Ketu North MP, Eric Edem Agbana, has called for a more forward-looking and strategic approach to youth development in Ghana, stressing that government interventions should go beyond short-term social programmes.

According to him, initiatives aimed at supporting young people must be treated as long-term investments in the nation’s future rather than temporary relief measures.

Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, March 9, the legislator questioned the effectiveness of past youth-focused programmes, arguing that many have not produced sustainable results or empowered participants to establish lasting businesses or careers.

He emphasised the need for rigorous evaluations of existing schemes to determine whether they have delivered meaningful outcomes.

“Have we done any impact assessment on these programmes? How many successful entrepreneurs today can boldly say they received government support decades ago and have grown their businesses beyond one generation? When you compare with other countries, it is clear that much more can be done for our young people,” he said.

He added that support for youth should never amount to token gestures, warning that treating initiatives as mere social interventions risks undermining their intended impact.

Mr Agbana also noted that the government must focus on holistic measures covering education, entrepreneurship, and agriculture to ensure the youth benefit from lasting and transformative opportunities.

He expressed optimism that the current administration appears committed to providing sustainable support that goes beyond slogans and short-term projects.