood of global cooperation,” stressing the indispensable role of non-state actors in holding governments accountable.

“Civil society is where the voices of the marginalized find resonance,” she said. “Our advocacy ensures that policies reflect the realities of ordinary people, not just the rhetoric of officials.”

She further called for deeper collaboration among civil society organisations, government institutions, and the UN system to confront pressing societal challenges, particularly those affecting women, children, and young people.

Providing a strong regional and continental perspective, Nana Yaa Serwaa Sarpong, Executive Director of EIB Network, emphasized the urgent need for greater investment 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,” she stated. “Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it is a national imperative.”

Youth engagement featured prominently throughout the conference. Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), placed young people at the center of the human rights and sustainable development agenda.

He stressed that meaningful youth participation is not optional but “a development imperative in an era defined by climate threats, conflict, unemployment, digital risks, and shrinking civic spaces.”

Dr. Wemakor underscored that no nation can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without empowering its youth, who represent the largest demographic in Ghana and across much of Africa.

Speaking also as Convener of the Youth Sub-Platform of the Ghana CSOs Platform on the theme “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and SDGs,” he outlined key challenges facing Ghanaian youth, including limited participation in policymaking, rising unemployment, digital misinformation, and increased vulnerability to drug abuse, violence, and radicalization.

Highlighting the impact of HRRG’s work, Dr. Wemakor referenced initiatives such as the Sensitization Campaign on Kidnapping, Teenage Pregnancy and Tramadol/Drug Abuse (KTT Project), which has reached and educated over 60,000 Ghanaians on critical issues including 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 noted.

He called on government, civil society, development partners, and the UN system to adopt a bold, youth-centered agenda by institutionalizing youth participation, protecting civic freedoms, investing in innovation and digital literacy, strengthening partnerships, and prioritizing marginalized youth.

“Youth leadership is the engine of national progress. Token inclusion is not enough; we need real power-sharing and opportunities for the next generation,” he concluded.

The conference closed with a unified call for stronger collaboration among civil society, government, and global partners to advance human dignity, gender justice, youth empowerment, and sustainable development as the United Nations enters its next decade of global action.

December 14, 2025

‘Youth Must Lead or Ghana Loses’, Says Human Rights Reporters’ Dr. Wemakor at UN@80 Conference

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.

December 9, 2025

UN@80 Summit: Dr. Wemakor to Empower Ghana’s Youth on Human Rights and SDGs

Ghanaian human rights defender, development communicator and peace ambassador, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, is set to inspire young people and civil society leaders at the UN@80 National Civil Society Conference in Accra on Wednesday, December 10.

He will deliver a keynote address on “Youth Engagement in Advancing Human Rights and the SDGs.”

The conference, hosted at the UPSA Auditorium, is part of global celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and UN Human Rights Day 2025.

Organized by the Coalition of NGOs Associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) Ghana, the event will bring together civil society leaders, government officials, youth representatives, international partners, and media professionals.

Participants will reflect on eight decades of UN achievements and explore pathways for inclusive human rights advocacy in Ghana.

Dr. Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) and Convener of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs (Youth), has spent over a decade championing the rights of marginalized populations. Through HRRG, he has led initiatives addressing gender-based violence, child protection, and the rights of women, persons with disabilities, minority groups, and other vulnerable communities.

His work empowers these groups to understand and assert their rights, access justice, and participate in decisions that shape their lives, fostering a society where all individuals can live with dignity and security.

Beyond grassroots advocacy, Dr. Wemakor plays a strategic role in Ghana’s civil society sector.

He serves on the Steering Committee of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs, heads its Youth Sub-Platform representing over 500 organizations, and contributes to the Advocacy Technical Committee for Ghana’s draft Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Bill, ensuring reforms strengthen civic space and support NGOs serving vulnerable populations.

Dr. Wemakor has also represented Ghana on numerous high-level international platforms, including the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, the Pan-African Human Rights and Social Justice Conference, and the Africa Civil Society AML/CFT Conference in Botswana.

In 2025 alone, he served as Special Guest of Honor at the Farmers Care Program in Yilo Krobo, delivering a keynote on human rights, civic engagement, and protection of marginalized communities.

He further contributed as a speaker at the West Africa Civil Society Week, sharing insights on youth engagement, civic participation, and protecting vulnerable populations.

His remarkable work has earned wide recognition. Dr. Wemakor is the recipient of the prestigious 5th UN Global Entreps Award, the Africa Peace Advocate Award (2023), and was a finalist for the African Human Rights Defenders Shield Award (2023).

His journalism has also been celebrated, including the National Migration Media Award (2018) and acknowledgment by the Ghana Institute of Journalism for reporting on the UN SDGs.

Most recently, he was named one of Ghana’s 100 Most Impactful Change Makers for 2024, highlighting his transformative contributions to human rights, youth empowerment, and social justice.

At the UN@80 Civil Society Conference, Dr. Wemakor will highlight the critical role of youth in advancing human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

He aims to inspire action to empower women, children, persons with disabilities, minority groups, and other marginalized communities across Ghana.

As Ghana joins the global celebration of eight decades of the United Nations, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor stands at the forefront, advocating for youth leadership, civil society engagement, and inclusive participation in building a just and equitable society.

December 7, 2025December 7, 2025

Dr. Wemakor Calls for United Youth Front as GYF Validates National Strategic Action Plan

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 SDGs, has called on Ghana’s youth to embrace unity and strategic action in driving national development.

He delivered the message at the National Youth Leaders Forum organized by the Ghana Youth Federation (GYF) at the British Council Auditorium in Accra on 4th December 2025, during the validation of the Federation’s National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP).

Speaking to a gathering of youth leaders, civil society actors, development partners, and institutional representatives from across the country, Dr. Wemakor emphasized that youth empowerment is a right, not a privilege.

He urged that the NSAP must be more than a document—it must actively guide policy, amplify youth voices, and deliver real, measurable change for young people nationwide.

“This is a moment of alignment, reflection, and shared responsibility. We are here to shape a plan that speaks to the aspirations, struggles, and limitless potential of Ghana’s youth. A plan that must not sit on shelves but actively influence policy, empower young leaders, and drive institutional responses to the real needs of our youth,” Dr. Wemakor said.

He highlighted the importance of structured, non-partisan, youth-led governance anchored in the National Youth Authority Act (Act 939) and urged youth leaders to ensure the NSAP addresses youth employment, entrepreneurship, human rights, ethical leadership, and inclusive participation in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Wemakor also called for strong partnerships to create global opportunities for all Ghanaian youth.

“Let today remind us that the future we envision depends on the choices we make, the courage we demonstrate, and the unity we build.

The NSAP will only be as strong as our collective will to implement it,” he declared, pledging the full support of HRRG and the Youth Sub-Platform to ensure the Plan becomes a living, transformative tool for Ghana’s youth.

The Forum also heard from Mr. Ali Ibraheem, National Coordinator of GYF, who presented the draft NSAP.

He explained that the Plan, developed after a strategic retreat following the Federation’s activation in September, had been shared with youth leaders via a dedicated WhatsApp platform to ensure broad participation.

Mr. Ibraheem outlined the realities shaping the Plan: 73% of Ghana’s population is under 35, yet only 4% of youth groups are formally registered; youth unemployment is rising; and 60% of young people lack digital literacy. Anchored in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and national policies, the Plan focuses on representation, empowerment, policy advocacy, and civic participation, supported by pillars of institutionalization, district mobilization, youth diplomacy, and flagship programs—including the Ghana Youth Index Report.

The roadmap includes activating youth structures in all 267 districts by the end of 2026, participation in Technical Working Groups to refine the NSAP, and transparent governance guided by the District Regional Governance (DRGs) Charter, ensuring elections and leadership transitions are free from political interference.

The Plan’s funding model targets GHS 5.83 million through government allocations, private sector contributions, and international partners, including ongoing collaboration with UNFPA.

Mr. Sherif Ghali, President of GYF, warned that disunity among youth organizations is the biggest threat to collective influence. “We have a very developed youth ecosystem, but it is weak. Our problem is unity,” he stated, pledging engagement with national authorities to present a unified youth agenda.

Mr. Osman Abdulai Ayariga Esq., CEO of the National Youth Authority, praised the Federation’s independence under Act 939, noting that unity among youth organizations multiplies influence rather than diminishes it.

Representing the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Mr. Casper Sunday Capoli highlighted the entrepreneurial drive of Ghanaian youth, noting that seven out of ten young people aspire to start businesses.

He urged collaboration over parallel initiatives and announced NEIP’s training programs for 10,000 young people.

Dr. Elom Hillary Otchi, Technical Director at the Africa Institute of Healthcare Quality Safety and Accreditation, challenged youth leaders to move from policy drafting to policy implementation, emphasizing digital literacy, accountability, and forward-looking skills as essential for preparing young people for a rapidly evolving world.

The National Youth Leaders Forum concluded with a strong message: unity, strategic action, and a shared commitment to empowering Ghana’s youth.

Dr. Wemakor’s lead call for cohesion, combined with the Federation’s comprehensive NSAP, sets the stage for a coordinated, empowered, and impactful youth sector across all 267 districts of Ghana.