Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has called for greater inclusion of young people in decision-making processes, saying the youth must be given meaningful opportunities to contribute to Ghana’s development.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Youth Conference at the KNUST Great Hall in Kumasi on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Mr Ayariga said young people should not be treated merely as beneficiaries of government programmes but as important partners in shaping policies and solutions to national challenges.

He said the National Youth Authority’s mandate includes building the capacity of young people to participate in decision-making at various levels, while promoting leadership, creativity, self-reliance, discipline and civic responsibility.

“That's really the most important thing I want to leave you with today: you belong at the table. You don't have to wait until you're older to matter, until you have a title to lead, or for permission to make a difference,” he said.

Mr Ayariga encouraged participants to use the conference to speak openly about challenges affecting young people in their communities and to offer practical solutions rather than simply criticising existing systems.

He said the conference provided an opportunity for young people to engage on issues including employment, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, governance, substance abuse, climate change, peacebuilding and the creative economy.

According to him, the best ideas for addressing some of Ghana’s challenges could emerge from the young people themselves if they were given the space and platforms to express their views.

He further urged the youth to take advantage of the conference to build networks, find mentors, share ideas and develop initiatives that could have a positive impact on their communities.

Mr Ayariga said the NYA would continue working with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector and youth organisations to strengthen platforms for youth participation across the country.

He challenged the participants to leave the conference with a commitment to take action, stressing that national development required young people who were prepared not only to demand opportunities but also to create value and contribute to society.