NYA holds dissemination meeting on Ghana’s youth national action plan

 A dissemination meeting on the roadmap for the development of Ghana’s national Youth, Peace, and Security Action Plan was Friday held in Accra.

The National Action Plan (NAP) is being developed as part of Ghana’s broader commitment to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, which emphasis­es the need for meaningful youth engagement in peace and security initiatives.

The event was organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA), in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC)

The NAP is envisioned to em­power youth as key drivers in peace building, conflict resolution, and the creation of a resilient future for Ghana.

The Deputy Cheif Executive Officer, NYA, Mr Nelson Ow­usu Ansah, said that Ghana has experienced some level of stability and security, which could easily be taken for granted.

“However, it is important to recognise the value of peace and remember that maintaining security requires a collective effort,” he said

He called on stakeholders to join in a collective effort to develop a National Action Plan that to em­power Ghanaian youth to actively participate in peace building and conflict resolution.

“With the youth at the helm of this transformative journey, Ghana stands poised to build a more peaceful and resilient future,” he said.

The Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, David Annetey Akrong, called for greater efforts to involve young people in peace and security initiatives in Ghana and across Africa.

“Young people are not just ben­eficiaries of peace; they are agents of change, driving innovation and playing an active role in peace building,” he stated.

He stressed the importance of the National Action Plan (NAP) as a tool to harness the potential of the youth, ensuring their involve­ment in decision-making processes at all levels.

The Deputy Commandant expressed his gratitude to the Tech­nical Working Group members for their hard work in laying the foun­dation for the NAP’s development.

He acknowledged the far-reach­ing impacts on their efforts would have on peace and security in Ghana and beyond.

He called for collaboration, inclusivity, and commitment in the continued development of the NAP, stating that it serves as a “blueprint for sustainable peace.”

The UNFPA’s Representa­tive, Ms Adjoa Nyanteng Yenyi, commended the Government for its efforts to involve young people in promoting peace and security through the development of a Na­tional Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Action Plan.

Ms Yenyi acknowledged the sig­nificant role of key ministries, in­cluding the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, as well as the National Peace Coun­cil, for their commitment to the process

She further emphasised the need for collaboration among stakehold­ers, including youth groups, gov­ernment agencies, and international partners to ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of young people across Ghana.

Ms Yenyi noted that the road­map will allow for consultations, data gathering, and stakeholder engagement across the country.

“The success of the National Action Plan depends on the collab­oration and shared responsibility of all of us here today,” she noted.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including govern­ment representatives, civil society organisations, youth groups, devel­opment partners, and the security sector.

 BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG