Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, George Opare Addo Esq., has assured young people that government is listening to their concerns and will work with the issues and solutions raised at the National Youth Forum.
The Minister gave the assurance while speaking at the National Youth Forum held at the Kofi Ohene-Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), where young people from across the country engaged government on issues affecting their lives and future.
George Opare Addo said the forum was created to provide young people with a platform to speak openly about their experiences and contribute ideas towards addressing the challenges they face.
“Today is the day for we government to listen to you. Today is a space for truth, where young people speak directly to power,” he said.
He stressed that the engagement should go beyond speeches, photographs and applause, noting that young people must feel they are part of the process of shaping Ghana’s development.
The Minister urged young people to speak honestly about what is working and what needs improvement, assuring them that their concerns would help government identify areas requiring attention.
“There are some things that are working, it’s not that bad. Tell us what’s not working so that we’ll find a way of fixing it,” he said.
Touching on youth employment, George Opare Addo said the public sector has limited capacity to retain National Service personnel after their service and encouraged young people to consider private-sector placements as a pathway to employment.
He explained that government is working with private-sector organisations to create better opportunities for National Service personnel to gain practical experience and improve their chances of being retained after their service.
He therefore encouraged young people to remain open to opportunities outside the public sector as government works to strengthen the transition from National Service into sustainable employment.