Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has rejected the long-standing narrative that African youth are merely “leaders of tomorrow”, insisting that young people are ready to assume leadership responsibilities now.

Mr Ayariga said the youth must move away from waiting for an undefined future and instead demand opportunities to contribute to governance, national development and decision-making in the present.

Addressing participants on Day Two of the 2026 National Youth Conference at the KNUST Great Hall in Kumasi, he said the National Youth Authority’s message to young people was that “the action is now”.

“Every day we hear, African youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but I’m here to tell you that the African youth is ready to take over the mantle of leadership. Not tomorrow, but today,” Mr Ayariga said.

He explained that the future remains uncertain and therefore young people should not be confined to a future leadership role when they already possess the skills, energy and ideas required to contribute meaningfully to society.

“That’s why when you change the youth chant, you say the action is now and not the future because the future is unknown,” he said. “I can tell you without a shred of doubt that the youth of today are ready to take over the mantle of leadership.”

Mr Ayariga urged young people in government, Parliament, educational institutions and communities to demonstrate discipline, responsibility and integrity whenever they are entrusted with leadership positions.

“I call on all young people , whether in government or in the classroom or the street or in Parliament, to live responsibly and live well,” he added.