The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE) has observed that the high youth unemployment and the lack of functional social structures are endangering the future of young people in Ghana.

It's said with limited job opportunities, many youths in the urban centres of Tamale, Kumasi and Accra are engaged in drugs (tramadol), betting and drinking away their future.

At a press briefing in Accra to launch WACCE's new project, ‘Building Change Makers for Change’, the Executive Director for WACCE, Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, stated that Community Service and Volunteerism could help address youth vulnerabilities.

He stated that it would empower and position them to better address the menace of unemployment, drug abuse and violence.

The project is an initiative aimed at empowering young people through Community Service and Volunteerism to inspire change in their communities.

It is a collaboration with the US Embassy through the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF).

The project will consist of leadership, Community Service and Volunteerism training for 120 participants and how they can use Community Service and Volunteerism to address community problems whilst learning important social and job skills.

“It will consist of a two-day training for the 120 participants on leadership, gender-based violence, community service and volunteerism. It will be followed by carrying out community service activities in 4 selected areas in Tamale and Accra.

Mr. Muqthar explained the importance of community service and volunteerism and its capacity to inspire change, build resilient societies and enhance community life.

He said unemployment immobilises and disables young people and kills their capacity to positively and effectively engage.

“Linked to the problem of unemployment are drugs, armed robbery, burglary, alcohol and related crimes. With limited skills training and internship opportunities, many more unemployed youth end up in drugs, alcoholism, theft and scamming, and gambling their way into debts”.

The WACCE Executive Director said the long-term consequences are dire with the emergence of hardcore criminals, drug addicts, alcoholics and youth who smoke, drink and bet away their lives in betting centres, adding that, “these are not waiting to happen, they are already happening.”

He said WACCE strongly believes that if applied effectively, community service and volunteerism can contribute significantly to empowering young people to address community challenges faster, cheaper and more efficiently.

“If these unemployed youth including school drop-outs could find value in volunteerism and community service, it could serve as an effective entry point into the job market. They would make valuable use of their time in providing valuable service to their communities”.

Mr Mumuni Muqthar said volunteerism and community service teach valuable job skills and provide job prospects.

He added that because volunteers work together in teams, it enhances their social skills, teamwork, communications, and networking and builds their self-esteem.