The KNUST Students’ Parliament House has called on the Government of Ghana, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development agencies to increase support for young people across the country, particularly in the areas of innovation, leadership, and social impact.

This passionate appeal was made during the Youth Leadership and Governance Public Lecture held on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The event was held under the theme: “Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders”, and brought together a cross-section of stakeholders including Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs), youth leaders, policymakers, civil society actors, and students.

Addressing participants at the lecture, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Ridwan, Speaker of the KNUST Students’ Parliament House, emphasized that youth empowerment must become a national priority, especially in a time where Ghana’s future depends on the creativity and resilience of its young people.

“We, the youth, don’t need too much to be empowered,” he said. “What we need are materials, mentorship, and funding. A young person who builds a problem-solving tool—like an app to address sanitation challenges or a solar-powered system for irrigation—is not just inventing. That person is already leading and must be supported.” he said.

He further urged that the nation must move beyond rhetoric and create practical pathways for youth development — ensuring that young innovators are not only recognized but also resourced to scale their solutions.

The lecture underscored the growing need for youth-focused investment, inclusion in decision-making processes, and the decentralization of opportunities to ensure that no young Ghanaian is left behind, regardless of location or background.

The KNUST Students’ Parliament House reaffirmed its commitment to being a platform that not only trains young leaders but also amplifies their voices on matters of national interest.